Upcoming DRM Consortium in September

 

DRM CONSORTIUM ANNOUNCES ITS “DRM SHOWCASE DAY” (SEPTEMBER 16TH) AT IBC 2023

At IBC 2023 (Welcome – IBC2023 ) the DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) is planning for a full day of DRM activities on September 16th.

The Saturday will kick off with a “Meet and Greet” event hosted in Hall 8 by Fraunhofer IIS at the RAI exhibition site in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

This will be the preface to the main event, “DRM Showcase”, hosted over lunch by the Consortium in the center of RAI Amsterdam, over lunch, starting at 1330. This will be an opportunity to hear about the latest on DRM, see concrete samples of the DRM activities around the world, and be witness to important announcements that premiered at this special IBC event.

Save the date and do not miss this unique and new DRM offering at IBC RAI!

More info at: https://www.drm.org/drm-consortium-announces-its-drm-showcase-day-september-16th-at-ibc-2023/

All India Radio joins DRM Consoritum

AIR formally joins DRM Consortium, which hails its achievements in completing phase one

NEW DELHI: Although All India Radio has been among the foremost countries in the progress in adoption of digital radio mondiale technology, it has now formally become a member of the DRM Consortium and its leading bodies.

This fact was acknowledged in the recent DRM General Assembly held in Switzerland, where the fact that several car models launched this year in India are carrying standard DRM receivers was greeted with interest.

All India Radio has successfully completed phase-I of the national DRM digital radio roll-out. This involved the installation of 37 DRM transmitters, now operational, throughout the country. Of these, 35 are medium wave and 2 are shortwave transmitters. Both SW transmitters are for international service and are broadcasting in pure DRM. Out of the 35 MW transmitters, 2 are broadcasting in pure DRM, carrying two audio services in digital; the other 33 transmitters are working in simulcast mode. Out of these, 25 MW transmitters are working for 1 hour in pure DRM every day (Monday to Saturday). The transmission powers of these 35 transmitters are: 1000 kW (two), 300 kW (six), 200 kW (10), 100 kW (11) and 20 kW (six); two SW transmitters are 500 kW and 250 kW each.

Full story at :
http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/radio/air/170518-air-formally-joins-drm-consortium-which-hails-its

(Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi)

First DRM transmissions for Southern Africa

The DRM Consortium will make its first ever DRM transmissions for Southern Africa in French and English on 11 October on the occasion of the Digital Radio Conference organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels. The two day conference will include two live studio discussions on the possibilities and future of digital radio from the multimedia radio studio of the European Parliament. The programmes aim to showcase multiplatform and distribution techniques in front of a studio audience of Digital Radio Conference delegates.

The live show in French from 1200-1300 UTC will be followed two hours later (1400-1500 UTC) by a Digital Radio Show in English with international participation including the chairpersons of the DRM and WorldDMB
Consortia.

Both the French and English programmes will be carried live on 21800 kHz (DRM) from Ascension Island and should be heard in South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. The English programme will also be carried at 1800 UTC into Southern Asia on 12085 kHz (DRM), at the end of the regular daily BBC/DW DRM transmission.

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairperson, says: “This is an exciting and imaginative undertaking that will demonstrate practically, even if for a short while, to European MPs and radio enthusiasts at thousands of kilometres apart the capacity of DRM to cover huge areas with excellent audio quality programmes. We are grateful to the EBU for the opportunity to showcase, alongside other platforms, that part of DRM, the only standard for all bands below and above 30 MHz, that could offer so much to the radio lovers in Africa.”
(Source: DRM Consortium/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

New DRM receivers on show at IBC 2011

The DRM Consortium will have its strongest presence ever at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC), being held in Amsterdam from 8 -13 September 2011. IBC is considered the leading global tradeshow for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of broadcasting media and entertainment.

In Amsterdam, DRM will be showcasing developments, highlighting the potential of the DRM standard, as well as presenting new receiver options. Three key Consortium members (Transradio, Nautel and Fraunhofer IIS) will host events on 10, 11 and 12 September taking participants on a digital journey of discovery. On these three days there will updates on the latest market developments and demonstration on how DRM (either as DRM30 or as DRM+) can get multi-platform, rich, digital content direct to users. Videos and new receiver solutions will give these events a “hands-on”, unique feel.

