DRM votes to extend its system to 120 MHz

The members of the Digital Radio MondialeTM consortium today voted to begin the process of extending the DRMTM on-air system into the broadcasting bands up to 120 MHz.

This landmark decision will enhance the range of non-proprietary, digital radio solutions offered worldwide by
the DRM consortium and the World DAB Forum, which work together on projects of mutual interest.

In combination with one another, the digital systems of the World DAB Forum and DRM will provide tailor-made solutions -- even in the same bands -- in markets across the globe.

DRM, a non-proprietary system that has been endorsed by the ITU, IEC and ETSI, currently covers the broadcasting bands below 30 MHz (short-wave, medium-wave/AM and long-wave).

DAB Digital Radio, is also a non-proprietary system endorsed by the ITU and ETSI, which was developed to work in the broadcast bands between 30MHz and 3GHz and will therefore work satisfactorily in Band II (87,5 - 108 MHz).

The World DAB Forum and DRM announced their cooperation at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin in 2003. DRM and the World DAB Forum hold regularly scheduled, joint meetings on key technical and commercial topics.

“Broadcasters and regulators in many countries are closely examining the digital options available to them, in search of non-proprietary systems that fit their own, unique technical and market criteria,” says DRM Chairman Peter Senger. “DAB Digital Radio has established itself as a successful solution for the higher-frequency bands in many countries, and broadcasters are increasingly implementing DRM for the medium-wave and short-wave bands. DRM’s expansion
into the broadcasting bands up to 120 MHz will supplement these existing solutions.”

"The clear message coming from our cooperation is that the World DAB Forum and the DRM Consortium continue to actively pave the way for digital radio’s future," says Annika Nyberg, President of the World DAB Forum. More than 1.5 million DAB-capable receivers have already been sold, and more than 150 different DAB receivers are now on the market.

DRM will begin work on its band extension project right away. The design, development and testing phases are expected to be completed by 2008-2010.

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