iBiquity is a company formed by the merger of USA Digital Radio and Lucent Digital Radio, with the goal of creating an in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital radio system for the United States. It can operate on both AM band and FM band broadcasts either in a digital-only mode, or in a "hybrid" digital+analog mode. Most broadcasts for the foreseeable future will use the hybrid method, reportedly giving AM stations "FM quality" sound, while allowing FM stations to achieve "CD quality" audio or carry multiple audio programs. The technology is marketed under the term HD Radio.

Timeline

• 1991 USA Digital Radio Partners, L.P. established by CBS, Inc. and Gannett Co., Westinghouse Corporation joins partnership.
• 1998 USA Digital Radio Partners, L. P. becomes USA Digital Radio, Inc. (USADR. Nation's largest broadcasters invest $20 million to incorporate USADR.
• 2000 USADR secures $40 million in additional funding from strategic partners and venture capital. USADR Merges with Lucent Digital Radio forming iBiquity Digital Corporation.
• 2001 iBiquity raises $45 million in additional capital.
• 2002 IBOC technology approved by the FCC. IBOC consumer brand, HD Radio™, launches. Commercial rollout of HD Radio to broadcasters begins.
• 2003 First AM and FM stations begin broadcasting with HD Radio.

External links

• iBiquity
• WOR Transmitter Tour, containing information on an early IBOC installation

Electronics companies of the United States | Digital radio