Fraunhofer IIS, RFmondial and Nautel Join Forces on DRM+ Technology
First commercial grade DRM+ transmission system demonstrated at NAB 2009.
April 19, 2009
Las Vegas NV, NAB booth N7016 -- Three prominent manufacturers have teamed up to present the world’s first commercial grade DRM+ live transmission system at NAB. Fraunhofer’s DRM+ ContentServer™, RFmondial’s DRM+ Modulator and Nautel’s DRM+ Exciter were combined to produce a live signal at Nautel’s booth #N7016. The demonstration included a real-time encoded audio program with Surround option, DRM text messages, textual information service Journaline®, and full DRM+ signaling.
DRM+ uses the same audio coding, data services, multiplexing and signaling schemes as the established part of the DRM standard for short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz, but operates in higher frequencies between 30 and 174 MHz (including the broadcasting bands Band I and Band II). Spectrum usage parameters are determined from internationally agreed norms in the FM band of 88 to 108 MHz; the service’s occupied bandwidth is 95 kHz with a frequency grid of 100 kHz. This signal bandwidth guarantees worldwide compatibility with existing FM channel assignments, flexible positioning of digital operation anywhere in the spectrum with individual power levels and supports service linking for seamless DRM/FM/AM/DAB service switching.
The DRM Consortium has completed the technical development of DRM+. The technology enhancement to the DRM system specification is currently in the ETSI standardization process.
The three components of the DRM+ transmission solution demonstrated at the Nautel booth are:
Fraunhofer DRM+ ContentServer™ -- Provides stereo and MPEG Surround audio encoding, sophisticated data application handling including Journaline®, Electronic Program Guide and Slideshow support along with broadcast automation and security features. Output format is the standardized MDI multiplex signal. This professional broadcast encoder solution is available through OEM partners worldwide.
RFmondial DRM+ Modulator – Uses the MDI-delivered radio content to produce a modulated and RF-transformed radio signal for DRM+. For low power transmitters a linear amplifier is provided with the modulator; for higher power transmitters an external linear amplifier can be utilized via an AES interface (other interfaces available on request).
Nautel NV5 FM Transmitter with Integrated Exciter – Receives digital I and Q signals via an AES interface from the DRM+ Modulator and generates the full power DRM+ RF signal. The 5kW NV5 solid state transmitter is part of Nautel’s recently introduced NV Series, also featured in the Nautel booth, with power outputs of 3.5kW – 44kW and support for Nautel’s Advanced User Interface (AUI).
“We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting expansion of DRM service,” said Peter Conlon, Nautel President and CEO. “Our three companies are well suited to provide the highest quality transmission chain for DRM+ and we look forward to working closely with Fraunhofer and RFmondial to support the rollout of DRM+ worldwide.”
All Nautel NV Series transmitters support DRM+ transmission. Broadcasters interested in DRM+ should contact their Nautel sales representative.
About Nautel
Nautel is a global leader in the design, manufacture, sales and support of high power Radio Frequency (“RF”) products for AM and FM broadcast, navigation, industrial and space-based applications. With a long history of creating highly innovative products, Nautel continues to lead the way in providing valuable new solutions for the digital radio broadcast revolution. Thousands of customers in more than 170 countries have discovered that Nautel delivers world class RF solutions - systems that meet stringent quality standards at its ISO-registered manufacturing facilities.
About Fraunhofer IIS
Founded in 1985, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS in Erlangen, Germany, today with 585 staff members, ranks first among the Fraunhofer Institutes concerning headcount and revenues. As the inventor of mp3 and co-inventor of the MPEG AAC audio coding standard, Fraunhofer IIS has reached worldwide recognition.
It provides research services on a contract basis and technology licensing. The research topics are: Audio and video source coding, multimedia realtime systems, digital radio broadcasting and digital cinema systems, integrated circuits and sensor systems, design automation, wireless, wired and optical networks, localization and navigation, imaging systems and nanofocus X-ray technology, high-speed cameras, medical sensor solutions and communications technology in transport and logistics. The budget of 72 million Euro is mainly financed by projects from industry, the service sector and public authorities. Less than 25 percent of the budget is subsidized by federal and state funds.
About RFmondial GmbH
RFmondial offers professional equipment and services for DRM and DRM+ broadcasters and transmitter/receiver manufacturers. The wide record of experience and know-how in the field of digital audio broadcasting as well as research, development and early prototype implementations guarantee leading edge products. Stand-alone devices, OEM licensing and consulting are part of our core business.
# # #
For more information please contact:
John Whyte
Marketing Manager
902-823-5174
902-802-1281 (mobile)
John.Whyte@nautel.com
Making Digital Radio Work.
www.nautel.com