Ad sync tech firm Quu Inc. and DTS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xperi Holding Corp., have announced a strategic partnership that the companies say will make it easy for radio to display and monetize content in connected cars.
Quu and Xperi are rolling out an integrated solution to sync programming and sales messages on vehicle dashboards. In the past, stations would go to Xperi to deploy its RAPID technology and then Quu for content management, monetization and reporting. With the partnership, Quu says it is a one-stop-shop for both.
With more vehicles hitting the streets daily with enhanced digital infotainment systems, there is an immediate need for radio to offer consistent, accurate and high-quality in-dash audio programming. This combined solution creates one integrated platform to produce and distribute metadata (such as song titles, lyrics, dialogue, etc.) beyond audio.
For consumers, the goal is consistent, accurate and high-quality audio programming information for all types of radio content, including music, commercials, promotions, PSAs and talk segments. Advertising agencies can benefit from the addition of visual elements of digital audio ads to enhance the client experience.
An elegant user experience
“Digital audio platforms provide for an elegant user experience. Radio has to provide a similar experience if we are to stay competitive against a growing myriad of choices,” said David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group and chairman of the NAB Joint Board of Directors. “Quu and Xperi’s strategic partnership will make it easier for our industry to do that.”
“We’re making it convenient and efficient for radio stations to increase engagement and revenue now while taking the first steps toward the future,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “This partnership is driven by collaboration, trust and keeping our industry in a position of strength. We aim to demystify how and why stations benefit from the ‘screenification’ of radio.”
Joe D’Angelo, senior vice president, broadcast at Xperi, said, “Enabling stations to deliver uniform content to connected cars via DTS AutoStage is an important step in future-proofing radio. The industry needs a standard approach, and Quu provides one for the 300 million cars with RDS and 85 million HD-Radio equipped vehicles on the road today and sets radio up for the dashboard of tomorrow.”
Xperi and Quu will roll out their partnership in North America and plan to scale globally as the technology applies to all international digital broadcast standards.