Making Radio Stronger In A Disaster
Struble Updates Radio On HD
1-30-2013
iBiquity CEO Bob Struble has written a memo to the radio industry with an update on where the technology stands and what's in store for 2013. He says the year is off to a fast start with high-profile successes at the recent Consumer Electronics Show and North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Here is what he wrote about in his memo.
-- Lexus and Toyota announced they will integrate free HD Radio real-time traffic and weather information from Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network;
-- Jeep showcased their new Grand Cherokee, the first vehicle in their line-up to offer HD Radio Technology;
-- Infiniti announced the Q50 would be their first vehicle with HD Radio Technology as a standard feature;
-- Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray, which will offer HD Radio Technology;
-- Kia launched the all-new 2014 Cadenza with HD Radio Technology as a standard feature. They will also offer the technology on the new 2014 Forte Sedan;
-- More than 40 auto aftermarket products with HD Radio Technology will be available at retail this year from all major Japanese brands;
-- The new Active Alerts HD Radio feature, which provides detailed emergency warnings, was on display at CES.
In other product launch news:
-- Sony launched their two new HD Radio models: 2-DIN XAV-701HD (CES Innovation Awards winner) and 1-DIN CDX-GT710HD;
-- Pioneer announced two new HD Radio receivers: AVIC-Z150BH and AVIC-X850BH;
-- Alpine introduced two new HD Radio models: INE-W927HD and ICS-X7HD;
-- Kenwood launched four new HD Radio receivers: DNN990HD, DNN770HD, JVC KD-AHD57, and KD-AHD75BT;
-- Garmin unveiled six personal navigation models which use HD Digital Traffic to provide free traffic updates to users.
Meanwhile, HD Radio Broadcasting is really heating up in Mexico:
-- Grupo Radio Centro, one of Mexico’s largest radio broadcasters, upgraded five FM stations in Mexico City, helping to saturate the market;
-- Radio Formula, another major group, upgraded two FM HD Radio FM stations;
-- Pioneer shipped their new DEH-5500HD HD radio receiver to major retailers throughout Mexico.
Here is a quick update of the basic facts about the status of HD Radio Technology:
-- Nearly 11 million HD Radio receivers are now in the marketplace;
-- A total of 31 automakers have now publicly announced their plans to incorporate HD Radio Technology in over 160 models by year end with 80 featuring HD Radio receivers as standard equipment;
-- Almost 2,200 HD Radio stations have converted to HD Radio Technology;
-- Over 1,400 new HD2/HD3/HD4 multicast channels are currently on the air;
-- Over 10,000 brick-and-mortar stores and online outlets offer HD Radio products;
-- Nearly 100 different HD Radio receivers are available at retail;
-- The HD Radio Alliance continues to promote HD Radio Technology on over 600 stations across the U.S.; Commercials are available at hdradioalliance.com.
Thanks for your continued support. We look forward to working together for a great 2013.
Regards,
Bob Struble
President & CEO
iBiquity Digital
