DRM at Broadcast Engineering Society of India Conference 2020

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) Endorses the International Broadcast Engineering Society of India (BES) Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi where it exhibits and updates

The DRM Consortium will highlight its recent achievements under the overarching theme "DRM for India - Smart Radio for ALL" at the 26th edition of the international BES (Broadcast Engineering Society – www.besindia.co.in) conference and exhibition BES EXPO 2020 on Broadcast and Media Technology in Halls 7ABC and E, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 110002, India, 13-15 February 2020. With more than 1,000 delegates, speakers and panellists from India and abroad BES Conference is rated the biggest in Asia. Nearly 300 exhibitors from 25 countries and an estimated 4,000 professionals and decision-makers are expected at BES 2020 "Disruptive Technologies: Shaping Future Broadcasting".

The DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) and some of its Indian and international members and partners (including Fraunhofer IIS, Gospell Digital Technologies, Inntot Technologies, NXP, RFmondial, Dolby etc.) will welcome all visitors at Hall 7A – Booths 61 and 49, ready to let visitors experience live DRM digital broadcasting. Major innovations in providing superefficient DRM for FM broadcasts as well as some receiver solutions will be also introduced. The DRM Digital FM solution for the Indian FM broadcasters is fully compatible with both the existing analogue FM services as well as with AIR's existing DRM AM-band transmissions in India. For the first time at BES, Nautel, one of the key Consortium members, will host a DRM event followed by refreshments at booth 50 on February 13th at 1600. This will also be the ideal opportunity to announce the winner of the DRM Enterprise Award 2019.

The BES conference held in parallel with the exhibition will include four DRM contributions. They will focus onthe increased opportunities for enhancing the radio business with DRM, as well as very efficient ways of sharing the DRM transmitter infrastructure. Following the success of last year's panel discussion, in 2020 Indian and foreign speakers will debate the key requirements of a successful and complete DRM rollout.

According to Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chairman: "A year is a long time with plenty of innovations and progress for DRM in India. BES is the ideal place to showcase the receiver development, the technical solutions, especially those underlining the local coverage capability of DRM. Taking stock of progress in the Indian DRM rollout and debating the way forward, DRM will demonstrate its superiority and extra performance in all bands. Using the full DRM standard in both AM and FM is the only way to energise the receiver industry and make it attractive to the Indian listeners."

Allow DRM for Digitizing the AM Band

The FCC recently adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule making that recommends giving AM stations in the United States the flexibility to adopt all-digital broadcasting voluntarily, based in part on the experimental experience of Hubbard station WWFD in Frederick, Md. The commission then asked for comments; one of the first was filed by Digital Radio Mondiale

There are several reasons for this. DRM digital radio delivers, in the AM bands, significant benefits:

• Audio quality that is on par or better than FM. DRM, of all recognized digital standards, is the only one using the ultra-efficient and compressed xHE-AAC audio codec that delivers, at even very low bit rates, exceptional audio quality for speech, but music as well

• Record Data: DRM has been tested in medium-wave all over the world in both simulcast and pure digital. A list of the main tests (some of which have become ITU adopted documents) are included in Annex 4 of the DRM Handbook . At the moment, 35 MW transmitters are on air in simulcast or pure DRM in India .

• Auxiliary Data. DRM is the newest, most complete, open standard for digitizing radio in all frequency bands, and is recommended by ITU. DRM has been devised as a direct heir to analog AM (SW, MW). It uses 9/10, 18/20 kHz bandwidth and has a useful content bit rate of up to 72 kbps. It carries up to three programs on one frequency and one data channel, while data can be carried on each of the audio channels as well. One of the great advantages of DRM is that alongside excellent audio, the receiver screens will display visual information of any kind required (album titles, singer photos, maps, visuals of any sort, data of any kind). The Journaline application allows for extra information from the internet or the RSS feeds of the broadcaster to be captured and displayed. Currently broadcasters like the BBC, All India Radio [and] KTWR in Guam are using this extra facility that clearly differentiates digital [from] analog as a superior option.

• Power/energy efficiency. Using SW or MW in DRM can reduce the power used up to 80%. As per calculations made by Ampegon, a medium-wave transmitter can cover an area of 235,000 square kilometers with a 100 kW transmitter. The DRM ERP of such a transmitter is about 50 kW and the coverage area is the same, while instead of one analog program, up to three digital channels and one data channel can be broadcast, all in excellent audio quality.

• Spectrum efficiency (more programs can be broadcast on one single frequency used for one program in analog) as explained above.

