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)

Audio Codec xHE-AAC at No Additional Cost to Boost DRM Receiver Industry

The DRM Consortium welcomes the announcement made by Via Licensing Corporation, a leading world-wide intellectual property solutions provider, of the highly efficient MPEG xHE-AAC audio codec (Extended High Efficiency AAC) to become in effect a default feature of the widely popular Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) patent pool. Through this announcement, Via and AAC licensors are taking steps to encourage and accelerate the adoption of xHE-AAC, the most recent and advanced member of the AAC family of audio codecs.

The MPEG xHE-AAC audio codec is a mandatory feature of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard. It is currently in use on DRM transmissions across the globe. Applications for MPEG xHE-AAC also include streaming over mobile and wired networks and terrestrial radio.

By making xHE-AAC available as part of its AAC patent pool, Via grants licensees access to xHE-AAC rights at no additional cost, and reduces average per-unit cost through greater volume aggregation across all AAC related products. In addition, DRM receiver manufacturers deploying the xHE-AAC technology will be able to benefit from special rates for emerging markets formerly only available to AAC licensors, including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, most African countries incl. South Africa, most Arab countries, most South American countries incl. Brazil, etc. More information on Via's "Alternative Rate Structure" offer for the AAC patent pool is available at www.via-corp.com/us/en/licensing/aac/licensefees-structures.html.

According to Via, the expanded AAC patent pool license including xHE-AAC will be available to licensees starting in the last quarter of 2017.

xHE-AAC combines two MPEG technologies, High Efficiency AAC v2, and Unified Speech and Audio Coding (USAC). It is designed to support the delivery of mixed speech and general audio content including music on mobile devices, radio broadcasts, and wired streaming services. xHE-AAC provides exceptional audio quality using low bit rates delivering a listening experience suitable for mobile devices, and can scale-up to offer audiophile-quality reproduction. The reduced bit rate helps broadcasters and mobile streaming audio providers distribute their content more efficiently. Consumers can enjoy high quality audio reproduction at lower bit rates, which reduces their mobile data consumption and costs.

"The addition of xHE-AAC technology increases the value of our AAC patent pool license," said Joe Siino, President of Via Licensing. "Adding xHE-AAC to our patent pool ensures that broadcasters and service providers can deliver the next generation of audio to consumers efficiently and affordably."

For Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Consortium Chairman, "this is a breakthrough initiative for the DRM receiver availability as it gives an extra boost to digital receiver manufacturing. The global receiver industry can now be confident that there are no extra costs but rather great cost savings in many relevant countries for manufacturing DRM or even multi-standard DRM/DAB+ receivers."

About DRM

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

The DRM standard comprises two major configurations: One is intended for broadcasts on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz and providing large coverage areas and low power consumption with better-than-FM quality services. The configuration for the VHF bands above 30 MHz including the FM band is tailored for local and regional coverage with broadcaster-controlled transmissions and provides stereo services up to Surround Sound.

All DRM configurations share the same audio coding, data and multimedia services, service linking, multiplexing and signalling schemes.  DRM provides high quality sound combined with a wealth of enhanced features: Journaline text information, Slideshow, EPG, and data services.

The DRM Consortium was awarded by ITU for it outstanding contribution to the Telecommunications 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.  Click here for the Newsletter with all the latest DRM news from around the world.

About Vialicensing Corporation

Via Licensing Corporation is a global intellectual property solutions provider dedicated to enabling innovation in partnership with technology and entertainment companies and universities around the world. Via develops and manages licensing programs on behalf of highly innovative companies in markets such as audio, wireless, broadcast, and automotive. Via is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories, Inc., a company with more than 50 years of experience in innovation and technology licensing. For more information about Via, please visit http://www.via-corp.com.

Contacts

Via Licensing Corporation

Tony Carter, 404-316-0201

info@vialicensing.com

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)

www.drm.org 

 +44 (0) 7718175879

(Press Release)

Digital Radio Mondiale to hold this year’s General Assembly in Switzerland

Under the banner "Digital Radio Mondiale Delivers", the 2017 General Assembly of the DRM Consortium is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th of May near Zurich, Switzerland being hosted by Ampegon AG.

As usual, the two-day event will start with the exclusive General Assembly meeting for members only on Wednesday, May 10th in the morning. At lunchtime the Consortium will open its doors widely to all those interested in DRM and digital radio. The Open DRM event will run through until lunchtime on Wednesday 11th. Special VIP guests have been invited to attend the Open sessions of the GA where they will have an opportunity to review and receive updates from country representatives and specialists on an outstanding year of progress for DRM.

For Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairman, this is a moment to take stock "and review the excellent progress made by DRM in India and other key countries like Pakistan, South Africa, Indonesia and many more as well as the interest shown in some African countries, Brazil, Russia and other countries in Asia-Pacific. The fact that there are already ingenious standalone and car receivers featuring DRM gives confidence in DRM and the ultimate success of digital radio all over the world."

(Press Release)

Team RRI is the DRM Enterprise Award 2016 Winner

The Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium is delighted to announce that the recipients of the 2016 DRM Enterprise Award Asia Pacific Region 2016, jointly sponsored with SAS, the leader in analytics, is awarded to the team of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) engineers at Denpasar, Indonesia for their support and hard work in running a DRM AM trial in 2016. The winners are:  Mr Salwan, Manager of Technology and New Media Director; Mr Ketut Suandi, Assistant Manager Transmitter, and Mr Cok Dalem Javadi, Staff of Technology and New Media unit.

The award aims to stimulate interest in the DRM standard in various parts of the world that would benefit from the full introduction of digital radio. The RRI engineers on the beautiful island of Bali were selected to receive the award in recognition of their work in preparing a medium wave transmitter to broadcast in DRM during the Asia Broadcasting Union's General Assembly in October.

On behalf of RRI Mr R.Ginging, CTO, also proudly congratulated his staff for having engaged and worked so well together with Consortium representatives thus quickly learning about new digital opportunities for radio broadcasting.

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chair, congratulated the local RRI engineers as "their work shows how quickly DRM can become part of day-to-day activity. This proved that the Indonesian public broadcaster has the talent and capacity to test the latest digital technologies in their effort to future proof public broadcasting."

Details of the 2017 DRM Enterprise Award - Africa will be announced at the beginning of 2017.

For more information on the award, to get updates on the next award, please write to:  projectoffice@drm.org.

(Press Release)

First DRM European Workshop “Flexible and Complete Digital Radio for Europe” asks European Stakeholders to Support and Manufacture DRM and DAB+ Receivers

Following from a very successful General Assembly, the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium, and the German DRM Platform held a most comprehensive European workshop hosted by Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen, Germany from 6th to 7th April 2016.

This was a first such DRM event aimed at offering solutions to all broadcasters large or small. During their presentations and discussions participants stressed that DRM is the ITU endorsed and internationally adopted standard for the distribution of programmes internationally, nationally and up to local coverage level. DRM can also provide an economic and complementary solution to exactly those coverage scenarios that the established DAB/DAB+ networks in Band-III were never designed for.

Following their deliberations the participants urged all stakeholders of Digital Radio in Europe – including European organisations, regulators, broadcasters and the receiver and automotive industry – to embrace publicly the duality and complementarity of the open DRM and DAB standards as the complete Digital Radio solution for Europe (and worldwide). This means a digital future for all broadcasters, offering more programme choice to listeners, extra multimedia services with text and images, increased energy savings and spectrum efficiency. The participants ask 'all European stakeholders to promote actively the manufacturing and distribution of multi-standard Digital Radio receivers, comprising at least the DRM and DAB standards.'

The first session, held in conjunction with the open part of the DRM General Assembly, took a brief look at the status of DRM adoption around the world, including the DRM roll-out in India, ready to become the largest digital radio market in the world with over 600 million people being reached by DRM broadcasts. Presentations given by experts from various European countries showed that the digitisation of radio progresses in Europe. At the end of the first day Fraunhofer IIS (Bernd Linz) demonstrated the latest development to provide traffic and travel services in DRM radios, soon to be installed in Asia. Afterwards Martin Speitel demonstrated the features of the Fraunhofer software package for car radios with DRM. With this solution, radio manufacturers can quickly build or enhance radio platforms on a proven modular system covering the full DRM and DAB standards including their full feature sets, thus shortening their development times and, in turn, reducing their costs.

