Mitsubishi First Automaker with HD Traffic

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Columbia, Maryland –

iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, confirmed during the Los Angeles Auto Show that Mitsubishi Motors North America is the first automaker to announce integrated audio entertainment and real-time traffic services using HD Radio Technology.

The 2014 Outlander will be the first Mitsubishi vehicle to receive both real-time traffic information integrated into its navigation system as well as the upgraded audio and expanded content and features of digital AM and FM broadcasts all delivered with HD Radio Technology.

HD Radio Technology is the digital evolution of AM and FM radio and delivers significant benefits for drivers: crystal-clear sound quality; additional digital only local FM channels known as HD2/HD3 Channels; PSD – Program Service Data, which displays song title and artist name on the radio screen; iTunes Tagging allows listeners to store song information with the touch of a button for later purchase and download through iTunes; Artist Experience which enables images that match the audio content to be displayed on the radio screen; and now, free lifetime traffic and data information sent directly to a vehicles radio or navigation system.  HD Radio Technology is subscription free broadcast radio.

Two service providers already have active nationwide networks set-up to broadcast their real-time traffic and data information using the HD Radio system.  Nokia has partnered with a group of radio station companies called the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium (BTC) and Clear Channel uses its own radio stations to support their Total Traffic Network.

Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital said, “We are very pleased with Mitsubishi’s announcement about HD Radio Technology, including Advanced Real-Time Traffic, at the LA Auto Show.  This is an excellent example of how automakers are leveraging our technology to offer new services to their customers.  You can expect to see more announcements from additional automakers on advanced HD Radio services in the future.”

HD Radio Technology is available nationwide, with more than 2,150 digital stations on-air, and over 1,400 HD2/HD3 digital only channels that broadcast fresh new content that can only be heard with an HD Radio receiver. A sampling of the formats on these extra channels, which vary in different markets around the country, include Dance/Electronica, Bluegrass Country, Comedy, Local Music, Chill/Coffee Shop Music, South Asian, Talk, News, and Sports, to name just a few.

29 automakers have now publicly announced plans to incorporate HD Radio Technology in 150+ models by year-end with more than 70 models featuring HD Radio receivers as standard equipment.

 

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