Frontier Silicon Introduces a Raft of New Features to Low Cost Digital Radios in Support of Major DAB+ Launch in Germany

Frontier Silicon, the leading supplier of digital radio and connected audio solutions announced today the launch of new software for its widely adopted DAB/DAB+ platforms. This latest release not only brings advanced text and image capability with DL Plus and RadioVIS technology, but also provides a 20% improvement in power consumption.

DL Plus is an advanced text feature currently broadcast as part of the new national DAB+ service in Germany. Dynamic Label Segment (DLS) already allows a radio station to broadcast streaming text information to the display of a digital radio receiver. DL Plus, which is upwardly compatible with DLS, builds on this capability and provides an enhanced experience by allowing the listener to choose which text content they are interested in, giving access to relevant information such as artist name or song at the touch of a button.

“In launching the new DAB/DAB+ services in Germany one of our major objectives was to ensure that customers have access to some of the value added capabilities that digital delivery has to offer,“ said Chris Weck, Technical Manager at Deutschlandradio. “During the launch process we have worked closely with receiver manufacturers and we are delighted that due to this cooperation Frontier Silicon is able to bring DL Plus to their product line up so quickly, in support of our initiative.”

Another key feature of this latest software update is an implementation of RadioVIS that is unique to Frontier Silicon. Part of the RadioDNS hybrid radio standard, RadioVIS enhances the listening experience by using an internet connection to provide graphics and text synchronised with the audio broadcast by the radio station. By integrating RadioVIS seamlessly into its iPhone App, Frontier Silicon has enabled this advanced technology to be implemented in a low cost radio receiver simply by using the screen and IP connection of the iPhone when docked. This release is ready in perfect time to support RadioVIS services already available in Germany and the UK and also the new service from the BBC to be launched this quarter.

"RadioDNS is supported by broadcasters in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific, who recognise the strength of combining broadcast radio and IP in one seamless experience," said Nick Piggott, Chairperson of RadioDNS. "With Frontier Silicon bringing RadioDNS technology to their customers, we expect to see a wide range of hybrid radios coming to the market in the next twelve months."

In addition to providing these exciting new features, Frontier Silicon’s latest software also consistently reduces the power consumption of the module by 20% under normal DAB/DAB+ playback conditions. This represents a significant gain in the battery life of products using the technology, further reducing the cost of ownership of portable DAB/DAB+ receivers.

“The major launches of DAB/DAB+ broadcasts we have seen in Germany and Hong Kong over the last few months are evidence of the growing strength of digital radio in the market,” said Steve Evans, VP Marketing & Business Development at Frontier Silicon. “These new developments will allow our customers to take advantage of the benefits that digital radio brings across their product line up, and will bring exciting new radio products to consumers over the coming months.”

About Frontier Silicon Limited

Frontier Silicon is the world’s leading supplier of integrated circuits and modules for digital audio products. Established in 2001 as a privately funded fabless semiconductor company, Frontier Silicon has over 120 employees. The company is based in London, England, with design centres in Cambridge and Shannon. Frontier Silicon also has branch offices and technical support representation in France, Germany, Hong Kong, China and Japan. Products include complete solutions for digital audio systems including DAB/DAB+, Internet radio and connected audio, from silicon through software to production-ready platform designs.

Customers include Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Bush, Cyrus, Denon, Dual, Gear4, Goodmans, Grundig, harman/kardon, Hitachi, JVC, Magic Box, Ministry of Sound, NAD, Onkyo, Panasonic, Philips, Pinell, Pioneer, PURE, Revo, Roberts, Sanyo, Sharp, SIRIUS XM, Sony, TEAC, Tivoli Audio, Vita Audio and Yamaha.

Frontier Silicon is a trademark or registered trademark of Frontier Silicon Ltd.

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Contact:

Frontier Silicon
Steve Evans, VP of Marketing
Tel: +44 1223 492 259
Email: press@frontier-silicon.com
Web: www.frontier-silicon.com