Grundig Digital Radio manual Case studies, 10.1 VRT, Virgin Radio

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DIGITAL RADIO GUIDE

INTERNET RADIO

Some additional specific media-related parameters are those related to media players, quality delivered and user behaviour, as follows:

•Which Media Player (Audio/Video/Graphics)?

•Which speed (bandwidth) for a combination of audio and video programme?

•Start-up time

•Audio quality for a given bandwidth

•Video quality, including video frame rate for a given bandwidth

•Connect time

•Redirect time

•Initial buffer time

•Recovered, lost and dropped packets

•Number of successful buffering attempts

•Duration of buffering (average)

•Total playing time for each user / average playing time for each stream

•Hits and Duration Chart for each stream / all streams

•Number of finished Streams (who and how many have seen it to the end)

•Number of linear Hits (without Stop or Pause)

•Number of loops made

6.10Case studies

6.10.1VRT

The Belgian public service broadcaster, VRT Radio, started broadcasting on the Internet in 1997. VRT's radio player offers a mix of six traditional radio stations and three exclusive digital services. Of the more than 300,000 unique visitors it attracts every month, more than 80 per cent listen to live streams, while 10 to 15 per cent listen to both live and on-demand programmes. VRT has seen its bandwidth consumption double over the past year and currently uses up to 45 terabytes of bandwidth a month.

VRT automatically records and uploads all of its on-demand content. News bulletins are available on-demand roughly three minutes after the live broadcast is over. Programmes more than 60 minutes long are available about 20 minutes after the broadcast. VRT's radio player works on both Windows and Mac platforms and is a browser-embedded application that requires Flash 7 and Windows Media Player or QuickTime Player. VRT streams in two formats: MP3, at 6, 32 and 96 kbps; and WMA, at 20 and 64 kbps.

VRT has a global rights agreement with organizations including IFPI (the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) covering both live and on-demand streaming. This is quite common in Europe and contrasts with the situation in North America, where broadcasters usually pay a fee per listener.

6.10.2Virgin Radio

Virgin Radio boasts one of the world's most successful Internet Radio networks. According to Virgin Radio, which uses the Limelight LUX tool to monitor its online traffic, it reaches 1.1 million consumers who listen for an average of 4.4 million hours a month. In 2005, Virgin won two prestigious online awards, scooping both the Webby Award and the People's Voice Webby Award for radio. (The Webby Awards is the leading international prize honouring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality.) In 2006, Virgin became the first UK station to make a daily podcast.

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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+ Principal Advantages and Challenges DAB EurekaSystem Development System DescriptionChallenges Canada DAB Development Worldwide asBelgium DenmarkItaly FranceGermany SingaporeSweden South KoreaSpain SwitzerlandUnited Kingdom Infrastructure Requirements Eureka 147 Main System FeaturesMain System Features 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 ReceiversHandheld Receivers In-Home ReceiversIn-Car Receivers PC ReceiversList of manufacturers and their DAB products JVCTeac Methods Japans Digital Radio Broadcasting ISDB-TSBOverview Audio encoding systemTransmission channel encoding system Modulation method Error correction systemMultiplexing System 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 ReceiversReceivers expected Overview of ServicesTrial receivers 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 ReceiversStation Information Service SIS Core ServicesMain Program Service MPS 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 Continental US Satellites Ground Deployment StatusTT&C 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 distributionLaunch Music on Yahoo Launch.yahoo.com Some Important Radio PortalsBeethoven LiveLast FM IM TuningRadio VH1 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 III Modes of OperationTable A.1 Eureka 147 Transmission Parameters 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 DABNumber Title Advanced demodulation technique for CofdmTable A.3 Etsi Standards relating to Eureka Third EditionGSM / Pstn / Isdn / Dect Reference Title Receiver StandardsTable A.4 Receiver Standards for Eureka ITU Publications and RecommendationsNasb Appendix B Relevant World Wide WebsitesBBC DAB 111 Glossary of Acronyms DRM DRBDrdb DRPISDB-TSB IeeeIfpi ITUPDA P2PPAD PNGTMC TDMTdma 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.
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