An armband portable HD Radio, made by KRI and containing a Samsung HD Radio IC, is being sold under Best Buy’s Insignia brand name.
The unit became available Sunday at Best Buy and retails for just under $50. Prototypes have been shown at recent trade conventions.
Best Buy said the unit is exclusive to its stores. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Best Buy has locations throughout the U.S. as well as in Canada, Mexico, Europe and China. Listeners can hear main and multicast FM HD Radio signals as well as analog signals. Mike Dahnert, Insignia Portable HD Radio product manager, emphasized the sound quality and the LCD screen features of the unit.
The unit features a built-in, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, which iBiquity says delivers 10 hours before recharge. A USB cable for recharging is included as well as an armband. Users can program up to 10 presets and use the 3.5 mm jack output to listen in the car or on the go.
Insignia is a Best Buy brand In addition to the new HD Radio portable, the Insignia line features televisions, Blu-ray disc players, home theater equipment and audio products. Insignia products are sold at Best Buy and Future Shop retail locations, and online.