Super Hi-Fi has debuted HLS+, a streaming technology developed on top of HLS that combines live, linear radio with interactivity and personalization, while retaining backward compatibility with existing devices.
The new technology will be introduced starting today on Audacy’s exclusive streaming channels. The system supports an extensive range of metadata capabilities, making it compatible with most existing playout and broadcast systems for FM, HD, DAB+ and online solutions, is advertising-ready, supporting numerous programmatic ad services and integrating seamlessly with traditional radio traffic systems, and ensures backward compatibility with countless existing devices worldwide that support HLS, including Amazon Alexa, iPhone, Android, and many in-car entertainment systems.
Super Hi-Fi notes, “In the past, live radio streams lacked any ability to elegantly skip songs, and no ability to have personalized content delivered within the stream itself. Meanwhile, digital music services offered interactivity and personalization, but lacked any of the magic of traditional live radio, such as voice tracking or audio branding with full production. HLS+ solves both sides of this issue. With HLS+, radio stations will still sound and feel like traditional live linear radio streams, complete with incredible programming, full production, and voice tracks. But the addition of new features will up-level the listening experience significantly.”
HLS+ streaming content to be localized and personalized, with the example given of weather reports targeted to the listener’s location. Skipping on live radio streams will allow listeners to move forward or backwards directly to the start of a song eliminating any remnant production elements. It also will enable linear broadcasts to be delivered over-the-air with advertisements, but have the stream commercial-free with identically seamless distribution.
Super Hi-FI CEO Zack Zalon says, “HLS+ is not just a technology breakthrough; it’s a real shift for the radio industry. We’ve taken the essence of live radio and elevated it with capabilities that have just never been available before. This is our vision for the next chapter of radio, and we believe it will resonate deeply with both broadcasters and listeners.”
“Audacy is focused on delivering best-in-class audio experiences to our consumers, and HLS+ is a perfect technology to help enable that promise,” said John Pacino, Executive Vice President of Product at Audacy. “The seamless blend of HLS+ interactivity combined with our premium audio content takes the quality of our exclusive station portfolio to another level.”
