DRM on Air to celebrate 100 years of Radio in Hungary

On December 1st Hungary will celebrate the centenary of its regular radio broadcasting. There will be official events to mark the occasion, accompanied by a DRM transmission on the day.

Currently there are no digital radio services on air in Hungary. For one day only, in honour of the engineers and technicians who embraced the cause of radio broadcasting in the past century, a DRM programme will be aired. It will carry a test audio stream and a short Journaline text service to showcase the benefits of DRM digital radio. This demonstration will take place after four years after the last major DRM campaign in Hungary in 2021.

This time the transmission will be delivered in co-operation with Fraunhofer IIS, 4iG Műsorszóró Infrastruktúra Kft. (the Hungarian broadcasting company) and the DRM Consortium's Associate Member, SZOMEL Kft.

As this is a 100-year anniversary, the transmitted power will be 100 W on 26060 kHz (the frequency might be subject to change). Although this is a relatively small transmitter power, the signal could be received in countries surrounding Hungary, and even in some areas of Germany and the Netherlands, as it happened in 2021.

More details will follow next month.

(Source : DRM Consortium)

CML Micro Expands DRM1000 broadcast receiver module with integrated Journaline availability and first customer starts mass production in India

CML Micro Expands DRM1000 broadcast receiver module with integrated Journaline availability and first customer starts mass production in India

11 September 2025

Feature-complete firmware simplifies deployment and unlocks advanced services for digital radio receivers across the world

CML Micro Systems, a leading developer of mixed-signal, RF, and microwave semiconductors for global communications markets, announces a major feature expansion for its flagship DRM1000 broadcast receiver module. The full production firmware release now includes as standard, easy access to the Journaline® advanced text application data, developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS. In addition to this feature enhancement, CML Micro and Fraunhofer IIS have agreed that the DRM1000 will include a license to use the unique IP that underpins the Journaline specification.

This upgrade makes the DRM1000 a turnkey, production-ready solution for consumer digital radio manufacturers; with key audio and multimedia decoding capabilities included. In addition, data access, and IP license provisions made ready out of the box, enable faster, more cost-effective deployment of digital radio receivers worldwide without impacting the overall cost for manufacturers.

"Our goal has always been to make digital radio deployment simpler, faster and more cost-effective for manufacturers," said Matthew Phillips, Product Line Director for Broadcast and Maritime, at CML Micro. "By including easy Journaline data access, and IP licensing as part of the DRM1000, we eliminate any IP related hassles and deliver a complete, ready-to-ship platform to our customers around the world and to the 'BRICS and the Global South' countries in particular; where DRM radio broadcasting is now the most widely adopted mass market standard."

Journaline is the internationally standardised text information service for Digital Radio Mondale (DRM) and Digital Audio Broadcasts (DAB+). Delivered alongside live audio or as a stand-alone data application, it offers structured and convenient access to multilingual, graphics-enhanced news, sports, weather, flight updates, programme information, and even radio-based schooling for pupils in remote areas, directly to any Journaline-enabled radio, without needing Internet access. Moreover, Journaline is a key part of DRM's Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF), which is attracting strong interest from broadcasters and governments worldwide.

"We are delighted to partner with CML Micro to integrate Journaline functionality with ready-to-deploy content access into the DRM1000 platform, with technology royalties being taken care of for the radio set manufacturers. This makes it easier for manufacturers to deliver innovative and compelling digital radio services and receiver solutions to listeners worldwide. We look forward to a fruitful long-term relationship that will benefit all parties", says Alexander Zink, Chief Business Development Manager for Digital Radio and Broadcast Applications at Fraunhofer IIS.

The new DRM1000 firmware release has already gained traction with customers. Solar Grove Solutions in collaboration with Alongside Tech LLC has selected the DRM1000 as the heart of its N88 Portable Radio, manufactured in India for national and international markets. India represents the world's largest DRM broadcast deployment to date and the N88 will be available through a network of channel partners and distributors across the region.

