What Maryland company is behind the HD in the latest iteration of Microsoft's Zune HD? That would be Ibiquity Digital Corp., a Columbia, MD-based technology company. It's HD Radio technology powers the Zune's HD Radio receive, enabling listeners to listen to higher quality sound than available via traditional radios.
If you're not familiar with HD Radio, you're not alone. In development for about ten years, the new radio technology has flown under the public's radar, but it is the future of radio. Essentially the same as AM and FM radio, HD radio broadcasters send out signals that are then picked up by listeners' receivers.
Unlike traditional radio, however, HD radio stations emit a mixed signal comprised of both analog and digital transmissions. Using the same frequencies allotted to analog stations, the addition of the digital band enables radio stations to transmit multiple broadcasts and also include textual data. HD receivers pick up the signals as they bounce of off buildings and other objects, providing crystal clear sound due to designs that enable them to sort through the reflected signals and reduce static, hissing, popping and fades.
"We are very excited about the launch of HD Radio technology on Microsoft's Zune HD. This brings a vast new group of consumers the high-quality, innovative HD2/HD3 programming only available through HD Radio broadcasts. Microsoft is blazing a trail for a whole new generation of small, hand-held HD Radio enabled products," says Bob Struble, president and CEO of Ibiquity.
With more than 3,000 HD Radio stations and an ever increasing number of auto manufacturers and electronics device makers embracing the technology, Ibiquity was reportedly able to add $21 million in backing from investors in August.
Microsoft'sZune HD, in 16GB and 32GB versions, is set for release on Sept. 15.
Writer: Walaika Haskins
Source: Bob Struble, Ibiquity