Siano Launches Advanced Multi-Standard Digital Radio Receiver Chip Supporting T-DMB/DAB/DAB+, DRM+ and Legacy FM Radio

Targeting automotive and portable/mobile devices

 

February 25, 2014 08:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

 

NETANYA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Siano, the world’s leading supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions, today announced the launch of SMS2160, a new multi-standard digital radio receiver chip designed for automotive and portable/mobile consumer electronics applications. The SMS2160 is the world’s most versatile digital radio IC to support T-DMB/DAB/DAB+, DRM+, and FM Radio, including RDS/TMC. The newly released chip is particularly addressed to the emerging markets of DAB+ in Europe, and DRM+ in Asia and around the globe.

 

“The increased popularity of DRM+ technology translates into winning partnerships for Siano’s mobile digital TV solutions. Already having several customers such as Hirschmann Car Communication and others, we are confident that this new chip will lead the steadily growing DRM+ market.”

 

The SMS2160 is the first chip of its kind to support 2-way antenna diversity (MRC) for DRM+, T-DMB/DAB/DAB+. DRM+ (the FM mode of the all-band Digital Radio Mondiale standard) is the digital open candidate for FM band radio when FM broadcasts start phasing out. An extension of the DRM digital radio broadcasting system, DRM+ works in frequency bands over 30 MHz (Band I, II and III), delivering enhanced audio quality and multimedia broadcasts. With DRM+’s growing popularity worldwide, especially in Asia and Latin America, Siano’s SMS2160 offers users in these regions exceptionally high sensitivity and mobility performance in a variety of mobile devices.

 

“We are excited about the prospects of a dedicated DRM+ receiver chip to potentially support India’s massive mobile device market,” said Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chairman and President of the DRM Association. “The nationwide All India Radio (AIR) DRM Rollout Plan will support digital radio broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects, covering 92% of the country and reaching 99% of the population. Making Siano’s SMS2160 receiver chip available to the national effort open to public and commercial broadcasters will open new horizons for quality mobile broadcasts all over India.”

 

The SMS2160 is a highly integrated, small-size (5x5 mm) receiver chip with optional 2-way antenna diversity (MRC) and multiple frequency band support: VHF Band III (174-240 MHz), VHF Band I (47-88 MHz), VHF Band II (88-108 MHz), and L1-Band. Tailored to meet the challenging demands of automotive applications, the chip offers superior mobility algorithms and is environmentally friendly (RoHS and REACH compliant).

 

Samples of the SMS2160 are already in use by select Siano customers including Hirschmann Car Communication, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automobile communications and TV receivers. “The collaboration with Siano provides our customers with high value for their automotive infotainment applications,” said Thomas Adam, Head of Development at Hirschmann Car Communication. “This new Siano receiver chip delivers uncompromised performance and will allow us to expand our global customer base. This is the high level of quality and reliability we have come to depend on from Siano.”

 

Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano, comments, “The increased popularity of DRM+ technology translates into winning partnerships for Siano’s mobile digital TV solutions. Already having several customers such as Hirschmann Car Communication and others, we are confident that this new chip will lead the steadily growing DRM+ market.”

 

About DRM

 

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the only universal, openly standardized digital broadcasting system for all broadcasting frequencies. The DRM standard comprises of two major configurations: ‘DRM30’ intended for broadcasts on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz and providing large coverage areas and low power consumption. The configuration for the VHF bands above 30 MHz is called ‘DRM+’, tailored for local and regional coverage with broadcaster-controlled transmissions. All DRM configurations share the same audio coding, data and multimedia services, service linking, multiplexing and signaling schemes. DRM provides high quality sound combined with a wealth of enhanced features: Surround Sound, Journaline text information, Slideshow, EPG, and data services. For more information and DRM updates please visit www.drm.org or subscribe to DRM news by writing to pressoffice@drm.org. Click here for the Newsletter with all the latest DRM news from around the world.

 

About Siano

 

Siano is the world’s leading supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions. Pioneers of the multi-standard approach, Siano provides high-performance and fast time-to-market digital TV solutions for mobile and consumer electronics, automotive and public transportation device makers and solution/service providers. Siano has close collaborations with global tier-1 makers of tablets, smartphones, car TVs, and electronic accessories such as Nokia, Huawei, ZTE, Sharp and others, as well as service providers including KDDI-au, Softbank, DStv Mobile, and the Mobile Content Venture in the U.S. Headquartered in Israel, Siano has offices in the U.S., China, Korea, and Japan. For more information, visit us at www.siano-ms.com.