DRM, unlike analog, offers enhanced and stable audio quality that is FM-like (mono or stereo). DRM also offers multiservice data enabled by applications like Journaline (the enhanced text services, more information captured as RSS feeds or from other internet source), slideshows, multilingual text (practically being able to show any characters of any language, not just Latin script), and the Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) in case of disasters.

• Interference. This has not been noted, as the DRM signal will always be lower than the analog one. AIR has not noted any interference in its operation of DRM transmitters. The mask values required for an optimal functioning of DRM transmitters [are] clearly stipulated in the ITU documents and as long as the network planning is correct and the mask is respected, there should not be any issue of interference in digital-analog or digital-digital DRM transmissions.

• Receivers. Currently there are several receiver models and SDR options for the reception of DRM in AM. India has almost 2 million new cars fitted with DRM receivers, at no cost to the buyers, that are capable of and are receiving DRM medium-wave signals. The audio quality is excellent and a sure benefit to the users.

DRM is in direct succession to the analog AM (and FM) services, not owned or controlled by any single company, and immediately available with full know-how and technology access by the transmitter and receiver industry.

As HD in medium-wave is a bit of a necessary step but still a leap in the dark, it would make sense from the practical aspects and even receiver solution availability to allow DRM as the best, clearly proven solution of digitizing the AM band (in preference or alongside HD) in the U.S.

In short, the salient advantages of DRM are:

The audio quality offered by DRM is equally excellent on all the transmission bands: MW, SW or VHF.Robust signal unaffected by noise, fading or other forms and interference in all bands Clear and powerful sound quality with facility for stereo and 5.1 surround more audio content and choice: Up to two and even three audio programs and one data channel on one frequency Extra multimedia content: Digital radio listeners can get multimedia content including audio, text, images and in future even small-scale video, such as:

a. Text messages in multiple languages

b. Journaline – advanced text-based information service supporting all classes of receivers, providing anytime-news for quick look-up on the receiver’s screen; interactivity and geo-awareness allowing targeted advertising

c. Electronic Program Guide (EPG), showing what’s up now and next; search for programs and schedule recordings

d. Slideshow Program accompanying images and animation

e. Traffic information

6. Automatically switch for disaster & emergency warnings in case of impending disasters in large areas, automatically presenting the audio message, while providing detailed information on the screen in all relevant languages simultaneously. Great potential to become the surest and widest means of alerting the population to emergencies.

Therefore, we urge [the] FCC to take a wide view and consider all options including DRM, if AM is worth future-proofing in the USA.

The Power of Digital Radio in Emergencies

Ruxandra Obreja

The image of a lonely kangaroo against the orange sky of the burning Australian bush must have been seen by billions of people over the last few weeks. Yet, this is just one of the many disasters ushering in the new year. Let us not forget about the floods and earthquakes in Indonesia, the earthquakes in Puerto Rico, the first cyclones in Asia.

The increasing number of these disasters can challenge governments and authorities more often and for longer everywhere not just in Asia. And when a disaster strikes communication is of the essence.

Australian public broadcaster ABC has been rightly praised for its national emergency broadcasts these last few weeks. ABC’s “excellent job” in providing emergency information (as mentioned by the Minister of Communications) raises issues many public broadcasters and some commercial station are facing the world over.

How do they maintain proper and frequent disaster warnings that are able to reach everyone, even citizens in rural and less populated areas, and sometimes over many days and nights? And how can they fund all this “extra effort”? These broadcasts seem essential during emergencies but then they quickly drop to the bottom of the priorities’ list when the rain returns or the last cameraman has packed and gone to cover another more urgent story.

COVERING LARGE, TARGETED AREAS

Source:- https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/the-power-of-digital-radio-during-emergencies

Can an App Solve the DRM Receiver Problem?

The diagram shows how the DRM+ app connects to a phone or tablet.

The Digital Radio Mondiale standard for digital broadcasting in long, medium, and shortwave bands offers the possibility to transmit audio, text and pictures.

A few broadcasters use DRM for both domestic and international transmissions. DRM’s largest problem is lack of receivers, especially affordable standalone ones.

Some listeners use an SDR, computer and free Dream software to receive the DRM signals, but this audience doesn’t make up the mass audience that broadcasters are looking for.

A FEW ISSUES

In addition, the Dream has two serious limitations: It can’t receive the latest DRM codec (xHE-AAC) and its current version is unable to receive MOT Slideshow.

Many international broadcasters will not commit to DRM transmissions because of the lack of receivers. There is an effort by some broadcasters to coordinate the purchase of thousands of standalone DRM receivers in the hope that this will jump-start the market for receivers. This effort is rather capital-intensive, however.

