2009 E N U J • Issue 9 Reaching out to the Wo r l d D M B C o mm u n i t y Digital Radio Motors Ahead This time last year I chaired the first service the volume of mobile radio contemplating digital radio launch meeting of the WorldDMB Receiver listeners), and therefore standard strategies, I would urge you to look Profiles Task Force, which was a joint fit DAB, DAB+ and DMB is of major closely at the Australian example. collaboration between WorldDMB, EBU importance. A successful WorldDMB Norway’s public and private TV and and EICTA (now DIGITALEUROPE). workshop held recently with the car radio broadcasters joined forces to At IBC 2008 the first Receiver Profiles industry attracted over one hundred deliver an array of free-to air DMB document, which defined features to delegates and created a new level mobile TV and radio services using the be included in three different classes of dialogue across the industry. The existing DAB network infrastructure. of radio, was published. To say that French announcement to mandate This approach is new in Europe and these Profiles have been well received digital radios in all cars from 2013 completely avoids the typical mobile is probably an understatement; focused much of our thoughts and TV business model that has proved they have been widely accepted by efforts, and the desire to see digital unsuccessful elsewhere, removing the manufacturers and broadcasters but radios in all European cars has never need for costly UHF networks, depen- particularly welcomed by regulators, been stronger. The opportunity for dency on real time subscription and making the job of selecting standards TPEG services to deliver continent mobile telecom operators. As Korea easier by removing uncertainty so that -wide travel information is intriguing has already shown, DMB mobile TV licensing decisions can be made. Many many but requires co-ordination by together with DAB on Band III is a late 2009 models of digital radios will organisations such as the EBU to compelling and simple proposition. be compliant with the Receiver Profiles, ensure national and regional multi- Could this be the new way forward for able to receive DAB, DAB+ and DMB plexes all carry TPEG data. World- mobile TV in Europe? Radio with associated services. It is DMB’s Receiver Profiles contain defini- all good news for consumers who tions for domestic digital radios as This summer promises to be as busy can be confident their new digital well as in-car receivers where different as ever for the WorldDMB team as we radio receiver will work in almost any conditions apply. Dialogue with the welcome new Project Office Director, country broadcasting the Eureka147 car industry will enable these profiles Letty Zambrano to the London office, family of standards. A new consumer to be finalised to give the same level and bid a farewell and all our thanks logo being developed by DIGITAL- of clarity to the in-car entertainment to Kelly Griffiths who leaves us after EUROPE aims to help consumers sector. 3 years to return to her home in the identify compliant receivers. United States. Australia has been busy switching One key area for us remains the car on its DAB+ services with a highly If you would like further details of industry, not least because in-car co-ordinated campaign involving WorldDMB membership, including radio listening accounts for between commercial and public service broad- our special academic and small 20% and 50% of all listening hours casters, manufacturers and all the businesses membership schemes, depending on country. Terrestrial major Australian retailers. A key point please contact Rosemary Smith at broadcast remains the only viable has been the effective digital campaign, the project office: method of delivering radio services which includes educating both the [email protected] into vehicles for the foreseeable listener and the retailer, and trans- Quentin Howard future (internet and mobile telecoms mitters designed to deliver effective President, WorldDMB Forum networks simply cannot scale up to indoor coverage. For other countries
Latest in the Car Industry receiver Looks to DAB, market, + Sweden SWEDEN see page 4 Countries with DAB and DAB ICELAND see pages tests the NORWAY UNITED 9-11 watersKINGDO Min DAB+, see DENMARK page 4 NETHER- REP. OF LANDS IRELAND BELGIUM GERMANY LUX. CZECH REP .
