August 13, 2010

Firm Predicts HD Radio Boom By 2015 
A new report from ABI Research predicts a boom in HD Radio usage in the next five years. ABI attributes a pending increase in HD Radio to its current standardization in Europe, as well as HD technology being used in smartphones.

According to Media Daily News, ABI sees a worldwide "installed base" of HD Radios to hit 200 million by 2015, an impressive cumulative annual growth rate of 60 percent. ABI says that as of 2010, there were four million HD receivers sold in the U.S. and 13.5 million in Europe, led by the U.K.

The study points out that HD technology is going to be increasingly included in smartphones, partially in response to concerns about the amount of bandwidth and data being sucked up by streaming Internet radio. ABI Research senior analyst Sam Rosen points out "AT&T's decision to stop offering unlimited data plans, due largely to high data usage in New York and San Francisco."
 

"As competition in the automotive aftermarket segment intensifies, HD Radio Technology is growing market share in both high-end and mid-range brands," said iBiquitry COO Jeff Jury. "This expanded availability in aftermarket devices indicates HD Radio Technology has reached critical mass and further demonstrates leading brands’ vision and long-term commitment to HD Radio products."

Meanwhile, nine new vehicle models offering HD Radio technology are now available from automakers across the country. HD Radio is standard or an option in the BMW 2011 5 Series; Ford's 2011 Super Duty, Mustang, Flex and Taurus; Jaguar's 2010 XJ model; Hyundai's 2011 Sonata and Lincoln's 2011 MKT and MKS models.

Several carmakers have used this week’s annual New York International Auto Show to highlight their expanded commitments to HD Radio Technology. BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Scion and Volvo have all extended their commitments to the technology with a mix of new vehicle launches, broader application and new services.

Ford confirmed two new models equipped with HD Radio Technology are now available at dealerships – the 2011 model year Mustang and Super Duty. Ford will additionally include HD Radio Technology in the Taurus, Econoline, Escape, F-Series, Flex, and Fusion line-ups. Lincoln previously announced that the first vehicle line to offer HD Radio Technology as a factory-installed option would be the MKX. Other models that will include HD Radio Technology are the MKS, MKT and Navigator.

With BMW’s recent launch of the 2011 model year 5 Series, the automaker’s entire product line has HD Radio Technology as standard equipment. Hyundai is also offering HD Radio Technology as standard with the introductory inclusion in the Equus, their high-end flagship model. Kia has confirmed plans for factory-installed HD Radio receivers in multiple 2011 model year vehicles, including select sedans and SUVs.

Scion will announce the arrival of the all new 2011 model year iQ and tC, which both offer HD Radio Technology in the upgraded audio system packages. And Volvo will make HD Radio Technology standard on the new 2011 model year S60.
 

The first portable HD Radio receiver is now available from Insignia for less than $50, Best Buy confirmed today. The introduction of the NS-HD01 marks an important milestone for HD Radio technology as consumers are now able to take the extra multicast stations (with no subscription fees) and digital sound quality on the go.

Scion promotes HD Radio.
Toyota and iBiquity announced in April 2009 that the youth-skewing Scion auto line would begin offering HD Radio. The technology now gains a higher-profile on the model's website. It comes as Scion begins offering the new Alpine Premium Audio System.

The new campaign finds Jean Luc Tuner, the soon to be infamous radio airwave explorer, discovering the beauty of upgrading to HD Radio technology – more stations for free! The commercials are light, fun and very informative explaining "if you don’t have an HD Radio, you’re not hearing HD Radio." Follow the series... onward, radio explorer!

The new commercials will focus on consumer messaging, listen here: www.HDRadioAlliance.com and later in the year the Alliance will advertise specific NEW PORTABLE devices for sale when they hit retail stores!! Stay tuned.

Diane Warren, the HD Radio Alliance’s President of Operations,  commented, "Broadcasters hit the airwaves with the new consumer ad campaign for HD Radio on Monday. It maintains the momentum built over the last few years educating consumers about the new free stations and the many HD Radio devices available in retail and in cars. Consumers can get more information at HDRadio.com including their local station guide which helps them find the new stations. HD Radio remains a bright spot in the radio business pointed to the future giving consumers more content on their upgraded radios!"

