“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,” says the  organisation’s first chairman, Harry Johnson.A key activity 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, says the IMDA, continuing, “Other objectives include the promotion of Internet-connected device technology to consumers and retailers both within and outside the IMDA.”

Membership is open to consumer electronics OEMs, retailers, radio broadcasters, content aggregators, online music service providers, device manufacturers and technology providers.

The number of Internet-connected media services is rapidly proliferating, representing a diverse range of offerings including: broadcast radio stations, personalised music services, podcasts, on-demand content and on-demand jukebox services.

“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,” says the IMDA, saying its certification and logo programme will, “provide increased confidence to consumers and retailers, and allow manufacturers to clearly and consistently co-market their support for such services”.

The inaugural meeting will coincide with the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV in January 2009.

anyone who’s interested will be welcomed on the morning of January 9 at the MGM Grand Hotel, says the IMDA.

Click here for agenda and registration details are available on the IMDA website (www.imdalliance.org).