Page Updated:
October 2nd, 2016

wohnort
 
Banner
 DAB Ensembles Worldwide
 
   

DAB thumbnail   DAB
("original flavour")
DAB+ thumbnail   DAB+
RNT thumbnail   Radio Numérique Terrestre - DMB-Radio
DMB thumbnail   DMB TV



Free PURE
DAB+ upgrade

DAB+

pure upgrade offer

For a limited period, PURE is offering free upgrades to UK customers, unlocking DAB+ reception on compatible radios. A computer with a USB port will be required to perform the upgrade. Check compatability on the PURE website.

wohnort choice
eyeTV T2
DVB-T2 & HEVC reception
(* now available on more Macs/PCs)
DVB-T thumbnail  DVB-T2 thumbnail

image of radio

The latest release of Geniatech's eyeTV 3 software reduces the minimum system requirement necessary for H.265 (HEVC) on the new eyeTV T2 and eyeTV Hybrid USB sticks. eyeTV 3.6.9 HEVC (Version 7512) now requires Intel Core i5 running at at least 2.5 Ghz and a minimum of 4GB available RAM, compared with 3.5 GHz and 8Gb RAM in the previous build (7511). Both sticks are now available on both the UK and German versions of Amazon and both sticks would already receive the UK version of DVB-T2 under the previous release. HD in the UK uses the video codec H.264. In Germany, H.265 (HEVC) will be used, for which the stick has been, in the words of the manufacturer, "prepared". Wohnort notes that this latest release brings HEVC reception within the capability of the roving Wohnort MacBook Pro and stick.

System Requirements: eyeTV Version 3.6.8 / OSX 10.11.x

For PC users, Total TV Player is available to download for Windows 8 or later. (2.5 GHz Intel/AMD Core Duo (or similar), 4GB RAM)
eyeTV T2
ab €129,95
sponsored link
eyeTV T2
ab €112,95
sponsored link
eyeTV T2
(Guide) £99.99
sponsored link
eyeTV Hybrid
(Guide) £119.95
sponsored link

Own-brand DAB+ radios
In the UK, the last remaining bastion of died-in-the-wool, "original-flavour"-only DAB receivers is the range of own-brand radios sold by the major supermarket chains. Which brand will be last to switch? With the new UK digital radio tick mark now specifying DAB+ capability (among other welcome things) to qualify, it can't be long now. With DAB+ services already on air across the UK, and more certain to follow, Wohnort recommends that the own-brand ranges be avoided until they include DAB+.
Caveat emptor!

Cookies
Wohnort does not itself use cookies. However, Wohnort uses Google Analytics to determine the international reach of the website. Google Analytics mainly uses first-party cookies to report on user interactions on Google Analytics customers’ websites. These cookies are used to store non-personally identifiable information. Browsers do not share first-party cookies across domains. Advertisers on Wohnort may also use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse traffic. Advertisers may share information about your use of the site with social media, advertising and analytics partners. If you prefer, it is possible to block some or all cookies, or even to delete cookies that have already been set but you might lose some functions on the websites that you visit. If you continue to use the Wohnort website without altering the cookies settings on your browser, we'll assume that you are agreeing to the use of those cookies.



Amazon UK Offers
The button below will search for DAB price reductions on amazon.co.uk. (Wohnort has noticed that Amazon's widget occasionally produces non-DAB results)
Search for DAB offers: sponsored link
Remember to select FREE DELIVERY to reduce your costs still further.



DAB thumbnail   Pan-European Specification
To be capable of working anywhere in Europe, a "pan-European" radio needs to be able to receive DAB, DAB+ and DMB-A in Band III and L-band.



Band III thumbnail   Band III
Lband thumbnail   L-band

DMB-TH thumbnail   DMB-TH
IBOC thumbnail   IBOC
(aka HD Radio)
ISDB thumbnail   ISDB-T

 
Ensemble Label
EId
3
Stereo
conditional access   3
Stereo
3
Joint
Stereo
4
Joint St.
LSF
3
Mono
3
Mono
LSF
3
Dual
Channel
1
Packet
Data
3
Stream
Data
3
DAB+
(Mode?)
+
3
DAB+
Stereo
+
3
DAB+
Mono
+
3
DAB+
5.1
+
IVTII







Archives 2008   

December 23rd 2008
The BBC has added two new transmitters to its SFN in Scotland. Keelylang Hill brings BBC National DAB to Orkney. Dumfries South improves coverage in the town of Dumfries itself.

December 20th 2008
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published variations to the Digital Radio Channel Plans, offering a slight improvement in coverage compared with the October 2008 release. The broadcasters are working towards a May 2009 date in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The ACMA has announced that the commencement date must in any case be on or before 1 July 2009. The original channel plans and the latest variations are available for download from the ACMA website.

December 19th 2008
The Final Report by the Digital Radio Working Group has been published. The Group was established by the UK government last year to set out a clear path for the migration of radio broadcasting to digital transmission. Among its recommedations...
  • The BBC should continue to build out its DAB network across the UK.
  • Future DAB coverage should be comparable to present FM coverage.
  • All services on AM should be transferred to either DAB or FM and the AM frequencies reassigned to other uses.
  • Ofcom should be given the power to roll-over the national multiplex licence until 2030.
  • Ofcom should consider delaying the implementation of spectrum pricing until after migration.
  • Ofcom should be given the power to merge or reconfigure local multiplexes, with the agreement of licence-holders, in areas where there is over-capacity to create larger and more sustainable structures.
  • The coverage of local multiplexes should be rolled out to match BBC local radio FM coverage. The report recommends that the government consider this step urgently and put the question of funding high on its agenda.
  • Local programming requirements should be relaxed to allow commercial broadcasters to merge regional stations to form new national services.
  • The Government should consider duty exemption for digital radios. Currently DAB receivers with additional functions such as pause and rewind are subject to import duty.
  • The Government should be ready to announce a switch-over date, no more than two years into the future, once certain criteria have been met:- over 50% of radio listening via all digital platforms, national DAB coverage comparable to FM, 90% of the population served by a local multiplex. The Report opines that a switch-over date between 2015 and 2020 is achievable.
The full Final Report is available for download.

December 19th 2008
In Ireland, the test transmissions phase has come to an end and the Block 12A ensemble DAB Ireland Mux2 has ceased. The Block 12C ensemble DAB Ireland Mux1 has entered official service. Snapshot updated.

