The National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) adopted an updated version of its in-band/on-channel (IBOC) digital radio broadcasting standard on April 12. The NRSC is a technical standards-setting body co-sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

NRSC-5-B, In-band/on-channel Digital Radio Broadcasting Standard, was adopted by the Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB) Subcommittee, which is co-chaired by Andy Laird, vice president and chief technology officer, Journal Broadcast Group; and Mike Bergman, vice president, New Digital Technology, Kenwood USA. This latest version includes some editorial updates as well as a revised FM IBOC RF mask which was submitted to the NRSC by iBiquity Digital Corporation, developers of the HD Radio technology upon which NRSC-5-B is based.

"The adoption of the revised and updated NRSC-5-B standard is an exciting indication of just how quickly digital radio is evolving in the U.S. and a further indication of how the NRSC is attempting to keep this standard current and pertinent," said Milford Smith, vice president, Radio Engineering with Greater Media and NRSC chairman. "We are grateful to the DRB Subcommittee members for all their hard work on this endeavor and likewise grateful to iBiquity for its cooperation in assuring that NRSC-5-B continues to be a valuable resource to the broadcast and consumer electronics industries going forward."

The document will be available to the public through the NRSC's Web site following a final, procedural review which will take approximately four weeks. Additional information about the NRSC, including information on becoming a member, is also available on their Web site.