NAB unveiled the results of an unprecedented partnership with iBiquity Digital Corporation and four broadcast equipment manufacturers to accelerate the commercial development of products based on next-generation HD Radio "Exporter" technology. The products, which significantly reduce a radio station's cost to upgrade to HD Radio, are being introduced and made available for purchase during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

"NAB is playing a critical role in the creation of new technologies to benefit our members and promote the future of broadcasting," said NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr. "This is just one example of how we're fulfilling our advocacy promise to broadcasters."

HD Radio stations use the Exporter to combine multicast audio channels and advanced data services along with a station's main audio channel into a format suitable for transmission. NAB and iBiquity, the developer of HD Radio digital broadcasting, worked with four manufacturers -- BE, Continental, Harris and Nautel -- to accelerate the development and implementation of this next-generation technology. Known as an "Embedded Exporter," the technology further reduces the size and cost of HD Radio transmission facilities.

The project began in 2006, and the newly formed NAB HD Radio Technology Advancement Task Force was charged with overseeing the effort, culminating in the announcement on April 13.

Task Force Chair and Beasley Broadcast Group Executive Vice President and CFO Caroline Beasley said, "NAB is putting its money where its mouth is when encouraging stations to broadcast in digital. This new technology will give a big boost to the advancement of HD Radio, which ultimately means more choices and better sound quality for our listeners."

Because of NAB's contribution to this effort, NAB members receive an additional discount on these already cost-reduced products. All four manufacturers displayed, and offered for sale, products incorporating Embedded Exporter technology at the 2008 NAB Show.