Radio
At Orange we expertise in radio distribution, seamlessly integrated with a global network of owned and operated transmitters. This integration enables flexible worldwide distribution of programming across various platforms, including Short Wave, Medium Wave, FM Technology, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), and DRM. Through strategic partnerships with leading broadcasters and radio stations worldwide, we excel in managing critical infrastructure, ensuring the optimal means of reaching your audiences.
Short Wave
situated above the medium wave band, covers the high frequency range from approximately 1700 kHz to 30,000 kHz on the radio spectrum. While specific ‘bands’ are allocated for regular broadcasting stations targeting a broad audience, this spectrum is further segmented to accommodate marine communications, utility stations, and amateur radio operators.
Medium Wave
Medium Wave refers to the section of the medium frequency radio band primarily utilized for AM radio broadcasting. In Europe, this range spans from 526.5 kHz to 1606.5 kHz, while in North America, it extends from 535 kHz to 1705 kHz. In Europe, the channels are spaced every 9 kHz, whereas in North America, they are spaced every 10 kHz.
Dating back to the early 1920s, Medium Wave represents the original radio broadcasting band and is typically employed by local or regional radio stations. Interestingly, these transmissions can be picked up at considerable distances, even hundreds or thousands of miles away, during the night. This is due to the fact that the signals are no longer absorbed by the lower levels of the ionosphere.
Today, the distribution of programs through conventional analogue medium and long wave transmitters continues to serve as an excellent complement to other transmission channels. This is supported by the widespread availability of portable and mobile radios capable of receiving MW and LW programs effortlessly, as well as the extensive coverage provided by the transmitter systems. Furthermore, these transmitters are well-suited for the transmission of data services due to their exceptional transmission and reception capabilities and their extensive reach
FM (Frequency Modulation)
Technology, as many of us are aware, is the primary method used for FM broadcasting, facilitating high-fidelity sound transmission over broadcast radio worldwide. Originally devised by American engineer Edwin Armstrong in 1933, FM broadcasting is widely recognized for its superior sound quality compared to its main rival, AM broadcasting. Consequently, it is the preferred choice for music broadcasts.
Each country designates a specific FM band, providing a sufficiently wide frequency band dedicated to FM broadcasting, enabling the transmission of high-fidelity, stereo signals from each FM station. The carrier frequency is modulated by the combined left and right channel audio signals, along with a 38 kHz sub-carrier that further modulates the carrier. The FM tuner then decodes this signal, separating the left and right audio channels. Thus, the inner workings of the FM radio we frequently enjoy have been unveiled!
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
Initially launched as a research initiative in Europe, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has evolved into a prevalent digital radio standard adopted by numerous countries worldwide. While predominantly utilized in Europe and the Asia Pacific region, its usage is progressively gaining momentum in other parts of the globe. The inaugural DAB channel debuted in Norway in 1995, followed by similar launches by the BBC and Swedish Radio. By the late 1990s, DAB receivers had become widely accessible in various countries.
DAB boasts greater versatility and resilience compared to FM radio, particularly concerning noise reduction and mitigating multipath fading, making it more suitable for mobile listening. However, DAB’s reception quality hinges on a critical threshold, whereas FM radio performance directly correlates with network strength, resulting in compromised quality during weakened signal reception.
Most radio stations operate at a bit rate of 128 kbit/s or less, enabling a superior dynamic range compared to FM radio. However, this lower bit rate can result in a blurred stereo image and a maximum cut-off frequency of 14 kHz. A newer iteration of the system, known as DAB+, was introduced in 2007. Regrettably, it lacked compatibility with existing DAB receivers, rendering it incapable of receiving DAB+ signals. DAB+ boasts twice the efficiency of DAB and exhibits heightened resilience. The frequency bands designated for public DAB services were termed T-DAB (Terrestrial DAB) in spectrum management.
Presently, over 30 countries facilitate DAB transmissions, while nations such as Norway, the UK, Australia, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany predominantly transmit DAB+ stations. Evidently, DAB stands poised to gradually supplant FM radio entirely, as demonstrated by Norway’s pioneering announcement of the national FM Radio Analog switch-off beginning in 2017.
DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale)
DRM represents the widely accepted and openly standardized digital broadcasting system, catering to all broadcasting frequencies across both the AM bands and the VHF bands I, II, and III. The benefits of DRM in the realm of broadcasting are numerous, some of which are outlined below.
EXPANDED CHOICE
While an average radio can typically access around 35,049 local FM stations and a handful of Medium Wave Broadcasts, DRM takes this a step further, opening the doors to a vast array of new content for every listener. With an array of fresh programs from leading international broadcasters, high-quality talk radio focusing on music, as well as national and regional topics on the medium wave, along with a world of community radios eager to find their voice, DRM is undeniably elevating the cultural experience.
SOUND QUALITY? EVEN BETTER!
DRM introduces FM-like sound quality with exceptional reception, irrespective of location, whether nestled amidst dense forests or within concrete jungles, indoors or outdoors, and even within apartment blocks.
PORTABILITY – AFFIRMED!
Despite these advancements and upgrades, rest assured that it’s still as simple as tuning in to a radio! Without the need for an internet connection or Wi-Fi, you can tune in almost anywhere, at any time of your preference.
CROSSING BOUNDARIES
As previously mentioned, DRM is ideally suited for long-range broadcasting, enabling you to remain tuned in to the same station even while traversing cities, national borders, or even countries! Unconstrained by particular regions, nations, or countries, this technology is both limitless and remarkably distinctive. So, the next time you embark on a European holiday, you can stay connected to your favorite radio station throughout your journey!
WITHOUT SACRIFICING DIGITAL RADIO ADVANTAGES
One of the most remarkable aspects is that even an economical DRM receiver provides all the benefits of modern digital radios. With the ability to tune in by frequency, station name, or even program type, DRM simplifies the listening experience significantly. Additionally, if you require additional information, it offers associated text details, including the station name, program or song title, and more. Could you ask for more? DRM makes life easier by enabling access to FM, MW, and DAB alongside DRM, rendering it the ultimate device for all your desired radio content!
NON THEATHRICAL LICENSING & DIS
Orange collaborates with Film Bank Media, based in the United Kingdom, a subsidiary of Film Bank Distributors Limited, a joint venture company owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Sony Pictures Releasing, and NT Digital Partners.
Originally established to manage non-theatrical distribution, encompassing public screenings outside of traditional cinema and home viewing on behalf of studios and distributors in the United Kingdom, Film Bank Media now represents several prominent Hollywood, Bollywood, and independent studios and distributors in over 100 countries worldwide. Their reach has expanded significantly, delivering content to diverse sectors such as hotels, trains, buses, schools, film clubs, outdoor screenings, and more.
In accordance with the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988 (the current copyright law in the UK), obtaining the consent of the copyright owner or their representatives is mandatory for non-theatrical film screenings. Film copyright is typically held by the film studio or distributor responsible for its production.
LICENSING AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
To facilitate legal screenings for a broader audience, copyright holders appoint a Non-Theatrical representative, such as Film Bank Media, to license screenings across various sectors, including schools, community film groups, entertainment venues, public buildings, art centers, museums, libraries, hotels, ferries, trains, and more. Film Bank Media provides a range of licenses tailored to diverse film applications, from ticketed screenings of ‘early release’ films (pre-DVD) to outdoor events and the use of films to create ambient backgrounds in various venues. These licenses are only granted for films certified by local authorities for screening purposes.”