Different factions of the industry are hailing the merger proposal between USA Digital Radio and Lucent Digital Radio into a new company to be called iBiquity Digital Corporation.
“It’s encouraging that these two companies are combining resources to develop terrestrial digital quality radio for the consuming public,” said NAB President/CEO Eddie Fritts.
Jim Woods, formerly VP of the radio division and now VP/GM of Harris Automation, said of the proposed merger, “It’s a very positive development. … . It removes the risk of making the R&D investment (in IBOC.)”
“This is the equivalent of the Grand Alliance,” said Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro, referring to the TV digital transition. While the announced merger is a “major step,” Shapiro cautioned that whatever system iBiquity develops would have to be tested. “We’re not saying this is an acceptable system. It still has to be proven.”
Leslie Stimson
Industry Lauds USADR, LDR
Industry Lauds USADR, LDR
