Module raises the bar in digital radio devices

The Venice 8 module, along with a colour touch screen interface, is the technology behind the 'Ikon' radio announced by Revo Technologies. It is the world's first radio to feature a full colour touch screen interface and can receive radio programmes wirelessly through the internet, DAB, LastFM and docked iPods. Revo's managing director, David Baxter said the Venice 8 module was a major step forward for digital radio devices. He commented: "Revo are proud to have been a lead manufacturer for this exciting new platform and are delighted that our Ikon touch radio will be the first product to showcase its many and varied next generation features." Several hardware and software configurations are available, while Frontier Silicon is also working with radio broadcasters to deliver WorldDMB Profile 2 advance DAB features such as Slideshow and the Mpeg-4 BIFS specification. Frontier's ceo, Anthony Sethill, added: "Touch user interfaces on handheld devices have proven to be immensely popular with consumers. Frontier Silicon is now able to bring this experience to the home audio market, triggering manufacturers to produce highly innovative, cost effective connected audio products." According to Frontier, the Venice 8 module is also available as a reference platform, Jupiter 8 with IR 3.0 software. In addition to addressing various radio standards, it has been designed to be able to obtain certification for other industry standards such as CE/FCC approval, iPod and iPhone certification, wireless and DRM certification.