Industry

Background and technical documents

Find out the basics about the Tick Mark.

Background to the Tick Mark

Ed Vaizey, UK Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Go Digital, December 2013:

“DRUK will speak with industry about taking forward the digital certification mark scheme... giving consumers’ greater assurance on the product they are buying. If you take the decision to upgrade your car, you will know that the installer knows what they’re doing”

 


What is the Tick Mark?

In the UK the Digital Radio “Tick Mark” identifies and gives greater assurance to consumers that the DAB digital radio products and services they are buying are future-ready and will enable them to receive the available DAB, DAB+ and FM radio stations. In order to be granted use of the Tick Mark, manufacturers must meet the minimum specification. In order for the manufacturer to prove that they meet the minimum specification, they must put their product(s) (or installation services) through testing. The Tick Mark (pictured below) identifies DAB products and/or digital radio installation services. Please note: applying for the mark is voluntary.

Digital Radio Sample Logo

Why do we need a Tick Mark?

The Tick Mark was required by UK Government to help consumers make buying digital radio decisions. It helps consumers choose quality products which meet minimum functionality requirements. Furthermore, it is helpful for manufacturers, because it defines what is needed, technically, in the UK to ensure the product works where it should work. It also helps broadcasters point consumers to quality products (i.e. we use terminology such as "If you're going to buy a digital radio, make sure you look for the Digital Tick Mark" in out communications).

When used on digital radio equipment, the mark certifies that “this radio is future-ready and can receive the available DAB, DAB+ and FM radio stations”.

Which products can be approved for the Tick Mark?

The following product types are eligible for the Tick Mark:

  • DAB receivers (domestic and in-vehicle)
  • DAB handheld receivers (please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com  if you are applying for a handheld receiver)
  • HIFIs with DAB (domestic)
  • DAB head units (in-vehicle)
  • DAB adapters (in-vehicle and domestic)
  • New vehicles (in-vehicle)

The technology inside the radio equipment can also get itself approved to use the Tick Mark. In fact, in order for the receiver to be Tick Mark approved, they must be using approved technology.

Can installers use the Tick Mark too?

Yes! Retailers, franchise dealers, garages and installers are eligible for the in-vehicle installer Tick Mark. When used by in-vehicle installers, the mark certifies that the installer has completed and passed the official IMI training programme.

Once registered, the installer is entitled to use this version of the mark on their promotional materials.

Where will people see the Tick Mark?

Use of the mark will be granted on approval from Digital Radio UK. The mark can appear at retailer point of sale, on packaging, online and on other marketing materials. Once a manufacturer or installer has been granted use of the mark they will be sent brand guidelines stating how to use the mark.

The Digital Radio UK communications campaign (including on-air ads across commercial radio) will also point consumers towards the Tick Mark.

Keeping it simple, what do I need to do in order to use the Tick Mark? 

Well, it depends on who you are. If you're a receiver manufacturer it's different to if you're an installer or technology provider - see here for more information. But basically, you need to:
(a) Meet a criteria
(b) Demonstrate that you can meet this criteria 
(c) Send an application form to tickmark@digitalradiouk.com

After that Digital Radio UK will give you the artwork, which you can use as per the guidelines.

There's more information here about the details of how to apply, but simply put, that's it!

Technical documents and guidance notes

What do I need to do to get Tick Mark approved?

If you are a receiver manufacturer, technology provider, vehicle manufacturer or installer take time to learn what you need to do to get the Tick Mark.

I’m a DAB receiver manufacturer... what should I do?

What is an approved DAB receiver?

In partnership with Government, broadcasters, transmission providers, techUK, the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the supply chain, Digital Radio UK developed a scheme to recognise approved  DAB digital radio products. When used on digital radio equipment, the mark certifies that “this radio is future-ready and can receive the available DAB, DAB+ and FM radio stations”. The following product-types are eligible for the Tick Mark:

  • DAB receivers (domestic and in-vehicle)
  • DAB handheld receiver (please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com if you are applying for a DAB handheld receiver)
  • Hifis with DAB (domestic)
  • DAB head units (in-vehicle)
  • DAB adapters (in-vehicle and domestic)
  • New vehicles (in-vehicle)

What is a technology provider and why do I need to use an approved technology provider?

A “technology provider” is a DAB silicon manufacturer or DAB chipset module manufacturer (technology provider chipset, module and /or software). Every DAB receiver requires a technology provider. In order to prove compliance against the Minimum Specification, a DAB receiver product must use an approved technology provider. This is a requirement. If you are unsure whether your technology provider is approved please ask them for a signed Technology Provider Application Form proving their compliance against the Minimum Specification. If you are making your own bespoke technology you will need to have this approved as well. Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com if this is the case and see below (steps 1a-4a below). For a list of approved technology providers please click here .

