September 2011

Reaching out to the WorldDMB Community

Issue 14

4 Germany: On the road to a digital future

8 Asia Pacific Region

10 Latest Receivers

Eureka 147 – The mass market ready broadcasting standard of choice

Today we see hundreds of Eureka 147 compatible receivers available on the international market. With over half a billion consumers tuning into the many diverse radio programmes transmitted every day, it is evident that digital radio has become an integral part of daily life for millions of people worldwide. With the DAB, DAB+ technologies firmly established in numerous countries and under trial in many more, it is not surprising that these standards are increasingly viewed as the only reliable mass market ready terrestrial digital radio specification of choice by a growing number of countries - the most recent being Germany, who launched its first national DAB+ multiplex in August this year.

In an increasingly digitalised world the Eureka 147 technologies meet all stakeholder requirements. Digitally media-aware consumers have access to enhanced new interactive functionalities which are already available on other media entertainment consoles. Broadcasters benefit by being able to engage more directly with their audiences and reap the rewards of a richer consumer content offering while the enhanced monetisation opportunities bring new benefits which go along with this.

These benefits along with many more have already been acknowledged by the likes of Norway, the UK and Australia and recently Germany; making it clear that the argument for adopting the standard has grown as we are increasingly seeing the international radio market agree on the digital radio standard of the future for the modern digital age. PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Working together for the future sustainability of the radio industry

Working towards a harmonised, pan-European digital radio market

At WorldDMB we are delighted to be support will have huge repercussions witnessing a period of transition towards on the future adoption of the Eureka a more progressive and internationally 147 standards on a European and cohesive digital radio industry. With international level as it demonstrates the German market beginning the roll- that there is substantial consumer out of its national DAB+ broadcast, the demand for the extra functionality and momentum towards establishing the new content, and also that the wider Eureka 147 standards as the only viable radio and manufacturing industry is fully digital radio technologies has been supportive of these efficient, mobile soundly reinforced. and mass-market ready broadcasting technologies. Jørn Jensen The strong message of support coming It is vital that we harness the momentum digital radio. From the WorldDMB forum from countries rolling-out and trialling and support for the adoption of the perspective, there is a need for a the technology as well as the enhanced Eureka standards shown by industry harmonised, pan-European digital radio consumer offerings, coverage and and consumers to ensure that the market so that countries in the early reception which have resulted in increased technology is successfully established stages of digitilisation can move radio consumer demand, have all contributed in countries and regions that are in the broadcasting into the modern age with towards encouraging both large and early stages of planning digitilisation of ease and clear guidance. small manufacturers to produce receivers radio. We urge policy makers, ministers, for the growing DAB/DAB+/DMB global network operators, broadcasters and consumer market. Importantly this manufacturers to co-ordinate and focus momentum for meeting the needs of their efforts to ensure the long term the listener has permeated also the car sustainability of the radio industry. The industry which is increasingly adopting industry needs to communicate clearly DAB and DAB+ as the broadcasting to their national administrations the need standard of choice. This cross-industry for a clear road map for the transition to

2 PROJECT OFFICE UPDATE The WorldDMB Project Office to adopt this advanced market ready r: 1 radio technology. changed/shortened Looking back at previous country roll-outs headline we are able to see a pattern emerge of key factors that contribute to a successful digital radio launch, which is the theme of this issue of Eureka. These steps include ensuring cross industry collaboration, coordination and market preparation via strategic marketing and PR activities. Germany has followed all these key steps and we now watch with anticipation the completion of a successful country-wide Project Director – Bernie O’Neill digital radio roll-out and the enhanced benefits that German listeners will enjoy.

The last few months for the WorldDMB Hong Kong preparing for the launch of its Project Office have been very busy with own DAB+ multiplexes later this year (see numerous events attended, meetings page 8 for more information). held and new staff coming on board. The positive news coming out of the This period has seen the Eureka 147 Asian Pacific market, combined with standard go from strength-to-strength Bernie O'Neill, the recent launch of DAB+ in Germany with positive news coming out of the Project Director has caused the Project Office to pause Asian Pacific market where Australia is and take a step back to review how currently planning extension of its DAB+ WorldDMB is better able to support and networks, Indonesia announcing DAB+ as provide the tools to ensure a smooth its broadcasting standard of choice and transition for those yet

Exciting times for the future of radio

With more and more countries adopting rolled out digital radio. In the light of the and guide others who are looking towards the Eureka standard and with many more German digital radio launch it is vital that we making their own digital radio future a reality. countries reviewing the future of their own examine the processes behind making a radio industry it is vital that we all learn from country digital radio roll-out a success so that countries that have previously adopted and these valuable lessons can be used to assist

Tips for a successful digital radio • Most importantly that all industry stakeholders from country roll-out broadcasters to network operators, regulators and manufacturers, retailers and government work in The simultaneous roll out of digital radio by all major • collaboration and coordinate efforts towards one common radio broadcasters in each market – with support from goal, bringing radio into the modern digital age. regulators and government. • With countries such as Germany, Denmark, Italy, Broadcasters providing new and compelling content. • Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, UK, Netherlands, • A carefully constructed communication and public Czech Republic, Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and relations strategy to actually tell and excite listeners many more working towards a digital radio future, an about the new services. international consensus on the future of digital radio needs to be established. • Ensure there is a range of affordable receivers readily available in the market. by Joan Warner, CEO, Commercial Radio Australia

• A variety of retail outlets to stock the new receivers.

