Columbia, Md. — HD-Radio developer iBiquity Digital Corp. relaunched its retail training Web site “to be a straightforward, efficient approach to helping salespeople stay up-to-date on new products and maximize their sales,” said Bernie Sapienza, iBiquity’s retail business development VP.
The interactive site covers the basics of HD-Radio technology as well as such advanced features as iPod iTunes Tagging, and it includes tips for bringing features and benefits to the consumer’s attention, Sapienza said. HDRadioUniversity.com is also adding feature details of specific models on a SKU-by-SKU basis.
“We will regularly update the site, taking full advantage of the real-time authoring capability the Chalkboard platform [from Chalk Media Corp.] offers us,” he continued. “The site will be continually updated to capture new developments in HD-Radio technology and HD-Radio broadcasting.”
HD-Radio products are available in more than 7,000 storefronts and online, including Best Buy, BJ’s, Circuit City, Fry’s, PRO Group members, RadioShack, Sharper Image, Wal-Mart, Crutchfield and Amazon.com.
HD-Radio broadcasts are available to more than 80 percent of the population through more than 1,500 AM/FM stations, including more than 700 multicast channels.
HD-Radio receivers for the car and home are available from Accurian (RadioShack), Alpine, Audio Design Associates, Audiovox, Cambridge SoundWorks, DaySequerra, Denon, Dice Electronics, Directed Electronics, Dual, Eclipse, Integra, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Marantz, Niles Audio, Onkyo, Polk Audio, Radiosophy, Rotel, Sangean, Sony, Visteon and Yamaha. HD-Radio receivers are also available in all BMW vehicles and in the Mini Cooper and Cooper S hardtops, as well as Ford vehicles through Ford dealers. Hyundai and Jaguar will include HD-Radio receivers on select 2008 model vehicles.
On another matter, iBquity reported that in the past year, it doubled the number of Asian manufacturing companies that produce HD Radio modules, components, receivers and tuners to 60 from 30.
Certified module makers include ACE Dixxio, LG Innotek, Kensen, Kwang Sung Electronics, Powertech Industries, Samsung EM, Toko and WNC. Certified ODMs include AeonPower, Alllike Electronics, For You General Electronic, Freeway China, Hip Shing Electronics, Jazz Hipster, Kiryung, LG Innotek, Namsung Corporation, Ngai Lik Mobile, RockRidgeSound, Tonic Digital Products, WNC and Zylux Acoustic. A new module from LG Innotek supports Conditional Access, Store & Replay as well as iTunes Tagging capabilities. And iBiquity itself has finished a reference kit to support receiver/iPod docking products with iTunes Tagging.