FRANCE SWITZ. HUNGARY
ALASKA I T SWEDENA (US) ICELAND L R USSIAN FEDERATION NORWAY UNITED Y KINGDOM CANADA DENMARK
NETHER- PORTUGAL REP. OF LANDS SPAI N IRELAND BELGIUM GERMANY LUX. CZECH REP . GREECE FRANC E SWITZ. HUNGARY
I T A L Y UNITED STATE S PORTUGAL SPAIN MALTA OF GREECE CALIFORNI A MALTA CHINA S.KORE A AMERIC A KUWAIT M
E CHINESE X INDIA HONG TAIPEI I C KONG O
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AFRICA NEW ZEALAND
DAB Commercial Launch and DAB Commercial Launch DAB Trial /Test DAB+ Trial /Test DAB+ Trial /Test 2 The road to DMB and MiniTV in Norway Those who travel between the two The digitalization of radio in Norway Norwegian cities Oslo and Bergen can’t began all the way back in 1995 with help but notice all the mountains and our first DAB station. We soon realized the few number of houses. If you are a the strength of the technology, but it tourist that is fine, but when it comes took a long time before we saw any to building networks and distributing real progress in the whole value chain. content, this creates challenges. Now several other countries are The Norwegian Broadcasting Corpo- adopting DMB and it is now also being ration (NRK) creates TV, radio, web used in ‘different flavors’, such as multiplexes in this trial service. There and services for mobile devices. digital radio with visual elements and are plans, however from TV 2 and NRK is the largest broadcaster in interactivity, as used in France. MTG do introduce pay TV services at Norway, funded by a license fee, and NRK had a DMB trial in 2005 and since some point. is expected to distribute content and then we have seen numerous MobileTV NMTV recently also partnered with services to 100% of the population. projects around the world, although in the third largest telecom operator in That means that costs on distribution our point of view none of them have Norway, Network Norway. This makes it are very high. been as successful as anticipated easier to combine DMB with additional In Norway there is also a strong political (except for the DMB service in Korea). services, providing interactivity and consensus that everyone should have One common feature was that they all various other applications which users access to the same public services. The started as telecom services, and always will enjoy and use. TV license fee, which also funds public linked to a Simcard. ‘Mobile phone TV’ I believe that our model of MobileTV is radio, has two important features; does in other words not work. a good example for others to follow. one that the content is free to air and A little more than a year ago NRK and Allowing the broadcasters, who own, secondly that the entire population can Modern Times Group (MTG), took the understand and make their own receive the services. initiative to build up a different model of content, to take control of these new Some years back Norway decided to MobileTV. TV 2 soon showed interest services will bring new opportunities switch from analogue to digital TV. This and on 13 August 2008 NRK and and possibly additional revenue. The initiative was given to a joint venture the two largest commercial broad- important thing to remember is that company called NTV (Norwegian casters formed a company, called content is key. TV), which is owned by NRK, TV 2 The Norwegian Mobile TV Corpo- It is in the interest of broadcasters that and Telenor. The latter is a telecom ration (NMTV), to offer TV to all mobile the telecom industry can also benefit operator, while the other two are devices. The NMTV is owned equally by working together with them to broadcasters. The infrastructure was by NRK, TV 2 and MTG. create additional services that will add built after agreeing that NTV cover the Formally this is a trial period since the value to the MobileTV service. And costs. It was decided that it would be licences from the government have since we all make content and services acceptable if most of the Norwegian been granted until July 2011. If this in the Eureka 147 family of standards, population received services with roof MobileTV project is successful, the aim new innovative and enhanced services top antennas. The process was run is to continue and possibly expand the will also migrate into future multimedia over a two year period and now the DMB services. radios, helping all of us make truly entire country has digital terrestrial TV NMTV launched DMB services, called multimedia services. with MPEG 4 and HD-ready set top MiniTV, on 15 May 2009 in Oslo with an boxes. Analogue TV was consequently offer of 6 free to air MiniTV channels. By Jorn Jensen, switched off. There are four transmitters and two Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation Amazing Radio launches in the UK
The UK’s commercial multiplex a demo voice track. Both unsigned of innovative services, it is hoped that operator, Digital One, will launch a artists and voices will upload their young artists and listeners will continue new service featuring the best of the tracks to http://amazingradio.co.uk. to engage in the future of radio. unsigned bands in the British music Amazing Radio will be an interactive scene. The station, called Amazing programme, allowing the listening By WorldDMB Project Office Radio, will be a six month pilot, which audience to chose playlists. aims to provide an opportunity for small artists to experience digital radio and This move proves that the digital its many benefits. In addition to new radio market is keen to appeal to the music, Amazing Radio, will feature new younger generation, who are interested presenters who will be able to upload in new music. By providing these types 3 A Hybrid Broadcast/Broadband Approach for Radio
