Group formed to promote Internet media

LONDON — Some of the major players in streaming media, including device and receiver makers, radio broadcasters and music service providers, have joined forces to launch an industry forum dubbed the Internet Media Device Alliance to develop and promote a set of open, interoperable standards and device profiles to drive the market for Internet-connected media devices.

Initial member companies and organizations include Frontier Silicon, Audiovox, France Telecom, Reciva, Global Radio, PURE, vTuner, TerraTec, AwoX and the BBC.

The IMDA will hold an inaugural assembly meeting during the CES in Las Vegas on January 9th, and hopes many others will join the effort.

"It s clear that the time has come for Internet media device companies, broadcasters and content providers to join forces to present a clear message to assure the consumer that Internet radio products are produced and delivered to a certain industry standard," said Harry Johnson, chairman of IMDA and a senior executive at vTuner, in a statement.

"Being selected to serve on the steering committee is a great honour, and will help ensure that Frontier Silicon's Internet radio solutions continue to provide receiver manufacturers with class-leading, solutions offering full interoperability with broadcasters and content providers", commented Anthony Sethill, the company's CEO.

One of the key activities of the IMDA will be to define a series of end-to-end technical standards, functions and profiles to encourage the development of a wide range of Internet media devices.

Membership of the group is open to consumer electronics OEMs, retailers, radio broadcasters, content aggregators, online music service providers, device manufacturers and technology providers. Alliance members say that with so many varied services available, it is becoming increasingly important for consumers to be able to confidently purchase a device that works simply and reliably with their favourite content provider. They suggest the proposed IMDA Certification and logo programme will provide increased confidence and allow manufacturers to co-market their support for Internet media services.