 

Contacts

 

Siano

Rose Wolfe, +972-9-8656993

rosew@siano-ms.com

 

(Press Release)

AIR Mangalore gears up for DRM transmissions

Wave of change to hit AIR Mangalore

Ashwani Kumar N K R, Mangalore, Feb 24, 2014, DHNS:

Radio lovers in the nooks and corners of Dakshina Kannada and neighboring districts will no more encounter hisses and buzzes in Akashvani, Mangalore programmes, on Medium Wave. All India Radio, Mangalore, will air its waves in digital mode too, and listeners will be able to receive crystal clear sound even in moving vehicles and remote areas, soon.

More at :

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/388286/wave-change-hit-air-mangalore.html

First DRM + test broadcast in Sweden

DRM+ Enables Step-by-step Digitalization.

Today the first test transmissions with the new digital radio system DRM+ went On-Air in the Stockholm area. The test trial is run with a DRM+ transmitter on the 97.0 MHz FM band with a power of 500 Watts (ERP). The first six months of test trials are made in consultation with the Post- and Telecom Authority in Sweden (PTS). This first phase will create the basis for an initial technical evaluation and a second phase will comprise a more detailed evaluation. 

Digital Radio Sweden (DRS) is a financially independent and politically neutral non-profit organization. The DRS’ objective is to present alternative or complementary technologies to DAB and thus facilitate competent and well-informed policy decision making before switching from analog to digital radio.

The aim of DRS is to increase public awareness of digital radio. Today, the general assumption is that digital radio is synonymous with DAB technology. But digital radio is a common concept for digital distribution technologies for wireless broadcasting of which DAB is just one of four internationally recognized standards. We believe in the importance to invest in technologies that are future-proof and optimal also for small-scale broadcasters such as local commercial or community radio stations.

Furthermore, it is important to efficiently utilize the limited resources of the frequency spectrum. DRS want to safeguard public expenditure and protect consumer interests by promoting efficient spending of public funds (taxes and/or TV licenses).

For more information about Digital Radio Sweden and the Stockholm DRM+ field trials, please contact the board chairman Gunnar Bergvall (+46 708 158800) or for technical matters Lars Liljeryd (+46 707 331102). Also visit www.digitalradiosweden.se

(Press Release)

Decoding radio digital modes without a radio, using WebSDR and fldigi

I'm interested in decoding radio digital modes without actually having a radio. The idea is that by using a web-based software defined radio (to tune in the signals) and the fldigi program (to decode the signals) that I should be able to "listen" to digital modes and start to explore the digital parts of the amateur and broadcast radio bands.

More at :

http://vielmetti.typepad.com/vacuum/2014/02/decoding-radio-digital-modes-without-a-radio-using-websdr-and-fldigi.html

DSWCI AGM - 2014

The Danish SW Clubs International Board has decided, that the next Annual General Meeting will be held in my home at Udbyvej 11, DK 2740 Skovlunde, west of Copenhagen, on Saturday June 14, 2014, from 1400 till about 1700 local

time. Every DSWCI-member is welcome !

There is a cheap, new hotel only 3 kms west of my home. Please check its website with information in Danish and English at http://www.zleephotels.com/hotel/zleep-hotel-ballerup.

You can get the cheapest rooms when booking early and paying online. It is also an excellent basis for your sightseeing in Copenhagen and North Zealand on other days.

After the AGM there will be a joint dinner on a local restaurant at your own expenses.

Please inform me before the end of May, if you will attend this AGM. If you also plan to join our dinner, please tell me with how many persons. My e-mail address is anker.petersen@mail.dk.

(Anker Petersen, DSWCI)

Making Radio future-proof

Swati Kundra, Hindustan Times   February 12, 2014

There was a time when a radio was a must-have in every Indian house. A messenger to the masses, it gave us memorable moments and was the primary source of scoop. For some, listening to it was a morning ritual, and to some it was a companion. With the passage of time, it has, like many other mediums, undergone a sea change, and it continues to evolve in the digital age. But what remains unchanged is its essence.

More at : 

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/making-radio-future-proof/article1-1183031.aspx

Radio Oomrang special transmission today

Special txn today - Radio Oomrang annual transmission

1600-1659 UTC on 15215 kHz via NAU 250 kW / 300 deg to NoAm Frisian dialect+German/Eng on Friday, February 21, 2014.