December 19th 2008
A new packet data service has popped up on Digital1 Network. Traffic Master is running at 8 kbit/s. Daytime Snapshot updated.

December 18th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12D Northern Ireland local ensemble updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled Bauer N.IRELAND.

December 16th 2008
Austrian public-service broadcaster ORF has announced that the DAB ensembles in Innsbruck and Vienna (always classed as test transmissions) will cease at the year's end. The choice of system for digital radio in Austria has not yet definitively been made. Certainly, the country will watch how the promised roll-out of DAB+ in Germany develops.

December 16th 2008
Wohnort has spotted a retailer catalogue in the UK that describes virtually every DAB receiver within it as being "DAB+". The Christmas catalogue, from one of the biggest names in high street electrical retailing, lists receivers of various brands. The first table below lists the Pure receivers mentioned in the retailer's catalogue as being DAB+ alongside their true status as advised by the manufacturer.

PURE Talksport PocketNOT DAB+ capable
Siesta Eco+DAB+ capable, but requires an upgrade which may/may not be free/available in the UK
Chronos CD Eco+NOT DAB+ capable
Evoke 3 Eco+NOT DAB+ capable

Of the Pure receivers that ship in the UK, only the Evoke Flow and the Avanti Flow are DAB+ "out of the box". There are no DAB+ stickers on UK packaging.

In continental Europe, where DAB+ transmissions are already on-air, the following Pure receivers are expected to ship "imminently". The packaging has a DAB+ sticker.

Evoke FlowDAB+ out of the box
Avanti FlowDAB+ out of the box
HighwayDAB+ out of the box
SiestaDAB+ out of the box
Chronos IIDAB+ out of the box
ONE ClassicDAB+ out of the box
ONE EliteDAB+ out of the box
Chronos CDA new version that will be DAB+ out of the box will be shipping "soon"
Chronos iDockA new version that will be DAB+ out of the box will be shipping "soon"

Note that UK versions of some of these models may be available that will probably not be DAB+. In all cases, it is wise to check with the retailer before making a purchase. Wohnort notes that the content of a retailer's catalogue is the responsibility of the retailer and that receivers from other manufacturers may also have been wrongly described. The reason that only Pure products are listed above is that so far only Pure have provided any info. Wohnort is grateful to Pure for immediately providing the details above.

December 12th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM) has made the future extension of an FM licence conditional upon parallel transmission in DAB. Radio ND 1, broadcasting on 101.2 MHz in Neuburg and 94.6 MHz in Schrobenhausen has had its licence extended by four years, with a guarantee of a further four-year extension if it also broadcasts using DAB.

December 12th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM) has awarded the commercial broadcaster Hurricane Rock Ltd. 116 CU capacity in the local Block LD ensemble Ingolstadt. The licence runs until April 30th 2011 and the broadcaster is free to choose MPEG2 or MPEG4 as coding standard. However, the BLM has announced it will extend the licence a further four years if, with the agreement of the BLM, it uses MPEG4 from May 1st 2011. Assuming Protection Level 3, the capacity awarded would correspond to a bitrate of 160 kbit/s. In place of the L-band allocation, Hurricane Radio will be offered Band III capacity when it becomes available.

December 12th 2008
Is this the ugliest Ensemble Label in the kingdom? The Bradford & Huddersfield local ensemble has been relabelled UTVBauerBrad&Hud. Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, PULSE GOLD has been relabelled PULSE 2. The Service Islam Radio has ceased.

December 12th 2008
Bauer HUMBERSIDE Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled and the bitrate of Lincs FM 102.2 has been reduced to 112 kbit/s. Kerrang! is running with a changed SId compared with the previous Snapshot.

December 12th 2008
Bauer LEEDS Snapshot updated. Kerrang! is running with a changed SId compared with the previous Snapshot.

December 12th 2008
Bauer C LANCS, Bauer LIVERPOOL, BauerSOUTH YORKS, BauerTEESSIDE and Bauer TYNE&WEAR Snapshots corrected:- Kerrang! SId.

December 5th 2008
NOW Leicester and NOW Nottingham Snapshots updated.

December 5th 2008
In France, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel has published a list of admissable applications received for capacity on the forthcoming T-DMB ensembles.

December 5th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12A Südtirol ensemble RAI-RAS updated.

December 1st 2008
CE London, Switch London and DRg London Snapshots updated.
The Block LC test transmissions were not seen on this occasion.

November 30th 2008
NOW Berks&Hants Snapshot updated.

November 30th 2008
NOW S. Hampshire Snapshot updated.

November 30th 2008
BauerSOUTH YORKS Snapshot updated.

November 30th 2008
NOW Bournemouth Snapshot updated.

November 29th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two new DAB transmitters on Block 12C. Waldenburg extends coverage of the ensemble SRG SSR D01 into the Waldenburgertal in Kanton Basel. Saas Plattjen serves the Saastal in Kanton Wallis. Two new transmitters have entered service on Block 12A. Bienne-Macolin extends coverage of SRG SSR F01 to Bienne, Brügg, Nidau, Macolin and Orvin. Moron extends coverage in the Vallée de Tavannes and Franches-Montagnes.

November 29th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 11C ensemble in Tyne & Wear updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled Bauer TYNE&WEAR.

November 29th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 11B ensemble in Teesside updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled Bauer TEESSIDE.

November 26th 2008
The Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt (MSA) has extended the licences of Rockland Sachsen-Anhalt and 89.0 RTL to last for another 10 years. Both services are broadcast on the Block 12C ensemble Sachsen-Anhalt. The MSA is working towards January 1st 2015 as the date by which all radio and television transmissions in Sachsen-Anhalt should be digital.

November 25th 2008
The Block 13A test transmissions DAB Budapest have ceased. A DAB+ transmission is expected to begin next month.

November 25th 2008
The Swiss regulator BAKOM has received seven applications from commercial broadcasters and one application from the public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR for capacity on the forthcoming second ensemble in Suisse Romande, the French-speaking region of Switzerland. The ensemble will run on Block 10B and will use DAB+.
  • ROM Radio
  • FriRadio
  • Radio Jazz International
  • Radio Roc
  • Maxxima
  • Radio Verticale
  • Sprodi Sarl
  • RSR Info (SRG/SSR)
The final decision on the allocation of capacity rests with the Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications and is expected to be announced in Spring 2009. The licence to operate the multiplex will be the subject of a separate process.