"Alongside Tech, LLC is thrilled about the upcoming launch of the N88 Portable DRM Radio," says Douglas Gregson, Founder, Alongside Tech, LLC. "This affordable and efficient device is a game-changer for the radio industry, providing a much-needed, straightforward way to deliver DRM audio, emergency warnings, and e-learning media and we believe this product is perfectly positioned to enable broadcasters to make the transition from analogue to digital radio."

"The N88 isn't just a device, it's a mission and we believe learning and vital information should not be limited by geography or infrastructure," said Joel Templeton, CEO for Solar Grove Solutions. "This device is a testament to what's possible when purpose-driven design meets global collaboration. We're thrilled to bring the N88 to the world."

The N88 Radio will be commercially available from October 2025. To mark these exciting developments, Matthew Philips will be supporting a series of events organised by the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium, at IBC from 12 – 19 September in Amsterdam. This will include an event at the Fraunhofer IIS booth in Hall 8, booth 80 on 13 September at 16:00.  To arrange to see a live demonstration of the DRM1000 during the IBC event please get in touch.

(Press Release)

Picture courtesy Solar Grove Solutions

An IBC Invitation from DRM Chairman

An IBC Invitation from DRM Chairman

September 1, 2025

The recent DRM news from China, Indonesia, Nigeria and so many other countries across the continents have increased the interest and number of questions we have received recently from a lot of you. Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium (www.drm.org) specialists will try to answer some of these, share updates and make important announcements during its impactful, in-person presence at IBC 2025 (ibc.org), Amsterdam, the Netherlands (12th-15th September).

As the DRM Chairman, together with colleagues present in Amsterdam, I would like to invite you to Hall 8, RAI, over three days (12th, 13th and 14th September) to get and share your news during three events. These will focus on recent announcement (like digital radio decisions announced in China) receivers (latest updated versions and a new DRM-DAB app), additional services, and benefits of the standard and its distribution on all frequency bands including VHF band III.

On September 12th, the DRM Consortium will look at the latest on receivers and receiver solutions in a session hosted at the Starwaves (receivers) booth (1600-1730), part of the German Pavilion.

The next day,  September 13th, Fraunhofer IIS invites all those interested in digital radio to stop and join them at 1600-1730 to get the latest developments, like the R8 release of the DRM ContentServer technology and potentially an important industry cooperation project on the receiver side.

In the afternoon of Sunday 14th, DRM will recap all its new announcements at the Nautel booth event.

I think that at IBC we will illustrate very concretely how DRM can enable the terrestrial, one-for-all broadcast of rich content in very good audio quality. This excellent audio in all frequency bands is also accompanied by versatile multimedia. DRM is more than good audio as it can also save lives through its emergency warnings (EWF) and deliver e-learning to everyone even in the furthest corners of a country or continent. In an unstable world DRM responds to the needs of now as it is robust, open to all, saves energy and spectrum and ensures full-country coverage.

If you want to join the DRM events in person and meet me and my colleagues, come to our events, and contact us at: projectoffice@drm.org

If you want the latest on the DRM at IBC 2025 go to: www.drm.org/ibc-2025/

(Press Release)

New NGA-601 DRM/AM/FM Receiver

Picture courtesy https://www.newgleecorp.com

Chengdu Newglee Technology Co. Ltd., from Chengdu, China has introduced a new DRM receiver NGA-601. Designed for professional use, it has several innovative features including 3.5" IPS color touch screen & geo tagged reception log. The product is not ready for retail yet & will go into mass production very soon.

