The player has been designed by radio technology experts All In Media, who also supply Passion for the Planet’s DAB Digital Radio text.

The interactive online player gives full details of the current track being played and the previous ten items (whether music, features, interviews or ads). Listeners can click on the player to buy the music tracks direct from iTunes.

Coming soon there will also be the option to buy interviewee’s books and the ability to click through to find more information about the music and interviews featured on air.

“We feature many World Music artists on Passion for the Planet that are never heard on other mainstream radio stations in the UK. This music has proven very popular and we receive dozens of emails each week from people asking us where they can buy the tracks, so an interactive player giving our listeners the ability to buy a song they like as soon as they hear it, makes perfect sense,” explained Passion for the Planet’s Programme Director Kenny Stevens.

All In Media is a technology company that provides software and know-how to power interactive applications for both traditional radio broadcasters and the new generation of online audio services. Its Managing Director is Chris Gould.

“We developed a tailor-made solution for Passion for the Planet that interacts with their playout system and music library” said Chris. “The player is a great tool for stations broadcasting online; not only does it offer a real value-added service to listeners, it also provides revenue opportunities for the station. We’re delighted that the player is being débuted on Passion for the Planet.”

“The integration went very smoothly and with the help of our loyal beta-testers AIM was able to iron out any wrinkles very easily,” said Kenny Stevens, Passion for the Planet’s Programme Director. “This is an important part of the service that Passion for the Planet offers. It enables us to build on the station’s personality of offering a smooth, sculpted sound, without interruptions while giving listeners the information and access they want.”

The new online player is accessed via www.passionfortheplanet.com.

In a competitive selection process, AIM was awarded the contract to supply its EPG, Slideshow and DLS management software to run all of the ABC’s services on DAB+. Managing Director of AIM Chris Gould said this deal reinforces AIM’s position in the Australian marketplace,

Since the launch of our Australian office over 18 months ago we have been strong supporters of digital radio in Australia. Having already done deals with commercial broadcasters in Australia, we are delighted to now be working with the ABC to support their rollout of digital radio services. We are confident that our products are going to make a real difference to the digital radio experience.

Following the recent announcement of a global distribution partnership with Factum Electronics, this deal with the ABC is yet more evidence of AIM’s growing international client base.

The deal consolidates AIM’s in-house sales successes and sees Factum take AIM’s products to market with immediate effect. Factum’s DAB multiplexing systems are already used by leading broadcasters across the world. This agreement provides broadcasters and network operators for the first time an integrated solution that combines both management and broadcast of data services across DAB, DAB+ and DMB platforms.

This announcement demonstrates the broadcast industry’s confidence in AIM’s products whilst recognising the increasing importance of data services.

Kenneth Lundgren, Managing Director, Factum Electronics AB, said;

‘AIM has a strong product portfolio, with easy to use, effective applications that exploit the data potential of digital radio. With our global reach we look forward to helping broadcasters around the world extend their data potential through an impressive portfolio of integrated solutions’

Managing Director of AIM Chris Gould said this deal creates a partnership that is the first to offer a truly integrated broadcast solution for audio and data services,

‘This alliance means take-up of data services is now easier than ever. For radio stations looking to enhance their digital audio services with DLS, Slide Show, EPG and other functionality, we can offer a joined-up solution between data management and broadcast systems.

2009 looks set to continue to be of strategic importance for AIM’s development; with more announcements on international deals expected over the coming months.

From its bases in Sydney and London the company has pioneered a range of successful data tools for radio stations that are making a real difference to the digital broadcasting experience.

AIM has just signed a major deal with Australia’s biggest commercial radio group, Austereo to power data applications across all their digital stations. Digital radio is launching in Australia in May 2009, and Austereo has chosen AIM to deliver the technology to generate advanced text and visual services for their radio stations.

The deal will provide Austereo with the broadcast tools to maximise the commercial opportunities of the digital platform. Radio stations will be able to broadcast additional ‘now playing’ information alongside promotional and commercial messaging. The deal covers the use of the technology to manage data feeds across online platforms too.

AIM Managing Director Chris Gould says this deal consolidates the company’s presence in Australia:

‘The Australian radio market has always been very important to us. Over the past year, from our base in Sydney we have worked closely with the industry to support the DAB⁺ trials, and develop tools that will really help to showcase the capabilities of the platform. Austereo share our vision, and I am really pleased to be working with them on new services that will really add impact to their launch on DAB^Ë  in 2009.’

Austereo is one of Australia’s leading media groups, with its entertainment services reaching over 4.3 million Australians weekly. The company operates two national radio networks, Today and Triple M, along with stations in all major city markets nationwide. Peter Bourke, National IT Manager, Austereo Pty Ltd said:

‘The AIM Team are a real safe pair of hands when it comes to data services on digital radio platforms. We’re confident their technology will enable us to launch new interactive services that are going to impress listeners and advertisers alike.’

