DTS hosted an investor call and discussed the company’s purchase of iBiquity Digital. Chairman and CEO Jon Kirchner said that although iBiquity was posted losses at the time of acquisition, it has since “made significant progress realizing operational and financial synergies.” Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Industry insider breaks down labels vs musician math; PPM killing HD radio; using mobile devices for surround sound. Continue Reading
DTS announced that it will acquire iBiquity for a price of about $172 million. iBiquity is the exclusive developer and licensor of HD Radio technology, while DTS is a provider of high-definition audio solutions. Bob Struble, president and CEO of iBiquity, will continue to lead the HD Radio business following the acquisition. The deal is expected to close later this year. Continue Reading
Today, iBiquity announced that car manufacturer Subaru will make HD radio receivers standard across its range of vehicles. Subaru cars with the technology are currently available at dealerships nationwide. The manufacturer joins Bentley, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Rolls Royce, Scion, Tesla, and Volvo in making HR receivers standard. As of the 2016 collection, more than 200 car models across manufacturers will have HD capability. Continue Reading
Classical music is a niche category, one which might be shrinking as its main demographic ages. Its presence on radio has reduced again and again over 60 years, even on public stations where specialized music can find audience. NPR station WGCU went HD with it. Continue Reading
HD radio is continuing its march into cars across the country. The new roster of 2016 auto models with HD radio capability include makes from several international manufacturers. The 2016 models bring the number of HD-capable vehicles to more than 200. Continue Reading
In a slow-moving patent lawsuit about the right to use HD Radio technology, defending radio groups have been dismissed from the case. the case dismissal was ordered “with prejudice,” meaning that it cannot be re-introduced. Continue Reading
Radio World reviewed the current state of HD radio adoption in Mexico. According to iBiquity Digital, more than 40 stations in the country now use the technology, and 13 stations in the capital deliver 24 additional HD2/HD3 channels. Continue Reading
Radio Disney has entered a partnership with iBiquity Digital to have its programming appear on up to 60 of its high-definition digital stations through the HD Radio Ad Network. Billboard reported that iBiquity’s pitch to Radio Disney focused on the audience of “kids in cars with moms” as the HD radio receivers appear in more new car makes. Continue Reading
Today’s brief news items feature some unexpected combinations. Continue Reading
One of the top criticisms of HD radio is gaps in coverage. A new development from Belar Electronics could help create a better experience for listeners in areas where coverage is less robust by eliminating the delay between digital and analog signals. This should allow seamless switching between the two with no noticeable gap in locations where HD signal is weaker or unreliable. Continue Reading
Helen Boaden, director of radio at the BBC, spoke today at the RadioDays Europe Festival about the media icon’s efforts to reinvent its broadcast presence to reflect new technologies and changing consumer preferences. The BBC is working to “reinvent radio for the Internet age” with an online audio service. Continue Reading