TMC in the US of A

Creation date: 23 February 2005

Tele Atlas, Siemens VDO and Clear Channel Radio have teamed up to offer the first RDS-TMC service in the US.

Clear Channel Radio is one of the major broadcasters in the US with over 100 000 000 regular listeners. Traffic data from Clear Channel's network of reporters, traffic cameras and observation aircraft will be offered via an annual subscription to owners of vehicles equipped with Audiovox brand TMC-enabled navigation systems from Siemens VDO.

Subscribers, beginning January 2005, are able to view a real-time traffic information overlay on a moving map display. The data network provides live, local, continuously available traffic in 48 states of the US.

Clear Channel Radio is a member of the TMC Forum. The service has been created in reference to the CEN/ISO standards, and Clear Channel is using the Conditional Access mechanism brought to CEN/ISO standardisation and managed by the TMC Forum to provide service access to their subscribers.

Tele Atlas' press release (also as original version:  Tele Atlas Clear Channel TMC US press release.pdf (71 KB)):

Tele Atlas and Clear Channel Radio to Deliver Nationwide Traffic through Audiovox Navigation Systems
 

Service Launch Widens Reach of In-Car Dynamic Traffic Content
 

January 6, 2005, Consumer Electronics Show, LAS VEGAS - Tele Atlas, a worldwide leading provider of digital map data and location content, and Clear Channel Radio, today announced that they will provide Clear Channel-Tele Atlas dynamic traffic content to Audiovox navigation solutions through the use of RDS/TMC - the standard radio broadcast technology for the distribution of traffic and travel information to motorists. The solutions will be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 6-9, 2005 in Booth #11006.

 Audiovox navigation systems will now be available with access to real-time traffic feeds regarding accidents, road construction and other travel concerns, creating greater convenience and time-savings to drivers across America. Audiovox has a full line of state-of-the-art navigation products that offer its customers ease of use and high performance.

 RDS/TMC is a standard aimed at simplifying the integration of traffic data with current in-vehicle navigation systems. RDS/TMC leverages Clear Channel Radio's current infrastructure and demonstrates the ability of the company and Tele Atlas to broadcast relevant traveler information to drivers in the top metropolitan markets.

 "Through our launch of the Clear Channel-Tele Atlas Traffic solution, we are able to provide up-to-the-minute dynamic traffic and rerouting content to users of our navigation products, said Tom Malone, Sr. VP of Sales for Audiovox Electronics Corp. "We know we are offering motorists an invaluable tool that will further enhance their driving experience."

 "Our relationship with Audiovox is a great testament to the high quality and accuracy of our traffic content," said Richard Pearlman, vice president, Navigation & Telematic Sales for Tele Atlas. "Today's announcement further emphasizes the increased desire by drivers to have access to the most immediate, comprehensive traffic and rerouting data available."