3 NEWS Germany: On the road to a digital future Collaboration, coordination and preparation

On the 1st of August 2011 Germany advertising, letting the German radio Steps taken prior to the launch broadcast digital radio services on their industry better meet the requirements of a • The German Digital Radio project first ever digital nationwide multiplex. digitally aware and demanding audience. office (Deutchsland Digital Radio) was Fourteen new stations from a football And with space set aside for nationwide created to co-ordinate the efforts of all programme, to rock, pop, classical, talk data services including traffic and travel stakeholders on the national multiplex, and Christian radio can now be heard information the new digital radio market the public broadcasters (ARD) and across Germany and with the national can expect full support from the German Deutschland Radio. multiplex being shared between both automotive industry as well. • Five Working Groups were created public and private broadcasters it is The German radio industry reached to guide all areas of digital radio expected that the new stations on air will this momentous occasion by working development and rollout. Areas increase in number in the very near future. together in a remarkable manner. The covered include: Networks, Products, In addition to new content being made whole industry worked in a spirit of Marketing and Advertising, Traffic & available in this huge European radio coordination and co-operation, not only Travel and Automotive. market, the consumer now also has amongst the broadcasting industry, but • The network operator, Media Broadcast, access to enhanced functionality on the also by the support received from the has provided regular and clear many new digital radio models available Government, the sixteen regulators, the information on the roll out schedule on the high street and from on-line automotive industry and many more to and coverage to consumers wanting to stores. With the onset of colour touch- take digital radio forward. A 360 degree know if they are in a coverage area. 27 screen radios, broadcasters are now co-operation has been key to the success transmitters are on-air in the first stage able to offer consumers new interactive of not only the launch but also, it is hoped, covering all major cities and autobahns functionality such as programme the up-take of digital radio by the German (motorways) and plans for coverage of up data, album cover art, and targeted consumers in the future. to 99% in some areas are due by 2014. • A consumer on-air marketing campaign between broadcasters, manufacturers and retailers has been launched to inform the public and retail staff working in high street shops about the advantages of purchasing a digital radio.

With all relevant radio industry stakeholders collaborating to bring about the launch of DAB+, 40 million Germans now have the ability to tune into new digital radio services.

How the German market has brought radio into the digital age

• Broadcasters joined together to inform and educate the consumer market about new on-air content so that manufacturers were able to provide the right products to the market at the right price.

• Kommission zur Ermittlung des Finanzbedarfs der Rundfunkanstalten, the German public broadcaster funding body (KEF) and the German government assigned funding to launch digital radio and for regulation.

• The German Automotive Associations (VDA, ADAC) and the German manufacturers Association (ZVEI) have been consulted and have shown their support for digital radio development. 27 transmitters are on-air in the first stage