Further details available at : 

https://www.newgleecorp.com/products/nga-601-drm-am-fm-receiver/

Enquiries to : Cathy Gu, Marketing Manager gujx@newgleecorp.com

China National Radio (CNR) A25 in DRM Mode

China National Radio (CNR) A25 in DRM Mode

2200 - 0100 UTC 9655 kHz
0100 - 0400 UTC 15180 kHz
0100 - 0800 UTC 17830 kHz
0100 - 0900 UTC 13825 kHz
0100 - 0900 UTC 17770 kHz
0400 - 1100 UTC 13810 kHz
0800 - 1200 UTC 9655 kHz

CRI introduces 8 hours of DRM transmission on SW

CRI ( China Radio International) has introduced 8 hours of test transmissions on shortwave in DRM mode beginning with A25 season.
The name of the program is "Beijing Dialect"

Frequency schedule as per below :

China Radio International (CRI) DRM A25

0100-0200 UTC 13730 kHz
0200-0300  UTC 15670 kHz
0300-0400  UTC 15590 kHz
0400-0500  UTC 15640 kHz
0500-0600  UTC 15720 kHz
0600-0700  UTC 15630 kHz
0700-0800 UTC 15720 kHz
0800-0900 UTC 13730 kHz

Affordable all band DRM/Analog receiver to be manufactured in India

SOLAR GROVE SOLUTIONS, a leading innovator in consumer electronics based in Florida, USA, known for making accessible devices, has just announced the commencement of manufacturing its All-Band (MW, SW, VHF) Analog and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) receiver model N88 in India. This is a significant step towards delivering cutting-edge technology at accessible prices to a global audience.

The N88 is developed in close collaboration with CML Microcircuits (UK) Ltd, renowned for their expertise in mixed-signal integrated circuits, and Alongside Tech, LLC (USA) that is providing design and application development. Douglas Gregson from Alongside Tech, a recent member of the DRM consortium, says that "this revolutionary radio boasts four key, game-changing differentiating features. They are: small size, low power consumption, as N88 it extends the 3x AA battery life, low cost and seamless integration with a dedicated Android app opening the way to data applications and additional features.

"We are incredibly excited to bring this innovative DRM radio to market, manufactured right here in India," said Mr. Templeton, CEO of SOLAR GROVE SOLUTIONS. "This project is a testament to the power of international collaboration, combining the expertise of CML Microcircuits and Alongside Tech with SOLAR GROVE SOLUTIONS' commitment to delivering exceptional products at accessible prices. Our partnership with SHEMISH GROVE SOLUTIONS INDIA PVT LTD, our affiliated company in India, has been instrumental in making this vision a reality."

For the DRM chairman N88 is "the kind of product made in India for Indians. It is thus fulfilling the DRM Consortium vision of offering a new kind of digital radio services at affordable prices, in line with the policy, ambition and tastes of each individual country adopting DRM."

(Source : Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium)

For more info about Digital Radio Mondiale www.drm.org

 

Revised schedule of "Voice of China" DRM test tranmission

"Voice of China"(CNR 1), 6030(Beijing), 7360(Qiqihar), 9420(Qiqihar), 9870(Qiqihar), 11695(Dongfang) kHz frequencies will be no longer used from June 1, 2024. After 1st June, 2024. 

3 irregular new frequencies 6180(Beijing 30kW 0deg), 15760(Qiqihar 30kW 225deg), 21530(Dongfang 30kW 341deg)kHz will be added.

The whole test schedule will be as follows. Power all 30kW.

Beijing      0100-0900 13825 175deg ID=0

                1000-1600(irregular)  6180 0deg noID

Dongfang  2200-1700(irregular) 21530 341deg noID

                  0100-0900 17770 16deg ID=27FA

Kunming   0100-0400 15180 32deg ID=2

                0400-1100 13810 32deg ID=2

Qiqihar    2100-1700(irregular) 15760 225deg noID

Urumqi   2200-0100 9655 98deg ID=3EC

               0100-0800 17830 98deg ID=3EC

               0800-1200 9655 98deg ID=3EC

Email id for reception reports   : <drmrtprc @ 163.com>

Original article is at https://cahcn.github.io/posts/2024-05-31-cnr-drm.html and https://cahcn.github.io/drm/

(Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan via WOR List)

 

CML Micro release the world’s lowest-cost Digital Radio Mondiale Broadcast Receiver module

