As India’s automotive landscape accelerates toward a connected and digital-first future, Xperi is positioning itself at the forefront with its pioneering HD Radio and in-cabin entertainment solutions. Leading this global push is Ted Laverty, Vice President of Global Standards at Xperi, who plays a crucial role in shaping how broadcast, streaming, and intelligent technologies converge seamlessly in the car. In this exclusive conversation, Laverty shares insights into Xperi’s vision for the connected car ecosystem, the unique value of HD Radio for India, and how privacy, personalization, and innovation are redefining the in-car entertainment experience.
What makes your product different from other in-car entertainment platforms in the market?
Ted Laverty: HD Radio brings free, high-quality digital audio over existing FM/AM frequencies—no data costs, no buffering. For India, this means better sound without extra spectrum or expensive infrastructure upgrades. Plus, features like multicasting allow multiple channels on one frequency, giving listeners more choice without extra bandwidth.
How does combining broadcast radio with internet content improve the in-car entertainment experience?
Ted Laverty: India has diverse regions and variable connectivity, so relying on streaming alone isn’t practical. By combining reliable broadcast radio with internet-based personalization, drivers get continuous access to local content plus smart features like recommendations and rich metadata, even in low-data or patchy network areas.
How does Xperi define its vision for the Connected Car ecosystem, and where do you see the biggest opportunities in the next 3–5 years?
Ted Laverty : Our vision is a seamless entertainment experience where broadcast and streaming work together. In India, the next 3–5 years will see rapid growth in connected cars, creating opportunities for personalized content discovery, integrated streaming, and AI-driven recommendations—all while keeping data costs low for consumers.
Xperi has strong expertise in in-cabin entertainment, audio, and safety technologies. How are you integrating these into a seamless connected car experience?
Ted Laverty : Through DTS AutoStage, we combine global broadcast radio, streaming audio, and rich metadata into one intuitive platform. For India, this means local FM stations enhanced with digital features, plus access to streaming services—all in a single, easy-to-use interface that works across regions and connectivity conditions.
With more in-cabin sensors and connectivity features, how does Xperi address concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance?
Ted Laverty : Privacy is non-negotiable. We comply with global and local data protection standards, use on-device processing where possible, and ensure secure data handling. Our approach is privacy by design, so Indian consumers can enjoy connected experiences with confidence.