4 NEWS DAB+ in Australia

Digital radio celebrates two years on • 128 kbps of free spectrum for incumbent to help establish the brand, and air in Australia with the announcement analogue broadcasters. www.digitalradioplus.com.au became that more than half a million DAB+ the information gateway for all digital • No new entrants for six years. digital radios have been sold and there radio information. At this website the are nearly 1 million people* (940,000) • First option for broadcasters to own & Australian radio listeners can enter their listening to stations on digital radio. operate multiplex. postcode to see if they can receive digital • No restriction on use of spectrum or radio in their area and details of where to format. buy a digital radio. It’s also where they can High power permanent DAB+ digital listen to all the digital stations online. This radio services commenced in the major • Financial assistance for regional site also includes training tools for retailers metropolitan markets of Sydney, Melbourne, commercial broadcasters. and the latest news on digital radio. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in August The outlay for digital infrastructure was 2009. Low power regional DAB+ trials funded by the broadcasters who are A national listener event called Radio began in late 2010 in Canberra and Darwin. able to share operating and site costs. United held in August 2009 heralded the arrival of digital radio with rival breakfast Up to 20 new DAB+ only stations are on At the end of 2010, the Minister for presenters from public and commercial air in each market, offering dance music, Broadband, Communications and the radio stations broadcasting live side by comedy, chill out, unsigned new music, Digital Economy directed the regulator side in central city locations in each of sport, country and jazz. In addition, in Australian Communications and Media the five metropolitan cities. Thousands the past two years, 13 extra short-term Authority (ACMA) to allocate 14MHz VHF of listeners gathered at each site and "pop-up" or event focused stations have Band III for the rollout of digital radio into the arrival of digital radio was broadcast been created including an emergency regional areas. on every commercial and public radio information station during Australia’s flood Technical Solutions station, reported in all major newspapers and cyclone disasters. CRA has built the highest powered digital and featured on breakfast and prime time 7.6% of listening to radio is now via a radio transmission system in the world. An television news. DAB+ digital radio device in the five state On Channel Repeater (OCR) solution was Continued awareness metropolitan capitals with Time Spent developed to eliminate a small number of Research shows that digital radio Listening (TSL) to radio via a DAB+ black spots and results show significant awareness in Australia is currently digital radio device also continuing to improvement in in-building reception. A at 78% and the industry marketing grow, reaching 11 hours and 28 minutes. process is now underway to develop an initiatives continue with: outstripping TSL to radio via the internet OCR rollout plan for the five launch cities which is at 5 hours and 40 minutes. in identified black spot areas that will • Digital Radio Plus radio ad campaigns Commercial Radio Australia chief executive benefit from a boost to the DAB+ signal. across 42 commercial stations on high officer, Joan Warner said: “The most recent The trial and development of this OCR rotation – switched to a retail focus digital radio sales and listening figures is a world first and the technology and around Father’s Day, Mother’s Day have been achieved in a challenging retail expertise developed in Australia can be and Christmas. environment and show the commercial used world-wide. • Demonstration kiosks at major retail radio industry’s ongoing digital radio Two key groups were established shopping centres, providing radios for awareness campaign has been able to early in the planning of the digital radio shoppers to try before they buy. cut through.” rollout: the Digital Technical Advisory • Ambassador program – key radio There are now more than 100 different Committee (DTAC), made up of technical presenters tell listeners on air about their models of DAB+ radios on sale in representatives from across public digital radio listening experience. Australia across 800 retail and online and commercial broadcasters and the • Automotive Workshops – four stores produced by 30 different receiver Retailer, Broadcaster and Manufacturer automotive workshops have been held manufacturers. Advisory Group - including key retailers, to inform the motor industry of coverage manufacturers and broadcasters in a forum A Facilitative Regulatory Framework maps, technical testing, new products where marketing, advertising, training and and progress on the regional rollout. The switch on of digital radio in Australia broadcaster support was discussed. was a culmination of seven years work with Australia’s drive to increase digital radio the Federal Government, the Australian Marketing Awareness listening continues, planning the regional Communications and Media Authority The success of any new product is reliant rollout and sharing expertise in population (ACMA), commercial broadcasters, and on an effective awareness campaign. centres outside of Australia in the Asia public broadcasters the ABC and SBS, Broadcasters in Australia have invested Pacific to drive the adoption DAB+. together with retailers and manufacturers more AUS$25 million dollars on marketing of digital radios to ensure a comprehensive digital radio. It started with a carefully by Joan Warner, CEO, Commercial and coordinated switch on of a compelling targeted public relations campaign during Radio Australia new way of listening to radio. the lead up to switch on. After extensive negotiation, the Australian The Digital Radio Plus logo and website Federal Government policy provided: was launched well before switch on

5 NEWS Norway – an advanced digital radio eco-system

Norway successfully adopted the Eureka advantages of digital radio and worked A date has now been set for FM switch off 147 family of standards and has now set a closely with consumer electronics trade date for FM switch off. and other relevant stakeholders.