In the iPhone era, we often hear broad- One should not forget some of the casters and consumers saying that essential characteristics of broadcast the future of radio is Internet only and radio which makes it so attractive such as that digital radio broadcasting will be simplicity of use; free to air and universal supplanted, just as Minidisc was by MP3 reception; wide availability of receivers file-based exchanges. that match different listening environ- ments (car, home, hifi, portable, etc). Internet radio receivers have been Example of a hybrid Broadcast available for some time now. They It would be wrong to see Broadband (FM, DAB, DAB+) and Broadband connect to home WiFi routers and offer networks as a threat to traditional broad- (Wifi) receiver in the market. the possibility to listen to streams from casting. But we should seek points of user. Furthermore, there is a lack of almost any station in the world. A growing convergence and exploit the opportu- definition for handover between platforms number of models on shop shelves nities for a harmonised evolution in line and for the multimedia features such as suggests that Internet radio is gaining in with the interest of listeners, broadcasters associated text, pictures and other on- popularity. Recent mobile phones also and manufacturers. Hence the idea of a demand content. offer the possibility to listen to Internet hybrid broadcast/broadband approach. radio streams as operators start to offer Looking at the convergence between It is in the interest of broadcasters to flat-rate data access. Many more broad- broadcast and broadband networks in avoid having to support varying formats casters offer Internet radio services than the radio domain, it could look like the across different platforms performing the broadcast digital radio services. Even if following: same function. In particular middleware the audience remains concentrated on applications such as EPG, slideshow and • Broadcast delivery for local/national the existing radio channels, a wide choice text information could share common channels that account for the majority of channels with thousands of stations formats. It is also important that the of the audience on a given area or are in from around the world and on demand selection mechanism stays transparent direct relation with the local audience. For content seems to be an attractive feature to the user and service-following works these channels, a cost-efficient free-to air for listeners. Internet also considerably so that the most suitable delivery platform primary distribution network with good enriches the radio experience, offering is automatically selected. service quality is necessary to reach on-demand listening (podcasts) and listeners. Recent initiatives in the Internet radio attractive program-associated infor- domain are the emergence of the Internet • Broadband networks for other content, mation via websites. Media Devices Alliance (IMDA) and the like niche programmes, foreign channels Despite these facts, the growing online RadioDNS for specifying profiles for that do not generate enough audience radio audience still accounts for less than Internet radio devices, common selection to justify a local broadcast delivery. 10% of the total radio audience in all distri- mechanisms and handover between Broadband access also enables inter- bution platforms (ref. EBU report “Broad- platforms. It will be a challenge to have active applications, on demand content casters and the Internet”). We might ask digital broadcast reception integrated in and social networking applications (e.g. ourselves a number of questions: all the connected multimedia devices. It last, FM). is probably not directly relevant for the - “Can mobile networks handle the radio listeners who will purchase the most mass audiences in the long term?” attractive platform of the moment but it Personal communication networks are is important in the long term for broad- still relatively inefficient for mass market casters to keep a privileged link with radio delivery. Further infrastructure their listeners. The broadband/broadcast development is needed. approach is an opportunity for broad- casters to offer a new experience to - “Who will pay for infrastructure and listeners in an efficient way. what will be the relationship between the It is already possible to find many devices network operators and broadcasters if EBU Technical recognizes that its radio in the market that include Internet access the former become the primary delivery members are involved in both broadcast (WiFi) and analogue/digital broadcast networks?” and broadband platforms. That is the reception in the same box. reason why it has been decided to actively - “How are we going to ensure the However, there is still a complete engage in broadband radio initiatives quality of service across all operators?” separation inside these device between whilst retaining participation in the groups - “Does this mean that broadcasters the broadband streaming and broadcast active in digital radio broadcasting. should give up their spectrum in the long reception. The selection mechanism for By Mathias Coinchon, European term?” Internet stations is often cumbersome Broadcasting Union and sometimes requires a tech-savvy 4 Sweden Tests the Water in DAB+
The first trial transmission in DAB+ in holdings in both radio and TV, Modern report commissioned by the Radio and Sweden has taken place in Stockholm. Times Group (MTG), will also be part TV Authority gave an unbiased review The start of the transmission was a vital of the trial and carry out the services. of various digital radio standards and part of a radio seminar hosted by the determined that DAB+ is considered media operator, Teracom, this May. “The broadcasters in the trial would like the most appropriate for the Swedish to try out different possibilities and see market. Broadcasters are welcome to partic- what types of issues may need to be ipate in the trial and after the summer overcome. They would also like to test “Both the public service broadcaster, the transmissions will expand to how consumers react on the content as Sveriges Radio, and the commercial include two smaller cities in Sweden well as the additional services such as; broadcasters are positive to the new A test group of approximately 300 downloading music, text information, technology. This autumn the parliament consumers will be part of the trial. They advertisements and pictures,” says has to make a decision for the future will be equipped with a DAB+ receiver Per Gunnarsson, product manager at for both FM and digital radio transmis- and their experiences will be evaluated Teracom. sions. Hopefully this will give the whole after a couple of months of listening to industry the future prospects it has up to twelve digital radio channels and While there is increased interest longed-for,” says Per Gunnarsson. some additional services. in DAB+ from the radio industry in Sweden, a full scale commitment to By Sveriges Radio, Sweden The public service broadcaster, Sveriges the technology would mean that there Radio, is one of the participants. An would need to be changes in regulation. international media company with In mid 2008 a Swedish governmental Car industry comes out in Force to learn about Digital Radio