“We are extremely honored to have received this award from Consumer Digest,” said Chad Vogelsong, General Manager of Marketing for JVC Mobile Entertainment. “We continue to strive to make innovative, top quality mobile products that fit our consumers lifestyle and entertainment needs.” 

“Consumer demand for HD radio is growing and we are thrilled to be on the cutting edge of this emerging technology,” said Bill Turner, Vice President, JVC Mobile Entertainment. 

The KD-HDR50 CD Receiver features a built-in HD Radio™ tuner with multicast capability, front auxiliary input, full-speed USB 2.0 connection for iPod®/iPhone™ with 2-way control and iTunes® Tagging capability and a variable-color illumination display. iTunes® Tagging allows users to store or “tag” information about that song they are hearing on HD Radio™ and store it in their receiver. The tagged song information will transfer to their iPod®/iPhone™ and be recalled in iTunes® allowing them the option to purchase that song from the iTunes® store.

For more information about the KD-HDR50 or any of JVC Mobile Entertainment products, please visit www.mobile.jvc.com.  

Zune adds HD Radio.
Microsoft will release the Zune HD this fall which will become the first portable media player that includes a built-in HD Radio receiver. Microsoft's Chris Stephenson says radio has always been a "core feature" in Zune devices. The HD Digital Radio Alliance plans to promote the Zune HD to consumers.
 

Milestone: HD Radio hits one million.
Three years after the first HD Radio receivers arrived, iBiquity says its crossed the one million mark. VP Joe DAngelo says sales should grow more rapidly as HD Radio chipsets have been shrunk to fit into MP3 players and other portable devices. An iPod accessory is set to be released this summer.  http://www.insideradio.com/ 

HD Radio is an exciting advancement for the US broadcast Industry. Back in the 1990’s, a digital broadcast system was proposed moving FM Radio to an entirely new segment of the radio spectrum. This was developed in Europe and called DAB.

Those of us who planned to stay in the radio broadcasting business were confronted with a dilemma. Our existing analog FM service was excellent, and there were no complaints about the quality of analog radio service. At the same time, Satellite Radio was coming on stream with digital technology, and it was attacking terrestrial radio as being old-fashioned analog technology. Digital became a buzzword and a perception was circulated that terrestrial radio was a horse and buggy technology that was doomed to fade away. It is ironic that Satellite Radio is now on the verge of bankruptcy, and except for the problems of the economy affecting all advertising media, in my opinion, broadcast radio is holding its own in popular acceptance.

The reality in the 1990’s was that broadcast radio had to respond to the perception of digital technology. But the new band, DAB, approach was not the answer. Moving radio to a new set of frequencies, and making obsolete hundreds of millions of existing analog receivers was not the answer. This is borne out by the fact that more than a decade later, DAB radio in Europe and Canada has not been successful. Adding a digital system of radio to the existing structure, which retains existing radios and stations, with an evolution to all digital operation, was a practical solution. The same path was followed in adding UHF to television, color to television broadcasting, and stereo to mono audio.

Does HD Radio work. The answer is yes. There are technical problems that are being overcome. People forget that FM radio had initial issues such as multipath that were overcome. Stereo initially had issues. Hybrid autos are now going through developmental problems. In time, issues with HD will be resolved. As an industry we have failed to inform the public that a good receiving antenna is required to maintain desirable reception. No one would expect a TV set to work properly without an appropriate antenna. HD radio works well with an appropriate antenna. Future advancements will reduce the issue of the antenna installation.

Several years ago, KKGO (105.1) began broadcasting with HD technology, with an investment of a quarter million dollars. We have listeners who are pleased with it. I have no regrets. We are achieving our goals.

Verizon Sponsors Clear Channel HD2 Stations 
Verizon Wireless has become the first national brand to sign on to sponsor HD2 radio stations. Under a new deal with Clear Channel, the "Verizon New Music" sponsorship features blocks of songs and interviews with new artists that will air on 21 Clear Channel Radio multicast stations as well as online stations.

