NXP – in Cooperation with DRM Consortium on DRM Implementation and Rollout First India infotainment forum

First India infotainment forum by NXP – in Cooperation with DRM Consortium on DRM Implementation and Rollout

NXP Semiconductors, the world's largest provider of automotive semiconductors 1, in collaboration with the DRM Digital Radio Consortium hosted the first annual NXP Cockpit and Infotainment Forum in New Delhi on October 22, 2019.

The event showcased the latest trends and solutions in infotainment systems that advance the in-vehicle experience. It also shared a full view into the development of DRM and the inclusion of DRM receivers in many of the new models on the roads in India. Participants received updates on the All India Radio rollout as well as presentations on how NXP's latest generation of software defined radio facilitates DRM digital radio for  Infotainment system architectures. The discussions of aspects of infotainment from radio and audio, processing as well as connectivity gave a unique feel to this newly initiated car top event. A full day of presentations, discussions and demos highlighted the great appetite consumers have for cars that are equipped with the latest technologies to keep them safe, informed and entertained.

The broadcasting and manufacturing industry as well as representatives from key government bodies like TRAI, the Indian regulator embraced the opportunity to share their information and experience. They, in turn, received up-to-date information on the latest developments in the infotainment sector.

"India infotainment and cockpit consumer preferences are changing rapidly. NXP innovations are at the forefront of this technology and aim to deliver best in class in-cabin experience, connectivity and safety. The first annual NXP Cockpit & Infotainment Forum brought key stakeholders of the industry and government together to help drive the adoption of digital radio and world class infotainment in India, said Ashok Chandak," senior director global sales and marketing, NXP Semiconductors.

"NXP has been driving Digital Radio adoption in India and worldwide together with the DRM Consortium. It was a pleasure to see the great progress of DRM receiver deployments in India, along with All India Radio's 39 DRM transmitters operational. This one-of-a-kind event created a new forum for major car OEMs, AIR, TRAI, Tier 1's, and ecosystem partners to join together and address Infotainment solutions that will meet consumer aspirations," commented, Ron Schiffelers, Senior Director - Program management at NXP Semiconductors.

Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Chairman, said "The NXP-DRM car event in New Delhi was a great moment where our message was that DRM, whether in AM or FM, is just one standard with the same features and benefits. The demos of DRM for FM showed how DRM can also enhance the performance of the many cars that an increasing number of Indians desire and will own. The collaboration of the different industries and organisations represented at this unique event is a sure way to help them achieve their own goals, maintain and grow the number of car owners, listeners to DRM digital radio."

Radio Asia 2019: Workshop on DRM Implementation and Rollout

Workshop on DRM Implementation and Rollout

The DRM Digital Radio Consortium will take part in the ABU RadioAsia 2019 events hosted by Bangladesh Betar in the capital, Dhaka, October 29-31. Top experts of the Consortium will give their view explaining why DRM is more than just a platform, a true enabler of new and digital content for the benefit of listeners. The workshop "DRM - Smart radio for All", scheduled for October 30th in the afternoon, will address directly the multiple uses that can be derived from DRM for ensuring quality information, entertainment, education to poor and rural populations and for communicating in times of looming environmental disasters and crises.

The workshop aims to provide broadcasters, policy makers and other stakeholders with a clear understanding of the DRM digital radio broadcasting technology, its features and benefits and how DRM, used in all bands for local, regional, national and full-country coverage can enhance and future proof radio and its popularity among listeners.

Olya Booyar, Head of Radio, ABU, is looking forward eagerly to the workshop. "RadioAsia this year is themed 'Radio All Around Us: More than just a medium' and the special DRM workshop will show how digital radio is a new language that practitioners and listeners have to learn so that the many benefits of radio develop in the future," she says. "More than anything, we think the DRM workshop will be a practical way to learn and share valuable information on implementation and results from real case studies."

For Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Chairman, "RadioAsia in 2019 sounds intriguing, challenging and raising the right questions for 2020 and beyond. Therefore, we are looking forward to being part of the debate. We are ready to link with all those interested in learning about and rolling out DRM, like Bangladesh Betar, and others in the Asia pacific region."

Please register online here https://www.abu.org.my/rac-2019-registration/

(Press Release)

KBS World B19 Frequency change to India

With the beginning of B19 season at 0100 UTC, October 27, 2019, KBS World Radio English Service to India will broadcast at 1400-1700 UTC on 9630 kHz instead of 9785kHz. 

(Source : KBS World Radio)

DW B19

DW B19
wef 27 Oct 2019 to 28 March 2020 

Language Time/UTC Frequency Transmitter Site Target Area Weekday

---------------------------------------------------------------------
AMHARIC 1600 - 1700 11995 kHz ISSOUDUN   Ethiopia      daily
AMHARIC 1600 - 1700 13775 kHz ISSOUDUN   Ethiopia      daily 
HAUSA   0630 - 0700 07220 kHz SAO TOME   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   0630 - 0700 09570 kHz ISSOUDUN   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   0630 - 0700 09830 kHz ISSOUDUN   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   1300 - 1400 09830 kHz SAO TOME   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   1300 - 1400 11980 kHz SAO TOME   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   1300 - 1400 17800 kHz ISSOUDUN   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   1800 - 1900 09570 kHz ISSOUDUN   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   1800 - 1900 09785 kHz ISSOUDUN   Africa (west) daily
HAUSA   1800 - 1900 09830 kHz SAO TOME   Africa (west) daily
SWAHILI 1000 - 1100 15275 kHz MADAGASCAR Africa (east) daily
SWAHILI 1000 - 1100 17710 kHz MADAGASCAR Africa (east) daily

Football specials :
HAUSA   1425 - 1630 15195 kHz ISSOUDUN Africa (west) Saturday 02.11.19 - 09.11.19
HAUSA   1425 - 1630 15320 kHz ISSOUDUN Africa (west) Saturday 02.11.19 - 09.11.19
HAUSA   1425 - 1630 15195 kHz ISSOUDUN Africa (west) Saturday 23.11.19 - 21.12.19
HAUSA   1425 - 1630 15320 kHz ISSOUDUN Africa (west) Saturday 23.11.19 - 21.12.19
HAUSA   1425 - 1630 15195 kHz ISSOUDUN Africa (west) Saturday 18.01.20 - 21.03.20
HAUSA   1425 - 1630 15320 kHz ISSOUDUN Africa (west) Saturday 18.01.20 - 21.03.20

(Alokesh Gupta)

KTWR DRM UPDATE

On August 5th, 2019 KTWR began transmitting high-powered DRM broadcast to India, China and Japan / Korea, each country on a different day of the week:  

Wednesday 11995 kHz 1026-1056 UTC ANT2A-315 50kW English  (China)   unchanged

Thursday 7500 kHz 1230-1245 UTC ANT2A-345 50kW English (Japan/Korea) 31-Oct-19

Sunday 13800 kHz 1026-1056 UTC ANT3-285 90kW English (South Asia) November

This is a test broadcast and we are asking listeners to send back SNR and other data to us so we can learn how each mode behaves to real targets.

For the latest updates to the KTWR DRM broadcast go to http://ktwrdrm.blogspot.com/

For more information about DRM go to https://www.drm.org/

(Updated on 22-Oct-19)

 

HFCC B19 Schedule

HFCC B19 Schedule is available at :

http://www.hfcc.org/data/b19/index.phtml  

DRM - ABU Workshop on DRM Implementation and Rollout

The DRM Digital Radio Implementation and Rollout Workshop is jointly organised by the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium and the Asia-pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). The workshop will take place from 9-10 October 2019 in the Malaysian capital at the Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

The workshop aims to provide broadcasters, regulators, policy makers, governments and other stakeholders with a clear understanding of the DRM digital radio broadcasting technology, features and benefits. The event will cover some planning methods, step-by-step implementation examples and the various solutions and strategies available for anyone planning to move from analogue to a digital radio system. They will go from planning for local coverage to full-scale countrywide rollout on all broadcasting bands. This two-day workshop will share expert knowledge and share some of the case studies and experiences in transition from analogue to digital radio from the region and beyond.

