HD Radio Debuts

HD Radios have been officially launched for the public. In a big splash on the exhibit floor at CES, Ibiquity Digital Corporation, along with CEA President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Shapiro and executives representing consumer electronics manufacturers (JVC, Kenwood, Onkyo, Panasonic and Visteon), broadcasters (Beasley Broadcast Group, Greater Media and National Public Radio) and retailer (Ultimate Electronics), discussed their plans for getting HD Radios out to the public.

"CES brought you a first look at this promising technology in 2001. Today marks a historic moment for the radio broadcast and consumer electronics industries," stated Shapiro, in a press conference at CES. "The transition of the world's last major medium, AM and FM radio, from analog to digital is now fulfilled with the availability of HD Radio receivers for consumers."

Robert Struble, president and chief executive officer, Ibiquity Digital Corporation noted, "HD Radio receivers are for sale. We look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners on a seamless transition to HD Radio, much in the same way the television industry moved from black-and-white to color in the 1960s and 70s""

Struble continued, "At the same time, this announcement does not represent a conclusion of our efforts; it's simply the beginning of a new phase. We will continue to execute with the same focus and determination in licensing additional AM and FM radio stations across the country and further developing the HD Radio system to include capabilities like store-and-replay, on-demand services, a 'buy' button, Surround Sound and a host of services that cannot even be imagined today."

Nearly 300 radio stations in over 100 American markets across 38 states have licensed HD Radio technology.