"Verizon New Music" can be heard on-air and online from the following stations:

WHTZ/New York
KIIS/Los Angeles
WKSC/Chicago
KYLD/San Francisco
KHKS/Dallas
KHMX/Houston
WIOQ/Philadelphia
WKLS/Atlanta
WIHT/Washington, DC
WXKS/Boston
WKQI/Detroit
WHYI/Miami
KUBE/Seattle
KZZP/Phoenix
KDWB/Minneapolis
KHTS/San Diego
WFLZ/Tampa
KSLZ/St. Louis
KBPI/Denver
WKST/Pittsburgh
WRVQ/Richmond

HD Radio Technology Drives Forward in the Auto Industry at SEMA.
HD Radio technology had a visible presence at the 2008 SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. iBiquity Digital, along with its automotive and aftermarket device partners, showcased the latest and greatest developments featuring HD Radio technology for the car including first-hand examples of the new content, format choices, data services and crystal-clear sound of HD Radio technology that will enhance the total in-vehicle entertainment and information experience. HD Radio technology has become a factory-installed staple for the automotive sector with backing from 11 major automakers, which now include BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, MINI USA, Scion, Volvo and, most recently Audi. In addition, leading aftermarket brands such as Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, Audiovox, Peripheral, Dual, Insignia, Sony and others provide a full range of HD Radio technology enabled integrated and accessory products for consumers.

Volvo tunes in HD Radio.
The Swedish automaker will include HD Radio as standard on all but one of its 2009 models. Volvo Cars of North America CEO Doug Speck says "Undoubtedly, other manufacturers will follow." HD Radio is available as a dealer or factory-installed option on 13 other brands.

HD Radio Rollout Continues With New Technology 
The rollout of HD Radio technology continues, as iBiquity Digital has announced that over one million HD Radio modules have been manufactured for retail radio receivers to date. "This is an important milestone in the growth of the HD Radio market. It reflects the steady increase in product development and, ultimately, retail sales of HD Radio receivers," said Jeff Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation. "More importantly, as next generation products come to market, there has been a significant drop in product development and production time. Many products are going through this cycle in less than six months, contributing to the rapid growth of products coming to market." Additionally, over 1.5 million HD Radio chipsets have now shipped.

A number of new HD Radio devices have also been unveiled in advance of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. Wistron NeWeb Corporation is offering two new HD radios: the HMA-SM and HMA-SP. Samsung's new low-power HD Radio 2023-CR has been certified by iBiquity to hit the market later in 2008. LG Innotek's TMHS-S001T and Wistron's new in-car HD Radio models are also set to arrive in the coming months.

Other new HD Radio technology is also on the way. iBiquity is now offering a reference platform for low-cost, USB-powered HD Radio products. iBiquity is also offering a reference platform for low-cost, battery-powered HD Radio devices as well. SamBoo Infotech will now also offer full-service HD Radio design, certification and production. And Kensen Technologies will offer low-cost, low-power chipsets for new HD Radios.

The HD Radio Digital Alliance marked its third anniversary today, summing up its success in making consumers aware of HD Radio technology. "When we began putting the pieces in place for the Alliance in the fall of 2005, there was little attention being paid to HD Radio and the industry lacked a plan to make it a reality. There were only a few HD stations on the air, no automakers offered an HD Radio and no national retailers carried receivers," said Peter Ferrara, President/CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Today, it is gratifying to know how far we've come in three short years. While there is still much to do, this has been an unprecedented effort with unparalleled success within the radio industry. It's a testament to what broadcasters can achieve when the industry comes together with a clear purpose and mission."

Also, the Alliance has announced that effective January 1, 2009, Ferrara will move to a new position as Strategic Advisor. Diane Warren, EVP of the Alliance and head of its marketing campaign, will rise to become its new President.

"We set out three years ago, in part, to do something revolutionary with radio programming - create and nurture the first new set of radio broadcasts since FM," said Ferrara. "And we've succeeded: we've fielded the technology; we've rolled out the broadcasts nationwide; we've created consumer choice and diversity; and we've restricted commercial content. It's now time to place more control and priority in the hands of our industry's outstanding local market managers, general managers and program directors. We've planted the seeds and now it's time for our industry to roll up its sleeves and make this garden grow."

