HD Radio saw big year in 2013, especially in booming connected car market

The growing HD Radio market is increasing at a rapid pace, with the automotive industry responsible for drastically driving adoption.

High-definition Radio saw a great boost in 2013 with the support of 33 automobile companies streaming 3 billion hours of HD Radio audio, data, traffic updates, and other information wirelessly into vehicles.* The iBiquity Digital Corporation has announced that Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Lexus, and Toyota will bring traffic and data information via digital HD broadcasts.

The HD radio industry saw a whopping 70 percent year-over-year growth, with more than 5.5 million HD Radio-enabled products shipped.* The automotive market is expected to springboard HD Radio adoption even further this year, with connected technologies embraced even in lower-cost, entry-level models today.

“2013 was a tremendous year as all major automakers now offer HD Radio Technology,” said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital President and CEO, in a statement.* “We were also excited to announce the first five auto brands to use the HD Radio data system delivering critical information like real-time traffic, weather forecasts and fuel prices to their vehicles all subscription-free.”

Clear Channel and HERE created nationwide networks able to broadcast accurate information to radio listeners – and with many in-dash screens in newer vehicles – it’s even easier to browse for additional radio streams.* Album art can be streamed during the audio stream, emergency alerts during missing children or natural disasters, and third-party app support can also be transmitted.

Connected cars have become common place during CES 2014, with iBiquity technologies demonstrated with OEM partners in Las Vegas. *Even though HD audio might not be the driving factor into a new car purchase, sound quality is greatly improved from standard radio broadcasts.



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