The reason digital radio has been such FM switch off date an outstanding success in Norway is In 2005, the Minister for Culture not only due to the manner in which the established a task force composed broadcasters and government have of broadcasters, manufacturers and worked together, but is also down to the regulators who were to advise the fact that all radio industry stakeholders government on the digital radio roll- felt that radio was more than simply an out. They concluded DAB should be outlet for entertainment and could see the chosen technology, that a date the immense opportunities offered by should be fixed for FM switch off and digital radio. It was also very clear that that DAB licenses should be long-term. unless a move to digital was taken, These findings informed the white paper radio would fall behind other forms of ‘Broadcasting in a Digital Future’ released media entertainment. by the government, in which parameters 'Yes to radio' campaign The right technology choice were set, such as 50% of households must possess a digital receiver and that To promote the new services to both The Eureka 147 technology enabled consumers should receive full national consumers and politicians the largest the Norwegian government and coverage and added value content before campaign for digital radio in Norway was broadcasters to bring their radio a switch off date could be set. launched: ‘Yes to radio’ in the summer of industry into the modern digital age and 2010. The campaign was written about in enabled them to provide the Norwegian In 2007 DAB coverage reached 80% and over 400 articles, and raised the issue of public with greater on-air content consumers had access to real added value digital radio high up the political agenda. especially on a national level. With 8 radio services through new content on-air. Not all articles were positive, but many out 10 Norwegians listening to radio Work continued on raising the general of the negative responses came from the every day digital radio is a means of promotion of digital radio technology, media themselves and did not represent cementing a number of diverse cultural adding new services to air and providing the perception of the general public. identities - and with FM bandwidth a transparent pricing model for operating full to capacity, the adoption of DAB/ costs by establishing Digitalradio Norway This year in February 2011 the white paper DAB+ and DMB enabled newer multi- as an operator of at least one of the muxes ‘Digitisation of the Radio Medium’ was channel programming opportunities. This greatly benefitted radio stations and published. It contained details of the plan In addition to benefiting the consumer, demonstrated to the authorities a readiness to switch to digital broadcast, and set the radio industry was able to see that to switch to digital. conditions for the switchover agreeable the economic incentives to switch to the radio industry. Working with the media has continued to to digital made financial sense - the be an element of rolling-out digital radio lower distribution costs offered by the with Digitalradio Norway (DRN) focusing technology in the long term reinforced Progress of DMB heavily on PR activities. During the initial the fact that the move to digital was the stage of launching and rolling-out digital In 2009 three broadcasters, intelligent long term strategy. radio in Norway a PR consultancy was used Norwegian Broadcasting After a series of successful trials the to combat negativity in the press which Corporation (NRK), TV 2 and Parliament issued a white paper called proved to be a good investment. Modern Times Group/Viasat, ”Broadcasting and the Daily Press” launched mobile television via In addition to a PR drive, DRN also (1997) in which it highlighted DAB as DMB through the joint venture focused on creating relationships with the optimum broadcasting standard company Norwegian Mobile TV politicians which helped broadcasters' of choice for Norway. The paper also Corporation (NMTV). 6 TV channels efforts to secure a switchover plan in the highlighted that in essence the expansion are being broadcast in the greater form of the publication of a new white of DAB networks would be financed by Oslo area, adding to the more than paper. However one issue still needed increasing rent paid by broadcasters to 20 radio stations via DAB/DAB+. to be addressed from the previous white network operators. There is also development on the paper, the need to improve the number of combination between mobile TV/ Close collaboration with the consumer commercial stations transmitting on DAB. digital radio and additional services electronics trade A concerted effort led to the launch of four via the internet. To oversee the smooth roll-out of digital additional commercial stations on DAB, radio a Digital Radio Working Group was which met the stipulation for extra value established (1999-2000). This group for the consumer as the 18 DAB channels by Jarle Ruud, Digitalradio Norge initiated information campaigns on now offered a greater selection than FM radio to inform listeners about the many could anywhere in the country.

6 NEWS UK – working towards a digital radio future

The UK was one of the very earliest adopters of the Eureka 147 standards in 2002, and many important developments have taken place since then.

In the UK, 26.9% of radio listening takes place via digital platforms (70% of this is via DAB, 20% DTV, and 10% internet). Currently, 38.2% of UK homes have a digital radio, up from 33% a year ago (RAJAR Q2 2011). To date, a cumulative total of 13 million digital radios have been sold in the UK (GfK).

No digital radio switchover date has yet been set by the UK Government. Government has set two criteria for a digital radio switchover: A digital future is planned for the UK that digital listening reaches 50% of all radio listening; that coverage for national services Recent listening figures have highlighted can also listen to around 20 additional must be comparable to FM, and local DAB positive momentum in digital listening and digital-only stations. In the last year, coverage reaches 90% of the population and Digital Radio UK expect an announcement new national digital stations have been major roads. from Government on switchover in 2013. launched: Smooth UK, Jazz FM, Absolute 80s and 90s launched on the DAB The Government-Industry Digital Radio An agreement between broadcasters network; the Capital and Kiss Networks Action Plan, launched in July 2010 and Government about the funding are now available nationally (80%) on by Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, principles for local DAB build-out (currently digital; BBC launched Radio 4 Extra in Communications and Creative Industries, at 60-70%) is under discussion. There April this year, which has now become the has provided a focal point for digital radio in is further detailed work still to do and it UK’s most listened-to digital-only station. the UK. This important document provides is anticipated that this process will be In the run-up to and during the Olympics a framework within which broadcasters, completed in later in 2011. in 2012 the BBC will launch a new digital- manufacturers, retailers and the consumer Manufacturers are constantly broadening only station, BBC Radio 5 Live Olympics can shape future radio policy in the UK, and strengthening their digital radio Extra, to cover all aspects of the games. with a timing plan for the actions required product ranges, including an increasing for a Government decision. As part of As part of their national coverage plans, number of hybrid sets and additional the Digital Radio Action Plan, a series of the BBC is on course to build out to 93% features such as pause, rewind and record. working groups have been established national DAB digital radio coverage (by They support the consistent messaging addressing issues such as coverage population) by the end of 2011. This and marketing of digital radio in UK planning, consumer communications includes building 39 new transmitters in retailers. In partnership with broadcasters, and receiver specifications. Work is 2011. The BBC is planning to build out to manufacturers are continuing their work to also underway to develop a government FM equivalence over the coming years. create a more interactive and visually rich owned Digital Radio Certification Mark radio experience for consumers. Digital Radio UK continues to work with which will be licensed to minimum industry to communicate the benefits of specification –compliant products and In most locations listeners can not only digital radio to consumers, using well- vehicle installation services. receive the FM stations they love, but known ‘voices for radio’, and by creating consistently branded point of sale materials for consumer electronics retailers.