November 23rd 2008
In Südtirol (Alto Adige), new Service has popped up on the Block 12A ensemble RAIRASDAB12A. DeutschlandRadio Kultur is being broadcast using DAB+. The other services on the ensemble remain in original-flavour DAB.

November 22nd 2008
EMAP South Yorks has been relabelled BauerSOUTH YORKS.

November 22nd 2008
EMAP C Lancs has been relabelled Bauer C LANCS.
EMAP Liverpool has been relabelled Bauer LIVERPOOL. Snapshots updated.

November 22nd 2008
UTV Bauer Stoke snapshot updated.

November 22nd 2008
MXR North West snapshot updated.

November 22nd 2008
NOW Kent snapshot updated.

November 18th 2008
On DRg London, the Service Easy Radio has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Kismat is running at 80 kbit/s, Mono LSF.

November 16th 2008
Score DUNDEE has been relabelled BauerPERTHDUNDEE.
Score Inverness has been relabelled Bauer INVERNESS. Snapshots updated.

November 14th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12D. Splügen extends coverage of the Graubünden ensemble SRG SSR R01 into the Rheinwald. Officially, the entire network of transmitters for this ensemble is still under test. One site, Davos Ischalp, remains to be brought into service.

November 12th 2008
On NOW Kent, invicta fm has been relabelled invicta.
kmfm has been relabelled kmfm - Extra.

November 12th 2008
On CE London, the Services Gold - London and XFM have sprouted packet data Secondary Components, both labelled Slideshow.

November 12th 2008
In Melbourne, the Block 9C test transmission MELB DRB TRIAL has ceased. The full public launch of digital radio in Australia using DAB+ is now scheduled for May 2009, with test transmissions expected some time before that.

November 11th 2008
ScoreEDINBURGH has been relabelled Bauer EDINBURGH. Snapshot updated.

November 10th 2008
In Berlin, the Service Antenne vom rbb has migrated from the Block 12D/11C ensemble Berlin/BRBG 12 to the Block 8C ensemble Berlin K8 where it is running at the reduced bitrate of 128 kbit/s. The Service radio1 vom rbb, already reported as having migrated, is running at the reduced bitrate of 128 kbit/s, compared with its old home. Other bitrate reductions are reported in the German Radioforum to have taken place on 8C:- radioBERLIN 88.8 is reduced to 128 kbit/s, Fritz to 160 kbit/s, rbb MultiKulti to 160 kbit/s. rbb-Inforadio is reduced to 80 kbit/s and Mono.

November 9th 2008
On Switch Scotland, Galaxy (C9CC) has been relabelled Retune 4 Galaxy.
XFM Scotland (C3AF) has been relabelled Galaxy.
A new service has popped up. XFM (C0B8) is running at 128 kbit/s.
Snapshot updated.

November 9th 2008
ScoreGLASGOW has been relabelled Bauer GLASGOW. The packet data service SCORE Data is unchanged. Snapshot updated. ScoreEDINBURGH is unchanged.

November 9th 2008
Off-topic: Digital Switchover has begun in the United Kingdom. The first region to be switched, Border, began during the night of November 5th/6th when analogue BBC-2 from the Selkirk transmitter ceased. A couple of hours later, the vacated frequency began transmitting the high-power multiplex BBC A (aka PSB1), carrying BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC News, BBC Parliament and BBCi. The two-stage process at Selkirk will be completed on November 20th, when the remaining analogue services and the low-power digital muxes cease and are replaced by the high-power digital muxes, BBC B and D3&4 and the lower-power "commercial" multiplexes SDN and ArqivaA and ArqivaB. In the southwest of England, intermittent captions have begun appearing on analogue services broadcast by the Stockland Hill transmitter group, giving six months' notice of the impending switchover there. In the other half of the Border region, the Caldbeck transmitter group switchover begins June 24th 2009, with the Isle of Man a week earlier on June 18th.

Transmitter GroupRegionSwitchover Date *1
SelkirkBorderNovember 6th 2008
Beacon HillWest CountryApril 8th 2009
Stockland HillWest CountryMay 6th 2009
Isle of ManBorderJune 18th 2009
Caldbeck *2BorderJune 24th 2009
Huntshaw CrossWest CountryJuly 1st 2009
RedruthWest CountryJuly 8th 2009
Caradon HillWest CountryAugust 12th 2009
Kilvey HillHTV WalesAugust 12th 2009
PreseliHTV WalesAugust 19th 2009
CarmelHTV WalesAugust 26th 2009
LlanddonaHTV WalesOctober 21st 2009
Moel-y-parcHTV WalesOctober 28th 2009
Long MountainHTV WalesNovember 4th 2009
Winter HillGranadaNovember 4th 2009
BlaenplwyfHTV Wales1st qtr 2010
WenvoeHTV Wales1st qtr 2010
Bristol Ilchester CrescentHTV West1st qtr 2010
Bristol Kings WestonHTV West1st qtr 2010
MendipHTV West2nd qtr 2010
DarvelSTV Central2010/11
RosneathSTV Central2010/11
Black HillSTV Central2010/11
TorosaySTV Central2010/11
8 transmitter groupsSTV North2010
Ridge Hill WestHTV West1st qtr 2011
3 transmitter groupsAnglia2011
8 transmitter groupsCentral2011
BelmontYorkshire2012
ChesterfieldYorkshire2012
Emley MoorYorkshire2012
Olivers MountYorkshire2012
SheffieldYorkshire2012
BilsdaleTyne Tees2012
ChattonTyne Tees2012
Pontop PikeTyne Tees2012
DivisUlster2012
LimavadyUlster2012
11 transmitter groupsMeridian2012
3 transmitter groupsLondon2012
Fremont PointChannelTBC
*1 Ofcom is currently considering a proposal to broadcast a modified form of the PSB mux BBC B in certain regions prior to full switchover using temporary frequency assignments in order to facilitate an earlier introduction of HD.
*2 The analogue Scottish variants of BBC 1 and 2 are currently broadcast from Sandale. At switchover both English and Scottish versions of each of the high-power PSB muxes, BBC A, BBC B and D3&4 will be transmitted from Caldbeck.


November 9th 2008
A new Service has popped up on NOW S. Hampshire. The Coast is running at 128 kbit/s Joint Stereo.

