According to Inside Radio, the HD Radio Alliance is going on the offensive and will start promoting new in-car converters that can transform any radio - including both XM and Sirius receivers - into an HD Radio.

A recent press release notes that the new automotive converters were recently showcased at SEMA. These plug-in and dockable units can turn any automotive radio – including satellite radio – into an HD radio.

These HD Radio Converters are now expected to be in stores by Christmas, and are being manufactured by Directed, Dice, Metra, AAMP/Peripheral and Visteon.

The HD Radio Alliance has said they will increase their advertising budget in 2007 to $250 Million. This is sure to add to the costs losses incurred for each HD radio sold (currently at $1,000 for every $300 radio sold).

I only hope that they'll do something similar to the "Radio, you shouldn't have to pay for it" ads... because, you know they were so effective.

Also in 2007, the Alliance promises new devices and lower prices (woohoo!) as well as more HD programming in top markets. They also expect to expand HD Radio installations in vehicles, once the 2008 model year cars roll out - though no new deals to do so have been announced.

Good luck, bro.

[FMQB]