The Digital Radio Mondiale General Assembly 2024 took place in Dubai on May 19–20, marking the first time the event was held at a strategic junction between the East and West. This setting facilitated interactions among new members from Europe and the Middle East and key participants from India, China, Indonesia and Canada. Virtual connections also linked attendees from Myanmar, Australia and several African countries.
The assembly highlighted several presentations on DRM developments in India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa and China. Discussions included the anticipated government decision on FM digitization in India and a detailed update from Indonesia, which has adopted a dual open standards approach to digital broadcasting.
A significant document from China’s National Radio and Television Administration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation was revisited. This document detailed the government’s initiative to promote DRM implementation in the medium wave band among car manufacturers.
DRM technology also garnered attention at the CCBN broadcasting professional exhibition in April 2024, where vehicle digital radio solutions were a focal point. Leading industry players like NXP, Nautel, Fraunhofer IIS, Gospell, RFmondial and Starwaves showcased their latest products at the CCBN and the Dubai assemblies.
The receiver session
One of the most anticipated parts of the assembly was the receiver session, featuring companies like CML Micro, Cambridge Consultants, BBC, Gospell, Starwaves, RF2Digital, Inntot, Skyworks and OptM Media Solutions. This session covered a range of DRM solutions, including chipsets, modules, equipment kits, antennas, professional receivers, standalone radios, new and aftermarket car receivers, public announcement boxes and monitoring receivers.
Additionally, the unveiling of the DRM1000 module by CML Micro and Cambridge Consultants was a key announcement. This module is poised to enable consumer radio manufacturers to produce affordable, low-power DRM radios.
The assembly also provided updates on geographic expansion, new company entrants such as Assendive, DAC System and SpaceLine, and updates from established companies like BBC, Encompass Media and Fraunhofer IIS. Strategic discussions set the direction for DRM activities through 2025.
Ruxandra Obreja, re-elected chairman of the DRM Consortium, highlighted the event’s global reach, stating, “It was a unique event that brought together a truly global audience whose increased interest in DRM was palpable. We enjoyed providing good and comprehensive answers to the questions about the future of DRM receivers.”
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