Delphi Corporation is to design the first WORLDSPACE satellite radio mobile receiver for the European aftermarket based on a WORLDSPACE-developed reference design. In addition, the two companies announced that WORLDSPACE has selected Delphi to be a lead designer for its European OEM receiver and reception system applications that will also be based on WORLDSPACEs reference designs. Delphi made the announcement at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
Designed by Delphi for European aftermarket applications, the WORLDSPACE aftermarket receiver will receive the signal from the WORLDSPACE satellite which covers the European continent. The aftermarket receiver is expected to be launched in parallel with the start of WORLDSPACEs mobile service beginning in Italy in 2009. WORLDSPACE expects to begin broadcasting 40 to 50 channels of commercial-free music, news, talk, entertainment and sports programming 24 hours a day. WORLDSPACE plans to use the most advanced digital audio technology available today (MPEG-4 accPLUS v.2). Delphis receiver designs will leverage the companys satellite radio expertise and feature the advanced mobile service capabilities built into the new WORLDSPACE system.
Based on Delphis long history in providing satellite radio systems, Delphi can offer high-class technologies and superior functionality in a receiver designed for the growing European satellite radio market, said Dr. Andreas Hunscher, Delphi managing director of reception systems.
Delphi will lead the development of WORLDSPACEs receiver and reception applications at its European Satellite Radio Centre of Excellence in Bad Salzdetfurth, Germany. At the facility, Delphi has the unique capability to merge expertise in high-performance antenna systems with advanced receiver technology.
We have always been, and will continue to be, staunch supporters of the global introduction and growth of satellite radio across the globe, said Ken Erickson, lead executive for Delphis entertainment and communications product business unit. This announcement reiterates our commitment to the satellite radio category.
We are fortunate to be working with a company that has such deep knowledge of and experience in the SDARS arena. This agreement with Delphi will go a long way toward ensuring a successful launch of the WORLDSPACE Mobile Service in Europe and beyond, stated Alexander P. Brown, WORLDSPACEs co-chief operating officer.
As a leading provider of satellite reception hardware design, Delphi has manufactured more than 18 million satellite receivers for retailers and vehicle manufacturers in North America, just six years after introducing the first satellite radio receiver. With this long heritage as a development partner of choice in automotive satellite entertainment, Delphi is bringing its expertise to the fast-growing European satellite radio market.
Based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, WORLDSPACE is the world’s only global media and entertainment company positioned to offer a satellite radio experience to consumers in more than 130 countries with five billion people, driving 300 million cars. WORLDSPACE subscribers benefit from a unique combination of local programming, original WORLDSPACE content and content from leading brands around the globe including the BBC, CNN International, Virgin Radio UK, and RFI. Worldspace is a pioneer of satellite-based digital radio services and was instrumental in the development of the technology infrastructure used today by XM Satellite Radio.