On the 28th May WorldDMB held a Car other and looking to the future of radio Manufacturers’ Workshop in Hildesheim, in Europe. Germany. The event was attended by The second session focused on the key players from both the digital radio perspective from the car industry and and car industries to discuss the future the introduction was given by Dr Volker of digital radio for the automotive market. Schott from the VDA who jointly worked The event was well attended with over on making this event a success. Dr Schott 100 participants all of whom made the said that to get digital radio in cars, the trip to the Robert Bosch offices, who first step must be a closer cooperation currently has a window of opportunity to hosted the meeting. between WorldDMB and the car industry. get DAB digital radio in cars. However, The workshop started with an introduction A presentation was given by Audi on how this window will not be available for long from Mr Quentin Howard, President, to get digital radio in cars and some of and the digital radio industry was urged WorldDMB who said that this was an the issues, which have restricted the to get their house in order quickly. important event at which both industries take up of digital radio by the car industry The final session further discussed the could come together to discuss common were discussed. This was followed WorldDMB Receiver Profiles, which issues and to better understand where by a presentation on TPEG and the were produced last year in co-operation synergies and joint cooperation could importance of traffic and travel data to with the EBU and DigitalEurope. An speed the uptake of digital radio, as the car industry, which is an area where interesting discussion was held on the standard, in cars. attendees felt digital radio converges with need to make the Profiles specifically the car market. TPEG is also seen as a The day was split into three sessions the tailored to the car industry. There was key benefit over current analogue radio. first of which gave an overview of the also a further presentation on the future The following presentations focused on current and future plans of broadcasters of the Profiles and radio as well as the the availability today of multi-standard around Europe. During the preceding possible implementation of the Profiles in chips for cars and broadcast versus panel questions about L-Band, roadmaps the coming year. connected delivery systems. for analogue switch off, coverage, The day ended with the agreement that spectrum allocation and the French law In the second panel discussion screen this is the start of a closer cooperation relating to mandatory digital radio in all size, service following, the future of between WorldDMB and the car receivers by 2013 were discussed. There TPEG and standardisation were topics industry. were frank and open discussions on these of key interest. The conclusion of this topics with both industries educating the session was that the digital radio industry By WorldDMB Project Office 5 ADVERTISEMENT VDL acquires the complete broadcast business of SomerData
VDL S.A. (Lyon, France) has extended The recently acquired SomerData Temple Gate, Bristol BS1 6PL, Tel: its investment in its Digital Audio products provide monitoring, logging, +44 (0) 373 6260, Fax: +44 (0) 373 Broadcast (DAB)/Digital Multimedia recording, replay, analysis and signal 6261, e-mail: [email protected]. Broadcast (DMB) business with the routing for DAB, DAB+ and DMB acquisition of the broadcast product broadcasters, network operators About VDL range of Somerdata Ltd. (Wells, and developers, including DABSTOR VDL is a French leader in the field Somerset, UK), the opening of its for head-end applications and of radio broadcasting technology new International Sales & Marketing DABSTOR-Rx for post-transmission with business activities as an FM office in the UK and the appointment applications. broadcaster, Digital Radio network of Edwin Kayes as Sales & Marketing provider and Digital Radio equipment Director for Broadcast Products. DABSTOR manufacturer. The new VDL Sales & Marketing VDL is a DAB/DAB+/DMB equipment office at CityPoint, Bristol will handle manufacturer and has also been world-wide promotion and sales of a digital radio network provider in the combined VDL and SomerData France since 1998. DAB/DMB product ranges, plus European sales of broadcast test & Its competence and experience in the measurement products from strategic field of DAB/DAB+ and DMB has led partner SM-CNS (Seoul, Korea). to the development of a full range of DABSTOR-Rx equipment and services. This combination of these products puts VDL at the forefront of the latest VDL’s core business areas include: multimedia digital radio technologies including head-end encoders, • worldwide DAB/DAB+/DMB multiplexers, as well as systems equipment manufacturer for pre-transmission and post- The SM-CNS products available from • digital radio and mobile TV transmission recording, monitoring VDL include the DABAIR-II Plus, network provider and analysis. which is the latest development of the portable DAB/DAB+/DMB On-Air • FM broadcasting expert in VDL offers a range of audio encoders Monitoring & Analysis Receiver. France Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB & DAB+), video encoders for Digital Multimedia Commenting on the acquisition and VDL’s customers benefit from more Broadcast (DMB) and Ensemble opening of the new Sales & Marketing than 20 years experience as a multiplexers for broadcasters and office, CEO of VDL, Yannick Andre- broadcast network provider and more network operators. VDL’s products Masse said: “These are exciting times than 10 years experience in digital include: D-VAUDAX, the all-in-one for multimedia digital radio, with radio, both as a network provider DAB/DMB multiplexer; several countries rolling-out DAB+ and equipment supplier. VDL is and DMB networks, other countries present in 4 continents and offers its D-AUDIENCE Audio encoders for expanding or upgrading existing products and solutions in more than DAB/DAB+ and D-EVIDENCE video networks, plus upgrades from DAB 20 countries. encoders for DMB. to the latest DAB+ audio technology. Dvaudax There is a strong synergy between the VDL and SomerData product ranges, including technologies, applications and customers. Bringing these product ranges together at this time will be of great benefit to VDL’s customers world-wide.” www. vdl-broadcast.com