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium Chairman, says: “Our presence at IBC will show that DRM is a complete digital radio solution, is very efficient and is making real progress in important global markets which, in turn, is stimulating chipset and receiver manufacturers to develop new solutions and products”.
(Source: DRM Consortium/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

DRM Consortium announces first DRM+ trial in Sri Lanka

The DRM Consortium has announced a DRM+ trial and workshop in Sri Lanka. The Consortium has joined forces with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRC), the Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Germany’s international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle and the Asian-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to run a trial of DRM+ and showcase its benefits. SLBC has offered the DRM Consortium its full support and the use of one of its low power stations in Colombo for the duration of the trial.

The two day DRM+ technical trial planned for 29 and 30 November will be followed by a workshop organised together with ABU, where the attendees will be invited to observe the results of the DRM+ trial and to learn more about the full DRM standard. The workshop will be held at the World Trade Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1-3 December 2010.

Hudson Samarasinghe, Chairman of SLBC commented: “Being the pioneer broadcaster in Asia, the SLBC considers it a great privilege to be part in hosting this prestigious event. We are very pleased indeed to be part of this move to introduce state-of-the art technology which will truly take radio broadcasting in Asia to the digital era. The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation is proud to continue its pioneering trend, abreast with this cutting - edge technology which will prove to be the future of radio here in Asia.”

DRM Consortium Chairman, Ruxandra Obreja said: “We are excited about this event and grateful to all our partners in this unique undertaking. We hope it will showcase a simple, single channel, affordable and excellent solution for digitising FM. The trial will add to the valuable data we already have on the capabilities of DRM+. Our workshop will be interactive, practical and hopefully very useful, giving participants a real chance to experience and understand the advantages of DRM+ and DRM30.”
(Source: DRM Consortium/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

All India Radio tender notice for DRM digital transmitters

01-Jul-10
India's public service broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) is putting into practice its plans for digitalisation of radio and has placed a global tender notice for the procurement of several DRM digital transmitters. AIR has invited bids for the supply of 34 new MW transmitters, for the upgrade of 36 MW transmitters and purchase of 5 SW transmitters and other associated equipment. The Research Department of AIR is also going ahead with the purchase of a 500 watt DRM shortwave transmitter for conducting trials on 26 MHz SW DRM transmissions for local coverage. The details of the tender advertisement can be found on the official AIR website:

http://www.allindiaradio.org/NIT/Tenderenquiry-13/18006010.html

This procurement process is the start of the AIR's digitalisation plan of ensuring DRM Digital radio coverage for the entire country, thereby providing better and more robust radio services to the listeners.

Earlier this year, AIR had placed orders for the purchase of two 1000 KW DRM capable transmitters which are now being made ready for inspection and delivery. These MW transmitters can be operated in DRM mode, in analogue or in simulcast mode and provide coverage to very large areas in the Indian subcontinent. The transmitters have been manufactured by Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia, A.G.

And recently All India Radio has also confirmed the purchase of 6 mobile DRM transmitters of 10 KW each which are AM/DRM ready. These containerized transmitters are meant to be used in disaster management CASES as they can be easily transported to the affected areas by air/rail/road. A 60 meter medium wave mobile mast goes in another container which can be easily erected together with the transmitter and start broadcasting as and when required. These transmitters are being supplied by M/S Riz, Croatia.
(DRM Consortium)
http://www.drm.org/index.php?p=news_item&uid=212
(Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

New DRM broadcasters' user guide released

The DRM Consortium has produced a new up-to-date Broadcasters’ User Guide intended to provide a source of relevant and authoritative information on the full DRM Digital Radio broadcasting system. It is aimed at broadcasters considering the transition from analogue to digital broadcast in the AM and VHF broadcasting bands using what many believe to be the most advanced and flexible digital radio broadcast system today. It will also be of interest to manufacturers, service-planners, administrations and regulatory bodies involved with broadcasting systems and policy.

The document is intended to explain how and why a broadcaster might go digital, from both technical and commercial perspectives, describe the basic operation of the DRM system (DRM30 and DRM+), provide a definitive source of references to key technical standards, including regulatory, co-ordination and planning information for DRM broadcasting.

The Broadcasters’ User Guide also provides detailed information on other useful features, such as bespoke commercial applications designed to run on the DRM platform. The Guide has eleven chapters with illustrations and clear explanations on themes such as the DRM technology and content, the network infrastructure, receivers, IPR and references to DRM system related papers and published articles.

“The Broadcasters’ User Guide is a reference document for anyone interested in understanding and implementing this complete global, digital radio standard. It addresses the specialists and enthusiasts in equal measure and as such it is the free contribution that the DRM Consortium would like to make to the broadcast industry and the revitalisation of audio broadcasting in the digital age”, said Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium chair.

