I wonder why somebody in marketing didn't think of CD, for Combination Digital, which would have had at least some claim of factual accuracy. Of course CD also has other definitions relevant and irrelevant, but would also have had the positive connotation the marketers were looking for. Truth? Ha ha - what a u$ele$$ concept.

It is hybrid digital because analog and digital are in the same channel. Still beware, it is a POC product

POC is your opinion. If you live somewhere with limited programming choices and the multi-cast channels provide additional options, it isn't As they say, YMMV.

The next year or so will tell what the consumer reaction is to HD Radio as prices drop for the components required for manufacturers to include it, and then beyond a certain point it's up to the broadcasters and public. The great unknown is if the FCC will ever try to pull off an "analog shut-down" for terrestrial radio as it has for terrestrial television. Unlikely given the hundreds of millions of analog AM and FM radios out there, but it is on the docket for consideration at some point.

If all you want is talk radio Hybrid digital radio is fine. Just don't expect anything more than a table top radio can deliver in the way of sound quality.

and outside the US, people have been enjoying Digital Radio for a while (DAB)... which idiot chose HD Radio as the US Digital radio standard?

Cheer up the UK's system is just as abysmal most use 128kbps or worse than FM analog radio.

The good news is that all this stuff is moving to the internet anyway.