zcurzan, you did read the original Newman article where in here do you see Ibiquity having to pay the extra cost of the radio to bring it down.
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So by agreeing to install HD into all future models of SatRads, Sirius/XM could potentially swing a large amount of support towards the side of approval. This would have to be done with some stipulations, of course.
1.)All FUTURE models would be designed with HD radio. All current models are exempt from this requirement.
2.)iBiquity or the HD alliance would have to provide the funding to pay for all of the HD chipsets that would be installed into the radios.
3.)iBiquity or the HD alliance would have to assist with design costs for the inclusion of HD radio.
4.)iBiquity or the HD alliance would have to share the cost of subsidies for the installation of Satellite/HD radio combos to manufactures. Sirius/XM would still be on their own regarding revshare, etc.
5.)The agreement does not mandate Sirus/XM or any of their partners to provide any advertising or technical assistance in regards to HD radio, other than that guaranteed by the unit’s warranty.
This proposal would show that Sirius/XM are willing to help support HD radio, as long as they are willing to support themselves. To me, HD is not a deal breaker, as long as Sirius/XM do not have to foot the bill. Is the HD Alliance willing to put *some* money into the deal or are they simply looking for a free ride?
*From Newmans article on Sirius Buzz, (I added * before, and after some)
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The key word here is "SOME"
Do you really think the chip subsidy is the only cost satellite radio pays to get a radio down to 29 dollars. That radio if Ibiquity gets what even Newman wants is still going to go up big time. Therefore taking away any incentive of satellite radios rebate the cost of that radio. That is unless satellite radio starts to pay an even bigger amount to take care of the rest of the HD cost. We know Ibiquity will not do it, they have refused to do so already.