As part of your technology provider application, you may need to provide information about the equipment used in your technology provider test and provide Digital Radio UK with a sample module. Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com for details on how to do this.

How do I get my DAB receiver products approved?

(Please note: products aimed at the vehicle market (aftermarket and line fit) do not have to carry out a radiated sensitivity test a
s part of the Per Product test).

Step 1 – Access the technical documents here for information on the Minimum Specification criteria and testing procedure. These documents state all the equipment needed for testing.

Please note: if you would like to make a change to any of the papers please see the change request form here.

Step 2 – Use an approved technology provider with approved silicon and software. For a list of approved technology providers please click here.

Please note – It is possible to submit bespoke technology for approval (please see below for details, steps 1a-4a).

Please note – Digital Radio UK is happy to not list bespoke technology online, at the request of the manufacturer. Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com if this is the case.

Please note – Technology providers may apply for the Tick Mark even if there are specific elements of the application (service following, traffic announcements, FM) that they do not implement. It is required that technology providers submit their applications in modular form. Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com for further information.

Step 3 – Prove your product’s ability to meet the Minimum Specification by passing the Per Product Test and completing an application form. Please find the Per Product Test documents here and please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com for an Application Form.

It is possible to submit multiple applications based on one test. Please see here for details. Please note, that the product tested should be a fair reflection of the finished product (which would later go onto use the Tick Mark). This can be a reference model, prototype, late prototype, beta quality product, or finished product. Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com if you are applying for a DAB handheld receiver.

Step 4 – Submit your Per Product application form, along with your Approved Technology Reference Number to tickmark@digitalradiouk.com. Once complete, these documents prove compliance. In cases where the receiver does not use approved technology, please also submit your entire technology provider results. Please note: Digital Radio UK advises receiver manufacturers to carry out the Per Product Test in an approved test house. We will fast track all applications that have used an approved test house. Please click here for a list of approved test houses.

For details on how to become an approved test house please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com.

Please note: Digital Radio UK aim to return all applications that have gone through an approved test house within 14 days. If receivers applying for use of the Tick Mark have not been tested in an approved test house then Digital Radio UK reserves the right to ask the manufacturer to carry out further testing and we will ask for pictures of the testing facility and details of the equipment used. Digital Radio UK aim to return all applications that have not gone through an approved test house within 1 month.

Please note: products aimed at the vehicle market (aftermarket and line fit) do not have to carry out a radiated sensitivity test as part of the Per Product test. The two main components of the Per Product Test for an in-vehicle DAB receiver manufacturer are:

  • Testing the receiver’s ability to retune
  • A receiver sensitivity test (radiated or conducted)

Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com if you are applying for a DAB handheld receiver.

Please note, if you are applying as a product intended to be used in a vehicle, Digital Radio UK recommends that you carry out a field test.

Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com for the current service following test route.

Step 5 – If the application is approved, Digital Radio UK will then send the applicant a set of “Brand Guidelines” and a Authorised User License. The brand guidelines state the rules around use of the Tick Mark. You must sign and return the Authorised User License to tickmark@digitalradiouk.com.

Step 6 – Once Digital Radio UK has received the signed Authorised User License, we will then send the applicant the logos for use on POS, online etc.  

How do I get my DAB receiver products re submitted using the existing product but with new technology?

Step 1a – Complete the Application Form.

Step 2a – Submit your Per Product application form, along with your Existing Approved Product Reference Number and your new Approved Technology Reference Number to tickmark@digitalradiouk.com. Once complete, this document proves compliance.

Step 3a – If the application is approved, Digital Radio UK will then send the applicant a set of “Brand Guidelines” and a Authorised User License. The brand guidelines state the rules around use of the Tick Mark. You must sign and return the Authorised User License to tickmark@digitalradiouk.com.

Step 4a – Once Digital Radio UK has received the signed Authorised User License, we will then send the applicant the logos for use on POS, online etc.

I am a vehicle manufacturer... what should I do?
I am a technology provider... what should I do?
I’m an installer... what should I do?
How to make a change request
Multiple applications for product variants

Digital Radio Tick Mark approvals

Which products, technology providers, test houses and installers are Tick Mark approved?

Approved technology providers

Download the list of Approved Technology Providers below:

Approved Technology Providers

Please get in touch with tickmark@digitalradiouk.com if you have any questions.

Approved test houses
Approved installers and dealerships

Application forms needed to apply for the Tick Mark

Download all the forms you’ll need.

Per Product Application Form download

Please email tickmark@digitalradiouk.com for an application form to apply for the Digital Radio Tick Mark for product approval.

Technology provider application form download