New HD Radio Add-On Tuner Turns Virtually ANY Car Radio into an HD Radio

Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio, and Crutchfield, a leading car audio retailer for more than 33 years, announce today the first-ever retail availability of a car radio add-on that transforms virtually any existing car radio into an HD digital radio. The new HD Car Connect Radio from Directed Electronics is the first device to allow consumers to keep their existing car stereos while gaining access to the wide variety of additional free content HD radio offers.

The Directed Electronics DMHD-1000 ($199.99) is a universal add-on HD Radio tuner that can turn virtually any factory or aftermarket radio into an HD Radio, simply by connecting it to the car's audio system. The unit's large, backlit multi-line display shows station information, as well as artist and song title, with previews for additional digital-only HD Radio channels. Crutchfield offers free shipping on most HD Radio products.

"As a leading supplier of car audio products, Crutchfield provides detailed instructions and telephone support to help customers easily add the Directed HD Radio Car Connect and enjoy the expanded programming that HD Radio offers," said Carl Mathews, senior director of merchandising, Crutchfield."

HD Radio offers a wide variety of new content and formats in crystal-clear digital sound -- and there's never a subscription fee.

"HD Radio is continuing to accelerate at a rapid pace and now consumers have the opportunity to enjoy HD Radio in their cars easily and inexpensively, no matter what car they drive," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Crutchfield has been an Alliance partner since we started, and we are thrilled that they are continuing to lead the way in helping consumers discover HD Radio."

Crutchfield has created programs, incentives and educational tools around HD Radio. The company has extensive HD Radio information and support, including do-it-yourself installation guides, an HD Radio glossary and more at Crutchfield.com/hdradio. They also offer HD Radio sales and support from an expertly trained staff, with online and toll-free telephone support offered in both English and Spanish.

There are currently over 1,100 HD Radio stations on the air and more than 600 HD2 multicast channels in 85 markets, all which are in the Top 100 markets. Multicast formats include Future Country, Xtreme Hip-Hop, Pride Radio, Coffeehouse/Folk, Power Espanol, Comedy and many, many more.

For more information visit www.hdradio.com or www.crutchfield.com/hdradio.

SOURCE HD Digital Radio Alliance