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Frontier Silicon and Imagination have extend their partnership to deliver integrated, single-chip solution for global digital radio.

STMicroelectronics has licensed Ensigma communications processor technology from Imagination for use in a multi-standard programmable radio solution targeted at car radios. The new generation of ST digital radio receivers will support a wide range of global digital radio standards including DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and HD Radio.

Col Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee, said trials for digital radio will start early next year with collaboration from government agencies that own radio frequencies.

Communications minister Ed Vaizey said on Monday that much had to be done before broadcasters could contemplate following television into an all-digital future. Vaizey also said: "I absolutely believe that the future of radio in this country is digital. We cannot go backwards.

The age of digital radio is well and truly ready to deal a death blow to analogue as Halfords announces it will no longer sell analogue-only car radios within two years. From 2015 Halfords will only offer digital receivers ushering in the switchover to digital.

At the Go Digital Conference held today at the iconic BBC Radio Theatre, Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, confirmed Government’s vision of a digital future for radio and said he wanted to continue to improve the service, and reach coverage and listening criteria before a radio switchover

American carmaker Ford has announced a partnership with online listening hub Radioplayer that will allow drivers to listen to streamed radio as part of the Ford SYNC connectivity programme in their Ford cars and vans. Meanwhile, French carmaker Renault has announced that it will start fitting DAB as standard on models from 2014 onwards: and that it will launch an integrated solution in the interim.

The Government has outlined its intention to see radio broadcasting switch from analogue to digital audio broadcasting (DAB). It's received backing from all areas of the industry, with the CEO of Halfords declaring: "Halfords is committed to a digital future.

The Government has announced a £21 million investment package to help prepare the market for a digital radio switchover.

The new generation of ST digital radio receivers will support a wide range of global digital radio standards including Digital Audio Broadcasting and HD Radio.