Guys, I just integrated HD Radio into the stock deck. It sounds absolutely fabulous. I won't bore you with the installation details. They are very similar to the "ipod integration how-to" except that you are mounting and routing cables for one more component, the HD Tuner. Simple... just one additional cable and an antenna lead. See here if you want install details.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123681332
The pieces used for the integration were from Axxess Interface (Metra),
http://axxessinterface.com, and it included the following:
AHDH-MZ1 (Mazda Harness)
AHDI-I01 (Import Vehicles HD Interface)
AHDT-01 (HD Tuner)
I also added XIAH-IPC (Ipod Connector) for my second input source.
Don't forget, like I did, to also order USB-CAB which is a cable for updating the firmware of AHDI-I01 to make sure you are at the latest version.
BTW, If anyone needs a flash, I'd be happy to do it for you, if we can work out logistics. I am in Massachusetts.
As you know, the iPod displays Text and Playlists on the factory display. But, what I was pleased to see if that the HD Tuner ALSO displays station details on the factory display.
Changing channels on the HD Tuner is a bit tedious. All the stations are listed as track numbers, and you have to change the channels slowly. This could be a firmware issue, but it seems that when you change the channels fast, the HD Tuner gets confused. But, oh when you find that channel... wow, the sound is absolutely amazing. The sound quality makes up for the shortcomings of the tuning mechanisms. Oh yes, keep in mind, no HD presets, as is doesn't integrate that deep into the factory tuner.
Also, I needed a 12" antenna cable extension to finish the install. The small male-male adapter they include didn't give me enough distance to reach the factory tuner with the antenna feed from the HD Tuner. FYI, I was able to contort the HD tuner box to fit directly behind the factory stereo mount location, which appears to be as good of a mounting location as any other.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend you get this set up if you really want to know what is all the big deal people making about HD Radio. It is definitely very cool, and sounds excellent. In my area, there are HD versions of the regular stations, but also some extra HD stations of those same stations without commercials. No commercials is great.
http://www.hdradio.com/find_an_hd_digital_radio_station.php
