http://www.radioink.com/HeadlineEntry.asp?hid=142835&pt=todaysnews Automakers Oppose HD Radio Requirement WASHINGTON -- July 14, 2008: General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Sales USA have jointly written to the FCC to oppose proposals that HD Radio capability be required in all future satellite radio receivers if XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio are allowed to merge. [ ... ] They note that "HD is already penetrating the automotive sector without a mandate" -- Ford and others have agreements to install HD Radio in current or upcoming models -- and say, "Nothing in our companies' respective agreements with XM inhibits our ability to offer HD Radio." [ ... ] ---------------------------------- Nonsense. When they carefully integrate their radio displays with other on-board systems, like OnStar and its hands-free telephone service, they are effectively discouraging the purchase of aftermarket radios. And when they offer XM Radio as standard equipment, adding the radio and subscription cost to the monthly car payment, they are creating a tidy new revenue stream for themselves. This wouldn't sound so disingenuous if at least THEY offered HD Radio as an extra-cost option. In the face of anti-competitive practices like this, I find it hard to become indignant about some counterbalancing govt mandate. Bert ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.