NAB and Partners Unveil Results of Project to Lower HD Radio Upgrade Costs for Stations

Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:26pm EDT
 
Email | Print | | Reprints | Single Page
[-] Text [+]
'Embedded Exporter' Technology Unveiled at the NAB Show
LAS VEGAS--(Business Wire)--
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today unveiled the
results of an unprecedented partnership with iBiquity Digital
Corporation and four broadcast equipment manufacturers to accelerate
the commercial development of products based on next-generation HD
Radio "Exporter" technology. The products, which significantly reduce
a radio station's cost to upgrade to HD Radio, are being introduced
and made available for purchase during the NAB Show in Las Vegas.

   "NAB is playing a critical role in the creation of new
technologies to benefit our members and promote the future of
broadcasting," said NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr. "This is just
one example of how we're fulfilling our advocacy promise to
broadcasters."

   HD Radio stations use the Exporter to combine multicast audio
channels and advanced data services along with a station's main audio
channel into a format suitable for transmission. NAB and iBiquity, the
developer of HD Radio digital broadcasting, worked with four
manufacturers -- BE, Continental, Harris and Nautel -- to accelerate
the development and implementation of this next-generation technology.
Known as an "Embedded Exporter," the technology further reduces the
size and cost of HD Radio transmission facilities.

   The project began in 2006, and the newly formed NAB HD Radio
Technology Advancement Task Force was charged with overseeing the
effort, culminating in today's announcement.

   Task Force Chair and Beasley Broadcast Group Executive Vice
President and CFO Caroline Beasley said, "NAB is putting its money
where its mouth is when encouraging stations to broadcast in digital.
This new technology will give a big boost to the advancement of HD
Radio, which ultimately means more choices and better sound quality
for our listeners."

   Because of NAB's contribution to this effort, NAB members receive
an additional discount on these already cost-reduced products. All
four manufacturers are displaying, and offering for sale, products
incorporating Embedded Exporter technology at the 2008 NAB Show.

   About the 2008 NAB Show

   The NAB Show will take place April 11 - 17, 2008 in Las Vegas
(exhibits open April 14). It is the world's largest electronic media
show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and
delivery of content across all mediums. Complete details are available
at www.nabshow.com.

   About NAB

   The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy
association for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than
8,300 radio and television stations, NAB advances their interests in
legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy,
education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their
communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities
in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

National Association of Broadcasters
Kristopher Jones
April 11 - 18 only: 702-943-3525
After April 18: 202-429-5486

Copyright Business Wire 2008

 

Featured Broker sponsored link

Editor's Choice

Photo

A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours.  View Slideshow 

Most Popular on Reuters

Photo
Bearing Witness
Reuters award-winning multimedia piece, reflecting five years of reporting the war in Iraq.