Columbia, MD — January 11, 2005 — iBiquity Digital, the sole developer of digital HD Radio technology, today announced that HD Radio has received a CNET “Next Big Thing” award in the category of Car Technology. Selected by CNET’s expert editors, winners were recognized as the top products in their respective technology categories for their promise to enrich the lives of users, whether through the product’s innovative design features and/or its ability to easily adapt with other technologies.
“More than 2,500 companies exhibited at this year’s CES, displaying thousands of products and technologies. The selection of HD Radio technology for a ‘Next Big Thing Award’ from amongst this crowded field is a great honor that speaks to the transformational nature of this technology for consumers of AM and FM radio,” said Robert Struble, president and CEO, iBiquity Digital Corporation. “We are proud to accept this award, and look forward to leveraging the extensive support for the technology from broadcasters and consumer electronics manufacturers to make 2005 a breakout year for HD Radio.”
HD Radio technology transmits digital audio and data alongside existing AM and FM analog signals, allowing listeners with HD Radio compatible receivers to enjoy CD-quality sound and virtually eliminating the static and hiss associated with analog radio. The technology also provides a platform for advanced digital services that deliver listeners a variety of desired information such as song titles, artist names, traffic updates, weather forecasts, sports scores, and more. Additionally, HD Radio’s Supplemental Audio Services feature — which was recognized as an honoree in the Innovations 2005 Design and Engineering Showcase held in conjunction with this year’s CES — will allow FM stations to divide their broadcasts into multiple program streams, thereby increasing the diversity of content available to consumers.
“CNET has become the most comprehensive and trusted resource for helping consumers spot the most promising new products hitting the market,” said Patrick Houston, Editor in Chief at CNET.com. “Giving HD Radio technology a Next Big Thing award sets it apart in an increasingly crowded field. Our editorial team of unbiased category experts takes pride in providing this distinction to iBiquity Digital on behalf of our millions of users.”
CNET’s editors received and reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award. ‘Next Big Thing’ Awards were handed out in 12 categories: TVs; Digital Photo and Video; Home Theater; Portable Audio and Video; Cell Phones and Handhelds; Computers; Peripherals; Burners and Storage; Software and Services; Car Technology; Networking; Accessories; as well as the Best of Show. Product videos of the winners and finalists can be found at http://ces.cnet.com along with CNET’s extensive coverage of the show.
About iBiquity Digital
iBiquity Digital is the sole developer and licenser of HD Radio technology in the U.S., which is transforming today’s AM and FM radio stations to digital, enabling radically upgraded sound, crystal-clear reception and new wireless data services. The company’s investors include 15 of the nation’s top radio broadcasters, including ABC, Clear Channel and Viacom; leading financial institutions, such as Grotech Capital Group, J.P. Morgan Partners, New Venture Partners, Pequot Capital and J&W Seligman; and strategic partners Ford Motor Company, Harris, Texas Instruments and Visteon. iBiquity, named one of Deloitte’s Fast 500 Companies, is a privately held with operations in Columbia, MD, Detroit, MI, Belmont, CA and Warren, NJ. For more information please visit: www.ibiquity.com.
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