““Innovations in AM BroadcastingInnovations in AM Broadcasting””Broadcast Engineering Society Broadcast Engineering Society

Delhi, India, February 25th 2008Delhi, India, February 25th 2008

David BirrerDirector Marketing & Strategy

Agenda

• Times of transitions and changes• Technology is changing• Environmental situation is changing• Conclusions

Times of transitions and challenges

• Times of transition and change call for innovation• Technology is changing

– analog to digital– tubes to solid state– digitalization opens whole new options and influences all areas of

communication

• Environmental situation is changing– global warming and consequences for transmitters (more lightning)– development of energy costs

• All these changes have consequences for radio broadcast technology

• Thomson Radio Broadcast, with its strong tradition of innovation, is presenting interesting, effective new solutions to meet the new demands

1. Technology is changing

Technology and Communication Platforms go Digital and Mobile

• The media landscape changes rapidly together with fast-paced developments in coding and compression technologies

AM

FM

DRM / HD radio

DAB (T, S)

DMB (T, S)

DSR

DVB (T, S, C, H)

Web radio (internet)

Pod casts (internet)

Worldspace (S)

XM radio, Sirius (S) US only

2000 2006199019501900

analog digital

2012

DRM + / HD radio

Overview terrestrial digital radio systems

100 kHz 1 MHz 10 MHz 100 MHz 1 GHzFrequency

10 GHz

LW MW SW B I B II(FM)

B III L-BANDRADIO BANDS

DRM

DAB

HDradio

DRM30 DRM+

US only

testing nowin use world wide

UStesting in other countries

in use world wide

testingWorld wide standard Proprietary standard

in use world wide

Common Advantages DRM / DRM+ / DAB

– Open, non-proprietary international ITU standardsdoes not depend on one single commercial supplier

– All systems share data service capabilities and common alternative frequency signalling and linking

– Efficient receiver implementation(modulation schemes, common decoders, …)

– Family of standards cover full range of terrestrial radio broadcast bands

– Easy adoption of new common features

– Transparent, non-discriminatory licensing scheme(for broadcast and receiver equipment),no running royalties for operation

Common Advantages DRM / DRM+

– Up to 4 services on 1 frequency (max. 72 kbps DRM, 186 kbps DRM+)

– Supports efficient audio encoding(HE-AAC, Speech codecs, Surround Sound)

– Supports all DRM data services (Electronic Programme Guide),all DAB (!) data services (Journaline, Slideshow, TPEG, TMC, …),and any proprietary data transport (IP, stream data, file structures, etc.)

Decoder sharing between DRM, DRM+ and DABEfficient data handling for broadcasters and receiver manufacturers

– Enables Emergency Notification/Switchingand transport of detailed information

DRM+ Key Features

– Supports 30-120 MHz incl. Band I (largely available) and Band II (FM)

– Extends the international DRM standard– Service signalling, data encoding and modulation

fully compatible with existing DRM standard– Fits in existing FM channel pattern (96 kHz bandwidth)

with high spectrum efficiency (1,9 bits per kHz)– Efficient frequency allocation with flexible slot configurations– Full SFN capability (Single Frequency Network)– Analog FM channels can individually be switched over to DRM+– Simulcast with FM broadcast via service linking;

Analog FM broadcast remains completely unaffected;DRM+ channel can be added anywhere in the free spectrum

Technology and Communication Platforms go Digital and Mobile

• The media landscape changes rapidly together with fast-paced developments in coding and compression technologies

• The trend moves from analog to digital and from fixed to mobile reception

Technology and Communication Platforms go Digital and Mobile

• The media landscape changes rapidly together with fast-paced developments in coding and compression technologies

• The trend moves from analog to digital and from fixed to mobile reception

• Technology is changing from tube to solid-state

• high voltage• low current• high safety

margin

• low voltage• high current• low safety margin

against lightning

Tube TechnologyTube Technology SolidSolid--State TechnologyState Technology Solutions for Complex Solutions for Complex FunctionsFunctions