Ahmed Nadeem, Director, ABU Technology & Innovation, is keen for the workshop "to continue the good experience of the first workshop in 2018 and the development of DRM in the region moving forward. We are offering a unique chance to colleagues to learn and share valuable implementation information and results from real case studies."

For Ruxandra Obreja, the DRM Chairman "this event has become one of the most interactive workshops we are organising, a chance for broadcast Technicians and engineers, policy makers, regulators, corporate executives and managers, government officials dealing with strategic planning and other interested colleagues and representatives to join in a unique DRM sharing experience."

Please register online at www.abu.org.my/DRM

(Press Release)

USAGM Board of Governors announces CEO for interim period

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Agency for Global Media's (USAGM) Board of Governors is pleased to announce that effective October 1, 2019, Grant Turner, currently USAGM's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of USAGM on an interim basis until the President appoints a Senate-confirmed CEO.

"We are confident he will provide strong leadership during this time of transition," said Board Chairman Kenneth Weinstein. "Grant's strong management and process-driven background is exactly what we need to continue building on our achievements, increasing our impact and advancing our strategic plan."

"Grant has earned the respect of our Board, senior management team and employees since joining the agency and has the Board's full confidence as he takes on the role of CEO," said current CEO John F. Lansing.

Prior to joining USAGM as CFO in February 2016, Turner served as the Budget Director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, and as the Budget Director for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Washington, D.C. Turner also worked for six years at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) where he was assigned to the National Security Division and the Office of the Deputy Director for Management. He is a 1989 graduate of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and holds a Master's in Business Administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Master's in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Turner succeeds outgoing CEO and Director John F. Lansing, who previously announced his departure from the agency at the end of September to become CEO of National Public Radio (NPR). John Barkhamer, currently USAGM's Deputy CFO, will serve as Acting CFO.

While serving as CEO during this interim period, Turner will work closely with Steve Capus, Senior Advisor to the CEO with extensive knowledge and proficiency in journalism and production, and Matt Walsh, Deputy Director for Operations, as well as USAGM's network leadership and senior management.

(Press Release)

All India Radio's special transmission for "Mahalaya 2019"

All India Radio's special transmission for "Mahalaya 2019"

Date : 28th September, 2019 (Saturday)

Time : 0355 - 0545 IST, 2225 UTC (27th Sept 2019) to 0015 UTC (28th Sept, 2019)

* some stations have late sign in & may continue past 0100 UTC

"Mahishasuramardini" is a special two hour transmission consisting of Sanskrit & Bengali recitation & music orated by Late Shri.Birendra Krishna Bhadra. All India Radio has been broadcasting this program since early 1930's. The sheer nostalgia is what makes the dawn of Mahalaya special as one of the most looked forward to Radio broadcasts. Countdown of Indian festival of Durga Puja starts from the day of Mahalaya. 

Frequencies observed during past years :

SW

4810 - Bhopal

4835 - Gangtok (Irregular)

4910 - Jaipur

MW

531 - Jodhpur

549 - Ranchi

603 - Ajmer

621 - Patna A

648 - Indore A

657 - Kolkata A

666 - New Delhi B

675 - Chattarpur

684 - Port Blair

711 - Siliguri

729 - Guwahati A

747 - Lucknow A

756 - Jagdalpur

774 - Shimla

801 - Jabalpur

810 - Rajkot A

819 - New Delhi A

828 - Silchar

846 - Ahmedabad A

891 - Rampur

909 - Gorakhpur

918 - Suratgarh

954 - Nazibabad

981 - Raipur

990 - Jammu

1008 - Kolkata B

1026 - Allahabad A

1044 - Mumbai A

1125 - Tezpur

1179 - Rewa

1242 - Varanasi

1260 - Ambikapur

1296 - Darbhanga

1314 - Bhuj

1386 - Gwalior

1395 - Bikaner

1404 - Gangtok

1458 - Bhagalpur

1530 - Agra

1593 - Bhopal A

Sign on observed by Jose Jacob at different times as follows:

2225 UTC (3.55am IST) 4910, 531, 603, 666, 675, 711, 747, 756, 774, 801, 819, 828, 891, 918, 956, 990, 1008, 1044, 1386, 1395, 1530.

