[May 18, 2014]

Frontier Silicon Gains UK Digital Tick Mark Technology Approval

Frontier Silicon, the world leader in technology solutions for digital radio receivers, is the first technology provider to receive formal confirmation that its solutions are Digital Tick Mark compliant.

The Digital Tick Mark is being introduced in the UK this year to give consumers confidence that digital radios purchased are "future ready".

Digital Radio UK, which manages the Digital Tick Mark Scheme at the request of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has granted Approved Technology status to two solutions based on Frontier Silicon's best-selling modules¹:

• FS2052: Verona DAB / DAB+ / FM module
• FS2029: Venice 9 DAB / DAB+ / FM module.

To secure approval, the solutions have passed more than 1,800 separate tests; each designed to ensure the performance and reliability required for the digital formats and RF environment of the future. The tests cover a full range of issues, including digital tuning, service scanning, management of service reconfiguration, character display and conducted RF performance.

Manufacturers and brands using these Frontier Silicon solutions will find a significant part of the process for gaining Digital Tick Mark approval for individual digital radio models is already completed.

Anthony Sethill, CEO of Toumaz Ltd, parent company of Frontier Silicon, said: "The approval of Frontier Silicon's solutions by Digital Radio UK is recognition of the commitment the company has made to ensuring that digital radio technology meets the neds of listeners, broadcasters and device manufacturers.

"The Digital Tick Mark sends a clear signal to consumers that approved products are ready for radio's digital future. Our priority now is to work closely with customers to ensure that their products satisfy the radiated performance standards required to achieve Digital Tick Mark approval."

Ford Ennals, CEO of DRUK, said: "The Digital Tick Mark provides an important signal to listeners that the future of radio is digital - and devices which carry the Mark are ready for that future. We are delighted to have given approval to our first technology supplier and in the coming months we look forward to approved products and registered installers carrying the Tick Mark being available to consumers."

About the Digital Tick Mark

The Digital Radio Certification Mark (the Digital Tick Mark) is being introduced to assure UK consumers that devices they purchase are future ready. The introduction of the Digital Tick Mark for radio follows the successful use of a similar scheme for the UK's television Digital Switchover (DSO), completed in 2012.

Manufacturers whose products meet the Government-approved minimum receiver specifications can apply to Digital Radio UK for approval. To be granted approval, receivers must meet specified performance standards relating to:

• RF performance and receiver sensitivity - to ensure acceptable standards of audio reception
• functional specifications, including retuning and text display
• the reception of DAB, DAB+ and FM signals.

There is no obligation for receivers sold in the UK to be Digital Tick Mark compliant, but experience shows that consumers welcome the reassurance that the Tick Mark provides. The scheme is being introduced for domestic and automotive receivers as well as in-vehicle digital radio installers, and will be communicated to consumers later this year.

About Frontier Silicon Limited

Frontier Silicon is the world's leading supplier of integrated circuits and modules for digital radio and connected audio products. The company is part of the Toumaz Group, a pioneer in low-power wireless semiconductor and software technologies for consumer audio and wireless healthcare.

Frontier Silicon's audio products offer solutions for DAB/DAB+, Internet radio and connected audio - from silicon through software to production-ready platform designs.

Customers supplied by Frontier Silicon include Argon, Bang & Olufsen, Blaupunkt, Bose, Bush, Denon, Dual, Geneva Labs, Goodmans, Grundig, Hama, harman/kardon, Hitachi, IRC, JVC, Magic Box (News - Alert), NAD, Onkyo, Panasonic, Philips, Pinell, Pioneer, Pure, Revo, Roberts, Ruark Audio, Sangean, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, TEAC, TechniSat, Tivoli Audio and Yamaha (News - Alert).

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

¹ Over six million digital radios based on the Verona and Venice 9 modules have been sold worldwide

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