ALPS HD Radio Tuner First to Be Certified.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 24, 2003

ALPS' TDGA 1 Series front-end tuners have been certified by iBiquity Digital Corporation of the U.S. (CEO Robert J. Struble) for use with HD Radio(TM), a U.S. land-based digital radio service. The iBiquity organization provides certification of products for worldwide use with its HD Radio(TM) technology and the ALPS' front-end tuner is the first of its kind to receive this certification. Significantly, radio stations in 100 markets in the U.S. have begun or are close to broadcasting HD Radio signals since the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.

ALPS has begun marketing its TDGA 1 Series(a) front-end tuners for HD Radio broadcasts, and has been mass-producing them since August 2003. All the HD Radio front-end tuners manufactured by ALPS, including automotive and home-use tuners, have received certification.

The TDGA 1 Series front-end tuners were developed using the Company's expertise in high frequency wave technology and can receive both analog AM/FM and HD Radio signals. Together with supersensitive reception, the TDGA 1 Series tuners feature a programmable automatic gain control (AGC) that provides for stable output.

In response to the needs of component manufacturers, the variety of units produced has increased, and development of a complete line of modular products is complete. This includes not only front-end tuner units but also baseband units (stereo decoders, analog/digital--digital/analog converters, acoustic processors, etc.). Mass production of these modules is scheduled for 2004.

When manufacturers of HD Radio receivers use our certified tuners, iBiquity Digital Corporation will require a reduced amount of certification tests, reducing the number of man-hours required in the development stage, reducing total costs.

As mentioned, HD Radio AM/FM digital broadcast technology is a terrestrial-based digital radio service. iBiquity Digital Corporation had licensed over 280 radio stations in the U.S. in 100 markets spread across 37 states even before receivers had reached retailers' shelves--an impressive display of broadcasters' commitment to HD Radio technology. And with approximately 700 million radios in the U.S., this is further indication of just how deeply rooted the radio is in American culture.

There are no subscription fees for HD Radio broadcasts, and only a new HD Radio capable receiver must be purchased to enjoy the enhanced audio and data services that come with HD Radio technology. FM will have the sound quality of CD's while the AM sound quality will be comparable to today's FM, both with static-free reception and data capabilities.

About ALPS Electric Co., Ltd

ALPS Electric is a Japanese corporation that has manufactured various electronic components since its foundation in 1948. Based on innovative proprietary technology and market outlook, the Company provides cutting-edge electronic components that contribute to the advancement of a multimedia society in its five core business fields: Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products and Automotive Electronics. Based on a business structure of Japan, America, Europe and countries around Asia, ALPS advances global corporate activities that strengthen partnerships with customers, countries and regions throughout the world. In addition, the ALPS group has 80 companies, which include a mobile electronics manufacturer (ALPINE) and a specialized electronic component logistics company (ALPS Logistics).

(a)This press release locates at:

http://www.alps.co.jp/e/press/new2003/1125_e.htm

HD Radio is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation