Commentary: DTS AutoStage brings radio stations into the connected car of the future

Consistency and control are two of the most coveted things in broadcasting and the automotive world. It seems that the future of audio on the digital dashboard is increasingly under the control of a small set of global audio providers — think Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon — that have tremendous financial and technical resources and a large and loyal user base. Yet this is not the time for broadcasters to relent; in fact, broadcasters and OEMs still have a big part to play and, more importantly, a way to level the battlefield.

Radio station fragmentation is a reality. A consistent global user experience is impossible to achieve by broadcasters alone. After all, radio is competing with apps that can access the entirety of the Internet and are downloadable on users’ most personal devices — smartphones — through easily usable services like CarPlay or Android Auto.

However, radio stations can secure a prominent place on the dashboard by investing in technology, partnering with the right players and leveraging new opportunities to work in their favor.

Connected Car

One of the most exciting and innovative services is Xperi’s DTS AutoStage, a hybrid radio system purposely designed to support broadcast radio and bring a modern, compelling and robust solution to the cars of tomorrow.

DTS AutoStage gives consumers access to complete station information and metadata, premium audio and event content, supported by a global music metadata catalog of over 40 million tracks from TiVo. Listeners no longer have to switch from station to station to find their preferred content; instead, listeners can discover a list of stations updated in real time with a metadata layer that enhances the audio experience in the car.

Information regarding local events related to an artist played or station genre, and song lyrics in multiple languages enrich the discovery process. Voice commands can help users sift through the content easier.

Radio is competing with apps that can access the entirety of the Internet and are downloadable on users’ most personal devices through easily usable services like CarPlay or Android Auto.

The real value for radio stations lies in the user’s ability to comment on the music heard — or even interact with a radio station — and showcases what this type of integration can do for both users and broadcasters. Furthermore, all information reaches a single API that is fed to the vehicle, no matter where it is or what broadcasting technology it uses.

With over-the-air upgrades, DTS AutoStage will continually evolve, adding personalization and recommendations that, in turn, will bridge the gap between listeners and broadcasters.

Broadcasters that integrate with DTS AutoStage will notice immediate benefits and unique branding opportunities through logo, slogan and album art. They can participate in DTS AutoStage at no cost and are assured editorial control and freedom to pursue their strategic objectives. In addition, Xperi’s GDPR-compliant architecture provides unique analytics and metrics regarding consumer behavior.

For carmakers, the value is in the customizable user experience DTS AutoStage allows instead of the generic design required by CarPlay/Android Auto.

Xperi’s commitment to broadcast radio and automotive innovation continues as technologies evolve. An example is our recent initiative launched with the National Association of Broadcasters and the support of 12 international broadcasters, Cariad and Ford Motor Company: a program to develop and supply radio-specific technology to Android to ensure the full support of analog, DAB+, HD Radio and CDR.

Xperi is the broadcast industry’s committed partner, and through DTS AutoStage — a scalable, global, reliable and secure solution — provides broadcasters a great way to deliver services to OEMs and retain prominence in the dash.

Find out more about the DTS AutoStage hybrid radio platform here.