The DRM Consortium attended the annual RDS Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, on Oct. 10–11. The Forum invited the Consortium to update it on DRM and answer questions on the recent progress made by the open, all-band standard.
Senior Consortium representatives provided full technical, global and receiver presentations, which it says prompted engaging and fruitful discussions. As both organizations have a worldwide reach and a focus on solutions for the FM band, there are obvious points of shared interest.
Dietmar Kopitz, RDS Forum CEO, says, “The transition from analog to digital radio in VHF Band II appears to be a very slow process. However, when it happens, from a European point-of-view, DRM is a very attractive technology because it allows analog and digital radio to co-exist in the same region. For the RDS Forum, working with the DRM Consortium will benefit the industry as it will harmonize the radio data applications of both systems.”
DRM Chairman, Ruxandra Obreja, says it was a most useful exchange of views and opinions. “It is clear that FM, be it analog or digital, is a most popular platform. By working with our RDS colleagues, there might be crossover areas of interest that could benefit both standards and strengthen universal terrestrial audio broadcasting. We look forward to the next steps and the progress we can make together.”