Support for HD Radio™ field trial in Switzerland

Dear Sir or Madam

The talk in Switzerland is about the future of digital radio. And we are involved!

The first large-scale field trial for HD Radio™ will take place in Central Switzerland. HD Radio™ (High Definition Radio) is the digital radio standard currently being implemented in the USA and is the efficient and economically sensible extension, or even alternative, to the widespread DAB 147-Standard for private radio. You can find further information about the trial of HD Radio™ and how it works at www.hd-radio.ch

This trial is intended to demonstrate the technical feasibility (of HD Radio™) to the industry both in Switzerland and in neighboring countries. It will take place under demanding frequency and topographical conditions, and under real conditions over an extended period of time in order to supply both the radio industry and the authorities with important results for a definite broadcasting service.

The high level of interest the project has already generated in its consession phase has enabled the initiators to acquire sponsors for a part of the broadcasting, receiver and measuring technologies and electronics prior to starting transmission. Of course, only a part of the approx. Fr. 400,000.- total costs are covered by this. Another part of the costs will be carried by the project-leaders Ruoss AG, Rotkreuz, Radio Sunshine AG and VSP (Federation of Swiss Privat Radios). For the remaining costs, especially for the second part of the trials, we are looking for companies and institutions who would be prepared to actively support this project.

There are of course many ways to participate in this future-oriented and trend-setting project as a sponsor or even as an active partner. You will find more information about the benefits you receive for your participation in the short description attached.

We would be very interested to know if we have been able to generate interest for our project and whether we might expect a contribution to the design of the digital future of radio broadcasting. We would like to call you in the next few days to make an appointment and take the opportunity to explain to you in detail the first HD Radio™ field trial in Switzerland and to provide you with further information.

Thank you very much for your interest!

Yours sincerely,

Ruoss AG, Markus Ruoss

Options available for supporting the HD Radio™ field trial in Switzerland

HD Radio™ (High Definition Radio) is a US digital radio standard that, in addition to the transmission of traditional analog radio programs, permits transmission on the “same UHF frequency (piggyback) in digital quality as well as providing additional programs or services.

In response to our application submitted in June 2005, BAKOM (Federal Office for Communication) granted a test concession in August, valid for 2 years.

The goal of the field trial is to show if, and in which form, HD Radio™ could be implemented in Switzerland. The first broadcast (after laboratory testing) would be around May/June 2006.

The field trial will be carried out by Ruoss AG together with Radio Sunshine.

The realization of the field trial is (unfortunately) only possible on a private basis. As is generally known, since 1998 there has been a lack of actual application-based research and development in this field in Switzerland and as the trade associations are also unable to raise funds, we are very dependant on financial support.

It is assumed that the trial will attract significant Europe-wide attention among experts. Visitors from all over Europe are expected to attend the demonstrations and the presentations.

Support options

Cash contributions

Any cash contribution between Fr. 2,000.- and Fr. 50,000.- is welcome.

Contributions in kind

Broadcasting technology	HD exciter, PA, combiner, accessories
Audio processing	3 different processing functions for main, second and third programs
Directional radio link	2MBS from studio to main broadcast station
HD Radio™ receiver	Minimum 5 pieces each, all possible categories
Studio technical equipment	PAD processing, RDS adaption etc.
Measurement technology	Software and hardware for HD measuring technology
Mobile measuring technology	A+D in vehicle, structure, implementation up to and including report
Stationary measurement technology	For HD signal
Events	To provide infrastructure for events including catering
Printed matter	Paper and printing of all necessary printed matter for events, reports, media conferences, etc.

Potential benefits in return for your support

	Naming of your company on all published documents and on www.hd-radio.ch
	Naming of your company at presentations, media conferences and press coverage
	Your radio program will be broadcast as second program during the trial
	The third program (voice only) will exclusively be advertised by you
	Privileged access to the results obtained, including basic documentation on the trial, preliminary report
	You delegate a representative for the working committee, gaining thereby a direct overview of the work and of the results and you can actively contribute
	Radio spots on both analog and digital programs before/during/after the trial
	VIP invitation to HD Radio™ events
	VIP invitation to the test run in the HD Radio™ coverage area
	HD Radio™ receiver placed at your disposal for 10 days for you to “form your own opinion”
	Final report including project accounting

What you get in return for your sponsorship is dependant upon the size and type of individual arrangement entered into.

Who has already agreed to sponsor?

VSP (Federation of Swiss Private Radios)	Fr. 10,000.-
BAKOM (Federal Office for Communication)	support/monitoring measurement technological implementation
Ibiquity Digital Corporation, USA	HD Radio™ license, assistance in obtaining RX
BE, Broadcast Equipment	HD exciter
R.V.R.	PA, combiner
Radio Sunshine AG	Provides network and maximum Fr. 50,000.- in contributions in kind
Ruoss AG	Maximum Fr. 50,000.- in contributions in kind and intermediate inputs

Contact

Markus Ruoss, Ruoss AG, 6343 Rotkreuz
Tel. +41 41 798 88 00 / Fax +41 41 798 88 80
Email: markusruoss@ruossag.ch