STMicroelectronics has licensed iBiquity’s In-Band, On-Channel (IBOC)
technology, named HD Radio, which allows radio stations to bundle and transmit
analog and digital signals on the same frequency. The two companies will
jointly design an HD Radio ASIC chip compatible with ST’s AM/FM car-radio tuner
to provide receiver manufacturers with a complete and optimized HD Radio
chipset.
ST’s HD Radio receiver SoC will be manufactured using state-of-the-art CMOS
technology to deliver high system integration, low current consumption, and
extended features, such as multicast capability and extended data services.
First samples of ST’s HD Radio receiver are expected in the second half of
2007, with volume production slated for 2008.
ST designers are building on the Company’s successful track record and
industry-leading expertise in digital audio and car infotainment. With ten
years at the forefront of digital radio technology, ST is currently the world’s
largest supplier of components for digital radio receivers, having shipped more
than 30 million chips to date.
The HD Radio system was approved by the Federal Communications Commission in
2002 as the only system for digital AM and FM broadcasting in the U.S.
Currently more than 1,000 radio stations are broadcasting primary signals in
digital HD Radio technology, as a free service, available to 90% of the U.S.
population. Listeners with HD Radio receivers benefit from new multicast
channels, crystal-clear reception, higher audio quality, and a variety of data
services on the radio’s display screen. Innovative features under development
include real-time traffic reports, personal audio recording, or interactive
e-commerce capabilities.
About iBiquity Digital Corporation
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of the HD Radio™ system, which is
powering the AM/FM digital radio revolution. This transformational
technology allows AM and FM stations to broadcast digital signals in tandem
with their analog signals, providing broadcasters with a platform to offer
multiple channels of programming on the same frequency (multicasting);
crystal-clear, CD-quality sound; services such as real-time weather and traffic
updates; and scrolling text and graphics content. Over 1,000 U.S.
stations are on the air, available to 90% of Americans, with more than 400
offering multicasting channels. HD Radio technology is now being tested and
adopted in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France,
Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and
the Ukraine. iBiquity’s investors are global leaders in the technology,
broadcasting, manufacturing, media and financial industries.
