The DRDB (Digital Radio Development Bureau) produces a monthly news bulletin designed to keep all those in the DAB digital radio chain informed and updated on the latest developments in the industry.
New Products
New from Intempo Digital
Intempo Digital introduces its first DAB digital radio, PG-01 - a stylish, dual band kitchen radio offering DAB and FM in stereo sound. DAB digital radio is the new listening experience that offers a wider choice of radio stations, no interference, and a great text display for extra information such as the name of artist and song currently playing.
With its soft curves and beech veneer casework, this elegant radio will stand out in any kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. It is further accented with silver grill speakers, silver curved handle and round volume dial. A silver panel at the top of the radio houses the button controls, and a pale blue LCD screen that displays the name of the station currently playing and may show programme information, including the song currently playing or news headlines, depending on the radio station.
Operating the radio is very easy. The user can switch from FM to DAB signals, and adjust the settings at the push of a button. In DAB mode, the radio automatically tunes to all available DAB stations, so there are no frequencies to remember. Instead, the listener can simply scroll through the list of available stations and select the one they want. For convenience, four favourite DAB and four FM stations can be stored on the preset buttons. It also features an alarm clock with sleep mode.
The radio is mains powered and is supplied with a power lead and telescopic aerial. Two 3-Watt stereo speakers ensure optimum sound quality, and the radio has the added benefit of a headphone socket. The radio is covered by Intempo Digital’s 2-year ‘Safe and Sound’ guarantee that includes telephone and online support.
Intempo Digital’s PG-01 will be available nationwide through high-street and leading catalogue retailers in September priced at £119.
Pure Digital Ships PocketDAB(tm) 1000
Personal DAB Digital Radio
PURE Digital - a division of Imagination Technologies (LSE:IMG) - is now shipping the PURE PocketDAB(tm) 1000, a handheld portable DAB digital radio. PocketDAB 1000 is on sale now from major retailers and independent hi-fi dealers nationwide for just £169.99 (RRP inc. VAT).
"For radio purists this is bound to be a desirable unit," said Boys Toys magazine, July 2003. "The PocketDAB 1000 lives up to its name; at just 110x65x20mm and 170g including batteries, it is very pocketable, as well as stylish. A simple-as-you-like cursor control makes finding and storing stations a pleasure, and the blue-backlit screen is easy to read in all interior and exterior situations. Digital radio sounds excellent, of course..." said Stuff magazine June 2003. "A great-looking portable radio with a decent battery life" decided T3, July 2003.
The PocketDAB 1000 is the premier handheld DAB digital radio for the discerning radio listener on the move. With more than 16 hours of battery life1 the PocketDAB 1000 enables the user to enjoy DAB’s improved reception, station choice and audio-stability anywhere that broadcasts are available.
The PocketDAB 1000 has modern styling with anodised aluminium casework and blue backlight. Its portability is enhanced both by the unit’s light weight and the absence of a telescopic aerial - in fact the PocketDAB 1000’s aerial is built-in to the unit’s headphones for maximum usability and performance.
PocketDAB 1000 has been designed for ease of use with a central joystick for navigation and separate controls for key functions like display settings, presets and EQ. Stations are simply selected by name and the PocketDAB 1000 automatically tunes in, eliminating the fine-tuning and re-tuning required by analogue portables. PocketDAB 1000 automatically remembers the user’s ten most listened to stations in a favourites list for fast selection. Stations can be ordered alphanumerically, by multiplex, by favourite and by active stations for maximum ease of use.
New digital stations drive growth in DAB Market
New market data released by the DRDB (Digital Radio Development Bureau) shows that nearly 80% of purchasers bought their DAB digital radio in order to listen to new, digital only stations. And awareness of DAB digital radio has grown by 88% in the past 18 months, up from 16% in 2001 to 30% this year, representing a population figure of 17.2 million.
Two tranches of robust market data together deliver encouraging statistics for the burgeoning DAB market. Over 1,000 adults (15+) were randomly sampled in an Omnibus Tracker survey conducted by Ipsos-RSL. More than 2,000 post purchase responses to a Claritas questionnaire deliver strong post-purchase data.
Comparisons with earlier data conducted by national commercial multiplex operator Digital One, and the BBC suggest a move away from the specialist and towards a more mass market demographic.
Sample data from over 2,000 post-purchase questionnaires analysed by Claritas:
- Nearly 80% of purchasers bought their DAB digital radio in order to listen to new, digital only stations
- 20% said they bought their DAB radio to listen to BBC 7. Other stations influencing the move to DAB include BBC Radio Five Live, Classic FM, talkSPORT, Planet Rock, Jazz FM and the World Service
- More than 90% expressed an excellent to good satisfaction level with each of the following DAB benefits:
- Ease of tuning
- Sound quality
- New digital stations
- Improved reception of existing stations
- 8% of those surveyed are repeat purchasers
- 50% of purchasers are aged 35 – 54
- One in five is female
- 25% bought from mass market retailer, Argos
- Awareness of DAB digital radio has grown by 88% in the past 18 months, up from 16% in 2001 to 30% this year, representing a population figure of 17.2 million.