CML Micro release the world's lowest-cost Digital Radio Mondiale Broadcast Receiver module

18 September 2023

IBC Amsterdam 2023 – 16th September 2023 – DRM Consortium Showcase Event

CML Microcircuits (CML Micro) has announced at the IBC 2023 DRM Showcase Event, the full release of the world's lowest-cost, lowest power, and smallest sized Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) broadcast receiver module (DRM1000). DRM is the world's leading digital radio broadcast standard able to provide rich, high quality digital content over vast areas using medium-wave (MW) and short-wave (SW). In addition to high-capacity local broadcasting at Very High Frequencies (VHF).

The DRM1000 is a complete 'antenna to speaker' module, containing all hardware, software, IP and patent licenses required for a radio equipment manufacturer to easily realize a dual mode (digital and analogue) DRM capable receiver.

The module offers a 60% cost reduction and 80% power reduction over existing DRM technologies in the market. The device can run effectively from solar or wind-up rechargeable batteries: in addition to small primary cells. Low power operation directly improves accessibility to vital educational and public digital radio services across many emerging nations and opens the great features of DRM to many millions of potential listeners around the world.

In offering the DRM1000, CML Micro wish to enable their customers to design a complete DRM /AM /FM broadcast receiver solution, which is attractive, highly featured and accessible for all. The module allows these innovative receivers to be manufactured locally in emerging nations in addition to traditional technology manufacturing locations.

In addition to announcing the availability of the DRM1000; CML Micro is also proud to announce that the device has been adopted by Gospell Digital Technology Ltd for two new DRM portable radio families to be shown for the first time at the IBC 2023 DRM Showcase Event.

Haochun Liu, Head of Research and Development at Gospell, said: "At Gospell, we've always held a steadfast belief in the pivotal role that the accessibility and ubiquity of DRM radios play in enabling people to access high-quality information. This unwavering commitment has driven us over the years to design and manufacture user friendly DRM receivers, constantly pushing the boundaries to make them more accessible and attainable for all. The introduction of the DRM1000 module, with its impressive low-power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and high performance, has been a game-changer. We are truly honored to collaborate with CML Micro in launching two groundbreaking DRM receivers based on the DRM1000 module, namely the GR-220 and GR-221. We're confident that our combined efforts will not only deliver unparalleled value to people but also pave the way for the next chapter in DRM technology."

One third of the world's population remains without an internet connection. Many millions of people will benefit from widespread DRM adoption. Increasing access to DRM enhances public services in remote areas, or where an internet connection is very expensive. This includes a disaster and early warning service that can be used in the event of interruption to communications caused by natural disasters.

CML Micro's VP of Global Marketing, Matthew Phillips, said: "The benefits of DRM are already being enjoyed by listeners in the Indian market with 70% of the population covered by DRM broadcast services and 6 million new cars already fitted with DRM capable receivers.  We believe the market for DRM capable receivers is set for significant growth over the coming years. The DRM1000 provides an ideal platform to serve this emerging market with low cost, battery-powered portable receivers sold in millions of units."

DRM in the medium-wave or short-wave band delivers FM-like quality to listeners spread over many thousands of square miles, from a single transmitter. This makes DRM the optimum digital radio solution for emerging nations. DRM uses existing long-, medium-, short-wave and very-high frequency (LW, MW, SW and VHF) radio frequency bands, operating seamlessly alongside current analogue services.

About CML Microcircuits (CML Micro)

CML Micro is a world-leader in the design, development and supply of mixed-signal, RF and microwave semiconductors for global communications markets..

CML Micro offer a wide range of products, including mmWave MMICs, RF transceivers, baseband processors, data controllers, and interface devices, which are used in various applications such as Critical Communications, Satellite and Network Infrastructure.

Our expertise lies in delivering high-performance IC solutions that enable efficient and reliable data transfer, signal processing, and system integration. Our portfolio provides components supporting both RF and baseband functionality, encompassing both leading edge digital and legacy analogue systems.

