See, hear, vote and shop with digital radio. A glimpse into radio’s future was unveiled at the recent National Radio Conference by two British technology companies.
A multimedia service on a mobile phone has been developed by Cambridge-based The Technology Partnership (TTP), with broadcast software by All in Media (AIM), in collaboration with Australian radio broadcasters.
The digital radio-enabled mobile phone allows users to view, navigate and store visual content such as images, slides and podcasts broadcast by radio stations. The handset features the interactive ‘Visual DAB/DAB+’ mobile application which opens up opportunities in the future for a range of interctive services such as competitions, music charts, shopping, voting and user-generated content, as well as revenue opportunities through special offers and electronic coupons.
The content is broadcast on the Eureka 147 DAB digital radio standard which is being trialled in Sydney. A consumer trial of the service is planned in 2008. Broadcasters are expected to upgrade to the improved DAB+ standard for the start of permanent digital radio services in 2009.
TTP General manager Martin Orrell believes the launch of visual and download services using broadcast “will be an important catalyst for mobile growth worldwide. The mobile broadcast interactive media market is taking off around the world.”
All in Media Managing Director Chris Gould has told radioinfo: “With the increase in listening to radio via mobile phones, digital radio is a natural feature to offer in handsets. The interactive visual DAB application demonstrates that radio is not just an audio-only platform but can also offer exciting new multimedia features.”
TTF is Europe’s leading independent product and technology development and licensing company. It provides software, intellectural property and hardware services. For more information visit www.ttp.com
All in Media is a new technology company providing consultancy and technology services to the radio industry. AIM works with broadcasters to devise and implement multi-platform data strategies that make the most of digital opportunities. For more information visit www.all-in-media.co.uk