Radio Oomrang broadcasts once in a year on shortwave in lower German language via facilities of Media Broadcast in Germany. Radio Oomrang announces as "The Free Voice of Frisian People from Amrum island in Germany". Station ID is in english.

About Oomrang :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96%C3%B6mrang

QSL received in 2013

http://alokeshgupta.blogspot.in/2012/02/e-qsl-from-radio-oomrang.html

Radio Thailand to celebrate 84th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Thailand

BANGKOK, 19 February 2014 (NNT) -- The National Broadcasting Station of Thailand (Radio Thailand) will celebrate the 84th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Thailand by holding a series of ceremonies to pay homage to the father of Thai radio broadcasting on Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 at The National Broadcasting Station of Thailand, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

 

Full story at

 

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNSOC5702190010006

BBC World Service to reduce shortwave transmissions as part of savings drive

Peter Horrocks, director of global news, says £15m must be saved to fund new investments over the next three years

The BBC World Service will further reduce its shortwave transmissions next year as part of a £15m savings drive which staff have been warned will be a "real stretch".

More at :

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/feb/19/bbc-world-service-reduce-shortwave-peter-horrocks

Related :

Peter Horrocks: Invest to Innovate - speech to staff

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/speeches/2014/ws-peterhorrocks-staffspeech.html

 

Peter Horrocks announces £8m investment plan for BBC World Service

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/ws-8m-wsinvestmentplan.html

Apple begins international rollout for iTunes Radio, launches in Australia

By Shane Cole

Apple on Monday announced the launch of iTunes Radio in Australia, marking the first time the company's streaming music service has been made available to listeners outside of the United States.

More at :

http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/02/10/apple-begins-international-rollout-for-itunes-radio-launches-in-australia

Broadcast radio strong, Internet radio marches relentlessly forward

BY GORDON MARCY

We can see broadcast radio, as we know it, going strong for a while, but there is a real shift towards Internet radio and streaming. Listeners are becoming comfortable with streaming technology. 38% of Americans listen to audio on digital devices and this number is expected to double by 2015.

I came across a new type of radio – a single radio unit which brings together all radio platforms- that shows just how far we've come. It is called a hybrid 'kitchen radio' and lets listeners browse radio stations regardless of the transmission model. Radioplayer, the non-profit group that developed the prototype is already talking to manufacturers about how to take it to the next stage.

More at :

http://www.gordonmarcy.com/2014/02/broadcast-radio-strong-internet-radio-marches-relentlessly-forward/

New DRM testing in Brazil

New DRM testing in Brazil will begin soon. At this time the "Empresa Brasil de Comunicação - EBC" is testing a 4 kW AM transmitter in 6000 khz, from Brasilia - Distrito Federal. This same transmitter will be used in tests with DRM30 digital radio in Brazil

More details:

Monday to Friday

Transmitter with 4kw power - LEMSA solid

Time of 9:30h to 15:30h (Brasília - 2h UTC) or 11:30h to 17:30h (UTC)

Freq: 6.0Mhz

Mode: AM - PDM

Azimuth of 244 degrees of Brasilia

  

The information can be sent simultaneously to the following emails:

Noe Cesar Santana - noe.cesar@ebc.com.br

Ismar Valley (coordinator transmitters) - ismar.vale@ebc.com.br

__________________

Plataforma Brasileira do Digital Radio Mondiale

www.drm-brasil.org

Amostras de áudio de algumas rádios DRM:

www.zandomenego.com/ataliba/drm

Youtube channel:

www.youtube.com/atalibazf

http://www.drmrx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1972&page=6


----

Good news, EBC (the Brazilian public broadcaster) detailed their plans for the

SW trial.

 

They'll use a Continental Lensa tx at power levels of 4kW, 1kW and 250W with the

antenna at Brasilia beamed to Amazonia (beamed to the north).

 

They made reception prediction using Voacap and the expected coverage with be

the centre and part of the north of Brazil at 4kW.

 

They'll start testing the tx in AM mode in a few days at 6000kHz.

Also, as soon as possible, they'll change the tx crystal to 5990kHz (EBC's Radio

Senado frequency) and install the DRM30 exciter.

