JVC KT-HDP1 HD Radio HD Radio Converter and car radio review

from CNET.com

Pros: It is a compact HD device. It has an user-friendly HD Radio programming interface as well as many customization features. Very good universal connectivity.

Cons: It is not the best visually.  Not the most stylish display as a monochrome. The orientation of the buttons can make it difficult to adjust when driving along.

HD Radio may be increasing in popularity, but the number of car stereos that come with built-in HD compatibility is still very limited. The JVC KT-HDP1 is an elegant solution for drivers who want to receive HD Radio without replacing their existing car stereo and without installing a clunky HD module in the cabin. The JVC KT-HDP1 can be used either as a conduit for HD Radio programming, transferring audio via its built-in FM transmitter to an existing car stereo, or as a true HD Radio receiver, hard wired to the existing stereo to deliver the improved audio quality of a digital signal.

Performance
The JVC KT-HDP1 can be connected to your car stereo in one of four ways, depending on whether you want to invest in a professional install (or try pulling your dashboard apart on your own), and whether or not your stereo has an auxiliary-input jack. The two more permanent installs require routing the car's own FM antenna through the JVC KT-HDP1's HD connection unit, which is then connected to the antenna port on the back of the car stereo. With this done, output from the JVC KT-HDP1 can be routed to the stereo using either an auxiliary input jack, or, if your car doesn't come with a 1/8-inch input jack, using a wired FM transmitter cable.

For those who don't want to go to the trouble of removing their car stereo--or the expense of paying someone else to handle that--the JVC KT-HDP1 can pick up FM and HD programming using a sleeve-type input antenna that uses a thin self-adhesive component, which can be stuck to the inside of the windshield. Our reviews indicate you will still no drop in signal quality. Output can then be sent to the car's own FM receiver by a patch cable to the auxiliary input jack, or via another output sleeve antenna. The receiver itself also has a built-in FM transmitter, which appears to be adequate for streaming HD, FM, and AM programming at short range.

In sum, the JVC KT-HDP1 is a stylish, inexpensive way to bring HD Radio programming into your car. Despite a couple of design niggles, after our review are generally impressed with its usability and range of programming options. We also like the multiple options that drivers have for connecting it to their car stereos, but if you want the true audio benefit of HD, we suggest a hard-wired install.

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