Traffic Data Detail and Capacity Over HD Radio Broadcasts Far Exceeds Other Delivery Platforms
Prototypes to Be Unveiled at International CES 2009 Include Dual Aftermarket Head Unit, Visteon Advanced OEM Platform, and Prototypes for Built-In Receiver, Cigarette Lighter Adapter and Cradle Product
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- International Consumer Electronics Show --
iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio(TM) technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced a significant milestone in HD Radio advanced data services by entering into the real-time traffic category with two branded in-dash head units and three personal navigation device (PND) form factors. Receiving traffic data over HD Radio broadcasts provides a significant improvement in speed and road condition details as opposed to radio data systems-traffic message channel (RDS-TMC) and satellite. At the 2009 International CES (January 8-11, 2009), five prototypes will be unveiled, including a built-in receiver, cigarette lighter adapter, a cradle product, a Dual in-dash unit and a Visteon advanced OEM platform. These demonstrations will be unveiled at iBiquity's booth #9034 in the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall.
"The radio industry set a precedent by coming together in 2005 to accelerate the adoption of HD Radio technology and the rollout of real-time traffic service over HD Radio broadcasts has been a collaborative effort among radio broadcasters and PND software suppliers," said Joe D'Angelo, Vice President, Advanced Services, iBiquity Digital Corporation. "HD Radio technology is now at the size, power, form factor and functionality that can deliver on the promise of digital radio as a base for PNDs and navigation platforms. 2008 was the year of development for this service and this year is all about the commercialization."
Real-time navigation devices using HD Radio technology deliver traffic and concierge services like gas station prices, movie listings, sports scores, stock quotes, school closings, and emergency alerts. Prototypes of the PNDs to be demonstrated at CES include:
-- Dual-branded PND touch screen with HD Radio receiver built into the
platform
-- PND cigarette lighter adapter using HD Radio technology
-- PND with HD Radio receiver in cradle
-- Visteon advanced OEM platform head unit with external navigation (will
be demoed at Visteon's LVCC booth CP13 - Central Plaza)
-- NAVTEQ Development Platform that displays traffic and concierge services
including gas prices, weather information and advertising data
-- iBiquity Advanced Development Platform
Two groups have announced that they will offer HD Radio real-time traffic data in the near future: Clear Channel is currently offering a real-time traffic service nationally. In 2008, a group of leading radio companies formed the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium, which is working with NAVTEQ to build a nationwide broadcasting network to distribute local traffic and other concierge data services via radio.
About iBiquity Digital
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of the digital HD Radio(TM) system, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. HD Radio technology is the only digital broadcast system approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for AM and FM radio in the United States. With more than 1,800 HD Radio stations on the air in the US plus more than 900 new HD2/3 channels, iBiquity is also pursuing international opportunities. Due in large part to HD Radio technology's ability to deliver digital-quality sound and services while leveraging existing analog spectrum, HD Radio technology is available throughout the U.S. and commercial implementation is gaining momentum in various countries, including Brazil, Mexico and The Philippines. Testing and demonstrations of the system are also underway in Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Jamaica, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and Ukraine, Vietnam and various other countries around the world.
iBiquity Digital's investors include 15 of the nation's top radio broadcasters, including ABC, Clear Channel and CBS Radio; leading financial institutions, such as Grotech Capital Group, J.P. Morgan Partners, New Venture Partners, FirstMark Capital, and strategic partners Ford Motor Company, Harris, Texas Instruments and Visteon. Founded in 2000, iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Detroit, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ. For more information, please visit http://www.hdradio.com and http://www.ibiquity.com.
Note to editors: "HD Radio" and the "HD Radio" logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp. The "HD" in HD Radio(TM) is part of iBiquity Digital's brand name for its advanced digital AM/FM system. It does not mean hybrid digital or high-definition digital; both of these are incorrect.