HD Radio Broadcasting Fact Sheet

HD Radio™ technology, digital AM and FM broadcasting, is transforming the radio experience in ways never thought possible. Developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation and supported by the leaders of the broadcasting, consumer electronics, retail and automotive industries, the technology is available to more than 84 percent of Americans. More than 1,750 HD Radio stations are already on the air and over 900 offering new FM multicast channels (HD2/HD3) – all subscription free.

The Analog Upgrade: HD Radio Innovation

Today, HD Radio broadcasting offers listeners of AM and FM radio the quality, choice and interactive services that consumers have come to expect from digital technologies, including:

iTunes® Tagging, a new feature that enables consumers using HD Radio receivers equipped with a special Tag button to download and buy songs they hear on HD Radio stations via iTunes.
HD2 multicast channels, which dramatically expand the amount and diversity of radio content by allowing multiple channels of programming to be broadcast over a single FM frequency.
Static-free, crystal-clear reception on both AM and FM: CD-quality sound on FM; FM-stereo quality sound on AM.
Data services, such as text information, e.g., artist names and song titles.

In addition to the exciting HD Radio features available today, there are scores of new advanced features that made possible by this technology, including:

Store-and-Replay, rewind a song that was just played or record an entire program to listen to at a more convenient time.
Real-time traffic reports, broadcast by local station and displayed on vehicle navigation systems.
On-Demand Capabilities, instant access to news and information. The frustration of waiting for “Weather on the 8’s” would be a distant memory.
Conditional Access, which would allow listeners to gain access to specialty content and programming.
Surround Sound, premium sound experience in the car as well as home.

The Receivers: Home & Auto

HD Radio receivers for the home and car are now available from a variety of device manufacturers, including, Apple stores, Accurian (RadioShack), Alpine, Audio Design Associates, Audiovox, Cambridge Soundworks, DaySequerra, Denon, DICE Electronics, Directed Electronics, Dual, Eclipse, Insignia (Best Buy), Integra, JBL, Jensen Mobile, Jensen (Spectra), JVC Mobile, jWINN, 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. Prices start at under US $100.

The Retailers: National & Regional

These products are available at thousands of stores across the country, including:

National outlets: Apple stores, Best Buy, BJs, Circuit City, Crutchfield, RadioShack, Target and Walmart
Regional chains: ABC Warehouse, Abt Electronics, Ken Crane, Bjorn’s, Ultimate, Listen Up, Car Toys, Stereo Advantage, Ovation, Entertainment Solutions, Myer-Emco, Harvey, Huppins, 6^th Avenue, Flanner’s World Wide Stereo, and many more.
Online retailers: www.Amazon.com and www.Costco.com

The Automotive Experience: In-Dash Entertainment

HD Radio technology is being adopted by the automotive industry – and the momentum is accelerating.

In January 2008, Ford Motor Co. announced that HD Radio technology will included in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. In the mean time, Ford began offering HD Radio receivers as a dealer-installed option on most of its vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2007.
In 2006, BMW was the first automaker to include the technology as a factory-installed option. Now, the German manufacturer provides HD Radio audio systems as a factory-installed option across its entire BMW product line.
Joining its sister BMW brand in 2007, MINI USA became the second automotive brand to offer the technology in its all-new 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S hardtops.
Scion and Mercedes have announced that HD Radio technology will be included in its vehicles.
Volvo became the first automaker to announce that it will have HD Radio receivers as standard equipment in most models, with introduction scheduled for Fall 2008.
Jaguar has announced that it will offer the technology in its redesigned 2008 luxury XJ sedan.
Hyundai has announced that it will offer HD Radio receivers in its rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan, Genesis, introduced in 2008.

International: HD Radio Broadcasting Heard Round the World

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.