An Internet industry forum called the Internet Media Device Alliance (IMDA) has been formed with the aim of developing open standards to support the growing use of web-enabled media devices.
Other objectives include the promotion of Internet-connected device technology to consumers and retailers both within and outside the IMDA.
“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.
With a range of services, such as broadcast radio, podcasts and on-demand content available, the companies believe it is important for devices to operate with a range 
of content providers. The aim of the IMDA Certification and Logo programme will be to allow manufacturers to co-market their support for such services.
Founder members include: vTuner, the BBC, Frontier Silicon, PURE, Global Radio, Reciva, AwoX, Orange (France Telecom), TerraTec and Audiovox.
Membership is open to consumer electronics OEMs, retailers, radio broadcasters, content aggregators, online music service providers, device manufacturers and technology providers.
The inaugural meeting of the IMDA coincides with the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.