Frontier gives DAB a multimedia touch

A touch-screen system designed to bring new multimedia functionality to DAB radios has been launched by a UK pioneer of the technoilogy

Developer Frontier Silicon says the ‘advanced DAB” system would give radios touch-screen controls and the ability to to display full-colour graphics and information including an electronic programme guide.

More interesting to commerical broadcasters will be the fact that the system will enable interactive advertising, allowing listeners to respond directly to promotions.

Frontier provides DAB technology for radios made by manufaturers like Pure, Roberts and Sony. It says it is holding talks with several manufacturers about using the system.

DAB has been one of the technologies considered for digital multimedia broaddcasts, including low bit-rate small format TV. Servives are available in Korea using a version of DAB called Digital Multimedia Broadcasting; they are directed at handhelds and netbook style devices rather than standalone radios.

Anthony Sethill, Chief Executive of Frontier Silicon, said: “Touch Radio is the next step in digital radio platforms and visual experience. The technology and enhanced user functionality is just as big a leap from analogue to digital radio, if not bigger, and allows us to truly map out the future of DAB radio.”