Introduction
PMSE covers a wide range of equipment (see ECC report 204 and 323 for further information) including radio microphones, in-ear monitors (IEM), video and audio links and associated equipment such as talkback and ALDs (assistive listening devices). They also include low-cost licence-exempt consumer radio microphones, audio systems used by tour guides.
With the explosion of content production generated by streaming, e.g. TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, video blogs and local music production in addition to traditional industries including broadcast theatre, film, sport, corporate presentations and conferences PMSE equipment have migrated from primarily professional use into almost every amateur and business activity.
Content productions requires an ever increasing quality of voice and audio which has been satisfied by expansion in the numbers of radio microphones and IEMs which reach some 180 radio microphones for events such as Eurovision Song Contest and an average of some 46 for London Theatre.
Radio microphones and IEMs are small and highly mobile. Since the professional versions used in stage and musical productions tend to be moved to different parts of the world, they need to meet local regulations, and the best way to achieve this is for them to be specified at a world-wide level.
The Global Standards Collaboration (GSC), of which ETSI is a partner, has studied requirements for radio microphones and cordless audio equipment in standards organizations throughout the world and adopted a report including globally acceptable specifications for these products. Participating Standards Organizations were requested to transpose these specifications into their own deliverables. ETSI has done this by adapting the existing standards to align them with the decisions of GSC.
Our Role & Activities
Within TC ERM, the Task Group (TG) 17 is charged with the preparation of Harmonised Standards covering the essential requirements of Directive 2014/53/EU as well as other deliverables types for:
- Broadcast transmitters and receivers, sound and vision, using analogue or digital modulation, in collaboration with JTC Broadcast;
- PMSE equipment, including but not limited to: video and audio, hearing aid systems including inductive loops and ALDs;
- Domestic radio and TV masthead amplifiers and associated equipment.
A range of other standards relating to the broadcast transmitter and receivers are produced in conjunction with JTC Broadcast.
Responding to market needs
ERM Task Group (TG) 17 recently published harmonised standards for:
- AM, FM, DAB and DRM Sound Broadcasting transmitters (EN 302 017, EN 302 018, EN 302 077,
EN 302 245) - AM, FM, DAB and DRM Sound Broadcasting receivers (EN 303 345 parts 2, 3, 4, 5)
Inductive Loop systems
Ongoing revision of TG 17 documents ensures we respond to industry and regulatory changes.