November 8th 2008
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published variations to the draft channel plan for digital radio. The changes affect Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and involve adjustments to the radiation pattern of some transmitters to permit increases in ERP in certain directions, while maintaining protection to adjacent television services. The ACMA has invited comments on the new proposals. Closing Date is November 24th. More...

November 6th 2008
In Berlin, the Service radio1 vom rbb has migrated from the Block 12D/11C ensemble Berlin/BRBG 12 to the Block 8C ensemble Berlin K8.

November 6th 2008
The Irish public-service broadcaster RTÉ has announced that the official status of its DAB broadcasts as test transmissions will end on November 30th. Thereafter, RTÉ intends to launch a public service with 5 DAB-only services to supplement the digital rebroadcasts of the existing analogue services. Music services RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ 2XM and RTÉ Chill are billed as sister stations to RTÉ 2fm. RTÉ Choice will be a speech service to complement RTÉ Radio One. The fifth service RTÉ Junior will be aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 10. RTÉ intends to extend transmissions to 56% of the population in the next three years but will wait until regulatory arrangements are in place for the commercial broadcasters so that the whole industry can roll out the coverage together.

November 1st 2008
A new service has popped up on UTV Bauer Stoke. Focal Radio is running at 64 bit/s in Mono.

October 27th 2008
The radiated power of the Tunbridge Wells transmitter has been increased, improving coverage of BBC National DAB and Digital1 Network in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

October 25th 2008
Recent Snapshot of Rheinland-Pfalz added.

October 24th 2008
UTV-EMAP Swansea has been relabelled UTVBauerSwansea.

October 24th 2008
A new transmitter is reported to have been brought into service in Italy. Corio Canavese broadcasts the Block 12D ensemble Club DAB Italia in Turin and surrounding Piemonte.

October 22nd 2008
Off-topic: The BBC has applied for temporary UHF spectrum to allow it to begin broadcasting the reorganised Mux B to be used for high-definition television services earlier than had been planned under the digital switch-over schedule (DSO). Under the existing plans for DSO, the new Mux B would have been launched first in the Granada region in late 2009 and rolled out to other regions as DSO proceeded, culminating in London, Tyne Tees and Ulster by 2012. Under that timetable, the capital city would have been one of the last areas to receive HDTV. The BBC seeks to use a temporary allocation so that the major population centres can receive HDTV before full DSO. The UK regulator Ofcom has stated that it is minded to approve the request, given that is likely to
  • facilitate Government and Ofcom policy of reorganising DTT spectrum to introduce DVB-T2 and MPEG4
  • result in an earlier and larger market for receivers
  • increase competition between receiver manufacturers
  • increase choice and lower prices for consumers
  • reduce risks to early adopters (both viewers and broadcasters)
Ofcom has invited comments by November 19th on a specific proposal to use Channel 31 in London (already used by the BBC for previous test transmissions) and any other aspects of the earlier roll-out that respondents may wish to raise.

October 21st 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has reissued its Technical Code for DAB multiplexes. The code specifies that UK DAB transmissions shall comply with ETS 300 401 and then sets out which options within that standard that shall apply in the UK.

October 17th 2008
Off-topic: The UK regulator Ofcom has announced that it has awarded capacity on the UK digital terrestrial television multiplex known as Mux B for two high-definition services to the Channel 3 licence-holders (ITV, Channel TV, STV and UTV) and to Channel 4 and S4C. Channel 4 and S4C submitted a joint proposal which will allow viewers in Wales to receive a high-definition service comprising programmes from both Channel 4 and S4C. The BBC will broadcast a third HD Service on the multiplex, which will be cleared of existing occupants and upgraded to DVB-T2 and MPEG4 to permit the new services. The first part of the UK to receive the new transmissions will be the Granada region in autumn 2009. The service will be rolled out to Wales, Scotland and the West Country in 2010; the Central, Yorkshire, Anglia and Meridian regions in 2011; and London, Tyne Tees and Ulster by 2012. Ofcom believes that it could be possible to transmit a fourth HD service on the terrestrial platform by 2010 and expects to announce the process for awarding that capacity by the end of this year.

October 17th 2008
CE London listing corrected.

October 15th 2008
A new Service has popped up on CE London. JazzFM replaces REAL. On Switch London, the Services Galaxy and Heart are running at the reduced bitrate of 112 kbit/s each. THE HITS is running at the increased bitrate of 112 kbit/s.

October 12th 2008
Italy listings updated. Addition of Vatican Radio ensemble.

October 10th 2008
The official DAB map of Switzerland has been updated to show the extent of the roll-out of transmitters on the ensemble for Graubünden. All but two of the 30 sites currently planned to broadcast the ensemble are shown to be under test. The two sites remaining are Davos Ischalp and Splügen. Additionally, the updated map shows that a site in the Italian-speaking south of the canton has been commissioned and is currently under test. Brusio brings coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR I01 to the municipality north of the Bernina pass. All the new transmissions are subject to interruption and periods of reduced power until they enter official public service.

October 10th 2008
Channel 4 has announced its withdrawl from 4 Digital Group, the consortium which was awarded a licence for the second national commercial DAB radio multiplex last year in preference to a competing bid. In response, Ofcom has announced it will meet with the other members of 4 Digital Group to discuss how they propose to take matters forward, and will meet with other multiplex operators and the BBC to consider "how best to secure a viable outcome which is in the interests of radio listeners and the industry".

October 10th 2008
CE Birmingham Snapshot updated.

October 8th 2008
The Block LI test transmissions in Prague are being supplemented by the addition of a second transmitter at Vokovice. Five audio services continue to be broadcast on the ensemble, two in original-flavour DAB and three in DAB+. The current sequence of tests is scheduled to last two weeks.

October 8th 2008
On MXR WestMidlands, the service REAL has ceased. A new Service has popped up. JazzFM is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.

October 8th 2008
In France, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA) has announced that to date it has received a total of 358 applications for the various digital radio licences on offer. 19 geographic areas are covered, corresponding to 30% of the population. Five different categories of services range from varied format national services through the specialised format services to the non-commercial radio associations. The CSA states that further applications may yet reach it through the post.

October 7th 2008
On MXR West & Wales, the service SMOOTH Radio has ceased. A new Service has popped up. JazzFM is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.

October 7th 2008
On MXR North West, the service REAL has ceased. A new Service has popped up. JazzFM is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.

