The NAB's Tech Check publication devotes space in its latest issue to coverage of a demonstration recently staged at IBC 2010 in Amsterdam involving the transmission of low-resolution video via a DRM 30MW broadcast originating 200 miles away in the United Kingdom.

Dubbed Diveemo by its collaborators, Fraunhofer IIS, Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia and Chengdu NewStar Electronics, the system uses DRM 30's ancillary data capacity to carry a 176 x 146px color video signal at 8fps , thanks to MPEG 4 AVC video and HE-AACv 2 audio compression technology. In the wider bandwidth DRM+ configuration used at VHF frequencies, the system can run at up to 15fps.

Diveemo's proponents say the technology is designed with a broad range of news, public information, and marketing applications in mind. The application may be particularly attractive in developing nations, where the long reach of MW/HF narrowband signals could bring video services into rural areas for the first time.

A promotional video touting the virtues of Diveemo is currently available on YouTube.