2230 UTC (4.00 am IST) 4835, 1404.

2250 UTC (4.20 am IST) 846, 1179

2255 UTC (4.25 am IST) 4810, 621, 648, 810, 909, 954, 981, 1026, 1242, 1260, 1296, 1593.

Please email your observations & receptions reports to :  spectrum-manager@air.org.in

Or,

Director (Spectrum Management & Synergy)

All India Radio,

Room No. 204

Akashvani Bhawan,

Parliament Street

New Delhi 110001, India

Related :

What is Mahalaya ?

https://www.wbtourismpuja.in/home/mahalaya

Eight Decades Later, the Original Mahalaya Still Unites  

https://thewire.in/society/eight-decades-later-the-original-mahalaya-still-unites-bengalis-in-communion

Come Mahalaya, Birendra Krishna Bhadra's recitation still default choice for All India Radio

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-come-mahalaya-birendra-krishna-bhadra-s-recitation-still-default-choice-for-all-india-radio-2020933

(Alokesh Gupta)

Special transmisson by LRA 36 National Radio Arcangel San Gabriel

LRA 36 NATIONAL RADIO ARCÁNGEL SAN GABRIEL

Saturday, September 21, 2019 LRA 36 will hold a special transmission from the Base Esperanza, Antarctica Argentina.

1300-1415 UTC (1000 -1115 hours Local Time) on 15476 kHz

Reception reports should be sent to lra36@hotmail.com and, if correct, will be verified with a special electronic QSL.

The arrival of spring is a very good reason, as well as the proximity of the 40th anniversary of the station you are met on 20 October.

The special broadcast will be in charge of the announcers LRA36 for this season: Sabrina Alanis, Costilla and Karina Beatriz Muñoz while the technical operation is José Calpanchay. They can also send their greetings to email comments and suggestions to be read during the program.

(Adrian Korol, RAE, September 17, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

Specially designed customised postage stamp released on the ocassion of 60th anniversary of Doordarshan

Doordarshan completed sixty years of service to the nation on 15th September 2019. Starting from an experimental service on 15 September 1959, Doordarshan has become one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world and has played a pivotal role in the nation building. Generations of Indians have grown watching Doordarshan.

On the occasion, Shri Prakash Javadekar released specially designed postage stamp to mark Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day.  

DRM at IBC 2019 - Going from Strength to Strength

DRM Highlights 'Smart Radio for All' at IBC 2019

Under the overarching theme "DRM – Smart Radio for All" the DRM Consortium had two interactive sessions looking at the practical implementation of DRM in various parts of the world. The sessions also focused on new receivers and enhancements to DRM equipment.

The first event on Friday 13th September hosted by Gospell under the title "The Gospell Receiver – End to End Solution for Your Needs", highlighted great developments in digital DRM roll-out in China and new upgrades, multi-feature and multi-standard receivers (such as the GR22) and receiver solutions from the company.   Gospell announced three DRM products; an affordable DRM receiver, car adapter and a professional measurement receiver.

On Saturday the 14th,  during an interactive sess

ion, held at the Nautel booth a panel of digital radio experts from the Consortium, answered questions on the latest implementation of DRM across the world (India, China, South Africa, Russia).

Fraunhofer IIS provided more details on the latest major release of the new DRM ContentServer R7 head-end technology for Digital Radio DRM (and DAB+). The DRM ContentServer R7 enables broadcasters to ensure consistent loudness within one programme and between programmes and builds resilience with backup audio coding to get over any interruption.