Technology and Communication Platforms go Digital and Mobile

• The media landscape changes rapidly together with fast-paced developments in coding and compression technologies

• The trend moves from analog to digital and from fixed to mobile reception

• Technology is changing from tube to solid-state

• Broadcasting gets more and more diversified with each new functionality that is at the broadcaster’s command today

Example for the use of a multiple Programme Structure

transmission linesand ATU

DRM Transmitter

1008 kHz

Content generation and

streaming

Antenna

00:00 h 01:00 h 02:00 h

Music Music

de

en

kis

de

en

kis

en

kis

German

Kisuaheli

Speech / Informational Channel

German

English

YesterdayYesterday

SWAM

DSB

MWAM

DSB

TodayToday

1089

1053

1107

1071

kHz

High power transmitterFiller transmitter

FUTURE: Possible DRM useILLUSTRATIVE

National Network 1-1089kHz

A range of local or community services on 1107 & 1071kHz –these could be used in different places from the existing national filler transmitters

National Network 2 -1053kHz+

+

National MW frequencies of a UK broadcaster

NOW: AM national network

Example of SFN in medium wave

Source: OFCOM 2007

Example of shortwave DRM Station New Zealand:

- Servicing 10 islands with the 100 kW SW DRM Transmitter

- The map illustrates the coverage area of the new DRM transmitter

- Transmitter and DRM equipment from Thomson

Example of DRM application: FM – Rebroadcasting (1)

Example of DRM application: FM – Rebroadcasting (2)

- The strong high quality DRM shortwave signal is an attractive alternative to satellite link broadcasting

- With DRM technology, the broadcaster has all his technical means in his own hands and does not depend on third parties for program distribution

- The start-up costs with DRM Shortwave might be higher, but operational costs are significantly less

- The use of DRM and shortwave together with rebroadcast on FM offers a highly interesting, cost-efficient possibility of achieving nationwide as well as local coverage.

Example of DRM application: FM – Rebroadcasting (3)

Simulcast option testing in India 2007

100 kW M2W transmitter

9 kHz Digital, 9 kHz Analog Simulcast 18 kHz Full Digital

SIMULCAST MW SCS: CONCLUSIONS

The simulcast mode tested in New Delhi (AM 97 kW – DRM 2.5 kW) performed very well

• No noticeable degradation on AM(tested on 5 different AM receiver models)

• A very good coverage inside the city• Some spots (bridges. noise) without coverage despite the

mode/power: all those also apply for current commercial AM service

The AM and DRM coverage were compared along a radialroute up to 100km away from the city: EQUAL RESULTS!!

• in fact DRM worked well inside the city of Panipat (km. 50) whereas AM failed

Example distance learning system

For many countries education is a priority, but not easy to achieve when the students are in remote area, small village, nomad, and when there is no “electricity thus internet”…

Example distance learning system

• Protoype receiver with high resolution display available and already shown on various exhibitions

• Market access expected in 2008

Features of coming DRM receivers

Digital Radio MOT Slideshow

Broadcasting WebsiteNews Journaline

Features of coming receivers

Games Video,Music playback

Photo viewer and GamesGPS

Example data services in cars

Example Audi MMI Display

Example of Football Live Ticker, Germany ‘07

Rearseat Entertainment wiht data services

Data transmission withThomson DRM Content Server

2. Environmental Changes

Environment is Changing as Well

• Worldwide electricity needs will nearly double before 2030• Cost of electricity and other fuels are rising greatly• Energy efficient products and systems reduce energy costs and

consumption : this is a must!this is a must!

