Emerging Digital Radio Market Ready for Takeoff According to In-Stat.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The conversion from analog radio to digital radio is well under way around the world and gaining momentum rapidly, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Worldwide, the market for digital radio receivers will grow from 5 million units in 2005, to almost 25 million unit shipments in 2010, the high-tech market research firm says.

"The primary factors contributing to this expected growth are falling receiver prices, an increase in the amount of compelling digital programming, significant boosts in promotion and advertising of digital radio, and enhanced functionality of digital radio receivers," says Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst. "Overall, digital radio is still an emerging market. Opportunities abound for retailers, broadcasters, automobile OEMs, and receiver manufacturers alike."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

* XM will hit 8 million subscribers, and Sirius will hit 6.3 million subscribers, by the end of 2006.

* In 2006, 73% of respondents to an In-Stat US consumer survey were aware of HD Radio on some level.

* In Europe, primarily the United Kingdom, digital audio broadcasting is the pervasive form of radio, with DAB radio receiver shipments outpacing analog radio receiver shipments this year.

The research, "More Consumers to Tune Into Digital Radio in 2007" (#IN0603159ID), contains five-year unit shipment, ASP, and revenue forecasts for digital terrestrial and digital satellite radios (including DMB receivers that are not integrated into mobile phones). The forecasts are provided for the Americas, Europe, and Asia. A US satellite radio subscriber forecast, as well as primary research data from a recent survey of US consumers, is also included.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit:

http://www.instat.com/catalog/Ccatalogue.asp?id=27 or contact a sales representative:

Eastern North America: Tina Sheltra, 480.609.4531; [e-mail]

Western North America: Erin McKeighan, 480.609.4551; [e-mail]

Outside of North America: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

The price is $3,295 (US).

About In-Stat

Technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals and market specialists, worldwide, rely on In-Stat's experienced staff and in-depth research to support critical business, product and technology decisions. In-Stat's insights are derived from both a deep technology understanding and comprehensive research, which examines each segment of the value chain for each market. Regular and ongoing end-user demand and primary research surveys underpin much of the analysis, enabling In-Stat to provide incisive market knowledge and guidance on future market opportunities.

In-Stat is a strategic segment of the $9 billion Reed Elsevier global information network, with access to an expansive worldwide electronic network, extensive technology databases and well-informed personnel. As a member of Reed Business Information, In-Stat is a division of the largest business-to-business publisher in the U.S.