Grundig manual What is Digital Radio?

Page 8

DIGITAL RADIO GUIDE

WHAT IS DIGITAL RADIO?

2 What is Digital Radio?

Since the early days of broadcasting, analogue systems have been used to carry programmes from the studios to the listeners. Now, due to the growing number of broadcasters and programme services, the frequency bands allocated to AM and FM radio in many regions of the world are full. The resulting congestion in the radio spectrum has led to a decline in reception quality and is a real constraint to further growth. Furthermore, in densely populated areas, FM reception on car radios and portables can be very poor. This is due to the effect of severe multipath propagation caused by signal reflections and shadowing due to high buildings.

Digital transmission technology can offer much improved coverage and availability. It is expected to replace analogue transmissions in many areas, but as digital systems are incompatible with current AM and FM broadcasting systems, new receivers will be needed.

In basic form, digital radio is an application of the technology in which sound is processed and transmitted as a stream of binary digits. The principle of using digital technology for audio transmission is not new, but early systems used for terrestrial television sound (such as NICAM 728) need considerable bandwidth and use the RF spectrum inefficiently, by comparison with today’s digital systems.

The development of digital radio has been helped by the rapid progress that has been made in digital coding techniques used in RF and audio systems. This has led to improved spectrum efficiency, more channel capacity, or a combination of these benefits. Digital compression techniques used in audio systems have improved sound quality at low bit rates to the extent that radio broadcasts can be made on location and then transmitted to the broadcaster’s production studios over telephone circuits in high quality.

Ideally, to reach the widest range of listeners, a genuinely universal digital radio system should be capable of being transmitted via terrestrial, satellite and cable systems.

There are new digital radio systems in operation. The list is set out in Table 2.1.

The table illustrates the wide spread of operational systems throughout the world.

The great strength of the present analogue transmission systems is the world-wide standardisation on just two systems (FM and AM). This enables listeners to use one radio to receive programmes at any location. But in the development of digital systems, it is now clear that similar standardisation will not be so easily achieved. Differing market requirements are driving digital systems to be more specialised and tailored to meet regional, national, or application-oriented needs. Furthermore, the complexity of digital systems compared to existing analogue techniques fosters this differentiation.

