STMicroelectronics Teams with iBiquity to Develop Optimized HD Radio Receiver SoC
World's leading supplier of digital radio ICs will expand its portfolio to drive the next-generation terrestrial digital broadcasting technology
Geneva, December 14, 2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leader in technologies for digital radio, has announced an agreement with iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer and licensor of HD Radio(TM) technology, to develop a base-band receiver for HD Radio broadcasting. HD Radio technology offers enhanced sound quality, more programming choice, and new wireless data services on existing FM and AM radio channels. The HD Radio receiver expands ST's rich portfolio of digital radio products, complementing the Company's existing AM/FM tuners to deliver an optimized end-to-end solution for combined analog-and-digital radio broadcasting.
STMicroelectronics has licensed iBiquity's In-Band, On-Channel (IBOC) technology, named HD Radio, which allows radio stations to bundle and transmit analog and digital signals on the same frequency. The two companies will jointly design an HD Radio ASIC chip compatible with ST's AM/FM car-radio tuner to provide receiver manufacturers with a complete and optimized HD Radio chipset.
ST's HD Radio receiver SoC will be manufactured using state-of-the-art CMOS technology to deliver high system integration, low current consumption, and extended features, such as multicast capability and extended data services. First samples of ST's HD Radio receiver are expected in the second half of 2007, with volume production slated for 2008.
ST designers are building on the Company's successful track record and industry-leading expertise in digital audio and car infotainment. With ten years at the forefront of digital radio technology, ST is currently the world's largest supplier of components for digital radio receivers, having shipped more than 30 million chips to date.
The HD Radio system was approved by the Federal Communications Commission in 2002 as the only system for digital AM and FM broadcasting in the U.S. Currently more than 1,000 radio stations are broadcasting primary signals in digital HD Radio technology, as a free service, available to 90% of the U.S. population. Listeners with HD Radio receivers benefit from new multicast channels, crystal-clear reception, higher audio quality, and a variety of data services on the radio's display screen. Innovative features under development include real-time traffic reports, personal audio recording, or interactive e-commerce capabilities.
About iBiquity Digital Corporation
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of the HD Radio(TM) system, which is powering the AM/FM digital radio revolution. This transformational technology allows AM and FM stations to broadcast digital signals in tandem with their analog signals, providing broadcasters with a platform to offer multiple channels of programming on the same frequency (multicasting); crystal-clear, CD-quality sound; services such as real-time weather and traffic updates; and scrolling text and graphics content. Over 1,000 U.S. stations are on the air, available to 90% of Americans, with more than 400 offering multicasting channels. HD Radio technology is now being tested and adopted in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and the Ukraine. iBiquity's investors are global leaders in the technology, broadcasting, manufacturing, media and financial industries.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2005, the Company's net revenues were $8.88 billion and net earnings were $266 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com
STMicroelectronics, Inc.
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(781) 861 2650
www.st.com
Carol Brown
STMicroelectronics
US Media Relations
603 465 9213