CML Microcircuits is a member of the CML Microsystems Plc. Group of companies.

CML Microcircuits contacts:

Jessica Hickman

Marketing and Communications Officer

Email: jhickman@cmlmicro.com

Telephone: +44 (0)1621 875500

Matthew Phillips

VP Marketing

Email: mphillips@cmlmicro.com

Telephone: +44(0)1621 875500

Source : https://cmlmicro.com

DRM Digital Radio, as a complete Digital Platform offers Its congratulations to UNESCO on World Radio Day

On World Radio Day, the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium wishes UNESCO, the founder of the United Nations Radio in 1946, many decades of successes in  promoting the free-to-air radio as a universal way of informing and promoting peace to all citizens of the world with enhanced and relevant content enabled by state-of-the art digital broadcast technologies.

The DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) works closely with global radio associations and broadcasters, founders of this prestigious annual event, towards the progress of digital  radio, specifically DRM, a medium that can reach all citizens of a country, even of an entire continent, regardless of where they live. When information is needed in the furthest corners of the world, DRM is there with news, information and, if needed, disaster warnings (ewf.drm.org).

DRM is also engaged in proving that digital radio can deliver distance schooling and information, being the premises of education and peace all over the world. The DRM is an open, accessible, and flexible standard that has been widely demonstrated globally in all frequency bands. It is a digital platform that saves energy (between 50-90% depending on the bands used) and as such it is increasingly attractive to many broadcasters around the globe (energyeffciency.drm.org).

Large countries, like India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, China, etc. either started rolling out the standard both in the AM and FM bands or are working on their plans to implement it, while cheaper and more affordable receiver solutions are being devised continuously.

All chip manufacturers have included DRM in their products, therefore many more receiver manufacturers, OEMs for cars, are preparing to produce DRM radios. Some of the DRM successes will be showcased in India this week.

https://tinyurl.com/m2es62zz

DRM Digital Radio “Saves Lives and Keeps Radio in Business” – the Complete DRM Offer at the BES Expo, India

DRM Digital Radio "Saves Lives and Keeps Radio in Business" – the Complete DRM Offer at the BES Event in India, 16-18 February

The Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) Consortium and a number of its members will take part with better and more attractive exhibits, demonstrations and presentations than ever – in the International show of the Broadcast Engineering Society (BES – www.besindia.co.in) Exhibition and Conference on 'Broadcast & Media Technology' being held at Pragati

Maidan, New Delhi 110002, India on 16-18 February 2023.

At the BES Conference and Exhibition, the DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) will highlight its recent achievements under the overarching theme "DRM Saves Lives and Keeps Radio in Business". 

The DRM Consortium and some of its key members and partners, including Indian companies like Inntot Technologies, Mobis-Hyundai and OptM, and international ones like Ampegon, CML Microcircuits/Cambridge Consultants, Fraunhofer IIS, Gospell Digital Technologies, RFmondial and Starwaves, will welcome all visitors at Hall 7 – Booths 26 and 28 and in the conference hall.

The DRM Consortium will demonstrate the great audio and data transmission qualities of the DRM standard in both AM and FM bands. The exceptional energy and spectrum savings obtained by using one transmitter and one antenna to deliver up to 18 audio programmes plus up to 6 dedicated Journaline text services on DRM in FM band will be

demonstrated with the help of RFmondial and Fraunhofer IIS on mobile devices, standalone and car receivers. Thus, visitors will be able to directly experience the multi-channel capability of DRM in FM band without it affecting existing analogue FM signals. And some of its key benefits such as the delivery of emergency warnings (DRM EWF – Emergency Warning Functionality, an integral part of the DRM standard) with audio and Journaline text in the desired languages and also available to the visually or hearing impaired. This functionality can be also used to deliver via DRM distance education without any Internet connection.

The DRM Public Signage feature, so useful in day-to-day activities and emergency situations, will also be presented at the DRM booths.