The Broadcasters’ User Guide is available in booklet format from the DRM Project Office and also on the DRM website where it can be downloaded in PDF format.
(Source: DRM Consortium/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Special DRM transmission slated for conference

Special Digital transmissions for Radio Asia Conference in New Delhi

London, 19th Feb 2010: Radio specialists assembling for the Radio Asia 2010 Conference, to be held from 22nd -24th Feb in New Delhi, will be able to hear some high quality digital broadcasts via Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology. This year’s Radio Asia Conference (RAC) looks at the digital future of radio with its overall title ‘Journey to Digital Land’. DRM is the global digital technology which can convert analogue broadcasts to digital thus significantly improving the audio quality and bringing many other benefits to broadcasters and listeners through its added features.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is going to broadcast three hours in DRM everyday from 22nd- 26th February from 04:29:30 - 07:29:00 GMT (09:59:30 - 12:59:00 IST) on 17760 kHz. *For the first time this year the broadcast will start with the daily Hindi programme* followed by current affairs in English. Christian Vision Radio (CVC) will run DRM transmissions from 22nd -24th February from 0830-1230 UTC (2pm-6pm IST) on 17590 kHz. The programs will be in Hindi.

All India Radio (AIR) already has a daily DRM SW broadcast from its transmitter in Khampur, Delhi. They air three hours of local transmission within India from 1430 to 1730 IST on 6100 kHz.

AIR recently placed a contract for 2 MW medium wave transmitters to BECIL (Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited). BECIL and Thomson were awarded to supply these high-power medium wave transmitters including auxiliaries, commissioning and testing. The new transmitters will replace old existing transmitters near Kolkata and Rajkot. Both transmitters are equipped with DRM and can operate on analogue, on simulcast or on full power
digital with automatic change over between the 3 operation modes.

Special demos of DRM30 (meant for converting SW, MW, AM broadcasts) and DRM+ (meant for converting FM Bands I and II) will be held on the sidelines of the conference. RAC participants will be able to hear these transmissions as well as learn more about DRM and its potential at various sessions and also during the specialised DRM workshop scheduled for February 22nd a.m.

“We are delighted that the BBC and CVC will be transmitting these special programs for Radio Asia,” ABU Secretary-General, David Astley said. “It will enable delegates who may not be so familiar with DRM to hear first-hand the improvement in sound quality that the technology provides.”

DRM is also the principal sponsor of Radio Asia 2010 and DRM Consortium Chair, Ruxandra Obreja, expressed hope that it will be a great success, “Radio Asia is being held in India for the first time and is already shaping as a significant radio event with industry representatives having committed to attend. This will be a great occasion to showcase the tremendous
potential of DRM and how it can change the future of radio broadcasting for good. We extend our thanks to broadcasters who are putting in the special DRM transmissions for this event and making it even more useful for the participants.”
(DRM Consortium Press Release)
(Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

BBC Appointed Chair of DRM Consortium

New Election Inside the DRM Consortium - BBC World Service Has Been Appointed Chair of the DRM Consortium

BONN, Germany, March 28 /PRNewswire/ --
http://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100014777/?langid=2 -
Every two years, the Digital Radio Mondiale (TM) consortium holds elections. Yesterday the members of the Steering Board, the key players of the DRM Consortium, were elected. After 10 years as Chairman of DRM Peter Senger retired from both DRM and his position as Deutsche Welle's Director DRM. His successor comes from another well known and respected international broadcaster, the BBC World Service in London. Mrs. Ruxandra Obreja, Controller Business Development, BBC World Service has been unanimously elected as new Chair of the DRM Consortium and DRM Association.
The voting took place in Bonn at the premises of the long time DRM member and well known broadcaster Deutsche Welle. There was a great round of applause from the members of the Consortium for Mr. Peter Senger who, as Chairman of the Consortium, for the past ten years made an enormous contribution to the development of the DRM standard. The new Chair Mrs.
Ruxandra Obreja introduced her vision to the members in a short presentation. She stated that: "DRM is on the threshold of a new era. Thanks to the brilliant work of our technical colleagues over the past ten years, the DRM standard is now mature. The challenge for all of us is to ensure that in the next few years the DRM standard is taken up on a mass scale. I see this as both the biggest challenge for the consortium and me personally."
The DRM consortium greatly appreciates the offer of the BBC to take the lead in this enterprise announcing that it is ready to host the DRM Project Office in London.

Contact:
Fanny Podworny, DRM
Tel.: +49-228-429-31-05
E-Mail: pressoffice@drm.org
Internet: http://www.drm.org/

Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, India)