News

In this article, RadioDNS' Nick Piggott highlights a number of initiatives that have been put in place in order to enable widespread implementation of hybrid radio using RadioDNS open standards.

The Belgian non-profit organisation has suggested a ten-year transition period for the completion of the digital switchover, in order not to render FM receivers - which are still being sold - unusable.

The Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration supports the deployment of emergency warning systems on DAB+ digital radio. This would enable digital radio owners to be immediately informed of emergencies, even if the device is in stand-by mode.

According to the agreement, Polish company Bcast will provide Prais and the Digital Radio Group consortium with DABCAST, a technology solution that enables broadcasters to create a radio signal in DAB+ while keeping costs relatively low.

The newly released Sangean Revery R6 - also known as DDR-66BT - offers an all-rounder radio listening experience that includes DAB+ and FM receivers, web radio and apps for streaming, Bluetooth, an integrated CD player and MP3 playback.

The committee of the North Rhine-Westphalia Regional Media Council has approved the application for two DAB+ multiplex for the West German state. Last year, the regional media council organised a call for tenders, with 47 parties expressing interest in a DAB+ broadcasting licence.

The Dutch National Listening Research Institute (NLO) has updated its reporting methods on radio listening habits in the Netherlands to reflect the rise of digital radio listening. In addition to listening figures for individual radio stations, the NLO now also includes figures on the channels through which radio listening takes place, such as DAB+ and online.

The pre-production model of the compact, electric automobile will offer access to DAB, DAB+ as well as FM radio and streaming audio content. For the United States market it will support SiriusXM satellite radio. The Polestar 2 was unveiled at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show earlier this month.

At this year's EBU Digital Radio Summit, Laurence Harrison talked delegates through the updated guidelines for in-car user experience from WorldDAB as well as highlighting what automotive manufacturers need from broadcasters, while ABC's Jeremy Millar touched on how DAB+ listening is growing faster than internet listening, and providing a vital boost to overall listening figures.

In order to prepare its members for the post-FM era, the Auto Trade Association of Switzerland (AGVS) will be conducting two certified DAB+ training courses this April. Over the course of the day, attendees will be able to learn about the benefits offered by DAB+, and how to adapt in-car radios to DAB+. It is believed that approximately 3.5 million vehicles in Switzerland will have to be adapted to fit DAB+ capabilities.