Ibiquity Looking to Amp HD Conversions with New Price and Payment Options Over the last year, IBOC technology developer Ibiquity Digital has substantially improved the consumer end of the digital radio equation through improvements in HD Radio receiver selection, personal portability and price points. At the same time, however, yet another sticking point in the supply-side of HD Radio's adoption process materialized: After adoption by roughly 2,000 broadcast outlets nationwide, the pace of new HD Radio station conversions has slowed to a relative trickle. Although much of the blame for the slackening place can be attributed to an industry-wide economic downturn so severe that even the largest radio groups were haunted by the specter of bankruptcy, a modest upturn in revenues in first quarter 2010 could set the stage for more commitment to IBOC digital from broadcasters.

In an attempt to thaw the pipeline and expand the HD Radio content horizon for consumers, iBiquity has announced its launch of a new a new pricing plan that includes reduced license fees and expanded payment options designed to "simplify radio broadcasters' migration to digital."

The new pricing model offers broadcasters three different options. Stations can pay a one-time license fee to broadcast digitally on their main channel, electing one of the following options: