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Worldspace and Delphi announced today that the two companies have an agreement in which Delphi will design the first WORLDSPACE satellite radio mobile receiver for the European aftermarket based on a WORLDSPACE-developed reference design. In addition, the two companies announced that WORLDSPACE has selected Delphi to be a lead designer for its European OEM receiver and reception system applications that will also be based on WORLDSPACE’s reference designs. Delphi made the announcement at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show.
Designed by Delphi for European aftermarket applications, the WORLDSPACE aftermarket receiver will receive the signal from the WORLDSPACE satellite which covers the European continent. The satellite digital radio (SDR) standard that was approved by the technical committee of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in November 2006 is the core of the technology that WORLDSPACE is implementing in its satellite radio communication networks in Europe. It combines terrestrial repeaters and satellites and permits the most efficient use of the spectrum allocated for satellite radio (12.5 MHz from 1479.5 to 1492), thus maximizing digital capacity while maintaining excellent service quality, even in difficult reception environments such as urban city centers.
The aftermarket receiver is expected to be launched in parallel with the start of WORLDSPACE’s mobile service beginning in Italy in 2009. WORLDSPACE expects to begin broadcasting 40 to 50 channels of commercial-free music, news, talk, entertainment and sports programming 24 hours a day. WORLDSPACE plans to use the most advanced digital audio technology available today (MPEG-4 accPLUS v.2). Delphi’s receiver designs will leverage the company’s satellite radio expertise and feature the advanced mobile service capabilities built into the new WORLDSPACE system.
WORLDSPACE has two operational satellites that cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s population. Its AfriStar™ satellite covers Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company’s strategy is to roll out a European service, beginning with Italy. A third satellite, already built and in storage in Toulouse, France, will provide additional capacity over Europe, enabling consumers to have access to approximately 50 channels per country at the service’s maturity.
Yvonnick Gazeau |