For more information please visit getdigitalradiouk.com. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected].

by Laurence Harrison, Digital Radio UK

7 VDL launched the trial in Lyon this April

NEWS Asia Pacific Region Hong Kong Broadcasting of 18 channels in DAB+ will Many countries in the Asia Pacific region begin in Hong Kong in November 2011. are making decisions about their digital Frontier Silicon announced the addition of a radio future. In October Commercial Radio Chinese user interface option to its range of Australia is hosting a group of public and digital radio platforms. commercial broadcasters from Indonesia on a digital radio study tour. Public broadcaster, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) along with three new CRA has hosted a number of study licensees; Metro Broadcast Corporation tours over the last two years to provide Limited, Phoenix U Radio Limited and broadcasters from other countries with Digital Broadcasting corporation Hong the opportunity to see DAB+ digital Kong Limited, will invest nearly HK$1 radio successfully functioning and meet billion for the first six years and will DAB+ is expanding its reach with those people directly involved in provide 24 hour DAB+ services in the industry. Hong Kong. candidate from Singapore to spend two The announcement by Frontier Silicon Commercial Radio Australia chief executive weeks at an Australian Commercial Radio means users will be able to navigate officer, Joan Warner said: “DAB+ digital station. MediaCorp and Commercial through station names, radio menus and radio technology is expanding its reach as Radio Australia will determine the type of view text in the Chinese language. an international standard and Australian station and area of work depending on commercial and public broadcasters have the candidate. the knowledge and experience to share Malaysia with our Asia Pacific colleagues. Push Radio Push Radio is a groundbreaking application RTM have started a trial of DAB+ digital International fellowship exchange that will allow podcasts to be sent via radio and the Commercial Radio Malaysia In another initiative within the region, CRA the DAB+ broadcast band directly to a group of private broadcasters are in has announced a two week international listener’s radio without the need to connect discussions with the regulator about policy fellowship between CRA and Singapore’s to the internet, providing another way for framework for the adoption of this digital premier radio network, MediaCorp. The broadcasters to reach their audience. radio platform and the start of a trial. winner of this year’s Brian White Award at the annual Australian Commercial Radio The technology, developed by Jolon Digital Singapore Awards (ACRAs) will receive flights, Media Broadcasting Co. Ltd will send an accommodation and a two week fellowship audio file via DAB+ broadcast directly to Singapore has had DAB digital radio on air placement at Singapore’s premier a DAB+ digital radio receiver instead of for many years and the leading broadcaster broadcasting organisation MediaCorp. requiring the listener to connect their iPod MediaCorp and Redifussion continue to or MP3 player to the internet to receive support the standard and are investigating MediaCorp is the leading radio programming. CRA and Jolon continue an upgrade path to DAB+ which will retain broadcaster in Singapore operating the development of Push Radio. Beijing their access to VHF Band III spectrum. 13 FM stations, which broadcast in four Jolon are upgrading their latest generation different languages offering news, sports, receivers to support DAB+. A trial of Push information, music and entertainment for Radio is being planned for Brisbane in South Korea a variety of cultural backgrounds. August/September 2011. Following ETRI’s investigation of various The CRA and MediaCorp arrangement digital radio platforms, a major decision also allows for a MediaCorp nominated is expected regarding the adoption of a digital radio technology for South Korean broadcasters. Given the potential to software upgrade the extensive investment in existing DAB/TDMB handsets to DAB+/TDMB to allow more capacity on the multiplex for additional radio or video services adoption of DAB+ would be a low cost upgrade path. This would prevent audiences needing to use two separate devices, one for mobile digital TV and another for an HD radio, DRM+ or ISDB-T platform. These services would potentially share with analogue radio in a hybrid mode or switching off the analogue before the digital services could be fully deployed.