On the 7th April benefits and opportunities of DRM were shown with practical applications. Ampegon (Matthias Stoll) showed how easy and cost-effective the transition from analogue AM to DRM can be. Marc Holthof of the German Navy gave an example of how to use DRM over shortwave for maritime broadcasting of information and entertainment to ship crews at sea. Csaba Szombathy, Technical University of Budapest, demonstrated his original monitoring programme of DRM transmissions. Then RFmondial (Jens Schroeder), demonstrated how to provide DRM services in the crowded FM band compatible with all the existing FM stations. Joachim Lehnert, German DRM Platform Chairman, showed that DRM is a suitable system for local/regional coverage in VHF Band III, fully compatible with DAB/DAB+ and DVB-T networks and in keeping with RRC-06. RFmondial (Detlef Pagel) also referred to the use of DRM in VHF Band III and stressed that DRM+ is the most suitable digital system for the local and regional single-station broadcasters, as a complement to multiplexes, while sharing all the listenerrelated features with the DAB+ standard. Finally, Manfred Kühn, Mobile Broadcast Consult, demonstrated the flexible transmission of multiple DRM channels in a single DAB frequency block in VHF Band III.

This session was followed by a status report on the development of digital multi-standard radios, presented by Robert Bosch Car Multimedia, NXP, Fraunhofer IIS, PnP Networks and Panasonic. All the speakers finally emphasized the market and framework requirements for the production of multistandard radios for Europe.

Joachim Lehnert, Chairman of the German DRM Platform, concluded that the workshop was an important step to bringing national activities together and added; "With all the European DRM activities presented over the past two days and the encouraging messages from the receiver industry, I believe that the famous 'chicken or egg' problem can be solved from the receiver end by adding DRM as a complement to existing digital receivers. This will eventually help all radio broadcasters across Europe, whether national, local or community stations, and will ensure each has a digital home in the future."

(Press Release)

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) holds successful General Assembly at Fraunhofer IIS Headquarters in Germany, April 5-6 2016

The 2016 General Assembly of the DRM Consortium took place on 5th and 6th of April at the headquarters of Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen, near Nuremberg (Germany).  The theme for this year's event was "Digital Radio Mondiale – Smart Radio for Everyone".

This event held in conjunction with the DRM European Workshop gave an opportunity to Consortium members and invited guests to get together and exchange exclusive information on DRM in one of the most innovative research institutes in the world.  During the General Assembly the participants reviewed the excellent progress made in India, the interest shown in some of the Asian countries and the planned DRM+ trial in South Africa. The commercial launch of the full-feature DRM Indian receiver, of the line-fit car receiver in a top Indian car model, the traffic information demonstration for cars, the multimedia player and the software defined radio receiver were practical examples of DRM progressing significantly in the past 12 months. The DRM members welcomed the decision of Hungary to recommend DRM alongside DAB for its digitisation and encourage therefore the production of analogue/DRM/DAB receivers.

Besides the country updates the company updates, including that from its newest member, Panasonic, were the highlights of the event.

The DRM General Assembly elected its Steering Board and Ruxandra Obreja as Chairman. It also welcomed representatives of the PBC (Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation) and RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia) as observer members of the Steering Board.

The General Assembly approved the future strategy focused on getting DRM receivers so that digitisation can be enjoyed by all broadcasters large or small for the benefit of their listeners.

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairman said: "DRM is digital radio for all as became so evident during the presentations and discussions on these two days and during the following European workshop. With effort, dedication and open mind DRM can now turn promise into reality."

The DRM European workshop which overlapped with the General Assembly also began today (Wednesday 6th and also on the 7th), being organised by the Consortium, Fraunhofer IIS and by the DRM German Platform.  Joachim Lehnert, Platform Chairman, explained that: "The event will focus on the receiver and car industries. We need multi-standard radios in Europe which can and should include DRM reception in the AM and in the VHF bands."

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DRM Consortium

pressoffice@drm.org

www.drm.org

DRM General Assembly 2016 at Fraunhofer IIS, April 5-7th

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) General Assembly to be held at Fraunhofer IIS Headquarters in Germany , April 5-7th 2016

The 2016 General Assembly of the DRM Consortium is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th of April and is being hosted by Fraunhofer IIS at their headquarters in Erlangen, near Nuremberg (Germany).  The theme for this year's event is "Digital Radio Mondiale – Smart Radio for Everyone".

During three days the DRM members and invited guests to both the General Assembly and the European Workshop (scheduled for April 7th) will have a chance to get together, review and exchange exclusive information on DRM in one of the most innovative research institutes in the world.  During the General Assembly the members and guests will review the DRM outstanding activities and achievements of the past year.

 

"This is also the time to address all the remaining challenges and participate in shaping the strategy of the next year", says Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairman. This past year witnessed some visible progress and impact on receiver developments with the launch of the first made in India receiver and the first DRM receiver in an Indian car. Receivers remain at the top of our priorities and part for the big push to see digital radio take hold in key markets across the world."