"There's no question that our business commitment to HD2 programming in Detroit has reaped clear benefits for our FM stations in terms of driving audience," said Peter Smyth, President/CEO of Greater Media. "Whether we've used the 'extension' programming strategy or the 'complementary' strategy, we've seen real and tangible business benefits to investing in quality HD2 programming." "The real driver for HD Radio's success is diverse and compelling content," said Mark Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications. "Aggressive and direct marketing is now key to accelerating interest, listening and ultimately, demand."

"This campaign is the first to issue a call to action that will create a direct conversation with consumers," said Peter Ferrara, President/CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "By establishing a direct, instant relationship with consumers who show an interest in HD Radio, we begin to activate a whole new category of catalysts."

"As we convert consumer awareness into action, it was especially important to increase the breadth and depth of our marketing," said Diane Warren, EVP of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Giving point-of-sale professionals at retailers and auto dealerships instant access to programming and device information needed to close a sale was our top priority. And by opting in, consumers now have a one-stop shop:  they can choose and get a discount on a radio, find the station in their market they like, and even get information on iTunes Tagging. We're now reaching consumers via the radio, on their phone, online, and in stores." 
 

Another reason for optimism on the HD Radio front is the announcement of new advances in the technology. iBiquity Digital Corporation announced this week that new mobile HD Radio chipsets are on the way, which should lead to smaller and less-costly receivers. New software designs are also in the works, including advancements in the much-vaunted iTunes Tagging technology.

"These next generation chipsets, modules and software development kits from Samsung and other major technology companies will enable a much wider range of low cost radio receivers in new form factors, with new features," said Bob Struble, iBiquity President/CEO.
 

Radio Rolls Out HD2: The Next Generation
The HD Digital Radio Alliance today announced that member companies are ready to rollout the second generation of HD2 programming. Some of the new HD side channels will provide airtime to local and unsigned acts, while some will bring old stations back to the airwaves and others offer specified, unique formats.

"The Alliance members and many other engaged broadcasters know it's up to them to drive and deliver excellent programming on their HD2 and HD3 stations. It's also imperative that broadcasters market that programming to listeners," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Manufacturers are making a plethora of HD Radio receivers, retailers are putting HD Radios on their shelves (or on-line), and now the programming must motivate listeners to upgrade their radios to HD Radio."

Some of these new HD stations will air archive performances while other stations that have recently been flipped are finding new life on HD2. These include "Live Rock - WMMR Archives" (Greater Media/Philadelphia); "WNEW" (CBS Radio/New York); "80s Based Adult Hits" (CBS Radio/Las Vegas; McAllen-Brownsville-Harlingen and New York); "Radio Free Hawaii" (Clear Channel/Hawaii) and "Haney's Big House 96.1 HD2" (Beasley/Ft. Myers-Naples-Marco Island, FL).

Some of the niche formats that are rolling out include: "Gretchen 99.9" (Beasley/Miami); "Old Skool Hip Hop" (Clear Channel/Boston); "Punk Young Alternative" (Emmis/Chicago); "80s Channel" (WBEB/Philadelphia) and "Chick Rock"  (CBS Radio/Dallas-Ft. Worth).

"We know from our research if consumers hear content they can relate to in their market - and they can find it easily on HDRadio.com - the programming will inspire them to buy an HD Radio," said Diane Warren, EVP of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "These great new stations only scratch the surface of the technology's capabilities. Combined with the station listener's love on the AM and FM dial, a new HD Radio provides them with an even richer and more exciting experience. The work the broadcasters are doing is impressive and they're maximizing the opportunities with these new stations by giving listeners more choices while demonstrating their capacity for innovation - so stay tuned."

"We're excited to provide Scion with this emerging technology for its audio system," added Jeff McGannon, VP of iBiquity Digital Automotive Business Development. "HD Radio technology will provide customers with extensive listening choices and clear sound quality."

Today, there are more than 1,600 digital HD Radio stations in the U.S., more than 750 of which are offering multicast channels. Earlier this month, iBiquity announced that the first receiver with HD Radio iTunes tagging technology - Polk Audio's I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 - arrived at retail. At the same time, Clear Channel Radio announced that over 340 of its stations broadcasting in HD are compliant with HD Radio iTunes tagging technology, which allows listeners to tag a song heard on the air for purchase later on iTunes.