8 NEWS Other news stories

key radio industry stakeholders: the digital by the press conference, two events were RNT Lyon Trial radio receiver manufacturer PURE worked held in central Lyon which were promoted In April this year VDL, a French network with local retailers to ensure products on-air and via social media. These events provider, launched the RNT Lyon digital were available for the launch; retailers saw DJs from digital radio stations interact radio demonstration. This project brings and broadcasters coordinated efforts by directly with the public and this combined together 15 commercial and community ensuring in-store point of sale promotions with receiver give-aways ensured that one radio stations broadcasting in digital on were available whilst on-air campaigns of the key slogans of the trial - ‘La Radio one multiplex with content reflecting the were broadcast. These campaigns were Numérique c’est fantastique!’ was made diverse and rich landscape of French compiled not only by VDL but also by the memorable to those that mattered –the radio from rock and pop to African and broadcasters participating in the trial and listeners of Lyon. Christian programming. the advertisements aired on both analogue Further promotional events for the project and digital stations to raise awareness of the are planned for the end of this year and the The RNT Lyon trial is an important step benefits of digital radio to a wider audience. success of the project will be measured forwards for the development of digital In addition to cross-industry promotion through a research project. However radio in France as from the start, it has the project also saw event based activity attendance at the public events, feedback focused on consumer demand and has used to great effect. The cornerstone to on social media sites and receivers sold used a proven model usually applied to the successful launch of the project was in shops indicate that the digital radio full country roll-outs. It initially saw the undoubtedly the press conference which revolution in Lyon has started. launch of a consumer website with details brought together national and regional of digital stations on air and the receivers journalists who used the press launch to available in store. This was combined with generate even wider public awareness of the close co-operation between a number of trial. Besides the extra attention generated

Sweden: Licenses For Commercial Digital Radio To Be Issued DAB+ is the preferred that there are several requirements that assessment of the applications received technology and the licensing must be met in order for digital radio to be in each region. process is expected to start in successful. A broad range of channels is a • There will be no requirements in the autumn 2011. must, with new digital services alongside license for an average minimum or today’s popular analogue formats. maximum bit rate per service. Each The Swedish Authority for Radio and Television The launch of commercial digital radio applicant should state their capacity has now decided on a strategy for licensing broadcasting must also be coordinated needs per service knowing that the of digital commercial radio has been formed with equivalent plans from the public starting point of licensing is that each together with the Post and Telecom Agency broadcaster, Swedish Radio. Reductions transmitter can accommodate max following a public consultation. It states that the in commercial radio's analogue license fees 16 services @72 kbit/s each. terrestrial network is an important distribution associated with digital initiatives, would • The license holders shall cooperate platform for radio and that digitalisation is further welcome the digital opportunity. needed to further develop the platform. in technical matters including choice of Key features of the digital strategy: network operator. Coverage requirements Public and commercial broadcasters backed may be imposed to ensure that the • The licenses will be decided in the form by liberal party Folkpartiet have advocated for digital broadcasts reach a certain of a beauty contest, no auction. There will digital radio in major newspapers using words proportion of the population within be only a smaller administrative fee for as "The existing FM network is full’. The next the broadcasting area. strategic step for the radio is digitalisation." application and annual use of spectrum. Digital radio is much more frequency All major broadcasters have stated their • The technology T-DAB and compatible efficient and cost-effective than analogue support for DAB+ and that they could expand technology should be used and DAB+ radio and will bring a much broader the network rapidly across the country. "By could further be specified in the range of services to households all across introducing digital radio, we could, in a matter license conditions. Sweden. It is now up to commercial of 12 to 18 months, have around 20-40 • The entire broadcast space that the broadcasters to make investments in a new channels on air nationwide. Listeners government has dedicated to digital digital future, knowing it is the only way to across the country could then easily access commercial radio, two multiplexers in launch new nationwide services. If it turns commercial channels only Stockholmers band III, each divided in 34 regions, will out that the commercial interest is low, “the have today, as well as public-service be included in the licensing process. question of another use of the spectrum channels currently only accessed • It will be possible to seek licenses for both may be appropriate” writes the Post and via the Internet" they wrote. national and regional broadcasts. How Telecom Agency in their views on the Success criteria many such permits granted and the digital strategy. In the public consultation, broadcasters breakdown between national and regional and network operator Teracom believe licenses will be determined after an overall by Per Gunnarsson Borga, Teracom AB

