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January 10, 2003 Digital Radio in 2003?
By atnewyork Staff

With financial backing from major broadcasters and technology companies, start-up company iBiquity is looking to make 2003 the year of broadcasting digitally.

Over 35 broadcast groups that own radio stations in 40 of the nation's largest broadcasting markets say they have licensed iBiquity's software and hardware technology that helps broadcasters convert analog signals to digital.

The Columbia, Maryland-based iBiquity builds technology that helps broadcasters transmit AM and FM analog and digital signals at the same time on the same amount of spectrum they are licensed. It also enables integrated wireless data alongside today's analog-based broadcasts and paves the way for a coming era of interactive services for radio listeners.

In an announcement as part of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, broadcasting companies said they would begin using iBiquity's technology to help them transition to broadcasting to digital signals this year.

Although many steps await before digital radio could reach mass audiences, the licensing announcement is considered one of the first moves toward interactive, digital radio broadcasts.

Digital signals eventually require specially equipped receivers for receiving text and wireless messaging of other forms.

The company said its "HD Radio" specially-equipped digital receivers are in production by Kenwood USA, Visteon, Alpine, Delphi, Harman Kardon, JVC, Sanyo and others. The receivers are equipped to handle interactive data, and also work with satellite broadcasters. The receivers allow on-demand interactive audio and wireless data services, including traffic reports, weather alerts, breaking news and sports highlights, the company said. It expects HD Radio models to appear in consumer electronics showrooms by spring or summer.

The digital conversion is expected to hit radio stations in major markets first, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Houston, and Detroit. Depending on where the receivers are available, such as in luxury cars or in new stereo systems, some consumers could be noticing the difference sometime in the spring or late summer.

iBiquity's backers include New York's Flatiron Partners(JP Morgan Partners) along with 15 of the country's largest broadcasters such as ABC, Clear Channel and Viacom.