Three Must-Hear Gadgets for Radio Lovers

AM broadcasters utilize a single digital stream to simulcast their analog broadcasts between sunrise and sunset. The FCC is still determining whether HD signals interfere with nearby stations -- and, since AM radio signals travel long distances at night, whether they interfere with distant stations as well.

There's a constant stream of new HD radio receivers coming to market, ranging from small, table-top radios to large component tuners that plug into your home stereo system.

I've been testing a number of HD radios, and overall, I like them a lot. For holiday gifting (for yourself and for others), I can recommend Cambridge SoundWorks' 820HD. I think it's the best-sounding of the all-in-one HD radios I've heard to date. It's a sleek, stereo table receiver that can be used as a very high-tech clock radio.

	Photo: Cambridge SoundWorks

I've found that all HD radios require separate, external antennas for both decent AM and FM bands (usually supplied with your receiver). I would consider better antennas to receive HD programming outside when you're further away from the station's transmitter.

Once everything is set up properly, the 820HD is quite impressive sounding. You tune to your favorite station, and it takes the radio five seconds or so to lock into the digital HD signal. You'll know the difference immediately -- the HD broadcast sounds a little cleaner (at least in my testing).