- The fastest growing message to reach consumers is that DAB digital radio delivers new, digital only radio stations, up from 5% to 23% in 18 months
- The biggest increases in awareness are seen among 15-24 year olds, up 140% from 15% to 36%, and 25–34 year olds, up 111% from 18% to 38% in 18 months.
- Awareness among females has increased 140% in 18 months, up from 9% to 22%.
- Most of those aware of DAB are ABC1s and frequent Internet users
- Better sound quality remains the biggest perceived benefit of DAB, cited by 62% of those surveyed.
- 6% of respondents said they were likely to buy a DAB digital radio in the next 6 months. This represents a population figure of 3.4 million people.
- Of this 6%, one-in-five said they would buy an in-car digital radio and would spend around £150.
- And 36% of that 6% said they would buy a kitchen radio for which they would pay up to £100.
- Figures for those who wanted features unique to DAB in their radios were all up over the past 18 months. These include:
- I’d like to see what’s playing now
- I want the best sound quality
- I want to be able to automatically record programmes
- I want to see what’s coming up next
- I would like to be able to rewind the radio when I miss something
Says DRDB Chief Executive, Ian Dickens: “Radio broadcasters, both public and commercial, have been committed to DAB digital radio for some years now, although at times it was a lonely place to be. This market data provides credible proof that consumers are buying into DAB, and that commercial opportunities exist for manufacturers, retailers, advertisers and broadcasters alike. Suddenly, the case for DAB has moved from theory to fact.”
BBC - Make Time for Digital Radio
Monday 23 June 2003 - the BBC underlined its commitment to DAB digital radio, announcing a major on-air promotional campaign for its complete portfolio of digital radio stations – 1Xtra, Five Live Sports Extra, 6 Music, BBC 7 and the Asian Network.
The five-week campaign, the first by the BBC to promote its family of digital radio services, and incorporates TV, radio and online elements.
The BBC also confirmed details of the upgrading of its digital radio transmitter network from 65% to 85% coverage of the UK population in 2004, bringing DAB broadcasts to new areas of Central England, East Anglia, the South and South East, the West and South West, the North, and Scotland.
Jenny Abramsky, Director of BBC Radio & Music and Vice-Chair of the Digital Radio Development Bureau (DRDB) also released details today of new DRDB research, the largest post-purchase research ever undertaken on digital radio and the first pan-industry research done on behalf of both commercial radio and the BBC.
"I think this research marks a watershed," says Jenny Abramsky.
"For the first time it shows that digital radio is on its way to becoming a mass market proposition, rather than the preserve of audio enthusiasts.
"For the BBC there is also the encouraging sign of digital converts being attracted by new stations, particularly BBC 7.
"It’s clear that the new BBC services are playing a major role in driving the uptake of digital radio."
Work starts this summer on the expansion of the BBC’s digital radio transmitter network to increase current coverage from 65% of the UK population to 85% in 2004.
As transmitters are switched on and new areas receive BBC digital radio broadcasts the postcode checker on the website will also be updated.
The BBC’s new on-air promotional campaign for its digital radio services – Make Time For Digital Radio – launches on the 23rd of June 2003.
The trails, show people going to the most extraordinary lengths to make time to listen to the BBC’s new digital radio stations.
The campaign runs on tv for five weeks from June 23rd, online for two weeks from the same date, and on radio for two weeks from Saturday 28 June.
Andy Duncan, Director of BBC Marketing & Communications says: "This is our first and biggest ever promotion of the BBC’s digital radio networks, with a major push this summer and another later in the autumn.
"We hope the campaign will drive digital radio take-up in the same way as our digital tv promotion last year drove viewers to our digital tv services.
"Our big goal is to see as many people as possible getting access to the BBC’s new radio networks."
Marketing and Promotions
Does It Do Digital?
A new radio advertising campaign for DAB Digital Radio launches across more than 250 national, regional and local commercial stations today, Monday, June 23.
Using humour and a catchy, memorable new jingle, the campaign asks the question “Does it Do Digital?” Generic in content, the ads, voiced by actor Chris Langham, suggest that only a DAB digital radio can give listeners the choice of stations and improved sound quality available with the latest audio technology.
Three x 50 second executions, four x 40 seconds, and a selection of ten and twenty second ads will run on all GWR, Capital Radio, Emap, SRH and some Chrysalis stations for five weeks from June 23 to July 26.