There are millions of Android and Apple smartphones and tablets already in use. What if they included an app that could receive DRM? What if that app could be coupled to the SDRs already in the hands of listeners?

At work on the DRM app in AlgorKorea’s offices. Images courtesy of Dr. Soon S. Jarng, CTO, AlgorKorea.

A South Korean company, AlgorKorea, has developed a series of apps to do just that. AlgorKorea is best known for developing hearing aid firmware, according to Dr. Soon S. Jarng, CTO and founder.

HOW IT WORKS

AlgorKorea didn’t develop the apps with the intention of solving the DRM receiver issue. They developed them to resolve a problem with FM hearing aids used in classrooms.

So how do they work? The DRM+SDR version couples the popular and inexpensive RTL-SDR to an Android device with a USB OTG adapter.

The DRM+ app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices and couples to the SDR using audio cords. A common and inexpensive resistor/capacitor needs to be soldered into one of the cords.

The app can receive MOT Slideshow, DRM texts and Journaline, a text news/information feed. AlgorKorea says it’ll continue to develop DRM apps. “We’re working on another new app (an inexpensive SDR dongle) for the Msi SDR Panadapter, added Dr. Jarng.

Apps will play an important role in solving the DRM receiver problem and Algor’s offerings appear to be just the beginning.

Hans Johnson has worked in the shortwave broadcasting industry for over 20 years in consulting, frequency management, and sales.

Source:-https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/digital-radio/can-an-app-solve-the-drm-receiver-problem utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

All India Radio in the Digital Age.

In India DRM is being rolled out successfully for some time now though making it available to this huge continent is now part of the efforts and statements made recently by high officials like the Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar who see the government bringing digital radio in five years. “There will be more clarity, will be heard for longer range and there will be four times more stations” is what the Minister said on a recent AIR/Akashvani prize-giving occasion in New Delhi. Meanwhile AIR is to get a new look while maintaining its key role for the culture and identity of India. Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash, I&B Secretary Ravi Mittal, Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati were also present on the occasion. Read more at republicworld.com

AIR is also carrying the latest cricket matches on DRM and preparing a more ample publicity campaign for its programmes on DRM.

Source:-https://www.drm.org/all-india-radio-in-the-digital-age/

Cambridge Consultants reveals sub-$10 DRM receiver prototype

Innovation specialist Cambridge Consultants has unveiled a design for a sub-$10 Digital Radio Mondiale receiver. Established in 1960, Cambridge Consultants was a principal founder of “the Cambridge phenomenon” – Europe’s leading high-tech cluster.

The company was the brainchild of three Cambridge University graduates – Tim Eiloart, Rodney Dale and David Southward – who wanted to "put the brains of Cambridge University at the disposal of the problems of British industry". Since then it has evolved into a global team engaged in solving the world’s toughest technology challenges. At the company's annual Innovation Day conference last week, Cambridge Consultants showcased a proof-of-concept prototype of a low-cost, low-power DRM design. This design will be ready in 2020, available for any radio manufacturer to licence and incorporate into their own products.

The radios that can receive DRM are still prohibitively expensive, especially for those markets that would benefit most. So vast swathes of the world remain unconnected to the services that DRM can provide. It's new prototype will address the vital need for information by the 60-ish per cent of global population that doesn’t have internet or TV.

It’s low power, so can run from solar or wind-up.

Source :- http://www.asiaradiotoday.com/news /cambridge-consultants-reveals-sub-10-drm-receiver-prototype © Radioinfo.com.au

DRM MoU Signed by Fraunhofer IIS and NRTA for DRM in China

Chinese National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) and Fraunhofer IIS intensify collaboration on DRM digital radio establishment in China

To further strengthen the strategic cooperation for the development and application of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) in mainland China, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between China’s Administrative Bureau of Radio Stations (ABRS) of NRTA and Fraunhofer IIS. On this occasion, a delegation from the Chinese National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) led by Binbin Luo, Deputy Director of the radio division, visited Fraunhofer IIS. The Chinese officials met with Dr. Bernhard Grill, Director with focus on Audio and Media Technologies, and Toni Fiedler, General Manager of Fraunhofer IIS’ representation in China, to discuss the DRM international broadcasting standard as well as developments in the fields of digital radio and television transmission and coverage.

The MoU is based on long-term mutual trust established in previous collaborations, and aims to further develop the cooperation with regard to the open terrestrial DRM standard, including technologies substantially developed by Fraunhofer IIS, such as the xHE-AAC audio codec and the Journaline text service. In addition, the two parties will intensify their exchange of information on DRM technology, work on jointly promoting DRM technology, conduct workshops on DRM technology, and conduct field trials to successfully drive the deployment of DRM in China.