October 6th 2008
Digital One has announced that the additional transmitter proposed for Maidenhead is not expected to be commissioned in the forseeable future. The transmitters proposed for Braids Hill and Riddings Hill have been delayed, possibly indefinitely.

October 6th 2008
On ScoreGLASGOW, the service jazzfm.com has been relabelled JazzFM.

October 5th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12D ensemble Berlin/BRBG 12 updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the data services MobileDatenBasic, MobileDatenPlus and TDC have ceased.

October 5th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12B ensemble DAB Baden-Wuert. updated.

October 4th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12D ensemble Bayern updated.

October 4th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12A ensemble in Suisse Romande SRG SSR F01 updated.

October 4th 2008
UTV-EMAP W.YORKS listing corrected.

October 3rd 2008
The various "x.." and "Retune" services on NOW Digital ensembles are reported to have ceased.

October 3rd 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12B ensemble DABTHUERINGEN Snapshot updated.

October 3rd 2008
MXR Yorkshire Snapshot updated.

October 2nd 2008
A new ensemble has popped up in Switzerland. The Block 12D transmissions are tests prior to the official launch of the first layer ensemble for the canton Graubünden. Unlike the other language regions, the majority of the services on the new ensemble are using DAB+.

October 2nd 2008
The BBC World Service has begun broadcasting using DAB+ in Malta over the ensemble Digi B Network 1.

October 1st 2008
Snapshots of the Blocks 8B and LG ensembles DRSaar 1 and DRSaar 2 updated.

October 1st 2008
In France, Le Figaro reports that the radio heavyweights have submitted their applications to the CSA for capacity on the forthcoming T-DMB ensembles to be licenced next year. The CSA is expected to deliberate until next spring with licences to follow in the summer. A launch is expected in time for Christmas 2009. The applications submitted include capacity for existing services but also seek capacity for new services. RTL has presented five applications, NRJ seven, while Lagardère has submitted six, of which one is for an all-news service. Television broadcaster TF1 is seeking to enter digital radio with three applications. Official confirmation of the submissions is expected in due course from the CSA itself.

September 25th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12C ensemble Sachsen-Anhalt updated.

September 25th 2008
Snapshot of the Block LB ensemble MAGDEBURG updated.

September 23rd 2008
In Köln, the Block 11D ensemble WDR-DMB has been relabelled WDR-Mobil. The ensemble is reported to be broadcasting four video services for reception on small-screen devices.

September 23rd 2008
Snapshot of the Stuttgart test ensemble SWR Test added. The EId of this ensemble (1010) is not unique in Germany, being the EId also when last oberved of the Sachsen ensemble Sachsen K12A.

September 23rd 2008
FhG FIRST-on-Air Snapshot updated.

September 23rd 2008
In München, a DAB+ test transmission has popped up on the Block 12A ensemble Muenchen IRT. IRT-Test DAB+ is reported to be running at 64 kbit/s.

September 22nd 2008
In Berlin, a new audio service has popped up on the Block 12B ensemble FhG FIRST-on-Air. Rock Antenne is running at 192 kbit/s in Stereo. Snapshot to follow.

September 16th 2008
The BBC has brought into service two new transmitters on Block 12B. Abergavenny extends coverage of BBC National DAB in Arfon. Mapperly Ridge improves coverage of Nottingham.

September 16th 2008
On DRg London, the Service Virgin ClassRock has been relabelled Absolute Cl.Rock.

September 16th 2008
On the Block 12D ensemble Bayern, the Service BAYERN Mobil has been relabelled BAYERN Plus.

September 15th 2008
France listings revised with the new channel allocations of the advertised Band III allotments.

September 15th 2008
On Digital1 Network, the Service Virgin Radio has been relabelled Absolute Radio.

September 15th 2008
On Switch London, the Service Virgin Xtreme has been relabelled Absolute Xtreme.

September 13th 2008
In France, the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel has published a revised version of its March advertisement of capacity on local ensembles in a number of locations across France, deleting references to L-band. This confirms that the first phase of DAB roll-out in France will take place in Band III only.

September 13th 2008
On DRSaar 2, the Services Radyo METROPOL, ROCKLAND RADIO and TRUCK Radio, long silent, are reported to have ceased.

September 13th 2008
On Rheinland-Pfalz, the Service Zeitansage is reported to have fallen silent.

September 12th 2008
NOW Coventry Snapshot updated.

oSeptember 11th 2008
Two new Services have popped up on the Block LI ensemble in Prague. Radio Proglas and DANCE RADIO are each broadcasting at 192 kbit/s in original-flavour DAB. ČRo WAVE has switched from 192 kbit/s DAB to 64 kbit/s DAB+. The DAB service ČRo REGION and the DAB+ Service Radio Česko are understood to have ceased.

September 11th 2008
The Service Retune for XFM! has popped up on NOW Bristol.

September 11th 2008
On CE London , the Service LBC 97.3 is running at the higher bitrate of 80 kbit/s and with full rate sampling. The service LBC News 1152 is running at the reduced bitrate of 48 kbit/s. The combined capacity required for the two services remains the same.

September 11th 2008
A new Service has popped up on NOW Nottingham , the Service Retune for XFM! (C1C4) is the latest member of a veritable dynasty of XFM SId changes.

September 2nd 2008
An L-band ensemble has popped up in Prague. The transmissions on Block LI are scheduled to last until the end of September. Two audio services are being broadcast in original-flavour DAB: ČRo WAVE (192 kbit/s) and ČRo REGION (192 kbit/s) and three using DAB+: Radio Česko (64 kbit/s), ČRo Leonardo (64 kbit/s) and ČRo D-dur (64 kbit/s). A coverage prediction map is available for download.

September 2nd 2008
On NOW Kent , the Service invicta fm is running again with its original SId (C2CF). The short-lived SId (C886) has been relabelled x was invicta.

September 2nd 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service four new transmitters on Block 12C and one on Block 12A. Morrisen/San Carli extends the already existing coverage of the Block 12C ensemble SRG SSR D01 in the Surselva and into the lower part of the Val Lumnezia. Riffelalp extends coverage from Randa to Zermatt. The route Brig to Zermatt now has uninterrupted DAB coverage. Feerberg serves the Simplon Pass route as far as Hospiz. Valzeina extends coverage from Chur to Landquart including the entire Sarganserland. In the Jura, Brot-Plamboz extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 in the Val de Travers and completes the current phase of the DAB roll-out in the Jura.