During the Nautel event RFmondial also demonstrated its advanced multiplexed DRM modulation for the FM band, that allows broadcasters to transmit multiple DRM channels on one physical transmitter.

Participants were also able to see and ask questions about the new all-band receiver, the result of the cooperation between Nedis, the Dutch consumer goods company and STARWAVES (an innovative technology radio solution company).  

On the panel were: Ruxandra Obreja (Chair, DRM Consortium), Wendell Lonergan (Nautel), Alexander Zink(Fraunhofer IIS), Haochun Liu (Gospell), Thembeka Khaka (Thembeka Khaka & Associates) and Jan Hein Knip (Nedis).

Ruxandra Obreja, the Consortium Chairman, says that: "IBC 2019 was great for DRM.  New roll out programmes and demos in India, China, several other Asian countries, Russia, Africa and Europe.  New receiver solutions, a new car adapter and improved transmitters and content servers.  DRM is going from strength to strength."

Consortium members at the IBC exhibition included: BBC, Encompass Digital, JVCKenwood, NXP, RFmondial and Sony.

From R to L - Haochun Liu (Gospell), Ruxandra Obreja (DRM, Chair,) Wendell Lonergan (Nautel), Alexander Zink (Fraunhofer IIS), Thembeka Khaka (Thembeka Khaka & Associates), Jan Hein Knip (Nedis)

(Press Release)

Gospell to announce the DRM monitoring system and imminent release of portable DRM receiver

Chengdu, China - Gospell, a leading supplier of pay TV system and equipment, satellite TV receiving products and microwave products, announces its product lineup for IBC 2019. The company will debut several new products featuring DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) for both consumer and industry market, including: 

•GR-22 - Portable DRM/AM/FM Receiver 

•GR-227 - DRM Car Adapter 

•GR-301 - DRM/AM/FM Monitoring Receiver 

•GR-310 - Audio Broadcast Monitoring Platform 

•GR-AT3 - High Performance Active HF Antenna 

GR-22 is a sleek and classy portable radio from Gospell, the contemporary stylistics of exterior design fits in your personal style, crystal clear DRM digital radio and AM/FM brings practicality and comfort to your daily enjoyment. Despite its pocket-size, it's a nifty full wave band receiver packed up in a tiny body that enables you to explore a wide variety of radio stations. It is also future-proofed for the next generation DRM-E technology. You have access to all the presets, station names, program details and even Journaline news on the easy to ready large LCD in a simple and intuitive way. Sleep timer set your radio to automatically switch off or wake up at your convenience. Listen to your favorite radio programs anywhere you like with 4 x AA batteries or connect it to mains. GR-22 is a multi-functional radio that is flexible to your listen habits. GR-22 will be available for purchase on Q2 2020. 

GR-227 is a car digital radio adapter that utilizes most advanced interference and noise cancellation technology to receive digital radio in car while achieving the best audio quality and serve it to the car audio system over aux cable or by transmitting over an unused FM frequency. The receiver is fully compatible with DRM standard that is being deployed over the world, with its latest audio codec xHE-AAC. Based on software defined radio technology, GR-227 is ready for the emerging DRM-E standard that extends the DRM broadcast to FM band. 

GR-301 is a high performance monitoring receiver that supports DRM, AM and FM. GR-301 supports the collection of key parameters of audio broadcasting, including SNR, MER, CRC, PSD, RF level, audio availability and service information. The collection and uploading of parameters meets DRM RSCI standards. The GR-301 can work independently or be deployed with other receivers to become a node in the service evaluation network. The GR-301 supports the xHE-AAC audio codec and is capable of handling the latest DRM-E standard through software upgrades. 

GR-310 is a management platform designed for audio broadcast monitoring and receiver control purposes, it manages the geographically distributed GR-301 receivers. The platform can formulate receiving schedules, configure the receivers to perform receiving tasks, perform real-time Gospell Digital Technology Co.,LTD. browsing of the reception status, store historical data, and visualize the statistic data in a intuitive way. In addition to monitoring and analyzing data, the GR-310 platform also supports real-time audio monitoring and configuration of alarm conditions, alarms will be triggered when rules are met. 

