This evolution will not be televised – it will be broadcast on the radio. But how?

Wireless industry experts convened at a Cambridge Wireless (CW) event at Aon UK in London this week to discuss the future of radio broadcast. While the process of television digital switchover is now complete, providing a more consistent viewing experience, radio has not reached the same point, even though it was first launched nearly 20 years ago.

 

Chris Nokes of BBC Research and Development opened the event titled “The Evolution and Future of Digital Radio”, which explored  effective transmission to smaller geographic areas,  other Digital Radio solutions aside from DAB, the multi-platform digital future, along with  user experiences on smart devices, home and car connectivity and how the transformation of radio effects users.

Initiating the conference with a solution to access smaller geographic areas while providing flexibility of installation and operation, Peter Wilson, head of Technology Radio at  Arqiva, said, “"As DAB transmission networks grow there is a requirement for more efficient planning for frequency re-use whilst avoiding the problem of adjacent channel blocking. Arqiva has been investigating the options for both  spectrum planning and the transmission hardware aspects of this issue and are proposing one possible solution."

Laurence Harrison, Director of Digital Radio UK, examined the impact that the future of digital radio will have on listeners. Harrison  commented: “The future of radio is digital. Significant investment is being made in building new digital transmitters, new stations and the next generation of digital radio devices for the home and car. As we move towards a future digital radio switchover, Digital Radio UK is working with broadcasters, radio manufacturers, car manufacturers, retailers, Government and Ofcom to ensure that industry and consumers are well prepared.”

Pablo Fraile, Head of Product Marketing, Broadcast, Connected and Hybrid Products at Frontier Silicon, concluded, “"Audience figures remain strong in the UK, but there is growing concern in the radio industry that new technologies could have a negative impact in the long term. I believe that these technologies, combined with traditional and digital broadcast, represent an opportunity to connect with the listener and to strengthen the radio
brand."

If you would like to see the presentations from the event please visit the CW website www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/resources

About Cambridge Wireless (CW)

CW is the leading international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless & mobile, internet, semiconductor and software technologies. With 400 members from major network operators and device manufacturers to innovative start-ups and universities, CW stimulates debate and collaboration, harnesses and shares knowledge, and helps to build connections between academia and industry. CW's 19 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide its members with a dynamic forum where they can network with their peers, track the latest technology trends and business developments and position their organisations in key market sectors. CW also organises the annual Future of Wireless International Conference and Discovering Start-ups competition along with other high-quality industry networking events and dinners. With headquarters at the heart of Cambridge, UK, CW partners with other international industry clusters and organisations to extend its reach and remain at the forefront of global developments and business opportunities. For more information, please visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk

*******

For Cambridge Wireless please contact:
Lily Cheng
Cambridge Wireless
01223 967101, lily.cheng@cambridgewireless.co.uk

__________________________________________________________



Looking for something specific?