Xperi Corp. subsidiary DTS has agreed to “prototype new broadcast radio services and user experiences in the vehicle using the DTS Connected Radio ecosystem” in conjunction with NAB’s Pilot initiative.
[The DTS Connected Radio platform debuted at CES in January; read more about it here.]
Pilot and NAB member companies will put the DTS Connected Radio platform through its paces and try out the “development tools and platform Xperi provides to automotive OEMs and their suppliers for development of DTS Connected Radio receivers,” according to the announcement. Pilot also contracted software developer OpenPath Products to evaluate the platform, as well as create a user interface and prototype apps; the press release notes that “broadcasters maintain complete editorial control over their content and the end user experience.”
NAB Executive Vice President/Chief Technology Officer Sam Matheny said the project is an “example of our commitment to the next generation of in-vehicle entertainment.”
Xperi Automotive General Manager Jeff Jury said, “Pilot and Xperi have similar goals, and we will work together to ensure radio remains dominant in the vehicle.” He added that the project will help “push the progression of digital radio in the dashboard,” as well as “engage listeners.”
And across the pond, DTS is teaming up with BBC Radio to run an 18-month trial of hybrid radio, Xperi announced.
“The BBC has a long history of supporting emerging technologies and services related to our content,” said BBC Director of Radio and Music Bob Shennan. “The world of content distribution is rapidly changing, and we believe that audiences and radio are best served by a mixed economy. We also need to protect radio in the car and ensure it is able to thrive in the hybrid world of the connected dashboard.”
The U.K. pubcaster’s role will complement the work done by Pilot by adding DAB-equipped receivers to the mix, while also testing analog radio experiences in the car and elsewhere..
Jury noted the BBC’s role in developing the DAB standard and its dissemination and said, “We are pleased to work with them to enrich our DTS Connected Radio offering to ensure the next generation of connected DAB radios remain the dominant audio choice in cars.”
Earlier this year, Xperi also announced partnerships with Radioplayer World and RCS ahead of the spring NAB Show.