CES, HD Radio punta tutto su traffico e navigator

In occasione del salone dell'elettronica di consumo di Las Vegas, il CES, Ibiquity presenta una linea di nuovi prodotti quasi tutti focalizzati su un nuovo aspetto applicativo della tecnologia di radio digitale HD Radio: la navigazione in auto e la trasmissione di informazioni sul traffico in tempo reale. Così come per il DAB, anche HD Radio è un sistema che consente il trasporto di informazioni digitali più ricche rispetto ad alternative tradizionali come il sistema RDS-TMC. Nessuno potrebbe affermare il contrario. Senonché, il fatto che la tecnologia supporti un certo tipo di servzio, non implica necessariamente che ci sia qualcuno che sia in grado di offrirlo e quindi di consumare, il servizio in questione. Questa distanza tra la tecnologia e il mercato, che c'è sempre stata ma che nel caso della radio digitale non è mai stata del tutto colmata, è un tema fondamentale e faremmo meglio a ricordarcene sempre quando leggiamo i comunicati stampa
Detto questo, i dettagli sui prodotti che Ibiquity presenterà a Vegas insieme ai suoi partner, sono molto interessanti.

HD Radio Technology Enters Real-Time Traffic Category with Three Personal Navigation Device Form Factors and In-Dash Head Units


Traffic Data Detail and Capacity Over HD Radio Broadcasts Far Exceeds Other Delivery Platforms

Prototypes to Be Unveiled at International CES 2009 Include Dual Aftermarket Head Unit, Visteon Advanced OEM Platform, and Prototypes for Built-In Receiver, Cigarette Lighter Adapter and Cradle Product

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- International Consumer Electronics Show -- iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced a significant milestone in HD Radio advanced data services by entering into the real-time traffic category with two branded in-dash head units and three personal navigation device (PND) form factors. Receiving traffic data over HD Radio broadcasts provides a significant improvement in speed and road condition details as opposed to radio data systems-traffic message channel (RDS-TMC) and satellite. At the 2009 International CES (January 8-11, 2009), five prototypes will be unveiled, including a built-in receiver, cigarette lighter adapter, a cradle product, a Dual in-dash unit and a Visteon advanced OEM platform. These demonstrations will be unveiled at iBiquity's booth #9034 in the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall.
"The radio industry set a precedent by coming together in 2005 to accelerate the adoption of HD Radio technology and the rollout of real-time traffic service over HD Radio broadcasts has been a collaborative effort among radio broadcasters and PND software suppliers," said Joe D'Angelo, Vice President, Advanced Services, iBiquity Digital Corporation. "HD Radio technology is now at the size, power, form factor and functionality that can deliver on the promise of digital radio as a base for PNDs and navigation platforms. 2008 was the year of development for this service and this year is all about the commercialization."
Real-time navigation devices using HD Radio technology deliver traffic and concierge services like gas station prices, movie listings, sports scores, stock quotes, school closings, and emergency alerts. Prototypes of the PNDs to be demonstrated at CES include:

• Dual-branded PND touch screen with HD Radio receiver built into the platform
• PND cigarette lighter adapter using HD Radio technology
• PND with HD Radio receiver in cradle
• Visteon advanced OEM platform head unit with external navigation (will be demoed at Visteon's LVCC booth CP13 - Central Plaza)
• NAVTEQ Development Platform that displays traffic and concierge services including gas prices, weather information and advertising data
• iBiquity Advanced Development Platform

Two groups have announced that they will offer HD Radio real-time traffic data in the near future: Clear Channel is currently offering a real-time traffic service nationally. In 2008, a group of leading radio companies formed the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium, which is working with NAVTEQ to build a nationwide broadcasting network to distribute local traffic and other concierge data services via radio.