Contact details for the new Sales & www.vdl.fr Marketing office are: VDL, CityPoint, Twitter: vdl_broadcast 6 Asia/Pacific & North American News
DAB+ Digital Radio Expands Worldwide
DAB+ is now becoming the standard The most influential market to switch on are looking into the possibility of mixed of choice for digital radio in countries DAB+, however, has to be Australia, which multiplexes which offer all flavours of the launching new services around the world. began its roll out in May 2009 and now DAB family (DAB, DAB+, DMB digital radio has services on-air in five major cities: and DMB mobile TV) to give consumers In the past countries wanting to ‘go digital’ Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and the widest choice of services. DMB radio on radio looked to DAB, however the Sydney. It was felt that DAB+ offered the as chosen by the French market, like development and standardisation of DAB+ best solution for digital radio in the country, its sister standard DAB+, also offers the in February 2007 offered new markets capable of delivering new features to market many multimedia options and the a choice. The benefits of DAB+ include; listeners and advertisers. The Australian chance to make radio part of the future use of the MPEG-4 audio codec deliv- radio industry has worked closely with all landscape of broadcasting. This is the only ering greater performance efficiency, more major stakeholders to ensure the success platform which currently offers truly multi- stations per multiplex and more efficient of digital radio with industry wide marketing media broadcasting. use of radio spectrum. These and other and also an integrated consumer campaign benefits have attracted broadcasters and to increase awareness. The development of the WorldDMB regulators, who see both greater consumer Receiver Profiles in cooperation with the choice and efficient use of resources such Other markets throughout the world are EBU and DIGITALEUROPE in 2008 also as spectrum as a key driver to developing now also looking to DAB+ and tests or means that receivers will now be harmo- digital radio within their countries. trials are currently on-air or planned in nised and able to operate in any market China, the Czech Republic, Germany, worldwide with any flavour of DAB, DAB+ The first country to launch DAB+ was Malaysia, Poland, Taiwan and Israel. In and DMB on-air. Receiver manufacturers Malta which currently has 15 services Sweden a report released last year recom- have ensured there are now DAB/DAB+ on-air including MOT, EPG and DLS data mended DAB+ as the digital radio standard compatible models in the market and the services. Switzerland has 13 DAB+ services for the region. Italy has also indicated that choice of receivers is set to grow by the and is now working on a plan to migrate DAB+ suits the needs of its market and for end of the year. all DAB services to DAB+ by 2013 leading countries with free licence conditions such to analogue switch off. Hungary switched as the Netherlands, DAB+ is possible. As more countries look at the future of radio on DAB+ services in March 2009 with the the growth of the digital industry is gathering commercial launch planned for later this Digital radio now allows more than just pace and consumers are demanding the year. Singapore also has 22 services on- audio services, and DAB+ offers listeners quality and choice which DAB, DAB+ and air, which launched in June 2008 including the possibility of multimedia radio with data DMB digital radio can offer. traffic and travel information. services and interactivity. Many countries By WorldDMB Project Office Beijing Enjoys new Digital Services
For the past few years, DAB and its broadcast from 5 signal transmitters in Potevio to develop the front end system related industry developed rapidly. With Beijing city. The second stage of rollout for this new service, which will be the Chinese governmental approval, DAB of the DAB network will begin this year, completed by May 2009. At the same programmes were officially launched in with the addition of 5 further transmitters time, RBC is also researching and devel- Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Henan that will cover Pinggu, Miyun, Huairou, oping receivers of the new service with and Dalian in September 2006. Since Yanqing, and Fangshan. Capital, Actions Semiconductor, Lingke this time, provinces such as Yunnan, and Peony. Receivers for this new service Liaoning, Hunan, Zhejiang. Anhui and “Pushing Radio Service” is a new service will be manufactured in July 2009. The Shenzhen have begun broadcasting offered by RBS, which will be rolled out receivers will have 4 GB memory, and DAB programmes. The DAB service in the city of Beijing in mid 2009. This will cost around 499 RMB. According content throughout these cities contains new service will “push” all types of audio to the plan, “Pushing Radio Service” will audio and video programmes as well as programmes to the listener through launch its trial services in September, research and development of related files using the DAB broadcast channel. and will carry out a commercial launch data services. Accordingly, files will be downloaded at the beginning of next year. During this onto a consumer device in the evening, time the expansion and application this Radio Beijing Station (RBS) officially allowing the consumer freedom to listen service will launch in other DAB opera- launched DAB services in September to their favorite programmes at anytime. tional cities in China. 