• Environment is becoming key: transmitter sites have to move outside cities transmitter sites have to move outside cities

• Pollution is getting to be more and more a topic• Nature takes its revenge if we ignore her (global warming)

Global Electricity Generation 2004 - 2030

0

5'000

10'000

15'000

20'000

25'000

30'000

35'000

2004 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Billion Kilowatt HoursBillion Kilowatt Hours

ProjectionProjection

Global electricity generation Global electricity generation increases by 2.4 percent per increases by 2.4 percent per yearyear

1.5%

2.9%

2.9%

3.1%

3.9%

4.4%

5.2%

0% 2% 4% 6%

North America

Central/SouthAmerica

Middle East

Europe

India

China

Asia

Annual Growth (%) in Annual Growth (%) in Electricity Generation by Electricity Generation by Region 2004 Region 2004 -- 20302030

These changes affect Broadcasters in various ways

• Need of enhanced lightning protection for solid-state transmitters and interface supervision to increase system reliability

• Need of services and remote control options to increase system availability

• Increase of energy costs causes need of high system efficiency to reduce operation costs

• Need of DRM capability and know-how to keep up with latest media developments

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1

Average Increase of Global Temperature in °C

Incr

ease

of L

ight

ning

Act

ivity

in %

DarwinTropical ZoneEurope

Dramatic Increase of Lightning as a Dramatic Increase of Lightning as a Consequence of Global WarmingConsequence of Global Warming

∆t = 1 °C

Thomson Optimizes Overall System Efficiency

η TX

TransmitterTransmitter Feeder LinesFeeder Lines AntennaAntenna

Reality with slewing Reality with slewing ““rotating beamsrotating beams””

RadiationRadiation Perfect Coverage Perfect Coverage

• ground losses

• ohmic losses

• radiation losses

η Feeder η Antenna η RadiationModern TX: 75 to 80 %Older TX: 50 to 55 %

System Efficiency = System Efficiency = ηηTransmitter Transmitter x x ηηFeederFeeder x x ηηAntennaAntenna x x ηηRadiationRadiation

Best: 95 %Very Often: 70 %

Best: 98 %Very Often: 95 %

Perfect Design: 99 %With Shielding: 70 %

η TotalBest: ~ 70 %Very Often: ~25 %

Product Portfolio Radio Transmission

Most comprehensive and innovative AM radio product portfolio

Conclusion

• Transition to digital is on going– Not a question whether it will happen– Its only the question when it happens

• DRM offers a platform for various kinds of application up to 120 MHz– DRM is in operation– Receivers are available– Most economic way to transport information today

• Environmental conditions call for innovative products– Focus on system efficiency, availability and reliability

E-mail: radiotransmission@thomson.net

Thank you

Single Frequency Distribution Network SFN

DistributionNETWORK

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

Transmitter

MW Station

Transmitter

MW Station

Transmitter

MW Station

Nimbo-Stratus

(+ GPS)

Multiplexed Distribution

GPS

ContentServer

DRM MultimediaMultiplexer

Cirrus

DRM MultiprogramMultiplexer

OR

Cirro-Stratus*

Nimbo-Stratus

(+ GPS)

Cirro-Stratus*

Nimbo-Stratus

(+ GPS)

Cirro-Stratus*

* limited to 1 audio service

Multi Frequency Distribution Network MFN

Multiplexed Distribution(without audio synchronisationfor receiver)

I/Q Baseband

I/Q BasebandPhase & Amplitude

Modulated RF

toLinear AM TX and Antenna

Phase & Amplitude Modulated RF

Short Wave Station (or MW/LW)

Stratus

Nimbo-Stratus

Nimbo-Stratus

RF Synthesizer

EnvelopePhase & Amplitude

Modulated RF

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

Content

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

Stratus Phase & Amplitude Modulated RF

DRM/DI(MDI or MDI+MCI)

DR

M D

igita

l Ana

lyse

r/ R

ecei

ver

DistributionNETWORK

M2W Medium Wave Station

Linear AM Tx Station

Cirro-Stratus*

ContentServer

DRM MultimediaMultiplexer

Cirro-Stratus*

* limited to 1 audio service

Phase & Amplitude Modulated RF

Phase modulated RF

SiroccoDRM Digital Reference Monitoring Analyser

ZephyrDRM Digital Base Band Rack Analyser

DRM Digital Laptop Receiver