August 27th 2008
The Service x (was XFM) is reported to have ceased on all NOW ensembles, including NOW Leicester.

August 24th 2008
On NOW Bournemouth and NOW Norwich, the Service Traffic Radio is reported to have been relabelled xTraffic. A Service with a new SId is running as Traffic Radio.

August 24th 2008
On NOW Kent , the Service invicta fm is running with a new SId. According to reports, the new SId is the same as that of 96.3 Rock Radio on ScoreGLASGOW.

August 24th 2008
On NOW Norwich and NOW Nottingham, the Service x (was XFM) has ceased. As of the 23rd, it was still running on NOW Leicester.

August 24th 2008
On EMAP South Yorks, the Service XFM UK is reported to have been relabelled x (was XFM). A Service with a new SId is running as XFM.

20.08.2008
On NOW Leicester, the Service x (was leic snd) has ceased. On NOW Nottingham, the Service x (was trent fm) has ceased. The Service x (was XFM) continues on both ensembles.

August 14th 2008
On Digital1 Network, the Service Capital Life has been relabelled D1 Test A. theJazz has been relabelled D1 Test B. BFBS Radio has been relabelled D1 Test C. The other characteristics of each service, including PTy, remain unchanged. Daytime Snapshot updated.

August 13th 2008
MXR North West Snapshot updated.

August 13th 2008
Italian listings revised.

August 2nd 2008
On the MXR regional ensembles, the service Choice has been relabelled Choice FM.

August 2nd (3)
On the NOW Digital ensembles, the SIds of the service XFM have changed to C0B8. The services with the original SIds continue to run and have been relabelled x (was XFM). On past form, these are likely to continue running for about a month.

August 1st 2008
Snapshot added of the Norwegian regional ensemble Hord/Sogn og Fjo. The ensemble covers Hordaland, Sogn and Fjordane, including Norway's second city, Bergen. Snapshot of the Norwegian national ensemble Norge Riks updated. Snapshots of the regional ensembles Oslo/Akers/Østfo and Østafjells updated. Since the last Snapshots were taken, the Service NRK Jazz no longer shares the SId with NRK P2, but has become an independent service in its own right, and has migrated from the regional ensembles to Norge Riks.

August 1st 2008
On MXR West & Wales, the Service Nation Radio is reported to have ceased following a period of silence.

July 31st 2008
On BBC National DAB, the Service BBC Radio 5Live has been relabelled BBC Radio 5live.

July 27th 2008
NOW Kent and NOW Sussex Coast Snapshots updated.

July 26th 2008
The BBC has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12B. Taunton extends coverage of BBC National DAB in southwest Somerset, including the M5.

July 22nd 2008
The Swiss regulator BAKOM has extended by two months the duration of the advertisement for capacity for eight audio services on a forthcoming second ensemble for the French-speaking region of Switzerland. The ensemble will run on Block 10B. BAKOM has specified that DAB+ will be used. The new closing date for applications for capacity in this first round is 30th September 2008. Subsequently, an operator for the ensemble will be sought, who will be entitled to make use of the remaining capacity.

July 22nd 2008
On NOW Leicester and NOW Nottingham respectively, the SIds of leicester sound and trent fm have changed. The services with the original SIds are still running and are reported to have been relabelled x (was leic snd) and x (was trent fm). On past form, these are likely to continue running for about a month.

July 21st 2008
CE London Snapshot updated. When observed, the services heat radio, KISS and MAGIC were running packet data Secondary Components, labelled heat radio, KISS and MAGIC respectively and sharing the same sub-channel.

July 21st 2008
NOW Berks&Hants Snapshot updated.

July 20th 2008
NOW Cardiff&Npt, NOW Cornwall, NOW Exeter & T'bay and NOW Plymouth Snapshots updated.

July 19th 2008
NOW Wolverhamptn Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service XFM Midlands has been relabelled XFM.

July 19th 2008
UTV-EMAP W.YORKS Snapshot updated.

July 19th 2008
MXR West & Wales Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service XFM South Wales has been relabelled Nation Radio.

July 19th 2008
UTV Bauer Stoke Snapshot updated.

July 17th 2008
Two new ensembles have popped up in Italy. In Venezia, AERANTICORALLO1 on Block 12B is broadcasting 17 audio services, 16 in DAB+ and 1 in DMB Visual Radio (DMB VR). In Bologna, AERANTICORALLO2 on Block 12C is broadcasting 19 audio services, 14 in DAB+ and 5 in DMB VR. DMB Visual Radio is the version of the DMB system in which an image is transmitted every N seconds - effectively a slide show. This is as distinct from DMB Video, which is self-explanatory.

July 17th 2008
A new transmitter has been added to the Block 11C SFN CE Birmingham. Lickey Hills extends and improves coverage to the south-west of the city. UK TII table updated.

July 11th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien has linked the extension of FM licences to distribution over DAB by extending the licences of Radio IN and Radio Galaxy to broadcast on VHF FM in Ingolstadt, with a guarantee of a further four-year extension if the services are broadcast also on DAB.

July 10th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien has approved an agreement between the BLM, and the public-service broadcasters Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) and DeutschlandRadio. So far as Bayern is concerned, the international frequency agreement GE06 provides Germany with frequency resources for a nationwide ensemble, two ensembles covering the whole of Bayern, one for the BR and one for private broadcasters, one ensemble in each of the 18 planning regions of Bayern distributed between public-service and private broadcasters in the ratio 68% private 27% BR, and one ensemble for local coverage for private broadcasters in each of the two conurbations München and Nürnberg. The agreement presupposes DeutschlandRadio capacity on the nationwide ensemble. Today's agreement allocates
  • Block 11D: Bayerischer Rundfunk
  • Block 12D: Private Broadcasters in Bayern
  • Regional Layer, one ensemble in each of the 18 regions.
  • Local Ensemble for München private broadcasters.
  • Local Ensemble for Nürnberg private broadcasters.
July 9th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien has granted a twelve-month extension to the licence of COOLRADIO on the ensemble Ingolstadt.