2006. There are currently 17 audio programs and 5 video programmes being Now, RBC is working with Desbell and By Beijing Jolon, China 7 Indonesia plans for Digital Future A long time user of analogue systems, and of course the public. It is expected the government in creating a marketing shortwave (SW) channels still widely that these events will address (and get plan. Private broadcasters will also need used is now shifting to digital technology. feedback) on many important issues in to effectively take part. More importantly, Today, the FM Stereo frequency is the regards to the digitalization process; manufacturers and retailers should be most popular means with medium wave including the schedules, technical as well heavily involved in relaying the message (AM) and shortwave (SW) channels are as social aspects, financial/investment to the consumer. Promotions, product- still widely used especially in rural and aspects, and so on. testing, displays, amongst other things remote areas of the country. As the rest – would be needed to familiarize DAB The additional capacity and features of the world is now shifting to the digital Radios to the public. On the consumer in a DAB system are some of the main technology, Indonesians are beginning to side, product availability will be crucial. advantages that are most welcomed by catch up. Radio listeners should be able to conven- private broadcasters in Indonesia. The iently shop for their first ‘digital radio’ at After several tests and trials on digital appointed radio network owner has their favourite electronic store with ranges broadcasting technologies including DAB found it difficult to develop its network of models and prices. The offering will and IBOC in 2006, media broadcasters as there is extremely limited available need to include in car devices as well. and the industry have seen that DAB and frequency – especially in big cities like DVB would be the best-suited systems to Jakarta. However, with the new digital Some early steps towards the digitali- be applied in Indonesia. Up to now, the radio technology, there will be opportu- zation have already been completed in largest public-radio network – RRI (Radio nities for RRI to expand its broadcasting Indonesia. Still, a few more careful steps Republik Indonesia), is running a successful goals more easily. They are, however, are being planned. The picture of a digital trial broadcast on DAB in Jakarta as well still waiting to see how the government radio era in the country is becoming more as testing the DRM technology – and will act in implementing the digitalization clear. Moreover, the story of the success of experiencing minimum troubles. – and furthermore, in educating the HDTV being introduced in the Indonesian people on this ‘new big thing’. Broad- market could boost the confidence on At present, a governmental decree casters witnessed the failure of the intro- the implementation of DAB digital radio. facilitating the use of the DAB family duction of Worldspace a few years ago, Despite today’s financial burdens,I ndone- has been issued followed by a series and they cannot let the same situation sians are known as technology-minded of events throughout Indonesia by the happen to their DAB investment. people. New techie-gadgets are often Ministry of Informatics. The aim is to successfully launched in Indonesia. So make the country aware of this new and This leads to how the government would why not DAB Radio? upcoming technology. Targets of these introduce this new broadcasting system to events include the local government, the consumers. RRI, as the public service By Bimo Bayu Nimpuno, Radio broadcasters, advertisers, vendors, broadcaster, has been in discussion with Republik Indonesia
WorldDMB Forum Bringing the Digital Future to You
DAB • DAB+ • DMB • Digital Radio • Mobile TV • Multimedia
For more information please contact Caroline Brindle in the WorldDMB Forum Project Office: [email protected] Tel +44(0) 20 7306 2535 8 Digital Radio of the Future is now available in Australia
compete with other digital technologies and continue to maintain radio’s relevance in listener’s lives. For the first couple of weeks DAB+ broadcasts will be in inter- ference test mode which means that the power may be lower at night while inter- ference, if any, to analogue and digital television is assessed and remediated. Four of Australia’s major metropolitan Digital Radio Channel Plans (DRCPs) cities have switched on digital radio this issued by the Australian Communication month. Sydney will follow on 30 May and Media Authority (ACMA) show a very bringing the total to 44 DAB+ digital radio high level of coverage from day one of stations on air. Chief executive officer of the new technology - with around 60% Commercial Radio Australia Joan Warner of Australia’s population able to access explains why this is a major milestone for digital radio. Australian radio. receivers will be tracked and monitored. AM and FM services will continue to be Commercial radio stations across Australia However, it is unlikely any figures will be broadcast for some time to allow for the created radio history when they began released in the short term but rather when change over of the estimated 50 million broadcasting the first permanent DAB+ the industry begins to see some sort of analogue radio devices currently owned digital radio services. This is the biggest trending over a number of months. by Australians. innovation in Australian radio since the Manufacturers producing DAB+ digital introduction of FM in the 1970’s. With 97 percent of Australians listening radios include; Pure, Roberts, Bush, Revo, to radio and 80% to commercial radio, The switch on of digital radio is a culmi- Grundig, iRiver, Sangean, Yamaha and listeners have been keen to sample digital nation of seven years work with the Teac with other manufacturers expected radio. Response to our on-air “digital Federal Government, the Australian to introduce further products throughout radio is coming” awareness campaign Communications and Media Authority 2009. The arrival of digital radio has across all commercial stations has been (ACMA), commercial broadcasters, and reinvigorated the audio retail market outstanding. New retailers are contacting public broadcasters the ABC and SBS, with leading retailers including; Harvey manufacturers to stock digital radios and together with retailers and manufacturers Norman, Dick Smith, The Good Guys, the initial retail response has been much of digital radios to ensure a compre- Myer, David Jones, Clive Peeters, Big W, better than anticipated with retailers hensive and coordinated switch on of a Retravision, Radio Rentals and specialist already re-ordering digital radio stock. compelling new way of listening to radio. retailers all stocking DAB+ product. Commercial Radio Australia announced The Australian radio industry has invested By Joan Warner, last month sales of DAB+ digital radio in and created its digital future and will Commercial Radio Australia Upcoming events