; )

 

Best regards,

Rafael Diniz


(Via drmna yg)

TWR India freq change effective 11 February 2014

Freq 7280 kHz (Via Grigoriopol) ( ex 7545)

0030-0100 UTC Monday to Friday
0100-0115 UTC Sunday to Friday
0115-0130 UTC Sunday to Thursday

Bengali 0030-0045 UTC Monday to Friday
Hindi 0100-0115 Sunday has been reduced to 15 Minutes
Bhojpuri 0045-0115 Monday to Friday
Dzonka/Nepali 0115-0130 Sunday to Thursday

New DRM receiver DR212

Thanks to DRM enthusiast Anurag Agarwal, here's the link to pre-order newest DRM receiver from Chengdu Newstar Co. Ltd. in China, going by the features looks promising with multicolor display, 100 memories, emergency warning feature, Jornaline, multi language support (hope it supports Hindi and Urdu unlike DR111) and built in Li-ion re-chargable batteries, eagerly awaiting !

More info at :   http://www.pfs-digitalradio.de/dr212/

Key Features :

- DRM/FM/AM Stereo
- MW/SW/FM Band
- DRM Journaline Data Service
- DRM scrolling text message
- DRM program recording
- DRM AFS
- DRM expert mode
- FM RDS
- Auto scan & manual tuning for DRM/AM/FM
- Unicode character support
- DRM emergency warning
- 100 station memory
- Music playback
- Build in multiple language
- Alarm clock/sleep timer

A New Modulation Method. Really?

New modulation schemes don’t come along very often.  In fact, it has been years…decades really…. since any new modulation method has been invented.  Remember there are only three basic ways a carrier can be modulated:  by varying the amplitude, frequency or phase.  Or some combination of those.  Most of the useful combinations have already been discovered and either ignored or adopted.

Read this interesting story at ...

http://electronicdesign.com/blog/new-modulation-method-really

Unique DRM Benefits Workshop at ABU DBS Symposium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium has a strong presence once again at the ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium (DBS) 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, one of the premier digital events in Asia. ABU is a major promoter of the connected world and, with significant DRM developments underway in Asia, DBS is a key event for the DRM Consortium.

The DRM Workshop “Digital Radio Mondiale, DRM, – Unique Benefits for your Needs”, to be held on Thursday March 6th, will give DRM experts from Consortium members: Ampegon, BBC, Digidia, Fraunhofer iis, and Nautel an opportunity to update participants on the DRM latest technical and marketing developments. They will be available to demonstrate, discuss and answer your questions from 1400 - 1530 in Rooms Safir 1 and 2.

The DRM workshop on March 6th is part of the three-day DBS Symposium which has also scheduled presentations from key DRM Consortium members: Fraunhofer iis, (Alexander Zink) and Digidia (Hermann Zensen) in session 1 on March 5th.  On March 6th, Ampegon (Matthias Stoll) will present in session 5 and Nautel (John Abdnour) in session 7. Lindsay Cornell, (BBC) Chair of the DRM Technical Committee, will take part in the industry panel discussion on the final day (March 7th 11.00 - 1230).

Following the DRM workshop at the Digital Broadcasting Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, the focus of DRM activities will move to the UK. Preparations continue for the DRM General Assembly, “DRM in Action” to be held at the BBC Headquarters in central London on March 26th - 27th. The Consortium intend to make this the most inclusive event in its history, a moment to consider the benefits of DRM and its progress, an affirmation of the power of digital radio.

The first day of the DRM General Assembly (March 26th) will be open to all DRM members and invited guests from the UK and abroad.  To register for the General Assembly events on the 26th March please contact projectoffice@drm.org

--

DRM Consortium

Postal Box 360

1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva

Switzerland

E-Mail: pressoffice@drm.org

Site for DRM: www.drm.org

(Press Release)

Radio project ends, transmission equipment given to SIBC

HONIARA, Solomon Islands --- An emergency radio service project that has helped people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Temotu Province last year has successfully reached its end of project timeframe.

World Vision has formally handed over a 100 watts FM transmission mobile radio unit to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) after the Emergency Radio Service project closed on 24 December 2013.

More at :

http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/solomon-islands/4491/radio-project-ends-transmission-equipment-given-to/

On air, from a home radio shack

Under the light of a 60-Watt bulb in his ‘radio shack’ at his home at Kannanchery here, M. Sanil Deep has travelled the world through his HAM radio for three decades.

 

Mr. Deep, or VU3SIO as he is known in the wireless world, is a lucky man. He has not lost any memory to the vagaries of time. In fact, he can pull them out, one by one, at a moment’s notice from his antique iron boxes, caress, and relive them.

