IBC2026: DRM receiver advances take shape

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM chair, announcing multi-standard receivers supporting DRM and DAB+ in VHF Band III. Photo: Davide Moro

In DRM Consortium’s IBC2026 update, new receiver options were central. Chair Ruxandra Obreja described multi-standard receivers supporting DRM and DAB+ in VHF Band III as “a great development.”

The N88 portable receiver, designed by Alongside Tech and sold by Solar Grove Solutions, is in production and now shipping. Built around CML Micro’s DRM1000 module, it covers medium wave through VHF Band II and receives AM, FM and DRM. A USB link to an Android device adds access to DRM data services.

CML Micro demonstrated how Bluetooth can bring DRM reception to products such as headphones without adding a display. Users control tuning and content from a phone, tablet or PC. Matthew Phillips, product line director for broadcast and maritime at CML Micro, said the platform provides “the same experience as having the radio built into the mobile without waiting for the mobile industry to do that.”

Last year, DRM announced multi-standard reception; this year brought working implementations. The RF2Digital Milan platform, behind a portable radio and USB dongle, offers frequency coverage from the AM bands through VHF Band III and supports both DRM and DAB+ in Band III. The consortium said Indonesia now operates nine high-power DRM transmitters, while Johannesburg has a DRM signal on air as South Africa continues trials and standards work.

Obreja said the consortium is also working with UNESCO after a West African distance-learning trial to reach communities with poor or no internet access.