IMDA Targets Improved Online Distribution of Internet Radio

An ongoing process of standardization and certification by the Internet Media Device Alliance (IMDA) aims to boost the already burgeoning popularity of Internet-radio services. At NAB, representatives of the IMDA will be present to inform about the ongoing efforts and engage in a dialog with broadcasters on how to apply the developed standards.

Through this major initiative, the IMDA — a worldwide coalition of device manufacturers, broadcasters, and aggregators — is seeking to make Internet-station metadata more accurate and accessible for listeners across the globe. Among many other benefits, standardization will simplify the search for detailed information and eliminate the need for extensive scrolling in long listings. High-profile European public broadcasters — including the BBC, major German broadcasters, and Radio Netherlands — are among early adopters of the latest IMDA service identification specification.

At NAB, IMDA members will be available at Booth N3239 within the International Research Park in the North Hall, and steering-board members will give an overview on the most recent activities during the NAB Radio PIT event on Tuesday April 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Hall (C446). Also, John Ousby with vTuner will present the IMDA at the RAIN Summit on Monday April 11 at 11:40 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel Las Vegas.

Latest Internet Radio Service efforts include:

Harmonized metadata: Descriptions of shows/programs and stations/brands are usually investigated and updated by the Internet-radio aggregators. This is an expensive process that can make the aggregator focus on the bare minimum. To address this situation, the IMDA has defined the “IMDA Service Identification (SI) for broadcasters and aggregators.” Using the IMDA SI, broadcasters can update their descriptive metadata themselves. Benefits include comprehensive metadata control for broadcasters, easy access to reliable information for aggregators, and additional program information for consumers. Examples include station logos, genres, content descriptions, and, in the near future, electronic program guides (EPGs), live text services, and image slideshows.

CDS: To simplify the exchange of harmonized metadata, IMDA has defined a Central Discovery Service (CDS). By using the CDS, broadcasters can automatically update changes in their IMDA Service Identification and send a single notification to all aggregators, who can remain up-to-date at all times by downloading the latest information directly from the broadcaster’s server.

Profiling and certification: There is no shortage of choice for consumers when it comes to selecting Internet-radio services, but they can sometimes encounter difficulties in locating and playing their favorite stations on the variety of devices. Part of the IMDA’s remit focuses on encouraging harmonization in the device market through Profile 1 certification, which offers consumers a guarantee that devices can “Play Internet Radio.” IMDA is currently working with the receiver industry on Version 2 of the device profile, which will offer an even more exciting Internet radio experience.

For detailed information, go to Booth N3239 NAB, contact our offices, or follow the association on Twitter (www.twitter.com/IMDA)

An ongoing process of standardization and certification by the Internet Media Device Alliance (IMDA) aims to boost the already burgeoning popularity of Internet-radio services. At NAB, representatives of the IMDA will be present to inform about the ongoing efforts and engage in a dialog with broadcasters on how to apply the developed standards.

Through this major initiative, the IMDA — a worldwide coalition of device manufacturers, broadcasters, and aggregators — is seeking to make Internet-station metadata more accurate and accessible for listeners across the globe. Among many other benefits, standardization will simplify the search for detailed information and eliminate the need for extensive scrolling in long listings. High-profile European public broadcasters — including the BBC, major German broadcasters, and Radio Netherlands — are among early adopters of the latest IMDA service identification specification.

At NAB, IMDA members will be available at Booth N3239 within the International Research Park in the North Hall, and steering-board members will give an overview on the most recent activities during the NAB Radio PIT event on Tuesday April 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Hall (C446). Also, John Ousby with vTuner will present the IMDA at the RAIN Summit on Monday April 11 at 11:40 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel Las Vegas.

Latest Internet Radio Service efforts include:

Harmonized metadata: Descriptions of shows/programs and stations/brands are usually investigated and updated by the Internet-radio aggregators. This is an expensive process that can make the aggregator focus on the bare minimum. To address this situation, the IMDA has defined the “IMDA Service Identification (SI) for broadcasters and aggregators.” Using the IMDA SI, broadcasters can update their descriptive metadata themselves. Benefits include comprehensive metadata control for broadcasters, easy access to reliable information for aggregators, and additional program information for consumers. Examples include station logos, genres, content descriptions, and, in the near future, electronic program guides (EPGs), live text services, and image slideshows.

CDS: To simplify the exchange of harmonized metadata, IMDA has defined a Central Discovery Service (CDS). By using the CDS, broadcasters can automatically update changes in their IMDA Service Identification and send a single notification to all aggregators, who can remain up-to-date at all times by downloading the latest information directly from the broadcaster’s server.

Profiling and certification: There is no shortage of choice for consumers when it comes to selecting Internet-radio services, but they can sometimes encounter difficulties in locating and playing their favorite stations on the variety of devices. Part of the IMDA’s remit focuses on encouraging harmonization in the device market through Profile 1 certification, which offers consumers a guarantee that devices can “Play Internet Radio.” IMDA is currently working with the receiver industry on Version 2 of the device profile, which will offer an even more exciting Internet radio experience.

For detailed information, go to Booth N3239 NAB, contact our offices, or follow the association on Twitter (www.twitter.com/IMDA).