More at :

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/on-air-from-a-home-radio-shack/article5642156.ece

HCJB Global Becomes Reach Beyond

Reach Beyond’s Mission Manifesto articulates renewed passion and purpose in fulfilling the 82-year-old ministry’s efforts to reach the unreached

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – HCJB Global announced that the 82-year-old ministry, founded in Quito, Ecuador, is changing its name to Reach Beyond. The new name and the release of the Reach Beyond Mission Manifesto are intended to encourage and challenge Christians worldwide to reach beyond their comfort zones and perceived limitations to share the love of Jesus in places where the gospel has seldom, if ever been heard.

 

The mission is defined by the tagline, “The Voice and Hands of Jesus. Together.” Through its “voice” ministries, the mission works with partners to use radio and modern media to make the gospel accessible in places where it typically isn’t available.

 

The “hands” ministries of the mission provide much-needed healthcare service in places where even common medical help isn’t readily available. Reach Beyond “hands” ministries takes many forms including mobile community healthcare clinics, counseling centers in war torn areas, clean water projects and general hygiene training, all with an emphasis on demonstrating the love of Jesus to recipients of the care.

 

Reach Beyond also values partnership with local Christians, churches and ministry partners as its core way of operating, signified by the word “together” in its tagline.

 

“For more than 80 years our missionaries and partners have boldly been going to places where people have never had the opportunity to experience the love of God,” said Wayne Pederson, President and CEO of Reach Beyond. “But now is the time to accelerate and multiply those efforts. Through the use of modern media and healthcare we work arm in arm with partners to show people that a relationship with Jesus Christ can change their lives forever.”

 

The “Reach Beyond Manifesto” challenges believers to reach beyond borders and their own comfort level in an effort to accomplish the Great Commission. It serves as a declaration for how the renamed Reach Beyond wants to invest its time and efforts in making Christ known to the ends of the earth. It’s also a call — and a challenge — for other Christians to recommit themselves to the same effort.

 

To read and sign the Manifesto, visit www.reachbeyond.org

 

“With all the technology, knowledge and experience available to us today, there is no reason why we can’t make Christ known to everyone on the planet,” said Pederson. “We hope the ‘Reach Beyond Manifesto’ causes all like-minded Christians to renew their commitment to demonstrate God’s love as His ‘voice’ and ‘hands.’”

 

Founded in 1931 as World Radio Missionary Fellowship Inc., Reach Beyond has focused on making disciples of Christ around the world. With ministries in more than 100 countries, Reach Beyond equips partners to air Christian content in more than 120 languages and dialects. The name change also reflects the ministry’s ongoing international focus and commitment to reach areas where less than 2 percent of the population is Christian.

 

“Adaptability has always been a strength of the mission,” said Curt Cole, Executive Vice President of International Ministries. “When the best model was to own a large hospital or broadcast over shortwave radio, the mission leveraged those strengths. Today, technology and the world are changing, and we are adapting. That’s why we place such a high premium on partnerships with local Christians. They know their own culture and needs far better than we do. If the need is for a small, community healthcare clinic or a local FM radio station, we’re committed to equipping the people with all the resources they need to reach their own people in their own culture.”

 

HCJB Global’s “Beyond the Call” radio program, on more than 1,000 stations around the U.S., will now be called “Reach Beyond.”

 

“The new name is much more than a brand change,” Pederson said. “Reach Beyond is a reflection of our ministry DNA. It’s about doing whatever is necessary to reach those who have never heard the name of Jesus. In essence, it’s a call to Christians to reach beyond their comfort zones and challenges them to actively participate in making Christ known among the nations.”

 

The organization hopes the “Reach Beyond Manifesto” will serve as a call to action for Christians to focus their attention and efforts on those areas of the world where Christ has yet to be proclaimed.

“We hear it every generation, but perhaps it’s more true now than ever,” Pederson said. “We are at a pivotal time in our history. We have the means and ability to spread the message of Jesus to everyone who is alive today. We can accomplish this by renewing our commitment and reorganizing our priorities. Reach Beyond wants to be on the forefront of this new gospel era and encourage others to join us in making Christ known in every country, city, village and community around the globe.”

 

For 82 years the passion of Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global) (www.reachbeyond.org) has been to make disciples of Christ. Using mass media, healthcare and partnership around the world, HCJB Global has ministries in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers.

(Press Release)