ERLANGEN, Germany�The 2016 General Assembly of the Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium took place April 5-6 at the headquarters of Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen, near Nuremberg in Germany.� The theme for this year�s event was �Digital Radio Mondiale � Smart Radio for Everyone�.
For those new to Digital Radio Update: DRM is the universal, openly standardized digital broadcasting system for all broadcasting frequencies. The DRM standard comprises of two major configurations: DRM30 for use on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz; and DRM+ the configuration for the VHF bands above 30 MHz. Both DRM configurations share the same audio coding, data and multimedia services, service, linking, multiplexing and signaling schemes.� In addition, DRM provides high quality sound combined with other features: Surround Sound, Journaline text information, Slideshow, EPG and data services.�
The General Assembly, held in conjunction with the DRM European Workshop, gave an opportunity to DRM Consortium members and invited guests to get together and exchange exclusive information on DRM in one of the most innovative research institutes in the world.� During the General Assembly the participants reviewed the progress made over the last year, including:
- � � � ��Use of DRM across India
- � � � ��Interest shown in some other Asian countries, such as Pakistan and Indonesia
- � � � ��The planned DRM+ trial in South Africa
- � � � ��The commercial launch of the full-feature DRM Indian receiver
- � � � ��DRM receivers as standard equipment in a top Indian car model
- � � � ��Traffic information demonstration for cars
- �� � ��The multimedia player and the software defined radio receivers that decode DRM
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�������The DRM members welcomed the decision of Hungary to recommend DRM alongside DAB for its digitization and encourage therefore the production of analogue/DRM/DAB receivers.
�DRM is digital radio for all as became so evident during the presentations and discussions on these two days and during the following European workshop. With effort, dedication and open mind DRM can now turn promise into reality,� said Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairman.
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