Portable IBOC May Be on Its Way
taken from http://radioworld.com/pages/s.0054/t.2231.html A New Prototype Chip Provides Hope That Portable HD Radio Receivers Will Be on Store Shelves Soon
A company called SiPort has developed an IBOC receiver chip with small size and low power requirements — attributes that previous HD Radio receiver chipsets have not included — and the company expects the device to be widely available later this year. The chip is also notable because it represents the first IBOC receiver to be developed using a non-Ibiquity implementation. SiPort developed its own implementation of an IBOC receiver based largely on the NRSC-5-A standard, and licensed the necessary IP (plus the HDC audio codec, which is not included in NRSC-5-A) from Ibiquity Digital. MERGER OF SATELLITE RADIO RIVALS MULLED
NEW YORK (AP) – There are a lot of people who swear by satellite radio. But before the marriage of rival satellite systems XM and Sirius takes place, there may be a lot of people who might decide to speak now or forever hold their peace. For example, even if the merger does take place, it still must make it through some regulatory hurdles in its way. And until that happens any direct benefits to consumers would come down the road a piece. It’s Official: Sirius, XM Merge In $13 Billion Deal Confirmed
From AllAccess.com: As rumored earlier today on ALL ACCESS, SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO and XM SATELLITE RADIO today officially announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which the companies will be combined in a tax-free, all-stock merger of equals with a combined enterprise value of approximately $13 billion, which includes net debt of approximately $1.6 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, XM shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 4.6 shares of SIRIUS common stock for each share of XM they own. XM and SIRIUS shareholders will each own approximately 50% of the combined company. As expected, SIRIUS CEO MEL KARMAZIN will become CEO of the combined company, while XM Chairman GARY PARSONS will be Chairman of the merged entity. The new company’s board of directors will consist of 12 directors, including KARMAZIN and PARSONS, four independent members designated by each company, as well as one representative from each of GENERAL MOTORS and AMERICAN HONDA. XM CEO HUGH PANERO will continue in his current role until the anticipated close of the merger. Further management appointments will be announced prior to closing. The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction is completed and will work together to determine the combined company’s corporate name and headquarters location prior to closing. “We are excited for the many opportunities that an XM and SIRIUS combination will provide consumers,” PARSONS and PANERO said in a joint statement. “The combined company will be better positioned to compete effectively with the continually expanding array of entertainment alternatives that consumers have embraced since the FCC first granted our satellite radio licenses a decade ago.” KARMAZIN said, “This combination is the next logical step in the evolution of audio entertainment. Together, our best-in-class management team and programming content will create unprecedented choice for consumers, while creating long-term value for shareholders of both companies. The combined company will be positioned to capitalize on SIRIUS and XM’s complementary distribution and licensing agreements to enhance availability of satellite radios, offer expanded content to subscribers, drive increased advertising revenue and reduce expenses. Each of our companies has a strong commitment to providing listeners the broadest range of music, news, sports and entertainment and the best customer service possible. We look forward to sharing the benefits of the exciting new growth opportunities this combination will provide with all of our stakeholders.” A press release on the merger points out that the combined company intends to offer “greater programming and content choices … including offering consumers the ability to pick and choose the channels and content they want on a more a la carte basis.” The transaction is subject to approval by both companies’ shareholders, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approvals, including antitrust agencies and the FCC. Pending regulatory approval, the companies expect the transaction to be completed by the end of 2007. Next headline: NAB ‘Would Be Shocked’ If Regulators Clear XM-Sirius Merger “When the FCC authorized satellite radio, it specifically found that the public would be served best by two competitive nationwide systems. Now, with their stock prices at rock bottom and their business model in disarray because of profligate spending practices, they seek a government bail-out to avoid competing in the marketplace. “In coming weeks, policymakers will have to weigh whether an industry that makes HOWARD STERN its poster child should be rewarded with a monopoly platform for offensive programming. We’re hopeful that this anti-consumer proposal will be rejected.” CASEY KASEM PRESENTS DEDICATIONS CD
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Casey Kasem is famous for his dedications, and sometimes, the dedications surprise him. (more…) QUANTEGY ANNOUNCES DISCONTINUATION OF VARIOUS MAGNETIC TAPE PRODUCTS
Though the discontinuation process will begin immediately, orders will be accepted through February 28, 2007. Production of the lines to be discontinued will cease upon fulfillment of final orders. Looking to the future, Quantegy will center its focus on research and development of new technology, such as its FHD and Black Diamond family of hard drive solutions, to better serve its primary markets. |
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HD1: Subterranean Homesice Alien by Radiohead
HD2: by HD3: |
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A recent Radio World editorial (Jan. 17) lamented the absence to date of portable HD Radio receivers, and cited their importance to a successful transition to digital for the U.S. radio industry. It now appears that help may be on the way.
Opelika, AL (January 23, 2007)–Yesterday, Quantegy Recording Solutions officially announced the discontinuation of its various magnetic tape product lines. These tape lines include Quantegy’s well- known audio formulations GP9, 499, 467, 456/457, 406/407/408, 600 Series, ADAT and DAT.
