Frontier Silicon, the leading supplier of DAB radio solutions, has unveiled a next generation of digital audio broadcast technology that will bring multimedia functionality and increased data information to digital radios.
The company, which already provides technology to manufacturers including Pure, Roberts, Sony and many others, has developed a unique touch screen, full-colour audio-visual system that marks a major step forward in digital radio capabilities.
Frontier Silicon is in talks with several leading broadcasters and manufacturers about adopting the system, known internally as Advanced DAB. Its roll-out comes as penetration of DAB radios continues to rise, with ageing analogue broadcasting systems switched off in Switzerland, and ahead of the fresh launch of DAB+ in Australia.
Once fully launched, Touch Radio will enable users to:
· access a media-rich electronic program guide,
· view a slideshow depicting station ID and imagery,
· tag and store information on featured products via interactive advertising,
· tag and store information on favourite music tracks for purchase,
· watch real-time traffic information and receive updates on public transport.
· Details of the "Touch Radio" systems release coincide with a government study - Digital Britain - that is expected to recommend the eventual migration of UK radio broadcasting to fully digital distribution.
Anthony Sethill, Chief Executive of Frontier Silicon, said: "Touch screen radio is the next step in digital radio platforms and visual experience. The technology and enhanced user functionality is just as big a leap as that from analogue to digital radio, if not bigger, and allows us to truly map out the future of DAB radio".
Frontier Silicon, www.frontier-silicon.com