GR-AT3 is a high-performance active monopole antenna with reception frequency ranges from 0.3 to 50MHz. It is designed to work in harsh environments with respect to strong man-made noise and stern natural conditions. It is compact and easy to install, supplied accessories enable rapid installation. The antenna is comprised of a wide band amplifier in an IP67 waterproof aluminum body together with an active element made of a stainless-steel. The solid construction ensures durability and maintenance-free operation. 

"We're constantly working to ensure we're bring the latest technology in our product", says Haochun Liu, assistant to general manager, "These products underscore the Gospell's commitment to providing easy access to high quality information at affordable prices. Both consumer and industry can benefit from it." 

Gospell will be exhibiting at IBC 2019 in the Amsterdam International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) Hall 3 C67, September 13-17. To schedule a meeting at IBC 2019 or access a sample of the featured IBC showcase, email haojq@gospell.com 

About Gospell 

Established in 2001, Gospell Digital Technology Co Ltd (GOSPELL). is a hi-tech enterprise with R&D, manufacturing, business consultancy and planning, trade, delivery, project implementation and after sales service, acting as a complete DTV and triple-play solution provider for Digital TV/OTT related projects. Headquartered in GOSPELL INDUSTRIAL PARK at Chenzhou, Hunan Province for CPE related production manufacturing, GOSPELL also has its office in Shenzhen for business/marketing management and administration, in Chengdu for R&D and headend/transmitter system production/debugging and Customer Service Center, and in 12 cities in China as well as international offices in India, Africa and Mexico.

(Press Release) 

RFmondial demonstrates multiplexed DRM at IBC 2019

Hannover, 12.09.2019 – RFmondial demonstrates its advanced multiplexed DRM modulation for the FM band, that allows broadcasters to transmit multiple DRM channels on one physical transmitter.

The newest member of RFmondial's successful LV-series of DRM modulators and exciters allows the parallel generation and transmission of up to six pure digital DRM channels, or in combined analog and digital „Simulcast" mode, one traditional analog FM channel and up to four DRM channels.

"The ability to freely mix and combine analog and multiple digital DRM signals, in adjacent channels, with individually varying power levels, supporting single frequency networks, allows broadcasters, network regulators and frequency planers a new dimension of possibilities for planning and operation of digital radio networks" states Stefan Galler, Managing Director of RFmondial GmbH in Hannover.

RFmondial demonstrates its innovation with its long-time digital radio partner Nautel at IBC 2019 (RAI Congress Center in Amsterdam, September 13-17, 2019) hall8, booth C.49

RFmondial GmbH

Appelstr. 9a

30167 Hannover

Stefan Galler

galler@rfmondial.de

+49 (511) 330995 61

RFmondial GmbH offers professional products and services for the digital broadcasting industry as well as other industries with the need for innovative hardware and software. Research, development and prototype implementation for transmitter, receiver, and monitoring technology as well as design services for various industries are part of the core business. With broad experience in various technological areas, world-wide markets are served, "Made in Germany".

(Press Release via openPR)

https://www.openpr.com/news/1832992/rfmondial-demonstrates-multiplexed-drm-at-ibc-2019

Gospell announces several new products featuring DRM

Gospell will announce several new products featuring DRM (Digital radio Mondiale) at an event convened by the DRM Consortium is to be held on Friday 13th September (1530) at Hall 3 Stand C67 at IBC 2019

GR-22 – Portable DRM/AM/FM Receiver

GR-227 – DRM Car Adapter

GR-301 – DRM/AM/FM Monitoring Receiver

GR-310 – Audio Broadcast Monitoring Platform

GR-AT3 – High Performance Active HF Antenna

More at : https://www.drm.org/drm-highlights-smart-radio-for-all-at-ibc-2019-2/

Here's the full Press Release by Gospell

Gospell Press Release