The business is less than 18 months old but has already scored successes in a number of markets, racking up clients including BBC Audio & Music, Global Radio, and Austero. With bases in the UK and Australia, AIM is proving that you don’t need to be a big global corporation to penetrate multiple markets. Billed as ‘The Great Little Technology Company’ AIM has just announced its entry into Ireland through deals with the country’s leading public service and commercial digital radio players.

AIM has finalised deals with both state broadcaster RTÉ and Dublin-based commercial operator, Digital Radio Ltd to supply data services to radio stations during Ireland’s DAB digital radio trials.

AIM’s technology helps broadcasters to exploit the data opportunities of digital radio through services that add real value to the audience experience. And with the industry putting digital radio under the microscope, Managing Director Chris Gould thinks there is no better time to be championing its benefits:

“Our services really add value to radio, from providing visual displays about the music that’s playing, the presenter that’s on air or on-demand audio content; all delivered over a free-to-air digital platform. We are really proud to have been appointed by RTÉ to bring these applications to the Irish DAB trials, it’s great to be helping radio stations launch DAB in a new market with real impact”.

Head of Radio at RTÉ, JP Coakley, said,

“All-in-Media’s products demonstrate the potential of DAB and are operating at a crucial and interesting time for the future development of radio”

AIM is focused on building radio’s digital future. Audio content is only part of the answer; the digital functionality and multimedia capabilities of DAB, open up new ways of engaging with audiences. The company’s services are not restricted to DAB; the products are platform-agnostic and also designed for online and other platforms.

What sets AIM apart from its competitors is that technical solutions are not offered in isolation; instead the company advocates a joined-up approach that is focused on commercial and market benefits for clients. Chris and his team evaluate a client’s technical requirements and identify relevant business opportunities before developing a multi-platform data strategy.

Whatever the market uncertainties, digital radio is here to stay and AIM’s pioneering work is proof that this is an exciting and opportune time for the medium.

AIM’s broadcast tools are already helping a number of digital radio broadcasters in the UK and Australia. These tools have been updated for the American market to support the HD Radio PSD and iTunes(R) standards. Chris Gould, Managing Director, All In Media said;

“Our digital radio tools have helped launch some hugely innovative services in the UK and Australia. I’m extremely pleased to be working with Jordan Scott and C2 Broadcast Media to help US broadcasters to maximise the value of their PSD channels”.

Jordan Scott, Managing Director, C2 Broadcast Media LLC, said;

“AIM is a forward looking company that provides products for interactive data that will enable next generation services for HD Radio, and leverage existing Broadcast and Online assets. I am excited to continue my efforts in the HD Radio area and to work with AIM to bring advanced applications and solutions for stations in the US. These solutions will provide stations with new revenue generating opportunities and the ability to easily utilize the capabilities of their HD Radio digital spectrum.”

The station, which broadcasts on DAB Digital Radio, online and short term FM and AM licences will be produced by GTN from 1st July. It will broadcast up-to-the-minute information about the strategic road network using six regionally-focussed streams with a mixture of regional and national information. The station is designed as a dip-in-dip-out service to complement the traffic and travel information carried by commercial radio and the BBC. It may be expanded to cover London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in due course.

Paul Hutton, Managing Director of GTN UK, is delighted:

“Traffic Radio is a significant service for travellers across England and something which is very important to the Highways Agency. We are thrilled to have been chosen to run this service having proved ourselves in a tough tender process to be the best option when considering quality, expertise and cost.”

GTN will be working with digital radio specialists Folder Media and technology experts All In Media (AIM) to deliver the service. Folder Media will manage the distribution of the service across all analogue and digital platforms, while AIM will create the audio distribution and playout that drives this innovative radio service.

Paul says:

“We have put together the best possible team for this ground-breaking project. Matt Deegan at Folder and Chris Gould at AIM have not only both worked on very similar projects before, but are also known across the industry for being great innovators and I know they have some fantastic ideas for the project throughout the contract period.”

Chris Gould from All In Media says:

“I am very pleased to be working with GTN to supply the technology that will enable Traffic Radio to deliver the most up-to-date bulletins and live reports on traffic conditions to its listeners.”

Matt Deegan from Folder Media adds:

“We’re very excited to be managing the broadcast of Traffic Radio, this is a truly cross-platform radio station that will reach listeners on DAB Digital Radio, Online and on FM and AM at traffic hotspots. It’s a pleasure to be working with GTN, who, like us, are true radio people”.

GTN UK is in the process of adding reporters and producers to its offices across the country to create the new Traffic Radio service. It will announce its Contract Manager shortly.

DAB Text, also known as DLS, is the scrolling text that runs along the screen on all DAB radios. It’s one of the innovations that makes DAB popular with listeners, as it enables them to see information about the music and features currently being played on air.