4-9 September 2009 19-22 October 2009 4 -7 November IFA, Berlin, Germany Le Radio, Paris, France Broadcast and Multimedia 10-15 September 2009 29-30 October 2009 Show, Jakarta, Indonesia IBC, Amsterdam, WorldDMB GA, 17-20 November 2009 Netherlands Paris, France NAT Expo, Moscow, 13-16 October 2009 Free Entry for members Russian Federation Hong Kong Electronics 29-30 October 2009 18-20 November 2009 Show, Hong Kong Medientage Munich, Inter BEE, Tokyo, Japan Munich, Germany 9 WorldDMB Welcomes New Project OfficeMembers:
Letty Zambrano has taken over as the new Project Caroline Brindle is the new Membership Liaison Officer Director for WorldDMB. She joins the Forum after working for WorldDMB and officially joined the Project Office in for five years as Membership and Marketing Director for January. the Chartered Institute of Linguists (loL). Letty speaks She supports the current membership with committee fluent English, Spanish, Italian and French as well as inter- information and website support mediate German. Previously as well as daily queries, and Letty worked for Associated handles all new membership Press Television News and enquiries. Caroline would News Xchange the interna- welcome any suggestions for tional news broadcasters new members and feedback conference. She is a keen from current members. foil fencer and loves reading Caroline can be contacted at science fiction. [email protected] Letty can be contacted at +44 (0) 207 306 2535 [email protected] +44 (0) 207 306 2531 New WorldDMB Members
SMQ software platform ITIS has developed, allows us to deliver Shenzhen Academy of Metrology and valuable traffic information to a wide variety of business, Quality Inspection (SMQ) is a non-profit government and private users. and integrated technical institute found- ed by General Administration of Quality Nufront Software Technology Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine Co. Ltd Founded in 2004, NuFront of People’s Republic of China and Shenzhen Municipal is dedicated in software development Government. SMQ represents as a service provider for in telecommunication, image/video calibration, product testing, product certification, training search (NuSearch), Digital image home and consultancy. entertainment solution (NuHome), Super highway local area network, and Digital image technology based coun- ITIS terfeit currency detection and banknotes authentication. ITIS is a leading supplier of traffic and travel information. TrafficScience, the
Professional Equipment EasyDAB The EasyDAB is a new product belonging to the DAB/DAB+/DMB product line of DIGIDIA. It is a high performance and cost effective live ETI file generator designed for test applications of receiver, trans- mitter and chip makers. Easy to use and compact sized, the EasyDAB includes all the technical features and performances of a high-end head end system including one DAB audio encoder (MPEG Layer II) with PAD DLS inserter & server, one DAB+ audio encoder (AAC+) with PAD DLS inserter & server and one DMB inserter (both video and visual radio profiles, dmb files or TS files).
ENENSYS ENENSYS introduces its GigaCaster DMB gateways. Cost effective, flexible and highly reliable solution for transporting DAB, DAB+, DMB or T-DMB content over IP networks, GigaCaster DMB handle up to 4x streams in both ETI to IP or IP to ETI directions. Compliant with EDI standard, GigaCaster DMB provide advanced network jitter removal and error correction thus allowing the preservation of Single Frequency Networks. 108 Latest in the receiver market
PURE Sirocco 150 Sirocco 150 is the world’s first “Works with iPhone” DAB micro system, designed to connect specifically to iPod and iPhone models.A video out socket on the dock enables you to view video from your iPod or iPhone on your TV. Sirocco 150 also enables you to play MP3/ WMA files from portable USB memory drives, SD memory cards and CDs, and is available from ¤170.
Roberts iDream This DAB/FM RDS digital stereo clock radio comes with a dock for an iPod, 20 station presets and adjustable snooze and sleep timers. You can also select the clock to stay on screen whilst tuned into your radio station. With a remote control for all major functions, the Roberts iDream currently retails for approximately ¤89.
JVC EX-AK2DB The JVC EX-AK2DB is fitted with aDA B digital tuner and features a DVD player capable of playing DVD-Audio/Video and MPEG Video. Dolby DTS 2 channel decoding is also included. With gold plated terminals, the EX-AK2DB features a number of sound settings, sleep and wake timers and a remote control. Available from approx ¤575.
TEAC T-H380DNT The TEAC T-H380DNT is a DAB Internet radio tuner, allowing users to listen to a wide range of DAB stations and around 10,000 radio stations over the internet through wi-fi streaming. With 10 DAB and 20 internet station presets and a digital clock with timer and sleep functions, the TEAC T-H380DNT is available now from ¤275.
Cambridge Audio Sonata The Sonata combines both DAB/FM tuners with RDS and an iPod dock. Compo- nents include CD and DVD players. The Sonata comes complete with a fully- functioning Navigator remote, is available in silver or black and retails from approx ¤230.
Pioneer F-F6MK2 The F-F6MK2 is the DAB/FM/AM Tuner source component of Pioneer’s audiophile G-Clef Series. Featuring a black hairline finish aluminium front panel and blue LCD display, the F-F6MK2 supports 200 possible presets is supported via a rotary knob, or the remote control. Available as of July 09, retail price as yet unavailable.