The ads are scheduled to run at the same time as the BBC’s summer promotional campaign for DAB digital radio on BBC television and radio networks and are designed to create a high media profile for DAB over the summer.
The promotion was created by radio advertising specialist Radioville for the DRDB (Digital Radio Development Bureau) and all the ads carry a driver to either the DRDB’s consumer helpline or consumer website where listeners can find out more about stations, coverage, products etc.
Says DRDB Chief Executive, Ian Dickens: “DAB Digital Radio will be hot this summer! Alongside BBC TV and radio, and commercial radio campaigns, there will be on-air competitions in the regions, some local print promotions, and a lot of new products coming through to attract consumers. Recent Omnibus Tracker research conducted by the DRDB shows awareness of DAB digital radio is currently at 30% population, or 17.2 million people. By the end of the summer we expect to see this figure climb significantly.”
French broadcasters form DAB industry body
France has set up an organisation aimed at raising the profile and encouraging the roll-out of DAB Digital Radio in the country.
Called Vivement la Radio Numerique, the French group joins the likes of the UK’s DRDB, Germany’s IMDR and Nordini in the Nordic region in promoting the merits of DAB Digital Radio on a country or geography-specific basis.
In common with its peers, the French group has a remit to:
- Raise awareness of DAB Digital Radio among government officials, broadcasters, manufacturers and other influential audiences
- Promote the benefits of DAB Digital Radio amongst consumers
- Provide practical information about the receivers, stations and services available to French consumers
- Encourage technical and commercial partnerships to support the roll-out of DAB Digital Radio
"In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable and welcome increase in the ’noise’ around DAB Digital Radio in France. As well as this new organisation, the French Government has set up an advisory task force under the auspices of the Arts and Communications Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon. These are important and encouraging developments in a country which has struggled to make the progress one might have hoped for."
Vivement la Radio Numerique was founded by more than 10 French radio stations, network provider VDL, as well as other main actors of the French radio world..
Two web sites are being set up to help trade members and the French public learn more about the opportunities presented by DAB Digital Radio:
www.radionumerique.org
www.radionumerique.info
Technology News
Texas Instruments announce new Eureka DAB solution Texas Instruments announces the new DRE310 DAB baseband, using RadioScape software.
Texas Instruments has launched the DRE310, which uses a custom developed Eureka 147 Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) software stack from RadioScape. While the DRE310 baseband targets handheld and portable applications, it is especially well suited for automotive applications.
"The DRE310 uses an enhanced version of the DAB software stack that we created for TI’s popular DRE200," explained John Hall, RadioScape’s CEO. "Our unique software approach has enabled us to work closely with TI to incorporate the latest DAB radio features into the DRE310. Between them, the DRE310 and DRE200 provide cost effective, feature rich, flexible solutions across the entire spectrum of Eureka DAB application areas."
RadioScape will follow the success of its RS200 DAB module, which is based on the DRE200, with a module based on the DRE310 that will be called the RS310. Further details of this product will be available later in the year, and the module will be shipping towards the end of 2003.
Advanced multi-channel and recording capabilities
One of the key attributes of the DRE310 is that it can decode more than one channel simultaneously, which is particularly useful for automotive applications. For example, one audio channel could be decoded for radio listening, while a data channel containing traffic flow information could be made available to a navigation system. In addition, recording and playback features have been integrated into the baseband , which gives the user the ability to listen to a particular program at a later time.
Additional features integrated into the DRE310 include time-shifted audio, announcement support, service linking (FM/ensemble switching), TII (Transmitter Identification Information) and MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) CD support. These advanced features are also facilitated by the integration of key peripherals such as a USB 2.0 full speed (12 Mbps) interface, I2C, a real time clock and a direct interface to a MultiMedia card (MMC), Memory Stick and SD storage media.
Manufacturers
OEM Manufacturers Korean manufacturer FreeSAT has developed a range of DAB radios for supply. These include:
- A portable kitchen radio
- An FM/DAB hi-fi tuner
- A mini/compact hi-fi receiver
Interested parties should contact Frank Seo at fkseo@freesat.co.kr
ENDS
April 9, 2003
The Digital Radio Development Bureau is funded and supported by BBC, Digital One, Emap Digital Radio, CE Digital, MXR, Capital Digital and Now-Digital. The DRDB's task is to ensure digital radio's wide accessibility and swift adoption in the UK with consistent and effective marketing.
Visit the DRDB's consumer web site www.digitalradionow.com, or our Business to Business site, www.drdb.org.
If you have any news you would like included in the next DRDB news bulletin, please email mandy@drdb.org
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Mandy Green
Press and Publicity Manager
DRDB
The Radiocentre
77 Shaftesbury Avenue
London W1D 5DU
020 7306 2636
07973 184995