iBiquity, Intertek in Hong Kong and TOKO in Japan Reach Milestone Approving High-Quality HD Radio Products for the Market Many More in the Pipeline SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 7
SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- iBiquity Digital Corporation, the
developer of digital HD Radio(TM) technology for AM and FM audio and data
broadcasting, announced today that more than 100 discrete HD Radio products in
a broad range of categories have been certified over the last several years by
iBiquity in Columbia, Maryland, Intertek in Hong Kong and TOKO in Japan.
Products for the home and office include clock radios, all-in-one table
top sound systems, stereo tuners, high-end home components, transportable
units and cordless radios, and iPod(R) docking stations; for the vehicles: OEM
head units for more than 10 different automotive manufacturers in the U.S. and
overseas, aftermarket headunits, tuner boxes to upgrade OEM or aftermarket in-
dash radios, and plug'n'play upgrade kits.
"The HD Radio market is growing rapidly, and we are working with leading
manufacturers and brands around the world to bring high-quality products to
consumers who are demanding more from their radios," said Jeff Jury, COO of
iBiquity Digital. "The hard work our Lab, Intertek and TOKO have put into
analyzing and perfecting certification testing for digital HD Radio tuners and
receivers has enabled the availability of a wide range of new HD Radio
products for consumers."
iBiquity had been certifying most HD Radio products in its Maryland Lab.
As the number of products began to skyrocket, the company licensed Japan-based
TOKO and then Hong Kong-based Intertek, most recently, in 2007, to help
certify products in Asia. This expansion put the certification capability
closer to the design centers and manufacturing plants, enabling quicker turn
around of products. The HD Radio certification process includes a rigorous
inspection of performance and functionality to ensure compliance with HD Radio
broadcast system requirements.
Some of the brands offering HD Radio products at over 14,000 stores and
online are Accurian, Alpine, Audio Design Associates, Audiovox, Cambridge
Soundworks, DaySequerra, Denon, DICE Electronics, Directed Electronics, Dual,
Eclipse, Insignia, Integra, JBL, Jensen Mobile, Jensen, JVC Mobile, jWIN,
Kenwood, Marantz, McIntosh, Metra, Niles, Onkyo, Panasonic, Peripheral
Electronics (AAMP), Polk Audio, Radiosophy, Roadmaster, Rotel, Sangean, Sanyo,
Sony, Visteon and Yamaha, with more under development.
HD Radio technology has made great inroads in the automotive sector as
well. BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercedes, MINI, Mercury, Scion and Volvo
have all announced that HD Radio technology will be factory-installed in their
vehicles from suppliers like Alpine, Delphi, Mitsubishi Electronics,
Siemens-VDO and Visteon.
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. Over 1,750 HD Radio AM and FM stations are on the air in
the United States, with over 900 new HD2/HD3 multicast channels. The only
digital broadcast technology approved by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) for AM and FM radio in the United States, HD Radio technology allows
stations to broadcast digital signals in tandem with their analog signals,
providing broadcasters with a platform to offer crystal-clear, CD-quality
sound and scrolling text and graphics; as well as multiple channels of
programming on the same FM frequency (multicasting) and advanced services such
as traffic updates; content ... all subscription free.
There are more than 80 HD Radio products for sale at over 14,000 stores
and online. HD Radio technology has also made great inroads in the automotive
sector with factory-installed options announced by BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar,
Lincoln, Mercedes, MINI, Mercury, Scion, and Volvo. Beyond the U.S.,
commercial implementation of HD Radio technology is gaining momentum 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 Flatiron Partners; and strategic partners
Intel Capital, Ford Motor Company, and Harris. 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.
SOURCE iBiquity Digital Corporation
