Fraunhofer IIS is the first technology supplier to implement WorldDAB’s new EWS/ASA alarm signaling standard into their digital radio DAB+ head-end and receiver solutions. Public and private broadcasters as well as device manufacturers can now receive the innovation through a DAB ContentServer technology upgrade from their equipment suppliers. The implementation was tested and demonstrated as an on-air showcase during the recent “Deutscher Warntag”.
In emergency situations, reliable and efficient communication is essential. Digital radio is a highly robust, trustworthy medium with nation-wide reach and plays a key role in disseminating alerts and information to the public. In Europe, the digital radio technology DAB+ is recognized as highly efficient and reliable in case of emergencies.
Fraunhofer IIS has been an important contributor to the standardization of the new and enhanced Emergency Warning System (EWS) alarm signaling that was recently finalized by WorldDAB. It will be promoted for certified support in consumer receivers under the name ASA – Automatic Safety Alert. DAB ContentServer, the DAB+ head-end technology from Fraunhofer, is the first solution delivering all features of this new standard.
Tried and tested: Highly reliable warning with EWS/ASA
EWS/ASA alarm signaling wakes up receivers in standby mode so that authorities can transmit important information quickly and reliably at any time. To prevent over-warning, EWS/ASA supports geofencing, a method which ensures that only receivers in the affected area respond to the alarm signaling, instead of all receivers in the DAB-coverage area.
During the “Deutscher Warntag 2024” in Germany on September 12, 2024, Fraunhofer IIS and German public broadcasters BR, hr, rbb, and SWR teamed up to test and demonstrate the new EWS/ASA alarm signaling standard for DAB+.
EWFplus: Combining the alarm signaling standard with audio and text
EWS/ASA is an integral part of EWFplus, the comprehensive solution for alert dissemination on the DAB+ digital radio platform that combines EWS alarm signaling, alert audio, and Journaline advanced text information. Existing TELESTAR EWF receivers can soon get the full EWFplus functionality including the new EWS/ASA alarm signaling standard as a firmware upgrade.
The EWFplus emergency warning functionality including the new EWS/ASA alarm signaling is now part of the Fraunhofer DAB ContentServer DAB+ head-end technology. DAB broadcasters, network operators and receiver module/device developers can rely on support for both broadcast signal generation and the detailed ETI/EDI Analyzer feature. Users of the DAB ContentServer technology with an active Software Update Support plan already have access to the new feature.
A decoder module that is also available from Fraunhofer IIS facilitates the upgrade of existing DAB+ receivers and chipsets/platforms to WorldDAB’s EWS/ASA alarm signaling standard and the full EWFplus functionality.
Enhanced safety and reach thanks to EWFplus
In the event of a major disaster such as an incident at a chemical plant, when every minute counts and communication between authorities and the public has to be reliable and clear, EWFplus for the DAB platform can not only wake up receivers from standby mode with WorldDAB’s standardized EWS/ASA alarm signaling, but also ensures that the associated emergency warning content is delivered in a complete and inclusive way: With the addition of the Journaline advanced text application, it is possible to reach hearing-impaired users through text and embedded images, provide multilingual information to serve non-native speakers and travelers, and provide detailed instructions and information that cannot be made available as part of a pure audio announcement. Journaline allows users to interactively access relevant information through a simple menu structure on the DAB+ receiver’s screen, without the need for Internet connectivity. For example, users can look-up nearby shelter locations or support points with full descriptions, depending on the type and region of the current incident, right on their radio set with just a few clicks.
Fraunhofer is working closely with broadcasters and receiver manufacturers around the world and cooperating with national disaster management agencies to enable the full EWF/EWFplus functionality on digital radio receivers to build up a comprehensive warning coverage.
Discover the new features at the WorldDAB Summit 2024 in Zagreb, Croatia, on November 14, 2024. Fraunhofer IIS joins IZT GmbH in the live presentation of the complete EWFplus/ASA alert chain using professional equipment.