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

‘Embedded Exporter’ Technology Unveiled at the NAB Show
NAB2008

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.

Contacts

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