The General Assembly will take place on April 5th for half day and on April 6th full day. On the 6th afternoon, the GA will overlap with the start of the first DRM European Workshop.  The European workshop is being organised for the first time by the DRM German Platform. Its Chairman, Joachim Lehnert, explains what drove the members to take this initiative: "The event will focus on the radio receiver and car industry and the need for the provision of multi-standard radios in Europe which can and should include DRM reception in the AM and in the VHF bands."

To register for the General Assembly events on both days please contact projectoffice@drm.org.

 

To register for the European workshop please fill in the form here.

 

About DRM

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the universal, openly standardised 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 signalling 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.

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DRM Consortium

E-Mail: pressoffice@drm.org

Site for DRM: www.drm.org

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) General Assembly hosted by THOMSON BROADCAST in Paris ends with Positive Announcements

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) General Assembly hosted by THOMSON BROADCAST in Paris ends with Positive Announcements  

 

Under the theme "Clever Radio for Smart Countries" the 2015 General Assembly of the DRM Consortium ended on a high note with a positive commitment to new DRM developments, receivers and markets. The event took place on Thursday19th and Friday 20th of March at the headquarters, in Conflans Sainte Honorine, near Paris.  It was hosted by one of the key Consortium members and founding companies THOMSON BROADCAST.

 

A the opening of the General Assembly comments Pascal Veillat, CEO of Thomson Broadcast and Chairman of Arelis Group, noted that in many markets radio and in particular digital radio is registering new impetus and offering new business opportunities.  Like other manufacturers Thomson Broadcast is preparing with new products ready to meet demands from new markets. 

 

During the General Assembly the participants from Europe, Asia and Latin America discussed recent developments in Asia in countries like Turkey, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. The DRM activity in Southern Africa, a new development of the last 12 months was also much appreciated by members.  Updates from Brazil, Germany, Hungary and new planned activities in South Africa, Turkey and the Arab world featured largely on the agenda too.

  

A presentation of the Indian receiver and the planned launch of a new receiver in Europe were welcomed by all those present. The Consortium welcomed new members and affiliates from Hungary, Belgium, India and France. Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Consortium Chairman, presented the strategy for the next 12 months with continued emphasis on receiver development and renewed support for markets that are considering radio digitisation in Asia, Africa and Europe.

  

The next DRM Consortium activity will be the workshop and trial to be held together with the Indonesian public broadcaster RRI between 23rd and 27th March in Indonesia.

 

To get information on this event and general DRM activity and membership please contact projectoffice@drm.org.

(Press Release)

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) and Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) to Trial DRM Digital Radio in Indonesia

The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium and the Indonesian public broadcaster, Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), are pleased to announce a DRM30 digital radio trial and workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia in the week of 24th of March. Indonesia is mostly coastal lowlands, larger islands and mountainous areas creating a challenging broadcasting landscape; RRI is exploring ways of overcoming these challenges to provide quality broadcasting services that can be received countrywide, with the efficient use of energy.

Mr Sunarya Ruslan, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RRI Indonesia, says: "We are looking at the weaknesses that we experience currently in analogue radio with a desire to offer radio broadcast services that are economical, easy, and mobile, offering the same good quality to Indonesian citizens, whether they are in big or small cities, even in remote areas and whether they are farmers, fishermen, government officials or private citizens.  Mr Muhammad Rohanudin, Technology and New Media Director of RRI, adds: "RRI is currently reviewing the appropriate technologies to be used as a delivery medium. These technologies include DRM and we hope that the DRM trial in the Bogor area will provide us with options and a better understanding of digital radio broadcasting."  

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chairman, is delighted to have the Consortium working so closely with RRI: "We believe that DRM will prove to be the full and cost-effective solution for Indonesia allowing it to provide quality broadcasting with extra services, to densely populated urban zones but also to remote areas. The DRM trial and workshop will be run together with Indonesian specialists and will give them the opportunity to experience the quality and advantages of DRM digital radio broadcasting while we will learn more about this important Asian market."  

The DRM30 trial and workshop will be held from 24th - 27th March 2015 in Jakarta and Bogor. They will be supported by RRI and key Consortium members:Fraunhofer IIS, GatesAir, RFmondial and Transradio.  During the workshop attendees will be invited to observe the results of the DRM30 trial and to learn more about the full DRM standard.