Naturally, receivers will take a prime position at BES. CML Microcircuits will introduce their new energy-efficient and very affordable DRM receiver module that would give a new impetus to the digital DRM receiver industry in India and elsewhere. More details on this will be provided during the first day of the conference and will also feature in the first

"DRM Hotspot 1" session scheduled for Friday 17th at 1100.

The second "DRM Hotspot 2" session will be on the same day at 1500. It will honour the great efforts of one of the Indian experts leading a DRM publicity campaign aimed at the thriving Indian automotive industry; exemplified at the DRM booth will be Mobis-Hyundai and its car receiver solution.

Inntot Technologies, an award-winning Indian receiver manufacturer, invites you to Booth 28 to see its high performing and less CPU consuming standalone DRM receiver solution in FM band, as well as its DRM in FM band solution in mobile phones. Inntot's DRM receiver solution in AM band, already deployed in India, is easily upgradable for DRM reception in the FM band. 

The Starwaves receiver manufacturer is going to launch its brand-new digital tuner module Warp-3 which can be supplied with or without Wifi/Bluetooth chipset and can make the received DRM content available through its built-in Wifi hotspot. Starwaves will also show its new desktop receiver W2401.

Another receiver manufacturer, Gospell Technologies, will display its pocket size receivers, alongside other existing desktop and car aftermarket models, which have already been favourably reviewed by users worldwide. 

For the DRM Consortium Chairman, Ruxandra Obreja, BES is the first opportunity to return, after three years, to India "with new receiver solutions, answers for the energy and spectrum savings required today, and with a clear vision for the future of DRM in India, where this standard is already rolled out. Logically, the DRM standard should be expanded immediately to include the FM band in India. The focus at BES on DRM receivers in all bands will be evident. It will be also underlined by the cooperation between some of our members, like CML Microcircuits and Fraunhofer IIS, to deliver very soon digital radio enjoyment through mobiles. We hope the visitors will appreciate the great progress made by the DRM Consortium members in the last three years and will want to join it in its effort to help create a digital India for all."

About DRM

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the universal, openly standardised digital radio system for all broadcasting frequencies and coverage needs.

DRM on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz provides for the efficient coverage in large areas with at least FM quality, while significantly reducing power consumption. DRM in the FM & VHF bands above 30 MHz enables flexible local and regional broadcaster-controlled services, with up to 3 stereo audio programmes plus multimedia components in half the bandwidth of a single analogue FM signal.

Advanced radio functionality thanks to DRM comprises: More services based on the highly efficient audio codec MPEG xHE-AAC and free-to-air Journaline multi-lingual text information, detailed service signalling, service linking (including to analogue AM/FM services) and DRM EWF – Emergency Warning Functionality. Enhanced DRM features include native Unicode support, station logos via SPI, Slideshow images and traffic and travel information.

The DRM Consortium was awarded by ITU for its outstanding contribution to the Telecommunications sector over the past years and has signed the EBU Smart Radio Memorandum that promotes access to free to air radio on all devices. 

For more information and DRM updates please visit www.drm.org or subscribe to DRM news by writing to pressoffice@drm.org

Go to newsletter.drm.org to subscribe to the general DRM newsletter or the special India Noticeboard with all the latest DRM news.

Watch the latest DRM video: videos.drm.org

Minimum Receiver Requirements for DRM Receivers - Updated 31st Oct '22

Minimum Receiver Requirements for DRM Receivers 

Version 4.2 

Updated - 31st October 2022  

Download here : https://www.drm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/MRR_v4.2.pdf

Claudius Obrecht DRM transmission to Asia - 4th Nov (Fri)

Claudius Obrecht DRM transmission towards Asia: 

Date : 4th Nov 2022 (Fri) 

Time : 1900 to 2000 UTC 

Frequency : 11710 kHz 

Reception reports to : c.obrecht at swissonline dot ch

Claudius Obrecht DRM test to Asia today (1st Nov)

