Makes HD Radio Technology Standard in Two Premium Vehicles
NEW YORK, April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Auto International Show -- iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced that BMW plans to offer factory-installed HD Radio technology as a standard feature in its flagship 2009 Model Year 7 Series and 6 Series vehicles. The fifth generation luxury sedan and second generation coupe and convertible are currently available in dealerships with the upgraded next-generation audio systems.
BMW has taken a leadership role in backing the digital audio entertainment since 2005. An industry pioneer, the German automaker first included HD Radio technology as an option in its 2006 6 and 7 Series models. In 2006, the company integrated its 2007 Model Year 5 Series and 3 Series convertible with the premium systems. BMW then expanded its commitment in 2007 by becoming the first automotive company to offer factory-installed HD Radio receivers as an option across its entire 2007 product line, which includes 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series models, as well as X3, X5 and Z4. Also in 2007, MINI USA joined its sister brand by outfitting HD Radio technology as an option in the 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops.
"BMW continues to break new ground with HD Radio technology, reinforcing their commitment to providing a unique, enriching infotainment platform to current and future drivers," said Jeff Jury, COO, iBiquity Digital. "The decision to equip their flagship 7 Series and premium 6 Series with HD Radio systems as a standard feature illustrates their leadership role and dedication to their customers and we look forward to expanding our partnership even further in the near term."
In March of this year, BMW took the revolutionary step of testing and validating the advanced service concept of broadcasting real-time, high-speed traffic information via HD Radio stations, enabling future vehicles to view current and predicted traffic patterns, speeds and flows almost instantaneously.
HD Radio broadcasting's variety of new station options, data features and high audio quality create a winning entertainment combination for BMW drivers. There are nearly 2,000 radio stations broadcasting using HD Radio technology with over 1,000 offering HD2 and HD3 multicast channels exclusive to HD Radio listeners. Reaching 84 percent of the U.S. population, these exclusive subscription-free channels digitally deliver diverse programming that is unique to each individual market. Some examples of HD Radio offerings include:
-- New music and fresh formats - "ESPN," "FuZiC"
(future hit music), "The Bone 2" (hard rock 24/7) and
"The Sound of The Strip" (swingin' music from the golden era
of Vegas, when the Rat Pack reigned supreme) content, among others.
-- Essential data services - artist names and song titles along with
real-time traffic/weather updates, movie listings, sports scores, stock
quotes, school closings and emergency alerts.
-- Crystal-clear sound - AM sounds like FM; FM is CD-quality.
For a complete, current list of HD Radio stations, please visit www.hdradio.com.
About iBiquity Digital Corporation
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio(TM) technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new FM channels through multicasting, crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands - all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ. For more information, please visit http://www.hdradio.com and http://www.ibiquity.com.
To arrange interviews or for additional information, please contact:
Vicki Stearn Scott Cianciulli / Nancy Zakhary
iBiquity Digital Brainerd Communicators
443-539-4345 212-986-6667
stearn@ibiquity.com cianciulli@braincomm.com
nancy@braincomm.com
"HD Radio(TM)" and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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.