(DRM Consortium Press Release)

DRM General Assembly to be held at BBC in London

The General Assembly (GA) of the DRM Consortium is scheduled to take place on March 26th and 27th 2014 at the BBC Headquarters in central London, the New Broadcasting House.

Under the title "DRM in Action" the Consortium would like 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 GA (March 26th) will be open to all DRM members and invited guests from the UK and abroad. It will be a day to celebrate the power of radio. The morning will be devoted to informative presentations on the extra benefits of digital radio; the impact of radio and insights into markets around the world, in particular India and Brazil.

In the afternoon, all delegates will be able to have a "hands–on" experience of DRM and digital radio. It will be an ideal opportunity to network with fellow professionals from across the globe and to see

how the new technology can offer choice of content and benefit audiences. The event will be hosted in the iconic Radio Theatre of the BBC.

To register for the General Assembly events on the 26th March please contact projectoffice@drm.org Events held on the 27th March are dedicated to DRM Consortium members only.

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DRM Consortium

Postal Box 360

1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva

Switzerland

E-Mail: pressoffice@drm.org

Site for DRM: www.drm.org

 

(Press Release)

DRM Consortium to demonstrate DRM’s Emergency Warning Feature for India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The DRM Consortium is to demonstrate the Emergency Warning Feature (EWF) of the ITU recommended international Digital Radio Mondiale standard at a special event hosted by NDMA on November 22nd 2013.

The special session DRM – Disaster and Emergency Warning is scheduled for the final day of a four-day event to be held at the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar (Gujarat).  Presentations will made by Alexander Zink, Fraunhofer IIS, Vice-Chairman DRM Technical Committee, Radu Obreja, DRM Marketing Director and the Hon Chair of the DRM India Chapter, Yogendra Pal.

Those present will include senior officers of NDMA from nine coastal states and officials from the state broadcaster, All India Radio and Doordarshan, Ahmedabad.  The session will also include a technical demonstration of how emergency alerts and information can be signalled and managed using DRM in the country in general and the coastal states in particular. This standard is currently being rolled-out all over India by All India Radio.

Yogendra Pal adds: "The inbuilt Emergency Warning Feature in DRM is an excellent way to inform the public immediately about possible disasters and other emergencies. All the digital receivers get automatically tuned to audio and or data emergency warning signals in multiple languages, even if they are tuned to another station. India has nine coastal states, so this feature is of utmost importance to give emergency messages to fishermen and all those on ships. All India Radio is already in the process of installing 72 DRM transmitters, which will eventually cover about 70% of the population of the country. The Emergency Warning Feature is freely available in these transmitters. If the Government decides to use this feature, the only actions required would be to send the emergency signals to the transmitters. In parallel the Government would need to inform receiver manufacturers to incorporate this feature in digital receivers."  

Alexander Zink adds: "The DRM Emergency Warning Feature is a highly beneficial component of the digital transition, as it combines the natural benefits of digital radio in terms of content options and coverage for the benefit of the society as a whole – enhancing and going far beyond the pleasures of radio as an entertainment medium."

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has included the DRM Emergency Warning Functionality paper and recommendation in a recent document.   Click here for the ITU document in full.

http://www.drm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ITU-Emergency-broadcasting-R12-SG06-C-0156MSW-E1.pdf

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.

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DRM Consortium

Postal Box 360

1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva

Switzerland

E-Mail: projectoffice@drm.org

Site for DRM: www.drm.org

(Press Release)

DRM FREE WEBINAR– 18th November 2013

The DRM Consortium is holding a free webinar aimed largely at India with the participation of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).

 

"DRM – Extra Features and Benefits – A Better Choice for Listeners" will be presented by experts from India and senior members of the DRM Consortium from around the world. A short presentation will be followed by questions and answers on the exciting aspects of DRM and the practical ways of making them available in receivers.

 

The webinar will be held on 18th November 1530-1700 India time (1000-1130 GMT/ UTC). Although the event is primarily aimed at the Indian market worldwide participants will be very welcome.

The webinar will tackle issues of interest in India and the current debate on radio digitisation for example: why is DRM superior to analogue, the implementation of the roll out plan in India and why get involved in receiver manufacturing now.

Ruxandra Obreja, Chair of the DRM Consortium, says: "All India Radio recently published a call for a tender for DRM 800 consumer receivers - alongside a tender for professional ones - demonstrating the will to take their digital roll out plan to the next level. This is an excellent sign for all manufacturers as multi-standard chipsets including DRM are already available. This makes the integration of the DRM standard into receivers an easier and more cost-effective process."