As Passion for the Planet doesn’t have any potentially annoying DJ’s interrupting the flow, the DAB Text is an important way to communicate track information. Many of the tracks played on Passion are from World Music artists that are relatively unknown in the UK, so track information, with the correct spelling of the artist and song title is particularly useful to Passion’s listeners and helps them find the track when they wish to purchase it.

In addition Passion’s DAB Text provides details of the experts being interviewed on the station. So when you want more information you can look at your radio and when you just want to enjoy the music and the inspiring interviews and features - you can do so, with no interruptions.

All In Media is a leading provider of DAB broadcast software to radio stations in the UK and Australia. Its Managing Director is Chris Gould.

“We developed a tailor-made solution for Passion for the Planet that interacts with their playout system and music library” said Chris. “Whilst every radio station is different in their requirements, our unique RAPID DLS management system has been designed to be flexible enough to cope with these demands. I am pleased to have been able to work with Kenny and the team at Passion to get this hugely valuable new service on air, quickly and with the minimal amount of disruption.”

The new DAB Text is already proving popular with listeners who frequently email the station asking about World Music tracks they’ve enjoyed.

“The integration and upgrade went very smoothly. The whole process took just a few hours and it has been set up so that it requires minimum maintenance - which is always a good thing!”

said Kenny Stevens, Passion for the Planet’s Programme Director.

“This is an important part of the service that Passion offers. It enables us to build on the station’s personality of offering a smooth sculpted sound, without interruptions.”

All In Media have added support for Intellitext to AIM Rapid, their DAB digital radio text management software. AIM Rapid is the first commercial broadcast product to fully support this innovative new DAB feature.

Intellitext, a newly standardised part of the DAB digital radio specification, is a simple but effective mechanism for delivering enhanced text functions to digital radios. Intellitext-enabled radios don’t just display the scrolling text sent by digital radio stations, they store it in a structured way which enables users to find information on their radios - news headlines, traffic information, sports results - when it’s convenient for them.

The software update has been supplied to All In Media’s UK and Australian broadcast customers free of charge. Chris Gould, Managing Director, All In Media said:

“Intellitext provides access to a range of additional on-demand content for DAB listeners, in a really simple-to-use way. I am pleased to have been able to work with PURE to enable our broadcaster partners to support this innovative new feature of DAB Digital Radio.”

Colin Crawford, Director of Marketing at PURE, the leading supplier of Intellitext enabled radios, said:

“We are delighted that All in Media have taken this step to make it even easier for broadcasters to support Intellitext, which is already available on nine PURE radios with more to come.”

This collaboration is the first to develop interactive end-to-end DAB applications to demonstrate the possibilities for the mobile market in Australia. The Visual DAB service is a response to evolving consumer listening habits and will help position radio to compete in a wireless, multimedia digital age.

The Visual DAB mobile application has been developed by Cambridge-based TTP, with broadcast software developed by All In Media Limited. Digital Radio Broadcasting Australia, a consortium of commercial and public radio broadcasters, has taken delivery of a number of Visual DAB-enabled mobile phones, and will be showcasing the new features at the Australian Radio Conference in Melbourne in October followed by trials.

Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia commented,

“Australian radio broadcasters are committed to getting digital radio and its exciting multimedia features into mobile phones. By working with All In Media and TTP we’ll now be able to showcase and trial what DAB can offer ahead of the official launch of our DAB+ digital radio services in 2009.”

Chris Gould, Managing Director of All In Media, said,

“With the increase in listening to radio via mobile phones, DAB is a natural feature to offer in handsets. The Visual DAB application demonstrates that DAB is not just an audio-only platform but can also offer exciting new multimedia features to radio listeners.”

Martin Orrell, General Manager, Mobile TV at TTP commented,

“TTP is at the forefront of innovation in this fast growing market, working with DRBA and All in Media will make possible the roll out of interactive visual radio services. We believe that the launch of visual and download services using broadcast will be an important catalyst for mobile growth worldwide. TTP expects its proven expertise and enabling hardware and software technology to be at the heart of many more services as the mobile broadcast interactive media market takes off around the world.”

Emap are using All In Media’s “AIM Mini” software to manage these services. “AIM Mini” enables broadcasters to quickly and easily setup data services that can broadcast a mixture of real-time, scheduled and synchronised text and visual content alongside existing DAB radio stations.

Chris Gould, Managing Director of All In Media, said

“Digital radio data services have the capability to deliver new revenue streams to broadcasters. From programme guides to download services, to adding visuals to radio, we’re now beginning to see these opportunities appear. I’m pleased to be working with Emap to help bring these new services to market”.

Commenting on the deal, Grae Allan, Emap’s DAB Radio Director, said

“When launching pioneering new data services across live DAB networks, it’s important to us to work with an experienced partner. All In Media have provided a cost-effective solution that provides us with the flexibility to trial a range of content across our Slideshow services.”

“The opportunities that DAB offers for providing compelling new data services are huge. We want our bid to drive innovation in this area and I’m pleased to be working with a company that understands and appreciates the role that data plays alongside a strong audio channel line up.”