Telestar-Digital GmbH has released two multifunction radios, Dira M 1 A and Dira M 1 A mobile, with emergency warning functionality. The German company launched the products at the recent IFA European consumer electronics fair in Berlin. Both devices are compact multifunctional radios from the Telestar Dira series; the mobile unit has an integrated rechargeable 2600 mAh battery.
The EWF system is the brainchild of the audio and media technology departments at Fraunhofer IIS, the German research organization that developed the mp3 and co-developed AAC, HE-AAC and other technologies now commonplace in various advanced consumer audio systems. The alarm system transmits warning messages barrier-free and within seconds to EWF-enabled receivers via the DAB+ digital radio network. The receivers automatically switch to the emergency program and even switch themselves on from standby if necessary.
In addition to the voice output, the emergency program includes further information in text form, such as about the current emergency situation, the area affected or more detailed instructions. These appear on the receiver’s display via the Fraunhofer IIS’s Journaline digital radio text service. This text component provides detailed background information for reference in several languages and makes it possible to reach people with hearing impairments.
The complete EWF functionality, including receiver alarms, voice output and Journaline text information, is broadcast exclusively via the DAB+ transmission network; Internet access or a functioning mobile network is unnecessary for reception.