Tuners

 As reported in New Scientist of 11th Dec 2010, the search for superfast wireless is being boosted by the creation of antennas that use plasma to focus beams of radio waves. 
" Existing directional antennas that transmit high-frequency radio waves require expensive materials or precise manufacturing. But the  new antenna, called Plasma Silicon Antenna, or PSIAN, relies on existing low cost manufacturing techniques developed for silicon chips. it has been developed by Plasma Antennas of Winchester,  UK.

I received this letter from a reader, and frankly, didn't know how important a source FM is to TAS readers. I'd love to hear from you about how much you listen to FM, and whether you'd like to see more tuner coverage in TAS. —Robert Harley

Mr. Harley-
Pardon me for asking such a random question - as in not related to any recent article or equipment review in TAS. I have been curious for some time now as to why analog radio itself appears to be a forgotten musical medium and analog radio tuners are all but forgotten equipment in audiophile magazines today, including TAS?

Does anyone have some news about how content will be affected with this merger? I like the XM format but I wonder how it will be impacted.

I've had this tuner for about two and a half years and love it! If there is anyone else out there who owns this tuner please chime in. It would nice to share our experiences with one another.

Got this in the mail today:

Hi, it's Tim from Pandora,
I'm writing today to urgently ask for your help. Our future and that of all webcasters is being threatened by the actions of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

I'm looking at a new car. One of the options is HD Radio. Is this a standard that will replace FM?

Has anyone tried this? I have XM in my car, but it never seemed very high fidelity. But then again, it is a car.

i haven't gotten Sirius yet, but i plan on getting it (certainly not XM) within the next few months. components i require for my imminent receiver purchase HDMI (2 inputs is fine), iPod compatibility, Sirius compatibility, atleast 75w per channel and 5.1 or better. the other bells and whistles i am interested in will certainly be included if the unit has those i listed.

other than some of the JVC models, i cannot find 1 single receiver who's spec sheet or manufacturer website lists any Sirius compatibility.

I am interested in purchasing a high end tuner. I have read numerous reviews on the MD90-T, however I am unable to find any on the Vincent Audio ... Hybrid-Tuner RDS STU-2. I recently moved to Anchorage., Alaska and therefore I am limited to the availibilty of high end audio equipment. It seems that the STU-2 is more user friendly, AM as well as FM, and is more attractive in appearance. However, I am unsure about the sound clarity of the STU-2, I know from all the reviews that Magnum Dynalab produces an exceptional tuner.