Modules Support Digital Audio Broadcast and DRM to Accelerate Development of Cost-Effective Receivers
The TMS320DRM3xx family is based on TI's innovative digital signal processor (DSP) technology and RadioScape's unique Software Defined Digital Radio approach. The DRM300 baseband supports DRM, while the single-chip DRM350 baseband supports DRM as well as DAB. With the DRM350 baseband, developers can create cost-effective DRM/DAB-based devices with a single chip. New features, customized variants and modifications can be easily implemented on the programmable DSP architecture of the DRM300 and DRM350 chips, avoiding time-consuming and expensive hard-wired re-spins. This flexibility also allows for future support of digital content playback, including MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA).
RadioScape's modules based on TI's DRM300 and DRM350 chips will be available from RadioScape and will support FM-RDS and AM in software. The first of which, the RS500, is announced today (see separate RadioScape release). The RS500 module from RadioScape supplies all the necessary hardware and software to design and build receivers able to support any combination of DRM, DAB, FM-RDS and AM, cutting down significantly on the development time and resources needed from the manufacturer. The modules enable manufacturers to begin immediate development of multi-standard receivers, including table-top radios, CD boom boxes, micro hi-fis and tuners.
"It is impressive how quickly support for DRM has come from the technical community, including more than 75 broadcasters who have followed through on their promises to begin airing its content," said Peter Senger, director of distribution at Deutsche Welle and chairman of the DRM Consortium. "Although TI only joined the DRM Consortium last year, it already is the first company to provide silicon for this standard. Backed by a complete module developed by RadioScape, we expect OEMs will be able to provide DRM-capable receivers by the end of the year."
"We have been broadcasting for several months in DRM to both Germany and France and remain firmly committed to the development of the DRM technology," said Thomas Rabe, chief financial officer at RTL Group. "We continue to work closely with both TI and RadioScape to ensure a successful launch of a cost- effective DRM/DAB-capable radio receiver for the mass market later this year."
At The Digital Radio Show ( http://www.digital-radio-show.com ) in London, both Texas Instruments and RadioScape will speak about the accelerated deployment of DRM during their presentations. Andrew Moloney, marketing manager for receivers at RadioScape, will present "Making Digital Radio Work" at 11:50 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. Dan D'Aversa, senior strategy executive for RTL Group, will present "The Future of Radio ... " at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1. In addition Les Mable, business development manager for TI's Digital Radio business, will present "Innovation in Digital Radio" at 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 2.
What is Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)?
DRM is the only universal, non-proprietary digital radio system for the short-wave, medium-wave and long-wave AM broadcast bands. Many existing transmitters can be easily modified with an inexpensive upgrade to carry DRM signals, enabling a single tower to broadcast over a large geographic area so that listeners can receive the same station with near-FM quality sound. Commercial and public international broadcasters, as well as national radio networks and local radio stations, have begun transmitting regular DRM broadcasts and special programs. Combining DAB and DRM into new receivers will extend the range of digital stations to reach new audiences with innovative digital services anywhere in the world.
Availability and Pricing
Pricing for both the DRM300 and DRM350 chips starts at $18 in sample quantities of 1K or less and are expected to be available in 3Q05. RadioScape's DRM module is expected to be available in 3Q05.
About TI
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.
Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com .
About RadioScape RadioScape(R) Ltd. is the world's only developer of end-to-end digital audio broadcasting solutions giving RadioScape unmatched systems knowledge and enabling it to ensure that customers receive the highest levels of quality, robustness and reception at all stages. Its Digital Radio broadcast suite is used extensively throughout the world including the largest DAB installation to date -- the UK's commercial DAB network.
Its innovative "Software Defined" approach has made it a leader in DAB and DMB technology with its DAB receiver modules being extensively used by many of the world's leading consumer electronics manufacturers. The company has announced that it is working on DRM capability that will result in true, multi-standard, digital radio receivers.
Founded in 1996, RadioScape's investors include Atlas Venture, Royal Bank Ventures, Scottish Equity Partners, JAFCO, Texas Instruments, Yasuda Enterprise Development, iGlobe Partners, Psion and NTL. RadioScape is headquartered in London, England with offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.radioscape.com
Statements contained in this news release regarding the growth of the digital radio market, TI and RadioScape market penetration and qualification of TI and RadioScape products and other statements of management beliefs, goals and expectations may be considered forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. The following factors and the factors discussed in TI's and RadioScape's most recent Form 10-Ks could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements contained in this news release: actual market demand for digital radio products and TI and RadioScape products specifically, and actual certification test results relating to TI and RadioScape products. TI and RadioScape disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this news release.
TRADEMARKS
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