9 AUTOMOTIVE & RECEIVERS

Mini Coupe Bluetooth and voice control, USB DAB in Cars connection, DAB, Thatcham Category 1 alarm, aluminium roof rails, tonneau BMW M5 cover, driver lumbar adjust and torque The new BMW M5 is the fifth-generation vectoring control all as standard. model of BMW’s high-performance model goes on sale in November. SEAT Leon FR+ On the outside, the M5 is all-but identical control, alloy wheels, 3-spoke sport The SEAT Leon FR is now available to the M5 concept car unveiled at the leather steering wheel and sport stripes with a 1.4 TSI 125PS engine with Shanghai motor show in April. The interior on the body work. A wide range of manual transmission or 2.0 litre TDI has a similarly sporty makeover. There are accessories and personalisation choices CR 140PS available with manual and bespoke M Sport seats, unique metal trim, will also be available. DSG transmission. M5 badges and Merino leather upholstery. Available from October. The SEAT Leon FR+ also includes 18-inch Standard kit includes a head-up display, 'Ibera' alloywheels; the SEAT Media Ford Focus Estate DAB digital radio, four-zone climate control, System 2.2, including satellite-navigation The Ford Focus estate offers extra space xenon headlights and sat-nav. with five-inch colour touchscreen and and flexibility. dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Compared to the five-door it is 20cm Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card longer, has 10cm greater width between slot; Bluetooth phone connection; Bi-xenon the wheel arches and a maximum load headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting capacity of 1,502 litres (in two-seat mode). System) and front parking sensors. Additional standard equipment includes

SEAT Leon FR+ Ford Focus Estate BMW M5

Mini Coupe This is the fifth Mini model after the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman. It hosts equipment including DAB digital radio, air conditioning, park distance

Receivers for DAB, DAB+ and DMB NOXON DAB/DAB + USB Stick plastic fascia, the radio includes both DAB Users can select playlists, artists and NOXON has presented a USB stick, allowing and FM tuners, along with an 3.5mm input albums using the remote. The ‘Mini Aurb’ the reception of DAB / DAB + programs for iPods and other MP3 players. As well as also offers a composite video output on on the PC. Plug in the NOXON DAB stick a mains power supply, the radio can be used the back for connecting to a television. in a free USB port on a computer or with Pure's optional ChargePAK so that it External analogue devices such as an notebook, install the enclosed software can be moved around portably. Along with MP3 or CD player can be connected via and enjoy the quality of digital radio. The an OLED panel with automatic brightness he stereo’s RCA sockets. software is developed in cooperation with adjustment, the new Pure Evoke Mio includes Available now in black/silver, grey/silver the Fraunhofer Institute and designed an alarm, kitchen timer and 30 presets. and red/silver finishes. especially for excellent DAB reception. Available exclusively from John Lewis and Approximately €171. Available now for €19.99. Orla Kiely stores, United Kingdom from 10 August priced at approximately €171.

PURE Evoke Mio by Orla Kiely Following Pure's first collaboration with designer Orla Kiely, a further update of the Teac ‘Mini Aurb’ iPod Dock Evoke Mio radio featuring a new print has The Teac ‘Mini Aurb’ iPod Dock is a more LASER DAB-DG200AM digital radio been introduced. compact version of the original SR-100 Australia's LASER Corporation has released Displaying a slate grey Abacus Flower print, model. It has a similar curved design, and the DG200AM. The DG200 is a portable along with a walnut-veneered cabinet, a is equipped with a DAB/FM radio as well device (battery operated) and can also be mirror chromed handle and a cream-coloured as an iPod dock. plugged into the wall socket (240v). It contains

