HD Radio meets the iPOD

Inside Radio reports:

"On the heels of the release of Apple's new iPod, Inside Radio has learned Polk Audio will announce the next generation of HD Radio tuners this afternoon that will establish a direct connection between HD and iPods - and in the process bring e-commerce to HD. In an alliance with Apple, Polk's new I-Sonic ES2 HD Radio will include an iPod docking station that features a "tagging button" which will allow listeners to buy songs they hear on HD Radio stations via iTunes. The advancement requires HD stations to encode their signals and insiders say eight radio groups have committed to encoding."

Could this be the shot-in-the-arm needed to jump-start consumer awareness of HD Radio?

Added: All Access reporting that Clear Channel has signed to be the first to sign on with the HD Radio/iPod/Polk Audio model.