What is NDS RadioGuard™? NDS RadioGuard
is the first conditional access solution for HD radio, the in-band on-channel
(IBOC) solution that enables digital multicast and multi-channel broadcasting.
HD radio allows operators to broadcast several channels
using the same bandwidth that their current single
analog station occupies. RadioGuard business scenarios
work with the additional digital channels to give operators
more choices for their listeners—and more revenue
opportunities—including a wider selection of
content and increased segmentation.
What does the industry think of RadioGuard? At
NAB 2007 in Las Vegas, Radio World gave RadioGuard
its “Cool Stuff” award saying it could be a “transformational technology
for the radio industry.”
The paradigm for RadioGuard is the convergence of video and the Internet.
With RadioGuard, broadcasters can continue to offer mass content—in
addition to specialized content. There are currently an estimated 800
million radios in the US. Many of the new HD radios will include USB
ports which means they can have pre-stored content.
While HD radio is being rolled out in the US, it is also being considered
in different markets around the world.
How does it fit into the broadcast station? NDS
RadioGuard conditional access is a plug-and-play solution
that easily integrates with an existing HD Radio Importer
V3.0 or higher. It contains an NDS scrambler that pairs
to the NDS RadioGuard equipment. It utilizes the IP
network for existing HD radio equipment.
RadioGuard includes an administrative user interface
that enables operators to define which channels and
services are scrambled. Radio and receiver information
entered with this user interface generate receiver
entitlements from RadioGuard so that the programming
can be descrambled by the radio.
At the customer end, chipsets will be placed in a
variety of consumer auto and home radios. This will
enable stations to offer a wide variety of new content,
channels, and business scenarios.
Get the most from HD radio technology. NDS
RadioGuard can enhance free radio broadcasting while
helping pave the way for paid services in the future.
Because conditional access pinpoints specific radios—for
either local or national broadcasts—listeners
can opt into or out of a variety of broadcasts. Possibilities
include:
- Public Good—free to qualified recipients
- Radio Reading Services (for the elderly or sight-impaired)
- Emergency Provider channel (police, fire, paramedics)
- Opt-In—free conditional access radio for those who subscribe
- Controversial topics and free speech
- Diversity and opportunity
- Audio drama
- Ad substitution
- Pay-per-listen—high-value, one-time events or series of events
- Data services (traffic navigation)
- Protected, high-value digital recording and download