Claudius Obrecht new shortwave DRM test towards Asia today (1st Nov, 2022) :

1900 to 1930 UTC on 11710 kHz

Reception reports to : c.obrecht at swissonline dot ch

DRM Digital Radio – at the Forefront of FM Broadcasting

A live event was organised by Indian and international hosts in New Delhi on 21st July 2022. Among the participants were the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI), five leading private broadcasters in India, representatives of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), Micromax – the Cellphone manufacturer, NXP,  Technomedia Solutions Private Ltd and Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd (BECIL) – the broadcast system integrators, Inntot Technologies Pvt Ltd – the Indian DRM receiver manufacturer, OptM Media Solutions Pvt Ltd – the broadcast solution provider, and the DRM Consortium.

The participants were reminded that the global, open, and all-band DRM standard, offers full broadcaster independence allowing broadcasters the freedom to broadcast any content without any fees.There is also no revenue cut, as all technical details are openly standardised. And no technology license is needed to implement products and solutions of DRM.

DRM is most efficient in terms of spectrum usage as one DRM block requires about 100 kHz (half the bandwidth of analogue FM) for 4 services (up to 3 audio and 1 multimedia). DRM FM allows for simulcasting DRM FM and FM analogue from the same transmitter without the need of replacing an existing FM transmitter. Each block can represent one single broadcaster who has full control of the spectrum and content. The participants explored together the three ways of possible DRM FM introduction in India: broadcast of up to 18 audio services in DRM digital from a single FM transmitter, broadcast up to 12 audio services in DRM digital along with a service in analogue and broadcast of up to 15 audio services in DRM digital in the white space between the two analogue FM transmitters.

Broadcast of multimedia content along with the digital audio services was demonstrated, including DRM's Journaline advanced text application with support for all Indian scripts through Unicode. DRM standalone receivers as well as car radios already available in the Indian market for the reception in the DRM in the MW band, have been proven to be software-upgradable (without any hardware changes) to receive DRM in FM band, too. DRM's efficient digital transmission results in huge savings in transmission power and thus distribution costs. Only about one-tenth power of DRM transmitter is sufficient in digital to deliver same coverage as existing analogue transmissions.

India is the world's largest digital radio deployment by All India Radio (AIR) with 39 transmitters (35 MW and 4 SW). AIR is also providing some exclusive radio broadcast content (24-hour News), multilingual Journaline information and has tested DRM for Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) signals. DRM digital signals in India today can reach over 900 million people when all the installed transmitters work in full digital operation. Over 5 million cars on the Indian roads or 30% of new cars (from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota, MG Hector and Mercedes Benz) have already DRM radio reception facility – at no extra cost to buyers. The Starwaves DRM SoftRadio app is now available in various Android app stores to upgrade existing phones for DRM reception, and that Gospell, Starwaves, Inntot and many other DRM desktop receiver manufacturers are coming up with various standalone DRM receivers.

During the New Delhi event participants enjoyed a live transmission on many standalone receivers, a car radio, Android mobile phones and tablets.

Reception of DRM FM in a car parked outside the venue was also demonstrated. The participants took a keen interest in the presentations,  demonstrations, and the discussions. They got a very good opportunity to debate not only how the DRM system can maintain the established

FM environment but also how it defines and advances the future of FM broadcasting by creating whole new revenue sources besides audio-ads while enabling targeted broadcasting with an overall audience increase, as well as cutting distribution costs significantly.

Involving commercial broadcasters in practical demonstrations of sharing same infrastructure and introducing DRM at reduced spectrum and energy use, while giving receiver manufacturers a chance to develop new solutions, will be the next step in digitising the FM broadcast and firmly establishing it as a core medium of India in the 21st century. 

About DRM

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the universal, openly standardised digital radio system for all broadcasting frequencies and coverage needs.

DRM on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz provides for the efficient coverage in large areas with at least FM quality, while significantly reducing power consumption. DRM in the FM & VHF bands above 30 MHz enables flexible local and regional broadcaster-controlled services, with up to 3 stereo audio programmes plus multimedia compon

ents in half the bandwidth of a single analogue FM signal. 

