Plain old radio is hurting a bit of late with stiff competition from satellite radio and digital tracks that are replacing normal radio in cars for many drivers. To try and get back some of the defecting radio listeners HD Radio launched with promises of higher audio quality at a price everyone will like—free.

The catch is to get HD Radio (assuming some stations in your area broadcast HD Radio) you have to get a new receiver. Coby Electronics has announced a pair of new HD Radio receivers including the HDR-700 Portable HD Radio System and the HDR-650 Component HD Radio Receiver. The HDR-650 is intended to be integrated into existing component systems in the home and will sell for $99.

The HDR-700 is designed to be completely portable and runs on an internal rechargeable battery. Coby says that it is the first ever wireless HD Radio receiver. The HDR-700 features a compact design and has a splash-proof housing so it can be used outdoors. Exactly how splash-proof differs from water-proof is up for debate. I suspect that if water drips on the cabinet you are fine with the HDR-700. Get it rained on and your HD Radio player will likely have met its end. The HDR-700 will retail for $149.

Coby Electronics