10 RECEIVERS a 2 row LCD display which shows scrolling quality. With 24bit/192kHz DAC audiophile on Platinum™ - the popular, VHF series broadcast information such as station name, quality and analogue audio circuitry, the of liquid-cooled (VLX) and air-cooled song title, and weather updates. music enthusiast is able to enjoy quality (VAX) solid-state transmitters that Users can also set up 20 of their favourite reproduction of their music collection. incorporate the Harris® PowerSmart® stations as presets. Available commercially now for €793. technology and the Harris® Apex™ M2X Available in Australia multimedia exciter to provide unmatched from approximately performance, reliability, efficiency and A$71. quality – these transmitters now feature ETI over IP, know as an integrated EDI interface. The EDI signals are fed directly TAKE Janus KM-S200 to the Platinum DAB transmitters, giving MAGICBOX TOWER 212059 Powered by Google’s Android 2.3 the customer the ability to use existing The Magicbox alarm clock allows you to both Gingerbread, the TAKE Janus KM-S200, IP infrastructure, instead of having play and charge your iPhone and iPod. It also 1 GB RAM, and a 4.3-inch qHD display. special E1 distribution networks for acts as DAB/FM radio. You can wake up to The Janus KM-S200 can record videos with DAB and eliminating the hassle of control DAB, FM, your iPod or iPhone. It has a large, 1080p HD resolution and capture stills up and monitoring from an external box clear LCD display and a dual alarm so the to 8 Megapixels resolution, and features and reducing costs for terrestrial sound can be different between a DMB-TV digital TV tuner, SRS WOW HD network operators. weekdays and weekends. There audio, and Sennheiser earbuds for a rich are also bundled station presets multimedia experience. SMCNS DABAir-SFN a professional and you can scan for available Also featuring a split-screen landscape T-DMB/DAB+/DAB RF field test solution stations. orientation format, the KM-S200 allows that can measure CIR (Channel Impulse Available now for users to manage tasks simultaneously, Response) and Constellation value approximately €79 displaying two apps on two sides at once. for SFN network planning and field Available in black, white, and dual-tone measurement. This system has FPGA PURE Twilight black and white. based Demodulator that provides a Twilight combines an energy efficient lamp Launch date unknown, will cost reliable SFN measurement feature on featuring flexible lighting options with a digital approximately €520. top of industry-proven comprehensive and FM radio alarm clock. monitoring and analysis of T-DMB/DAB+/ Twilight’s six LED lights use 5.4W and provide DAB services of the existing DABAir II Plus a whole range of lighting options from a Service monitoring receiver. warm glowing nightlight, dawn simulation We can offer set top box type and 2U rack and coloured mood lighting to a simple mount type platform for both fixed and bright reading lamp. field measurement environment. Twilight is also a fully featured DAB digital The set top box type model can be and FM radio or you can plug in your iPod/ connected to a lap-top PC through USB MP3 player. You can set up to four alarms interface and it provides great mobility for with optional dawn simulation, plug in USB Navi Smart S field testing. accessories or charge your mobile using Thinkware, a Korea based company, just the PowerPort. Other features include announced the “Navi Smart S” a new Android a headphone socket, sleep timer, large 2.2 Portable Navigation System / Tablet for autodimming LCD display, touch-sensitive the Korean Market. This Navi Smart S comes controls and satin-touch finish. with a 1GHz Cortex CPU, 512MB of RAM, a Available commercially, at approximately WVGA Multitouch screen, DMB, HDMI out, 8 The DABAir-STB set-top box is a €150. or 16GB of internal memory, WiFi, Bluetooth pure hardware product ideal for any and 3D Maps for navigation. transportation applications enabling Available in Korea, €195 EUR (approx.) T-DMB TV and DAB+ digital radio presented on wide LCD TV for the bus, train, tram or other public transport. Just by turning on the vehicle engine, you can start the broadcasting automatically while easily controlling anything by remote control as well as easy and economical NAD C 446 Digital Media Player maintenance. DABAir-STB supports both NAD's C 446 Digital Media Player offers Band-III and L-band. An embedded splitter the latest technology in digital media inside the box achieves display on two networking, supporting all the popular Professional LCD monitors without extra cabling or digital formats -MP3, FLAC, WMA, WAV, device connections. and AAC. Aside from music stored on Equipment networked-devices, the C 446 seamlessly EDI for the Harris® Platinum™ transmitter allows the listener to enjoy DAB/DAB+ radio, series. Harris has developed another FM/AM, and Internet, with improved audio innovation for the DAB market. Expanding

11 RECEIVERS & WORLDDMB FORUM NEWS

UBMT-P1 compact portable media player cable lets you recharge the battery at your EasyDAB: Generate live ETI files and save can bring you T-DMB mobile TV, DAB+/DAB convenience. them as ETI files for replay. EasyDAB is a digital radio, FM radio, multi-media player 1RU industrial PC with embedded encoders, all-in-one ergonomic receiver device. data insertions and multiplexer to generate Turn on mobile TV and stay tuned anywhere a live ETI signal to an optional RF modulator. you have T-DMB/DAB+/DAB coverage or Includes an ETI recorder and re-player. FM radio. Whether you want up-to-the- minute news or entertainment that travels with you while you’re on the go, now you DIGIDIA's DAB/DAB+/DMB Test Products can surf your favorite shows on your DIGIDIA recently introduced a new product mobile screen. EasyPLAY: Replay ETI files from EasyCAPT line for DAB/DAB+/DMB test purposes. One of the UBMT-P1’s leading features is or EasyDAB or WorldDMB ETI libraries. These products are the following: its 13mm slim design, weighing only 120g EasyPLAY is a combination of an ETI player with a 4.3 inch LCD screen. It’s ultra-light EasyCAPT: Capture On-Air services and (1RU industrial PC) and a modulator with to carry, and extremely comfortable to hold save them as ETI file for replay. EasyCAPT low power RF output (Band III or L-Band). while you enjoy the wide screen. is a portable USB based RF receiver Can be easily converted to an EasyDAB A micro SD external memory slot delivered with a PC software. Supports (software license). allows large storage and the USB mini both Band III and L-Band.

17th Meeting of the WorldDMB General Assembly Success through collaboration

Thursday 27 – Friday 28 October 2011, Crown Plaza, Zurich

Registration Now Open • Format over 2 days Visit www.worlddab.org • International for more information speakers

General Assembly Gala Dinner Sponsor Sponsor

For demonstration tables and sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected]

WorldDMB Forum, RadioCentre, 4th Floor, 5 Golden Square, London, W1F 9BS 12