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Instead of running a single event in a dedicated conference room at the IBC2024, the DRM Consortium presented three open sessions across the show floor, hosted by Gospell Digital Technology, Fraunhofer IIS and Nautel.
In those events, DRM chairman Ruxandra Obreja updated the audience on the growing adoption of the DRM standard and network deployment in some of the most populated countries like China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan. For example, over 6 million cars in India now feature a DRM receiver, and the country boasts a remarkable range of portable and home receivers.
Gospell and Starwaves unveiled their latest receiver models at the IBC2024, ranging from pocket-sized to advanced table-top units with premium audio and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Multiple stations from one site
DRM multichannel is one of the latest additions to the DRM standard. It enables larger broadcasters and network operators to broadcast multiple stations from the same site, similar to what happens with analog modulations but using a single DRM transmitter. Alexander Zink, chief development manager for digital radio and broadcast applications at Fraunhofer IIS, explained how a single DRM transmitter could broadcast up to six DRM multiplexes (delivering up to 18 audio plus six multimedia Journaline services).
The DRM modulator receives the various multiplex streams, modulates each of them and then combines the baseband signals such that it can fit in the spectrum bandwidth of a single transmitter. Site operators can also assign a specific output power to each DRM multiplex. The same DRM transmitter can then simultaneously broadcast national stations over a vast area at full power and multiple local stations over each station’s target area at reduced power. The digital modulator performs all the required signal merging and adaptations, so DRM multichannel requires no external RF combiners. It is also fully compatible with any DRM receiver.
As a final announcement, Obreja unveiled that organizations, research bodies, universities and individuals can now join the DRM Consortium for free for one year.
After receiving a Master of Science in Engineering, the author worked for Telecom Italia and Italian public broadcaster, Rai. Based in Bergamo, Italy, he now spends his time as a broadcast consultant for radio stations and equipment manufacturers, specializing in project management, network design and field measurement.
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