To register for this free webinar and view the list of topics please visit our website. All confirmed registrants will receive an e-mail before the webinar with the joining details. Please direct any questions or feedback to projectoffice@drm.org

About DRM

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the universal, openly standardised 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 signalling 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 the ABU

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organisations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region and to organise co-operative activities amongst its members. It currently has over 250 members in 60 countries, representing the who's who of the broadcasting industry and reaching a potential audience of more than 3.5 billion people.

www.abu.org.my

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DRM Consortium

Postal Box 360

1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva

Switzerland

E-Mail: pressoffice@drm.org

Site for DRM: www.drm.org

 

(Press Release)

New look website of DRM consortium

Digital Radio Mondiale has unveiled thier new look website at :  http://www.drm.org/

DRM Newsletter May 2012

Read the DRM Newsletter May 2012 here : http://tinyurl.com/c8w3645

Main Stories :

- NAB 2012, Las Vegas

- DRM Receiver Task Group visits China

- Voice Of Nigeria – Reaching the World Louder and Clearer

- The Broadcasters’ User Guide launched in Russian language

- All India Radio gears up with a new transmitter at Rajkot

- European Community Radio stations meet European Parliament members to discuss digitization

- ABC Australia joins the DRM Consortium

DRM - Ready for Transmission and Reception

The DRM Consortium used its stronger than ever presence at NAB 2012 to showcase a new DRM receiver and to update participants on the developments and potential of the DRM standard, now fully recommended by ITU for both AM (DRM30) and VHF (DRM+).


More at :

http://tinyurl.com/6p9vlwa

DRM Newsletter 1/2012

DRM Newsletter 1/2012 is now available at :

http://newsletters.lavishcreative.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/DBC4D2F4CD63FB83/C67FD2F38AC4859C/

Main stories :

- ITU endorses DRM+
- DRM and NXP Semiconductors announce a new digital car radio solution at
CES, Las Vegas
- Delphi's DRM car radio on display at New Delhi Auto Expo
- Community Radio stations ask for the introduction of DRM+ in Europe
- Vatican Radio Trials DRM+ in Rome on VHF band II

ITU endorses DRM+

The ITU has just published three recommendations on DRM+, known in the documents as Digital System G. This heralds the introduction of the full DRM system (DRM 30 and DRM+).

Read more at : http://www.drm.org/news_item/_ITU_endorses_DRM%252B_

Vatican Radio introduces new DRM broadcast towards India

Starting with the new winter season effective 30th Oct, 2011 Vatican Radio has introduced new DRM broadcast beamed to India on 15190 kHz at 15:30-15:50 UTC, Sunday-Friday, in English; the same broadcast on Saturdays is 15:30-16:00 UTC and it carries the Mass in English.Vatican Radio started this DRM service to promote this standard in India considering the plan undertaken by the Indian Government to switch to digital.

Here's a dream screenshot from 23rd Nov 2011 txn to India ......

Bootable DRM Receiver?

drmna.info: Bootable DRM Receiver?: What about a very simple "Bootable Linux" version of DReaM on a USB drive hidden inside a radio. It would be a great way to jump-start some ...

DRM: First Transmission for Southern Africa

The DRM Consortium will make its first ever DRM transmissions for Southern Africa in French and English on October 11th on the occasion of the Digital Radio Conference organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels.
The two day conference will include two live studio discussions on the possibilities and future of digital radio from the multimedia radio studio of the European Parliament. The programmes aim to showcase multiplatform and distribution techniques in front of a studio audience of Digital Radio Conference delegates.
The live show in French from 1200-1300 GMT will be followed two hours later (1400-1500 GMT) by a Digital Radio Show in English with international participation including the chairpersons of the DRM and WorldDMB Consortia.
Both the French and English programmes will be carried live on DRM SW 21800 from Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean and should be heard in countries like South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique. The English programme will also be carried at 1800 GMT into Southern Asia on DRM SW 12085, at the end of the daily regular BBC/DW transmission.
Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairperson, says: “This is an exciting and imaginative undertaking that will demonstrate practically, even if for a short while, to European MPs and radio enthusiasts at thousands of kilometres apart the capacity of DRM to cover huge areas with excellent audio quality programmes. We are grateful to the EBU for the opportunity to showcase, alongside other platforms, that part of DRM, the only standard for all bands below and above 30 MHz, that could offer so much to the radio lovers in Africa.”

(DRM Consortium Press Release)