July 9th 2008
New DAB transmitters have been brought into service in Norway. DAB coverage now stands at 80% by population. Kolså extends coverage to the west of Oslo. Transmitter powers have been increased at Solbergåasen and Kongseberg, improving coverage in the Drammen area. Two new transmitters at Førde and Sogndal extend coverage over large areas of the Sognefjord, Norway's longest fjord. In the far north, a new transmitter at Salten covers a large area around Bodø. At Ålesund, owing to bad weather when the site was commissioned last autumn, a temporary antenna was installed. The new permanent antenna just brought into service improving coverage.

July 9th 2008
The Swedish Radio and TV Authority (RTVV) has recommended that DAB transmissions should be extended. In a report on the future of radio submitted to the Minister of Culture, the RTVV also recommends the adoption of DAB+. An English-language version of the report is promised later this year. Meanwhile the full report is available in Swedish.

July 9th 2008
Commercial Radio Australia has announced the results of the tendering process for the supply and operation of the DAB+ transmission network. Rohde & Schwarz will supply transmitters, Factum will deliver DAB+ multiplexers and coders. The United Group has been chosen as the systems integrator and Kordia will supply project management support. Australian DAB+ is scheduled for commercial roll-out in 2009.

July 9th 2008
DAB+ test transmissions have begun in Malta. WorldDMB reports the tests are taking place on Block 6A. Digi B Network holds the licence to use Blocks 6A, 6C, 12A and LP. A full public launch is scheduled to take place in October.

July 8th 2008
BBC Three Counties Radio has announced that its launch on DAB is to be delayed. According to the station's website, a decision has been reached to delay until a review of DAB being conducted by the Digital Radio Working Group has been concluded. BBC 3CR has capacity reserved on the forthcoming Now Digital ensemble for Beds, Herts & Bucks. Meanwhile, over on the BBC Radio Gloucestershire website is the news that "the operator's timetable has changed slightly due to technical refinements that are being made to frequency planning across the UK." According to the announcement, the service is due to be on the forthcoming MuxCo ensemble for Gloucestershire "by early 2009".

July 8th 2008
In France, the Syndicat des Industries de Matériels Audiovisuels Electroniques, in conjunction with transmission provider TDF and the Groupement pour la radio numerique, has published the Technical Specifications for DMB digital radio deployment in France. The
document, published in English, focuses on the specific parts of the DMB/DAB standards that will be used to build T-DMB services in France.

July 8th 2008
In Germany, the Service Truck Radio is reported to have ceased or fallen silent on a number of ensembles, including Nuernberg and DRSaar2.

July 6th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12C ensemble BAND III HESSEN updated.

July 5th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12D ensemble DRN MECKL VORPOM updated.

July 3rd 2008
Snapshots of the Block 12C ensemble DRN HAMBURG and the Block 12A ensemble DRN Nieders. updated.

July 2nd 2008
In Stuttgart, the Block 11B ensemble SWR Test is reported to have popped up again after a couple of weeks' silence. Two audio services are reported to be running: SWR3 and DASDING, both at 192 kbit/s.

July 2nd 2008
A new Service has popped up on the Block 12A ensemble Rheinland-Pfalz and the Block 12B ensemble DAB Baden-Wuert.. On both ensembles, DEUTSCHLANDFUNK is running at 64 kbit/s in Mono, and DKULTUR has been reduced to 128 kbit/s.

July 2nd 2008
Off-Topic: The UK regulator Ofcom has invited applications for capacity on the terrestrial digital television multiplex known as DTT Multiplex B, for the carriage of two high-definition services using DVB-T2 and MPEG4. Only the "relevant" public-service broadcasters (Channel 3 licence-holders, Channel 4, Channel 5, the Welsh Authority and the public teletext provider) are eligible to apply. Capacity for a third high-definition service on DTT Mux B is reserved for BBC use. In its announcement, Ofcom anticipates that future improvements in encoder technology could mean that one further high-definition capacity would be able to be offered on the same multiplex. The closing date for applications in August 13th, 2008.

July 1st 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12D ensemble DRN Sch-Holstein updated.

June 30th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12B Berlin ensemble FhG FIRST-on-Air updated.

June 28th 2008
BBC Radio Derby has announced that it is not likely to be broadcast on DAB until early 2009, and that the operator of the ensemble is in negotiation with the UK regulator Ofcom about the delay. Taken together, these two statements most likely mean that the launch of the ensemble for Derbyshire is likely to be delayed beyond the original July 2008 date. More...

June 28th 2008
On NOW Leicester and NOW Nottingham, the Service XFM Midlands has been relabelled XFM.

June 28th 2008
A new transmitter has been brought into service on the Block 12B SFN, BBC National DAB. Buxton extends coverage to the Derbyshire town and the surrounding area.

June 28th 2008
Off-Topic: The BBC has begun test transmissions of the new transmission standard DVB-T2. Use of DVB-T2 will significantly increase the capacity of a multiplex and, coupled with the use of the more efficient MPEG4 codec for broadcasting, will permit high-definition television broadcasting on the terrestrial platform Freeview. The tests are taking place from the Guildford transmitter in southwest London.

June 26th 2008
Berlin/BRBG 12 Snapshot updated.

June 25th 2008
Berlin K8 Snapshot updated.

June 25th 2008
The Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two new transmitters. Ferden extends and improves coverage of the Block 12C ensemble SRG SSR D01 in the Lötschental. Bruson extends and improves coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 in the Val de Bagnes, including the tourist resort Verbier.

June 25th 2008
A Digital Radio Working Group established by the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has produced an interim report of its findings. Its terms of reference were to establish:-
  • What conditions would need to be achieved before digital platforms could become the predominant means of delivering radio?
  • What are the current barriers to the growth of digital radio?
  • What are the possible remedies to those barriers?
Its main interim recommendations are:-
  • DAB (in this context meaning original-flavour DAB for the forseeable future) is the most appropriate replacement for analogue radio in the UK
  • The future radio landscape should at least in the medium term be a mixed ecology with:
    • DAB as the primary platform for national, regional and large local stations;
    • FM capacity for small local and community radio stations; and
    • IP delivery to complement the above and provide opportunities for greater interactivity.
  • Future receivers should be capable of receiving FM, DAB and the other main variants of the Eureka 147 family.
  • A long term plan should be developed to move all services to digital. MW should be re-allocated for other uses, while more work is needed to consider the future role of LW.
  • The Government should make a clear statement on the future of digital radio.
  • Government should agree a set of criteria and timetable for the migration to digital.
  • These criteria should include an assessment of:
    • The percentage of listening to DAB enabled devices;
    • Current and planned coverage of DAB and FM; and
    • In considering the case for migration we expect the Government will also want to consider the take-up of digital radio in cars, affordability, functionality, and an environmental impact plan.
  • The aspiration should be to meet these criteria by between 2012 and 2015 with migration completed by 2020.
More...

