A number of the world’s leading streaming media companies have recently joined together to create a new industry forum called the Internet Media Device Alliance. The IMDA has been formed with the aim of developing and promoting a set of open, interoperable standards and device profiles in order to maximise the growth of a global consumer market in Internet-connected media devices.
“It’s clear that the time has come for Internet media device companies, broadcasters and content providers to join forces to present a clear message to assure the consumer that Internet radio products are produced and delivered to a certain industry standard,” states Harry Johnson, chairman of IMDA.
One of the key activities of the Alliance will be to define a series of end-to-end technical standards, functions and profiles to encourage the development of a wide range of Internet media devices. Other objectives include the promotion of Internet-connected device technology to consumers and retailers both within and outside the IMDA. Membership is open to consumer electronics OEMs, retailers, radio broadcasters, content aggregators, online music service providers, device manufacturers and technology providers.
Nick Piggott, Head of Creative Technology, Global Radio, comments, “We’re pleased to support the foundation of an industry body that will foster agreement on technology between manufacturers and broadcasters, whilst still allowing us to consistently deliver a competitive content experience to connected media devices.”
The number of Internet-connected media services is rapidly proliferating, representing a diverse range of offerings including: broadcast radio stations, personalised music services, podcasts, on-demand content and on-demand jukebox services. With so many varied services available, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to be able to confidently purchase a device that works simply and reliably with their favourite content provider. The IMDA Certification and Logo programme will provide increased confidence to consumers and retailers, and allow manufacturers to clearly and consistently co-market their support for such services.
The nascent membership of the IMDA represents this diverse media eco-system, including representatives from the leading radio broadcasters, music services, technology providers and device manufacturers, bringing an unparalleled breadth and depth of expertise to the new body. In addition to the process of standardising the technology base, the IMDA plans to bring consistency to the marketing of internet connected devices, increasing consumer awareness, understanding and willingness to purchase.
The inaugural meeting of the IMDA coincides with the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV in January 2009. All interested parties are invited to attend the meeting, which will be on the morning of January 9th at the MGM Grand Hotel. The detailed agenda and registration details are available on the IMDA website (www.imdalliance.org).
Note for Editors
The unanimous decision to form the Internet Media Device Alliance was taken at the Internet Radio Summit in 2008, which was hosted by the BBC in London. The IMDA steering committee consists of the following members:
- Harry Johnson – vTuner
- John Ousby – BBC
- Anthony Sethill – Frontier Silicon
- Colin Crawford – PURE
- Nick Piggott – Global Radio
- Ben Terrell – Reciva
- Olivier Carmona – AwoX
- Oliver Depardon – Orange (France Telecom)
- Stephan Noethen – TerraTec
- Todd Beals - Audiovox
The inaugural General Assembly Meeting of the IMDA will be held on 9 January 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas during CES. Opening at 08:00, the meeting will outline to the Internet media industry the mission, objectives, organisational structure, and describe the IMDA membership benefits. At the end of the meeting there will be an opportunity for all interested parties to join the Alliance.
Further information is available at www.IMDAlliance.org
Contacts:
Mark Hopgood
Tel: +44 1923 474 200
Email:
press@frontier-silicon.com
