Frontier Smart Technologies, a subsidiary of Science Group plc, has become the first company to receive the upgraded Digital Radio Tick Mark.
The company has passed Digital Radio UK’s recently upgraded technology provider testing programme overseen by DTG Testing (part of the Digital TV Group).
The Digital Radio Tick Mark indicates to consumers that devices are tested and approved to meet the UK Government agreed specification for digital radios and are able to receive FM, DAB and DAB+ stations and is supported by the majority of digital radio manufacturers and retailers as well as the leading technology providers
The scheme was first introduced in 2014 – with technology providers self-certifying that their technology met the Digital Radio Tick Mark standards. The new, updated testing regime requires that DAB+ receiver core technology be certified by an independent third-party testing house, using a single set of independently created test files – and bringing a new level of robustness to the Tick Mark approval process.
The new testing programme was launched in July 2020 with third-party testing lab DTG Testing appointed to handle all aspects of the programme, from the purchase of ETI files and booking technology testing to issuing the license and artwork once the technology has been approved.
DAB+ solution provider, Frontier Smart Technologies, has become the first company to pass the updated tests with its Siena DAB+ module, which powers over 3.5 million radios in the market. This means that brands that use Siena to build their digital radios remain assured that their products will be ready to pass the end product Digital Tick Mark certification.
Ford Ennals, CEO Digital Radio UK, said: “Our congratulations to Frontier on being the first DAB/DAB+ core technology provider to have their technology tested and approved to use the Digital Tick Mark under DTG’s new rigorous testing programme. The new Digital Tick technology testing regime is good news for digital radio manufacturers and listeners who can select their technology and radios with confidence when they see the Digital Tick Mark.”
Bob Heads, Managing Director at Frontier Smart Technologies, said: “Frontier is delighted to be the first vendor to pass the new core technology Digital Tick Mark tests. This is testament to our leadership in quality and compliance to the DAB specification. We look forward to manufacturers and consumers benefiting from the updated test spec.”
Alex Buchan, Head of Wireless Technologies, DTG, said: “Congratulations to Frontier Smart Technologies on their Tick Mark award. We’re very happy at DTG Testing to have been part of the process to help achieve this. Our collaboration with DRUK now offers a streamlined process for manufacturers to obtain the Digital Tick Mark while reinforcing the recognition of quality it represents. This ensures the Digital Tick remains a valuable scheme providing listeners an informed choice when buying a digital radio.”
DTG Testing have licensed and made Fraunhofer DAB ETI files available for brands and manufacturers that are developing radios. These are a complete set of files with an accompanying test procedure that enables DAB radios to be tested against ETSI TS 103 461, which are the requirements necessary to obtain the Digital Radio Tick Mark.
More information can be found here.
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