8

Page 7 Page 9
Image 8
Page 7 Page 9
Contents Page Page Foreword Page Table of Contents Appendix C Glossary of Acronyms Introduction What is Digital Radio? DRM+ Terrestrial in service date Satellite Service dateDigital Radio Systems Why Digital Radio? Terrestrial Transmission Systems DRM Digital Radio MondialeBrief Description of the DRM System Overall designDistribution Interface Audio Source Coding DRM Source Encoding and DecodingDRM Source Decoding Channel coding and modulation Transmitter Considerations Over the air4 DRM+ DAB Eureka System DevelopmentPrincipal Advantages and Challenges System DescriptionChallenges DAB Development Worldwide as BelgiumCanada DenmarkFrance GermanyItaly SingaporeSouth Korea SpainSweden SwitzerlandUnited Kingdom Eureka 147 Main System Features Main System FeaturesInfrastructure Requirements Synergies with Other SystemsSynergies with Digital Radio Mondiale DRM DAB-Based Multimedia Broadcast Systems DMB T-DMB Future Developments of DABSynergies with Digital Television German DXB Project IP over Enhanced Packet ModeDAB-IP DAB as carrier of multichannel audio Enhanced Audio Codec, DAB+Digital Radio Guide Terrestrial Transmission Systems DAB Conceptual diagram of the outer coder and interleaver Types of ReceiversIn-Home Receivers In-Car ReceiversHandheld Receivers PC ReceiversList of manufacturers and their DAB products JVCTeac Japans Digital Radio Broadcasting ISDB-TSB OverviewMethods Audio encoding systemError correction system Multiplexing SystemTransmission channel encoding system Modulation method Transmission bandwidthsData Segment Spectra Hierarchical transmission and partial receptionPage Example of connected transmission three TS’s Parameter restrictions in connected transmissionTransmission capacities Information bit rates for the triple-segment transmission*5Characteristics ReceiversOverview of Services Trial receiversReceivers expected Multiple voice broadcastingBroadcasting of simplified moving images Download service experimentOutlook for the Future IBiquity HD Radio System HD Radio Standards Activity HD Radio AM and FM ReceiversHD Radio System Technical Design Overview Typical HD Radio Automobile ReceiversCore Services Main Program Service MPSStation Information Service SIS Advanced Application Services AASFM Extended Hybrid Waveform Waveforms and SpectraHybrid Waveform FM All Digital Waveform HD Radio Subsystems 12 Hybrid AM HD Radio system spectrum allotment13 Functional Block Diagram of HD Radio System Receiver Systems RF/Transmission SystemMultipath Resistance Features Common to North American Digital Radio SystemsSound Quality Frequency Response Audio Quality RatingsMpeg AAC Infrastructure Requirements Deployment Status LicenseesCase Study Allocations in Region Issues related to Terrestrial SystemsSpectrum Availability 18 RRC-06 planning area DAB DVB-T19 T-DAB coverages in Band Entries Implications of Simulcasting HD Radio IbocCoverage DRM Digital Radio MondialeDigital Radio Guide Terrestrial Transmission Systems Issues Broad Picture Satellite TransmissionWorldSpace ITU-R System D WorldSpace Coverage Map Transmission Footprints WorldSpace Up-link Coverage JVC Sirius Satellite Radio / XM Satellite Radio Sirius Overview Sirius Sdars Delivery System Sirius Constellation RaanSirius Ground Track Deployment Status TT&CContinental US Satellites Ground RepeatersMobile Broadcasting Corp. and TU Media Corp. ITU-R System E Bringing Radio to the Internet Internet Radio IRIntroduction Internet Radio peculiarities Internet Radio as a complement to established radio services Streaming technology for radio services Internet-only stations IR Portals and Music PortalsServer-client Distribution networksWiMAX Multicasting P2P networksInternet Radio terminals and playback devices PodcastingInternet Radios relation with the traditional radio Measuring audience Digital Radio Guide Internet Radio Virgin Radio Case studies10.1 VRT Summary and Conclusions Swedish Radio multichannel audio distributionSome Important Radio Portals BeethovenLaunch Music on Yahoo Launch.yahoo.com LiveIM Tuning Radio VH1Last FM MTV RadioSHOUTcast Some Sources for the Digital Radio Guide Etsi Cenelec IEC Digital Radio Guide Sources Overview Major System FeaturesAppendix a The Eureka 147 System System Description Modes of Operation Table A.1 Eureka 147 Transmission ParametersIII Data CapacityData Services Number of audio services in a multiplexAudio Quality Spectrum Issues Eureka 147 Channel PlansTable A.2 Example of possible number of programs Planning Parameters ITU DSB HandbookBand 1452-1492 MHz Propagation PropertiesVHF Band Recent system developments Multimedia Object Transport MOTDynamic Label Electronic Programme Guide EPG Broadcast WebsiteSlide Show DAB Virtual Machine DAB Java EtsiConditional Access DAB Receiver InterfacesTopNews SBR LayerFile caching in the receiver IP datacasting in DAB Tpeg transport in DABAdvanced demodulation technique for Cofdm Table A.3 Etsi Standards relating to EurekaNumber Title Third EditionGSM / Pstn / Isdn / Dect Receiver Standards Table A.4 Receiver Standards for EurekaReference Title ITU Publications and RecommendationsNasb Appendix B Relevant World Wide WebsitesBBC DAB 111 Glossary of Acronyms DRB DrdbDRM DRPIeee IfpiISDB-TSB ITUP2P PADPDA PNGTDM TdmaTMC TmccDisclaimer

Digital Radio specifications

The Grundig Digital Radio represents a significant advancement in radio technology, combining aesthetics, functionality, and a user-friendly interface. As a pioneer in the audio and electronics industry, Grundig has successfully integrated modern digital capabilities into its traditional radio design, appealing to both nostalgic listeners and tech-savvy users.

One of the standout features of the Grundig Digital Radio is its versatility in reception. With DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) technology, users can enjoy a wide array of radio stations with superior sound quality, free from the hiss and interference commonly associated with analog broadcasts. The inclusion of FM and AM bands ensures that listeners are not limited, providing access to local stations that may not yet have transitioned to digital.

The Grundig Digital Radio is designed with ease of use in mind. Its intuitive interface, often featuring a clear LCD display, allows users to navigate through stations and settings effortlessly. Many models also include a built-in tuner that automatically scans and presets available stations, simplifying the setup process. For those who appreciate personalization, some variants come equipped with customizable presets, allowing users to save their favorite stations for quick access.

Portability is another key characteristic of the Grundig Digital Radio. Many models are lightweight and come with built-in handles, making them ideal for on-the-go listening, whether it's in the garden, on the beach, or during a picnic. Battery options, alongside mains power, ensure that users can take advantage of their radios wherever they choose.

In terms of sound quality, Grundig utilizes advanced audio technologies to deliver rich and clear sound. Enhanced bass responses and treble controls allow users to fine-tune their listening experience to match their preferences. Furthermore, many models feature additional inputs, such as AUX and USB ports, enabling users to connect their smartphones or other devices, expanding their audio options.

Other notable characteristics include built-in alarms and timers, which make the Grundig Digital Radio a versatile companion for daily routines. Some models even support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless streaming from a variety of devices.

In summary, the Grundig Digital Radio embodies the perfect blend of traditional radio appeal and modern digital technology, offering versatility, ease of use, superior sound quality, and portability to meet the diverse needs of today’s listeners. Its well-thought-out features and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.
Top Page Image Contents