Frontier Silicon gains Digital Tick Mark approval

RNS REACH

20 May 2014

Toumaz Limited

Frontier Silicon gains UK Digital Tick Mark technology approval

Toumaz Limited (AIM: TMZ, 'Toumaz', or 'the Group'), a pioneer in ultra-low power wireless semiconductor technology, announces its consumer audio division, Frontier Silicon, is the first technology provider to receive confirmation that its digital radio solutions are Digital Tick Mark compliant.

The Digital Tick Mark is being introduced in the UK this year as part of the Government's long term strategy to develop a digital future for radio. The aim of the Tick Mark is to give consumers confidence that digital radios are "future ready", i.e. that they are capable of receiving and playing DAB, DAB+ and FM signals. This initiative follows the successful use of a similar scheme for the UK's television Digital Switchover (DSO), which was completed in 2012.

Digital Radio UK, which manages the Digital Tick Mark Scheme at the request of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has granted Approved Technology status to solutions based on Frontier Silicon's two best-selling modules, which together have already sold over six million units.

To secure approval, the solutions have passed more than 1,800 separate tests; each designed to ensure the performance and reliability required for the digital formats and RF environment of the future. The tests cover a full range of issues, including digital tuning, service scanning, management of service reconfiguration, character display and conducted RF performance.

Manufacturers and brands using these Frontier Silicon solutions will find a significant part of the process for gaining Digital Tick Mark approval for individual digital radio models has already been completed.

Anthony Sethill, CEO of Toumaz Ltd, said:

"The approval of Frontier Silicon's solutions by Digital Radio UK is recognition of the commitment the company has made to ensuring that digital radio technology meets the needs of listeners, broadcasters and device manufacturers.

"The Digital Tick Mark sends a clear signal to consumers that approved products are ready for radio's digital future. Our priority now is to work closely with customers to ensure that their products satisfy the radiated performance standards required to achieve Digital Tick Mark approval."

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About Toumaz (www.toumaz.com)

Toumaz Limited is a pioneer in low-power, wireless semiconductor and software technologies for healthcare and consumer audio. The company has two divisions, Sensium Healthcare and Frontier Silicon. Sensium Healthcare develops wireless solutions for patient monitoring. Frontier Silicon provides chip, modules and software for digital radio and connected audio devices.

About the Digital Tick Mark

The Digital Radio Certification Mark (the Digital Tick Mark) is being introduced to assure UK consumers that devices they purchase are future ready. Manufacturers whose products meet the Government-approved minimum receiver specifications can apply to Digital Radio UK for approval. There is no obligation for receivers sold in the UK to be Digital Tick Mark compliant, but experience shows that consumers welcome the reassurance that the Tick Mark provides. The scheme is being introduced for domestic and automotive receivers as well as in-vehicle digital radio installers, and will be communicated to consumers later this year.