Advanced radio functionality thanks to DRM comprises: More services based on the highly efficient audio codec MPEG xHE-AAC and free-to-air Journaline multi-lingual text information, detailed  service signalling, service linking (including to analogue AM/FM services) and DRM EWF – Emergency Warning Functionality. Enhanced DRM features include native Unicode support, station logos via SPI, Slideshow images and traffic and travel information. 

(Press Release)

KTWR mid-season schedule changes

Due to requests for later broadcasts, improved propagation, and the addition of a program, KTWR is changing its DRM broadcast schedule effective 3rd July, 2022.

KTWR Digital Broadcasts
DRM broadcasts (Effective 3rd July 2022):

Day     Time(UTC) Frequency Coverage Area Language

---------------------------------------------------
Saturday 1100-1127 12000 kHz China English
Saturday 1128-1230  9910 kHz Japan Japanese, English 

Mon-Fri  1215-1245  9910 kHz China Mandarin

Sunday   1500-1545 15205 kHz India English
Sunday   1600-1630 15390 kHz India South Indian languages

(Mike Sabin, KTWR)

South African DRM group relaunches to facilitate progress in radio digitisation

The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium announces the relaunch of the South African DRM Group on March 24th during an Update and Launch virtual event.

The evaluation and demonstration of the various digital audio broadcasting standards started in South Africa over 20 years ago.

In 2014 the DRM Consortium established a Southern Africa Platform led by the Managing Director of Radio Pulpit, as this community station took the initiative and conducted a successful DRM for AM (mediumwave) trial.

This was followed by the successful DRM in FM trial of Kofifi FM 97.2 by Wecodec, a community radio station in Westbury/Johannesburg supported by South African organisations and Consortium members. The trial report has been accepted as an ITU document to be published imminently.

In 2020 great progress was made when the South African government issued its radio digitisation policy direction announcing DRM and DAB+ as its preferred digital sound broadcasting (DSB) standards. A draft licensing framework was issued for public comment by the SA regulator (ICASA) in November 2020. The SA DRM group is ready to support ICASA in establishing digitised radio by making best use of spectrum, infrastructure and applications.

The relaunched SA DRM group has the big task of advocating the use of DRM as the preferred standard in the country and industry so that the entire South African population can benefit from the great advantages of the standard.   There is still a need for universal access to information and education to each citizen, including the 11 million disabled people; a thirst for connection and betterment; and the necessity for job creation, especially amongst the youth.

The next stage for the industry is the implementation of digital radio. The SA DRM group will be the credible authority that will create awareness of DRM to the general public, stakeholders, suppliers, manufacturers, automotive, retailers and all government entities.

Having opted for a two-standard solution, South Africa has the historic chance to lead the way in radio digitisation, becoming an example and an exporter to the whole continent and the world.

The DRM Consortium is very supportive of the SA DRM group and, as the DRM Chairman, Ruxandra Obreja, noted: "this is a great moment for the rollout of radio digitisation in South Africa and we have faith and great hopes of the work of all the SA DRM group members and supporters, all those who want DRM to flourish and meet the needs of all South Africans. The relaunched SA DRM group will build and improve on previous successes and will give the country a lasting legacy. We wish all the members lots of success!"

The South African DRM Group will join the ranks of other DRM national platforms (in Germany, India, Brazil) engaged in pushing the rollout of the DRM standard across not only the BRICS countries but also the whole world. The relaunched SA DRM Group is led by a strong interim Board comprising of learned and experienced business people from the radio sector.

For more information on DRM and how to get involved in the work of the DRM please go to: www.drm.org or contact us on: projectoffice@drm.org

(Press Release)

Update on DRM receivers

DRM Consortium has released an update on DRM receivers, download the leaflet here

https://www.drm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DRM-Radio-Receivers-leaflet-2021-March.pdf