DTG Testing has become the first facility in the world to be ISO 17025 accredited for carrying out testing against the newly expanded Digital Radio Tick Mark specification.
It’s the principal ISO standard used by testing and calibration laboratories and is the standard most labs must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent.
DRUK has confirmed that the transition period for the new European-ready specification has been completed meaning that from 12th July 2016, all applications seeking the Digital Radio Tick Mark are required to test against the new specification.
“We’re happy to be the first facility to be accredited to carrying out this testing. As it appears, the UK was ahead of the curve through early adoption of the tick mark specification, and as a result, have set the standard for Europe,” says Alex Buchan, Principal RF Engineer at The DTG.
The previous UK-only specification has been transformed to include testing that products meet sensitivity requirements across all Band III frequencies – meaning 38 channels are tested instead of 12; that products can correctly display all European Latin-based characters; and that radios using starburst displays can now map these characters.
Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of the DTG added: “Research by the BBC has found that since its introduction in 2014, the tick mark has developed consumer confidence in the UK. By appearing on product packaging, buyers know that their product is DAB+ compatible, digital, ready for switchover, and most importantly, future-ready. We expect to see this attitude expanded with the adoption of the criteria across Europe – potentially expanding the market for digital radio, and promoting uptake of the technology.”
Regardless of being the sole-accredited body to carry out these tests, DTG Testing can provide facilities at short notice, delivering results by the next working day. Reports generated by DTG Testing can be used to directly apply for the tick mark, without completing any additional paperwork.