Xperi Showcases HD Radio Tech for Indian Automotive Market

Xperi, a global technology leader in audio, imaging, and digital media, today emphasised the benefits of its HD Radio technology for the evolution of terrestrial radio broadcasting in India. With over two decades of successful commercial deployment in North America, HD Radio offers anefficient and enhanced digital radio solution for the Indian market.

The company gave a demonstration of its technology in a Hyundai Venue SUV at the ongoing BES 2025 Show at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi. Speaking to Autocar Professional, Ted Laverty, Vice President, Global Standards at Xperi, said, “Over 115 million cars globally deploy HD radio, and our HD radio technology works on the existing FM radio spectrum, thereby making it extremely non-disruptive and cost efficient for radio broadcasters as well as automotive OEMs.”

Laverty explained that OEMs can switch to offering HD Radio compatibility in their vehicle infotainment systems by the virtue of the semiconductor chipsets that support this radio reception  technology which is aimed at offering superior reception, sound quality, as well as information services such as channel branding, advertisements, and weather alerts.

Global automotive brands like Hyundai, Mercedes, and Toyota already integrate HD Radio in markets such as Europe and North America.

Maximising the Radio Experience

Xperi’s HD Radio technology is claimed to enable remarkable efficiency in spectrum utilisation, a critical public resource, allowing radio stations to broadcast up to four channels on a single frequency. For instance, an operator on 96.7 FM could offer 96.7 HD1, 96.7 HD2, 96.7 HD3, and the current analog 96.7 HD, significantly expanding content variety. 

This multi-channel capability ensures a richer listening experience with more choice for consumers, while maintaining seamless continuity of current FM programs and ensuring no disruption to services or device usage during the transition. 

Furthermore, HD Radio elevates the listening experience with crystal-clear, hiss- and crackle-free audio. Beyond superior sound quality, the format supports album art, multiple images, and song text accompanying broadcasts, transforming the visual aspect of radio. Another benefit of HD Radio is its emergency alert messaging capability across all broadcast-receiving devices, including speakers, TVs, phones, and cars. 

In times of crisis, such as war, floods, or typhoons, when mobile networks may fail, terrestrial broadcast remains resilient, providing a vital communication channel.

According to the company, India represents a dynamic and high-potential market for digital transformation, particularly in the radio and automotive sectors. With All India Radio reaching 98% of the population and over 388 private FM stations active as of June 2024, India boasts one of the world’s largest radio markets. Over 80% of Indians regularly tune into FM radio, making it a vital channel for both information and entertainment. 

HD Radio technology is uniquely positioned to accelerate this evolution by offering improved spectrum efficiency, better audio quality, and additional content features, including emergency alerting, all with lower power consumption. HD Radio’s simulcast technology ensures that current listeners do not have to buy a new device right away, they can still pick up the existing programs. Over time consumers can smoothly transition to new radios and enjoy the full benefits of digital radio services. 

R&D Centres in India

Xperi’s commitment to the Indian market is evident in its robust R&D presence in the country. Working with developers in Bangalore, HD Radio has developed a smartphone featuring built-in HD radio capabilities. Additionally, Bluetooth speakers with integrated HD Radio, developed in partnership with CDAC Noida, a Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), were showcased by the company at the BES 2025.

Xperi’s efforts in developing device ecosystems aim to support a smooth transition to digital radio in India by enabling compatibility across a broad range of consumer devices.

The company is bullish about the technology’s potential in India. As per Xperi, a country focused on efficient electricity utilisation, HD Radio offers a compelling advantage. The technology allows for more channels at approximately one-tenth the power usage of traditional analog transmission, contributing to national energy efficiency goals.

Through Xperi’s complementing DTS AutoStage technology, HD Radio provides operators and advertisers with listenership data by cluster. This valuable insight will significantly boost advertising possibilities, fostering growth and investment in the radio medium.