To prevent the loss of in-car radio reception while travelling, V-Traffic, TDF and Alpine have launched Radiobridge, a smart hybrid radio system for better radio program listening continuity.
With wireless communication playing an increasing role in the transport industry, and reliable and continuous radio connection essential in keeping drivers up to date on road conditions, real-time traffic information specialist, V-Traffic, launched its Radiobridge hybrid radio system for OEMs, at the WorldDAB Automotive event in Munich, Germany. Jointly developed with TDF, and already integrated by Alpine Electronics in its latest infotainment platform, the system will offer the very best in radio program reception quality and listening continuity, ensuring vital information is not lost due to gaps in the broadcast network.
Radiobridge is the result of a close collaboration between Mediamobile, a major real-time info traffic service provider and publisher of the V-Traffic portfolio, and TDF, the French leader of media content management and broadcasting. The new service has just been integrated by Alpine Electronics, a specialist in mobile infotainment systems, to its latest connected platform. The hybrid approach enables radio broadcast and mobile networks to work in combination to offer the best listening experience in next-generation infotainment equipment. As users’ behaviors evolve and the market moves to new business cases, Radiobridge helps to keep OEM infotainment systems modern and flexible.
V-Traffic and TDF have developed the ‘Radiobridge Seamless Switch’ service to overcome the time gaps when switching between the FM radio channel or Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio receiver and Internet Protocol (IP) 3G/4G cell phone network sources. Radiobridge brings an innovative solution to the reception delays that can be experienced switching a live radio program from broadcasting (FM or DAB) to IP Streaming (3/4G).
When the live reception signal gets weak, such as when the vehicle enters a tunnel, the infotainment system automatically searches for an alternative to the same live program. Due to Radiobridge, it can seamlessly switch to the new bearer, offering a perfect program continuity and extending the radio reception coverage. The service is already available for many radio programs throughout Europe, enabling journeys free from noise or drop out.
Radiobridge also offers a convenient ‘Stop and Resume’ service, which offers a broadcast ‘pause’ function. When the driver is answering a phone call or has to leave the car, the service allows them to resume listening from the pause point, using a dedicated IP stream from the Radiobridge Platform.
