AES Cincinati Holds Surround Tests

The Cincinnati chapter of the Audio Engineering Society (AES), in coordination with Sonic Arts and Cincinnati Public Radio's Corbett Studio, has completed listening tests to determine the cross-compatibility of several surround sound encoding and decoding systems proposed for HD Radio.

Specific systems placed under test were the Neural Audio 5225 Upmix and Downmix, Dolby DP563/564 using Dolby Pro Logic II, and SRS Labs Circle Surround Digital encoder/decoders.

The test data is being analyzed, and results will be used to direct further research into HD Radio surround coding techniques.

NRSC Releases Standard Revision

The NRSC's DAB Subcommittee convened during the NAB Radio Show in Philadelphia to adopt a revision to the NRSC-5 IBOC standard. Part of this action included a key decision regarding supplemental audio service (multicast) channel IDs.

The new version of the IBOC standard, called NRSC-5-A, expands on the original document released last April with the inclusion of an advanced data services transport protocol. Advanced data services are those data services not necessarily associated with audio programs, such as traffic information or subscription data services, and will be supported in NRSC-5-A using the Ibiquity Advanced Application Services (AAS) transport specification. The revision paves the way for the NRSC to consider standards and recommendations regarding advanced data service applications.

DRE Ships First FM Extra Receivers

Digital Radio Express (DRE) has begun shipping sample quantities of its FM Extra receivers. The receivers allow reception of high-speed digital subcarriers that can transmit over conventional analog or HD Radio hybrid broadcast signals using the company's proprietary digital encoders.

The sample receivers will be offered in test markets that have at least one FM Extra signal on the air, and will begin at $99 for a basic receiver. The receivers are configured for mobile or tabletop operation.

BMW to OEM HD Radio Receivers

If you're planning on buying a new car, you'll be able order it with a factory-equipped HD Radio digital audio system — provided that it's a 2006 BMW Seven series model. The announcement marks the automaker as the first to offer HD Radio receivers in its products. BMW has not yet released the price of the option.