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The term "platform neutral" is not really appropriate and is unfortunately all too typical of phraseology invented to serve a purpose which either by design or in ignorance isn't the right one.<BR>
We don't need "platform neutral".<BR>
In technical terms of chipset design, that isn't possible.<BR>
We need "platform comprehensive".<BR>
But we can't achieve that until all the likely platforms are identified and internationally agreed!<BR>
As we're in a communications medium, we should be communicating accurately.<BR>
<BR>
Ian Hickling <BR>Partner<BR>
transplan UK<BR>
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<BR>> From: tlr@gairloch.co.uk<BR>> To: cma-l@commedia.org.uk<BR>> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:37 +0000<BR>> Subject: Re: [cma-l] Platform neutral radio sets<BR>> <BR>> Further to my previous posting (as if that weren't long enough already!), I <BR>> note that RadioCentre is describing the 'platform neutral' initiative as <BR>> being a commitment to:<BR>> "devices that provide platform neutral tuning, and equal access to radio <BR>> stations whether they are on FM or digital"<BR>> <BR>> As I said, to be truly platform neutral means to me also supporting the <BR>> various track naming and interactive features, rewind/pause options etc as <BR>> far as<BR>> practicable, regardless of transmission technology. These things are all <BR>> perfectly feasible technically on existing FM broadcasts as well as DAB, <BR>> mostly simply needing more software and a simple digitizer, but it seems to <BR>> me that DCMS and RadioCentre are looking at simply providing a uniform list <BR>> of station names for selection.<BR>> <BR>> I guess that is the most important aspect, but it would be a rather <BR>> half-hearted implementation of platform neutral in my view.<BR>> <BR>> And when the minister gave the idea his backing in Parliament this week, <BR>> there was no mention of just how it would be ensured that all, or even most, <BR>> DAB radios offered even this limited implementation.<BR>> <BR>> Alex <BR>> <BR>> _______________________________________________<BR>> <BR>> cma-l mailing list - cma-l@commedia.org.uk<BR>> <BR>> Community Media Association - www.commedia.org.uk<BR>> _______________________________________________<BR>> <BR>> To manage your mailing list subscription please visit:<BR>> http://mailman.commedia.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/cma-l<BR> </body>
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