January 22, 2007
HD Radio Moves into Smaller Markets
Mediaweek notes that markets ranked 66 to 85 (17 total) are gaining some HD Radio signals from major broadcasters: This brings covered markets to 85 of the top 100 by major broadcasting companies; this is exclusive of markets already served by public radio with HD signals. Clear Channel, which is in the process of deciding to divest some stations, says that it now has 320 stations in 81 markets with multicast channels.
January 11, 2007
MSN Will Use Clear Channel's HD Radio Stations for Data Delivery
Microsoft's MSN will work with Clear Channel to deliver information over HD Radio: MSN will offer stock quotes, traffic, weather, and other localized content to a host of devices that use Microsoft's widely derided SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology). SPOT first appeared in "smart watches," a category that has never taken off over 20 years despite many attempts by many firms. However, SPOT is now targeted at other kinds of small devices, like home appliances and GPS receivers. SPOT is a sort of replacement for what the pager network used to provide: small amounts of data broadcast to inexpensive receivers that have a display function.
Work is underway to get manufacturers to include this capability for devices introduced in 2008. iBiquity is actively involved in testing.
January 10, 2007
Traffic Reports over HD Radio
Navteq demonstrated traffic reporting over HD Radio: The company already delivers traffic information for major metropolitan areas nationwide via satellite radio, cellular, and even the limited capabilities of analog radio (using RDS, a very short-text descriptive service).
January 8, 2007
Computer-Connected HD Radio Receiver
Radio Shark HD will allow Macs, Windows systems: By summer 2007, Griffin Technology expects to ship its updated Radio Shark (not RadioShack), which will receive regular AM and FM as well as digital HD Radio broadcasts. This will allow recording and playback of digital programming.
January 7, 2007
BMW Commits to HD Radio Option on All Models
BMW will offer HD Radio in all models: This a $500 option, but it's factory installed when requested on all 2007 model year cars. BMW had previously offered HD Radio receivers for just 7 and 6 series 2006 model years. It's a small win, as iBiquity has said that eight other automakers are also considering various HD Radio options.