The DAB+ Automatic Safety Alerts (ASA) system, which can wake up a radio set to provide an emergency broadcast, is one step closer to launching following the approval of a new product certification scheme.
WorldDAB appointed DTG Testing as the authorised global partner to provide testing and certification, before the service can launch worldwide.
The new scheme ensures that products with the ASA logo have passed the certification process, and comply with minimum requirements.
The technical standards for the new ASA feature were published by ETSI in September 2024, with the first consumer receivers incorporating ASA available to consumers later this year.
Three key features make the DAB+ ASA system different from every other emergency warning system available:
- location targeting – only people in affected areas are notified
- signalling between ensembles – receivers analyse references to warning announcements on other radio stations, increasing the flexibility and reach of the warnings
- wake up modality – receivers can be woken up by DAB+, especially important for alarm clock radios
WorldDAB Project Director, Bernie O’Neill said: “ASA will help broadcasters and regulators to position broadcast as an asset in emergency situations given it is a robust and hack-resistant technology, as well as meeting the objectives of cultural diversity. This helps justify the required investment in the technology as there’s a clear benefit.”
The new specification for ASA “Automatic Safety Alert” via DAB+ has been standardised globally by ETSI. ETSI, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, develops international standards for telecommunications and digital technologies, ensuring global compatibility and safety of devices and systems.