LG-KU4000 LG Korea have released their new “business” oriented phone, the LG-KU4000, with a DMB TV tuner inbuilt. Featuring a nice 2.8” LCD plus an LED external display, it supports Word, PPT, XLS, PDF files as well as receiving anO utlook Sync support. With a 2 mega-pixel camera, this is currently available in Korea only, price unknown.
A full list of products is available on the WorldDMB website: www.worlddab.org 11 Latest in the receiver market
Vita Audio R2i The Vita Audio Tabletop Stereo has a DAB/FM tuner, and is DAB+ upgradeable. The R2i features custom made high-fidelity drive units and electronics with 3D sound processing, loudness and selectable tone EQ settings. Featuring pressed steel panels, woven mesh grilles and soft touch controls, the R2i is available in Rich Walnut veneer or Dream White and Midnight Black high gloss lacquers, from ¤319.
ThinkwareES300 The ES300 is the latest portable navigation system from the Korean manufac- turer Thinkware. Available with 2, 4 or 8GBS of internal memory this Portable Navigation System can also be used as a PNP and portable TV thanks to its DMB TV tuner. Featuring the Eco Drive mode, which will give the driver their approximate level of CO2 emission, the Thinkware ES300 is commercially avail- able in Korea, price unknown.
Samsung SPH-W6450 The SPH-W6450 is Samsung’s latest 3G Phone and is so far only available in Korea. The particular design of the phone means the screen can be rotated in two ways providing either a clamshell phone or a notebook style PDA. It features a 2.8” LCD with a touch keyboard for use as a “trackpad”, DMB, MP3, a 3Mpix camera module, and Bluetooth 2.0.
Inkel W500 The W500 is Inkel’s latest GPS. Available with either 2GB or 4GB of memory it features functions such as an Eco-Drive monitor, Dual Map, 3D map, and DMB TV tuner with PIP. Another nifty little feature is its real time traffic information and gas price info monitor that provides prices on 12,000 gas stations thoughout Korea.
SAMSUNG SCH-W76 The SCH-W760 stands out from the rest of the handsets on the market with its infrared-enabled camera. As a result, buyers of this device will be able to video talk with each other even while in the dark! The Rest of the specs include 2.8-inch AMOLED screen, 3 megapixel camera with flash, DMB mobile TV, Bluetooth, music player, mobile printing capability, and a standard micro SD memory card expansion slot. The device is commercially available in Korea, price unknown.
Yamaha CRX-D430 The CRX-D430 is a Micro CD DAB Band III, FM with RDS and AM Receiver with a built in iPod dock. The CD player reads CD-recordable and CD-rewriteable formats & WMA/MP3 files. With a remote control and a headphone socket, the CRX-D430 features a brushed aluminium fascia is available now from ¤212.
A full list of products is available on the WorldDMB website: www.worlddab.org 12 WorldDMB WorldDMB & DRM Joint Members Networking Party Exhibiting Relax and enjoy Singapore with members of both • Broadcast Australia forums - WorldDMB & DRM will be holding a joint • Enensys Technologies Networking Party on Tuesday 16th June 2009 from • Fraunhofer IIS 19.30-21.30. WorldDMB and DRM are the industry • Harris bodies promoting digital radio around the world. • SMCNS WorldDMB at BroadcastAsia
market and look into ways that broadcasters can meet the ever increasing demands of the consumer. • Will Technology Secure Radio’s Future? • network Costs Involved in a Digital Upgrade Expanding the Opportunities in Radio: • digital means MORE 16th June 2009, 11.30-17.30 • hd Radio, Global Update • the DAB Family = Multimedia Radio Radio still remains a vital communication tool and an integral • a Solution for Vast Countries, DRM part of today’s media landscape. Despite the introduction of alternative media platforms and technologies, radio’s • internet Radio converges with Digital strengths remain universally relevant and fundamentally • Radio’s Place in the Digital Dividend appreciated. With the advent of digital radio, consumers • Pushing Radio Beyond its Limits across Europe can experience radio like never before; from home, to cars, mobile phones, streaming via the internet and even on the • indonesian Government Chooses DAB family iPod. This programme will analyse the developments in the for Digital Radio Visit our members on the WorldDMB Pavilion Factum Electronics AB is a leading DAB/DAB+/DMB VDL is a leading company as a DAB/DAB+/DMB systems provider to large national broadcasters, network equipment manufacturer worldwide. Thanks to its operators and commercial radio stations. “DAB/DAB+/ competence and its experience, VDL is the largest DMB by Factum” is an established concept for user- reference in the world. Benefiting of the unique point of friendly and flexible systems. Factum is not only offering view of the end user, VDL is able to propose a complete the solutions to digital challenges - we are setting the solution with innovative products. These are easy to standards and are leading the way for the new kind of use, price-competitive and attract customers of any size radio. Since 1988, Factum is also a leading provider in more than 20 countries. Through its experience and of NICAM, digital stereo sound for analogue TV. Within its competence, VDL offers innovative solutions to its NICAM we offer a complete range of products for both customers. VDL is also a network broadcasting and CATV. provider in France for Analogue and Digital Radio.