Forum - World DMB/DAB Forum The WorldDAB Forum is an international non-governmental body whose objective is to promote, harmonise and coordinate the implementation of digital broadcasting services based on the Eureka 147 DAB family of standards. The goal of the Forum is to convert a brilliant piece of engineering achievement into a worldwide commercial marketing success, to the lasting economic and social benefit of all concerned. It is dedicated to encouraging international co-operation and coordination between sound and data broadcasters, network providers, manufacturers, governments and official bodies, thus gaining consensus for the smooth introduction of DAB/DMB. The Forum represents more than one hundred and twenty companies and organisations from all sections of the broadcasting industry and from 40 countries. They include public and private broadcasters; DAB/DMB receiver and other electronic equipment manufacturers; transmission providers; regulators and governmental bodies. Over 500 million people around the world can now receive more than 1,000 different DAB services. Commercial DAB receivers have now been on the market since summer 1998. There are now more than 300 different DAB and over 100 DMB receivers commercially available. The receiver range includes: DAB car radios, hi-fi's, portable receivers, PC cards, USBs, mobile phones, computers and other DAB/DMB equipment that have been developed. Well established as a digital audio broadcasting medium, DAB, based on the Eureka 147 standard, is a flexible, robust technology able to compete effectively in the new multi-media market. Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) was created as an addition to DAB. This means that by simply adding a video encoder to a DAB network a broadcaster can send out DMB signals. DMB enables newer applications for the consumer, such as Mobile TV, picture radio and other data services. DAB/DMB require less power than other technologies, draws on an established transmitter network across Europe and Asia, uses spectrum that is already available in many countries and is cost effective for both consumers and broadcasters. Despite the fact the original DAB standard was developed in Europe, WorldDAB has seen remarkable interest from Asian countries, who now play crucial roles in the development of DAB technology. Over the past 5 years World DAB has seen its membership within the region expand so much that now Asia members represent almost 1/3 of the entire membership. In order to aid in the successful roll out of digital broadcasting across the region the World DAB Asia Committee (WAC) was formed in early 2006. This committee meets regularly throughout Asia to meet the unique needs and concerns of the region. The WAC serves as a multifunctional committee, including both marketing, technical and strategy tasks. World DAB has taken part in many conferences and exhibitions across the region. In April 2006, World DAB held its Annual Conference in Beijing, China. There was an overwhelming list of attendees, which emphasised the over all demand for broadcasting information within Asia. Most recently, the Chinese governmental regulation body, SARFT, announced that it chose to adopt DAB as the digital audio standard in China. It was officially launched on the 6 September 2006. South Korea has also seen incredible growth with DAB technology. In December 2005, they officially became the first country in the world to have a commercial launch of mobile TV. In less than six months, over 1 million DAB/DMB devices were sold. Currently there are several DAB/DMB trials taking place in Jakarta, Kula Lumpur, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mumbai. Indonesia is planning the migration from analogue to digital technology starting 2007. BCL has been transmitting New Zealand's first DAB service since early August 2006. The Australian legislation has also decided to have DAB roll out in major cities in January 2009. The WorldDAB 12th General Assembly meeting will take place on the 30 and 31 October in Seoul. Participants from around the world will attend the conference to learn about the latest digital broadcasting information around the world.