Toni Fiedler, General Manager of Fraunhofer IIS’ representation in China, said: “This MoU will further strengthen the relationship of Fraunhofer IIS with China’s broadcasting organizations and help both parties to collaborate even more closely on setting up the digital transmission ecosystems in TV, radio and the internet, introducing standards that deploy technologies driven by Fraunhofer IIS. We are honored to work with ABRS on the development of short wave digital radio in China.” 

Binbin Luo, Deputy Director of the NRTA’s radio division, said: “A new generation of information technology for the development of the radio and TV industries has brought unprecedented, profound changes and severe challenges. To drive the industry forward, we focus on cutting-edge technology and promote the development of best-in-class core technologies in key standards. The cooperation with the world’s leading standard research institutions such as Fraunhofer IIS will ensure the deployment of reliable, future-proof technology in China’s digital radio ecosystems.” 

For further information about Fraunhofer IIS technologies for DRM, please visit: www.iis.fraunhofer.de/broadcast

DRM and Digital Radio Holds its Own at ABU General Assembly Conference

Though the technical committee meeting of the ABU was dominated by latest TV, OTT developments, DRM found its own place too. The panel discussion on linear broadcasting also included a spirited defense of radio and some focus on the advantages like spectrum and energy savings offered by DRM. At the end of the two days of presentations and discussions of the TC meeting the DRM update was very well received. The DRM progress in China, India, Russia and other Asian countries, as well as the increasing number of receivers in cars and receiver solutions interested the experts from countries considering radio digitisation. They DRM consortium representatives present in Tokyo were available to answer all their questions.

Link:
https://www.drm.org/drm-and-digital-radio-holds-its-own-at-abu-general-assembly-conference/

Cambridge Consultants Unveil Prototype for Low-Cost DRM Receiver .

Ruxandra Obreja 

Cambridge Consultants has unveiled a design for a Digital Radio Mondiale receiver that it claims will cost under US$10 (about €9).

At its annual Innovation Day conference last week, the firm showcased a prototype of the low-cost, low-power DRM design.This, according to the company, addresses the vital need for information by the global population that doesn’t have the internet or TV, adding that since it is low power, it can run from solar or wind-up.Cambridge Consultants say the design will be ready in 2020, available for any radio manufacturer to license and incorporate into their own products.

DRM Chairman, Ruxandra Obreja said she welcomes the announcement.

“The unique and inspiring design will finally lead to the development of a low-power, low-cost, small-screen, large-coverage receiver. This means we’ll be able to bridge the digital divide for millions of people who don’t have easy access to broadband.”

Source :-https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/cambridge-consultants-unveil-prototype-for-low-cost-drm-receiver.

Digital radio for the world – the newest old news?

Digital launched, ever so long ago, with TV and radio. So what’s the big story? It’s that the last piece of the digital jigsaw is finally in place: a system called Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), designed to deliver FM-radio-like quality using the medium wave and short wave bands.

We’re familiar with AM on medium wave and accustomed to the horrible buzz, splat, fade away and back again. But it does have a great advantage in that it will reach for hundreds of miles from a single transmitter. That’s a lot easier than FM or DAB, which both need transmitters every 30 or 40 miles. No fewer than 443 DAB transmitter sites are needed to cover the UK alone.

So take a modern digital scheme, apply some clever (and low cost) computing power, and you can get good sound for hundreds of miles. You get to choose radio stations by name instead of kilohertz, and you can even receive text and pictures. Emergency warning and information features are also built into DRM.

Great technology. But will it fly? Is it available for everyone?

The new news is that India, through its national broadcaster All India Radio, has invested in and rolled out a national DRM service, live today. Just 35 transmitters cover that large country. New cars in India have DRM radios in them now. Other countries like South Africa, Malaysia and Brazil are likely to follow India’s lead.

But something’s missing. The radios that can receive DRM are still prohibitively expensive, especially for those markets that would benefit most. So vast swathes of the world remain unconnected to the services that DRM can provide. Where’s the cheap portable that you can pick up from a supermarket to listen to the news or sport?

Cambridge Consultants has just held its annual Innovation Day, where we throw open our doors to industry leaders and reveal future technology. One of our highlights was the prototype of a DRM design that will cost ten dollars or less to produce, addressing that vital need for information by the 60-ish per cent of our global population that doesn’t have internet or TV. It’s low power, so can run from solar or wind-up.

This design will be ready in 2020, available for any radio manufacturer to licence and incorporate into its own products. We’re doing our bit to make affordable radios for every corner of the globe!