SWR and Xperi Partner to Advance the Radio Listening Experience in Connected Cars

Leading German public broadcaster integrates their ARD-Eventhub metadata distribution platform with DTS AutoStage, delivering an immersive in-vehicle listening experience through the world’s only global connected radio solution

CALABASAS, Calif. & STUTTGART, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DTS®, a global leader in next-generation audio, imaging and sensing technology, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Xperi Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: XPER) (“Xperi”), and Südwestrundfunk (SWR), today announced the integration of ARD-Eventhub metadata distribution platform with DTS AutoStage™, the first global hybrid radio platform to be commercialized around the world, currently supporting operations in 60 countries. SWR is one of the largest media groups in Germany and the second largest broadcasting corporation in the ARD, the “Association of Public Broadcasting Corporations in the Federal Republic of Germany.”

The integration means that all broadcaster metadata, such as program information, station logos, album/artist imagery, etc., on the ARD platform for SWR stations will be accurately, consistently, and seamlessly represented in the DTS AutoStage ecosystem. This delivers a cutting-edge in-vehicle entertainment experience to German owners of vehicles supporting DTS AutoStage platform, such as the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

“SWR’s reputation as one of the most innovative broadcasters in the world makes this partnership especially meaningful as DTS AutoStage continues its focus on delivering the dashboard of the future to vehicles in Germany – and to the rest of the world,” said Joe D’Angelo, Xperi senior vice president, business development, broadcast. “This partnership is designed to provide Germany's car owners with a visually-rich and immersive in-vehicle listening experience, while creating new opportunities to broadcasters for rapid innovation and much easier content management to ensure security, reliability, and editorial control.”

The DTS AutoStage platform, which has been purpose built to support radio broadcasters around the world, is open and available to all broadcasters at no cost. Participation in the platform ensures that all broadcaster metadata is protected and is compliant with local privacy and copyright obligations.

The partnership with SWR continues DTS AutoStage’s momentum as it expands into mass market vehicles globally. DTS AutoStage already has content partnerships with major broadcast groups and aggregators around the world, including: BBC, Bauer, Global Radio, NPO, Audacy, Beasley, Cox Media, Commercial Radio Australia, radiko, FM World, and many others.

Through the integration, the broad portfolios of SWR’s radio station partners will be consistently represented in the DTS AutoStage in-vehicle infotainment ecosystem, which increases consumer content engagement with big beautiful artwork, comprehensive artist and album information and imagery, songs, playlists, and more, all while enhancing discovery and personalization of broadcasters’ content.

DTS AutoStage also enables continued station listening from local broadcast stations via streams provided by SWR when the vehicle drives out of broadcast range. Importantly, all SWR stations will be able to easily integrate into the platform and manage their services, station information, and streams in one place.

“DTS AutoStage’s global platform truly revolutionizes the in-car listening experience and we are pleased to enable our radio station partners to benefit from the economies of scale and service simplification it offers,” said Christian Hufnagel, Co-Founder SWR Audio Lab. “SWR takes great pride in our programming and DTS’s deep commitment to broadcast radio’s pre-eminence in the dashboard, and the stunning infotainment experience it enables, is truly a game-changer for the in-vehicle listening experience in Germany.”

A recent survey of car owners confirmed that having entertainment/information available in their vehicle’s dashboard is more important than ever today, versus pre-COVID, and it confirmed radio’s pre-eminence in the dashboard, with 91 percent of car owners saying that it is important to have radio in their dash.¹

Xperi’s automotive technologies are designed to improve the in-vehicle experience and, in addition to DTS AutoStage, include DTS AutoSense and HD Radio. DTS AutoSense comprises occupancy and driver monitoring systems implemented at the edge. HD Radio, now available in more than 75 million automobiles, is the most successfully deployed commercial digital radio system worldwide.

About Xperi Holding Corporation

Xperi invents, develops, and delivers technologies that enable extraordinary experiences. Xperi technologies, delivered via its brands (DTS, HD Radio, IMAX Enhanced, Invensas, TiVo), and by its startup, Perceive, make entertainment more entertaining, and smart devices smarter. Xperi technologies are integrated into billions of consumer devices, media platforms, and semiconductors worldwide, driving increased value for partners, customers and consumers.

Xperi, DTS, IMAX Enhanced, Invensas, HD Radio, Perceive, TiVo, DTS AutoStage, DTS AutoSense, and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of affiliated companies of Xperi Holding Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other company, brand and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

About the Südwestrundfunk (SWR)

The Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is one of the largest media groups in Germany and the second largest broadcasting corporation in the ARD, the “Association of Public Broadcasting Corporations” in Germany. Almost one in six programs on Germany’s First TV Channel is produced by the SWR, as well as a string of top-quality programs on the specialist channels 3sat, ARTE, Phoenix, KI.KA und ARD Digital. More than 14 million people live within the broadcasting area it serves, in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Rheinland-Pfalz. More information is available at www.SWR.de.

SOURCE: Xperi Holding Corporation

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¹ Online CARAVAN® survey conducted by ENGINE Insights among a sample of 1,003 adults 18 years of age and older January 4-6, 2021.