Sony Tunes In to HD Radio

Sony Electronics has announced a “long-term commitment” to the nascent HD Radio technology, and is stepping into the market with its XDR-S3HD table-top console radio and XT-100HD hideaway tuner module for most Sony car stereos.

“Sony is one of the first leading consumer electronics companies to offer quality HD Radio-enabled devices,” said Steve Haber, senior VP of marketing for Sony’s Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “We’re adding it to a long list of technologies that support digital music trends.”

The XDR-S3HD console is a classic design that might seem suited to grandparents’ kitchens or family rooms: a cherry table-top cabinet with stereo speakers set behind a black mesh front panel, which also boasts a large backlit LCD display. The XDR-S3HD offers AM/FM/HD tuners, treble and bass controls, and an aux input for connecting to (say) a portable media player. The unit also sports an alarm built-in clock, and a wireless remote control. The XDR-S3HD should land at retailers in July for about $200.

For folks who need their HD Radio on the go, Sony’s XT-100HD HD Radio tuner is a designed to work with most Sony car stereos as a hideaway module: it works with most Sony head units, and (in addition to tuning into HD Radio stations) can feel artist names, song titles, station names, genre, and other info to the car stereo display. It should also be available in July, with a suggested price around $100.

Sony’s announcement makes Sony one of the biggest consumer electronics manufacturers to get on board with the HD Radio format, and the company’s commitment to the format may help it gain traction in its efforts to compete with satellite radio, MP3 players, and over-the-air streaming services.