What is DRM?

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is the only global open digital

radio system which can be used in all frequency bands
(AM and VHF).
DRM system can be used to cover large geographic
areas as well as rural and local markets and when on the
move. A low power local service option is also available.
DRM receivers are simple and easy to use with better
audio quality and Multimedia applications.
It is a system that complements and works seamlessly
with other digital standards.

DRM AM and FM bands

DRM above 30 MHz VHF

(Band I, II FM band, III)
30MHZ
DRM below 30 MHz LF, MF, HF
(or LW, MW, SW) the AM bands

DRM is the Digital Radio standard for all

bands up to and including VHF!

Background on technology
Originally developed as a digital broadcast standard
for the AM bands using similar techniques developed
for DAB and Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T).
DRM30 was standardised in 2001 and ITU recommendation
in 2003 ref "BS. 1514" for DRM in the AM bands.
DRM+ added to the standard 2009 and ITU
recommendation expected 2012 ref BS 1114 for DRM
(DRM+ has been recommended by the ITU and is under
vote for worldwide endorsement)
DRM30 Standardised by ETSI (ETSI ES 201, 101, 102).

The DRM Consortium

DRM Consortium was founded in 1998 to promote the technology
Non-commercial

promotes the adoption of the DRM standard.

Around 100 members

incl. broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators, regulators,

research institutes, etc.

Aims

to promote take-up of the standard worldwide.

DRM Offers
More choice for listeners

Up to 4 programs on 1 frequency

Simulcast analog / digital

Excellent audio quality

No distortion

Stereo and 5.1 surround sound

Multimedia applications

Rich information sent along with audio

Emergency warning and alert feature

All receivers switch, present audio and text information

DRM Offers
Automatic tuning

by station name, no longer by frequency

re-tunes when leaving coverage area

Good coverage area and robust signal

supporting SFN (single frequency networks)

green and energy efficient

Per-device IPR costs:

One-time licensemanufacturers,
(transmitters and receivers)

No running royalties for broadcasters!

DRM Multimedia Applications

Text Messages

Programme accompanying labels (Unicode)

EPG

Electronic Program Guide. Whats up now & next;

Search for programs and schedule recording

Journaline

Text based information service (Unicode),

supporting all classes of receivers,
triggers interactivity and geo-awareness

MOT Slideshow

Programme accompanying images + animation

TPEG / TMC Traffic Information.

Key benefits of DRM

DRM:
Is a fully digital system
Uses OFDM for robustness to errors
Has various modes to suit propagation conditions
Provides high quality audio coding using MPEG HE-AAC
Provides multimedia capabilities
Covers all radio broadcast bands from AM to VHF
Is open and non - proprietorial
Is flexible, uses less power than analogue
DRM30 is being rolled out in major countries
(India, Russia etc.)
DRM+ has been successfully tested in the UK,
Italy, Germany, France, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Korea
Is complimentary with other digital systems

More information on DRM is available on

www.drm.org
Download the entire system specification of DRM
www.drm.org/uploads/files/broadcast_manual.pdf
To get regular DRM updates subscribe to
www.drm.org/newsletters
For any inquiries or comments, please write to
projectoffice@drm.org

More information is available

in the Broadcasters Guide