NEW TUNER WOULD PUT HD ON SATELLITE-READY RADIOS Paul Heine – Billboard iBiquity may have found a shortcut to put HD radio in cars faster. At the Consumer Electronics Show Thursday, the sole developer and licensor of digital terrestrial radio technology unveiled a reference design for an HD radio tuner box that could instantly turn a satellite-ready receiver into an HD-enabled unit.
Automakers and electronics manufactures are increasingly cranking out radios that are satellite-ready. By connecting an inexpensive tuner, such as the Passport introduced Wednesday by XM and Audiovox, listeners are able to convert them into satellite radio receivers.
But terrestrial radio is years behind XM and Sirius in convincing automakers to offer and install HD radios. iBiquity’s universal tuner blueprint would enable drivers to receive HD and HD2 signals without having to remove their car’s existing receivers and sound systems. The tuner box would plug into satellite-ready head units already on the market from Chrysler, Ford and GM and aftermarket manufacturers like Pioneer, Panasonic, Kenwood, Alpine and Sony. No special antenna or other accessories would be required.
“The universal HD Radio tuner box will provide consumers with an easy way to enjoy digital HD Radio programming while still using their existing car receivers and sound systems,” iBiquity COO Jeff Jury said in a statement. “We think this solution will be a strong addition to the list of HD Radio home and car receivers currently on the market.” |