June 25th 2008
A new service has popped up on the Block 11C ensemble NOW Cardiff&Npt. XFM is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s in Joint Stereo.

June 24th 2008
Is this the emptiest ensemble on the planet? The Block LG ensemble LG FRANKFURT M. is currently transmitting two packet data services, each running at 16 kbit/s each. Total ensemble capacity 864 CU. Total capacity occupied 32 CU. Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service Truck Radio has ceased.

June 24th 2008
A DAB+ service has popped up on the Block 12A ensemble DRN Nieders.. DRN DAB+ Test is running at 48 kbit/s. The original-flavour DAB service Truck Radio has ceased. Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, a new packet data service has popped up. MobileInfo is running at 16 kbit/s.

June 24th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has awarded the local DAB licence for North Wales to the sole applicant, MuxCo Wales Ltd. (Town and Country Broadcasting Limited 70%, MuxCo Ltd 30%). Two frequencies will be used to cover the licence area, raising the possibility, technically at least, that at some point two distinct ensembles could run. Block 10D will be used for the western part and Block 12D for the eastern part. Capacity is reserved for the two national BBC Wales services, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. In an appendix to the licence advertisement, Ofcom points out that the frequency corresponding to Block 10D is currently used by the Mount Leinster transmitter in the Republic of Ireland for analogue television. Consequently, Ofcom stated, "it will be difficult to implement the 10D frequency over significant sections of the western part of the licence area until either Mount Leinster ceases operation, or June 2015, whichever is the earlier". MuxCo proposes to broadcast six audio services in addition to the BBC service and to operate a Podcast service for download:-
  • Coast FM (GCap)
  • Champion FM (GCap)
  • Wales Live (Town and Country Broadcasting)
  • UCB UK United Christian Broadcasters
  • Traffic Radio (English Language) (provider tbc)
  • Traffic Radio (Welsh Language)
MuxCo proposes to launch within two years using two transmitters, Moel y parc and Great Ormes Head which it estimates will cover (outdoor) 50% by population of the licence area. Both transmitters will broadcast on Block 12D. MuxCo also stated in its application that it intends to commission a transmitter at Arfon during the licence period. Arfon would operate on Block 10D.

June 20th 2008
The Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter in the French-speaking region. St-Sulpice extends and improves coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 in the Val de Travers, including Fleurier, Couvet, Môtiers, Saint-Sulpice und Boveresse.

June 16th 2008
A new ensemble has popped up in the Czech capital, Prague. The L-band test transmissions on Block LI, are being used to a carry a mixture of original-flavour DAB and DAB+ services from public-service broadcaster Cesky rozhlas. A coverage map is available for download from the website of the transmission provider Teleko.

June 8th 2008
Score Inverness Snapshot updated.

June 7th 2008
UTV-Emap Stoke has been relabelled UTV Bauer Stoke.

June 6th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two new transmitters in the French-speaking region, Suisse Romande. Haute-Nendaz extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 in Valais from Sion down to the Rhône's right-angle turn at Martigny, including Sion, Nendaz, Chamoson, Saxon, Savièse, Conthey, Granges, Chermignon, Conthey and Ayent. Porrentruy similarly extends coverage to the town of the same name in the Jura, as well as Fontenay and Courtedoux. For the German-speaking region, two new transmitters extend DAB coverage in northern Switzerland, but from German soil. Wannenberg, several kilometers the other side of the Swiss-German frontier, extends coverage of the Block 12C ensemble SRG SSR D01 to Glattfelden, Eglisau and Bülach. Eggberg, also standing on German territory in Bad Säckingen, extends coverage to Wallbach, Frick, Möhlin, Rheinfelden and Eiken. The new sites are considered to be under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

June 5th 2008
A new ensemble has popped up in Stuttgart on Block 11B. SWR Test is reported to be broadcasting two audio services, SWR3 and DASDING, and three data services, SLS, SLS-EPM and SLS-fast. Both audio services are reported to be running at 192 kbit/s in original-flavour DAB.

June 5th 2008
A new transmitter in Northern Ireland has been brought into service on the Block 12B SFN, BBC National DAB. Strabane brings coverage to the area around Strabane in County Tyrone and most likely extends into County Donegal in the Republic.

June 1st 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has, in the course of just one day, brought into service eight new transmitters, adding 220,000 people to the potential audience for DAB. La Brévine extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble for the French-speaking region, SRG SSR F01, to the surrounding area. Montmagny similarly improves coverage in Neuchâtel and Boudry. Les Hauts-Geneveys extends coverage into the Val de Ruz. In canton Valais, Ravoire extends coverage around Martigny. Grimentz extends coverage into the Val d'Anniviers and Val de Zinal. In German-speaking Oberwallis, transmitters at Feschel, Leukerbad and Gebidem extend coverage of the Block 12C ensemble SRG SSR D01 to the entire region between Sitten and Brig, including the lower area from Goms to Fiesch. The new sites are considered to be under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

May 31st 2008
In France, the deadline for applications to use T-DMB capacity has been postponed until October 1st 2008. The closing date, originally June 16th, has been amended by the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel at the request of numerous broadcasters.

May 31st 2008
NOW Norwich and NOW Peterborough Snapshots updated. Since the last Snapshots were taken, the Service Magic has popped up. The Service SMASH HITS! has ceased.

May 30th 2008
NOW Cambridge Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service Magic has popped up. The Service Smash Hits has ceased.

May 29th 2008
DAB Ireland Mux1 and DAB Ireland Mux2 Snapshots updated.

May 29th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien has invited expressions of interest from broadcasters wishing to make use of capacity on the forthcoming Land-wide ensembles in Bayern. A similar invitation has already been issued in relation to nationwide capacity or for coverage more than one Land. The closing date is July 4th. Following RRC06, at least four layers of DAB coverage are expected to be available for DAB in Bayern, of which one will be a nationwide ensemble, two Land-wide in Bayern, and a fourth layer which will be regionalised.

May 28th 2008
SwissMediaCast has advertised the capacity for eight audio services which are at its disposal on the second layer of coverage in the German-speaking region. Under the Swiss system, the public-service broadcaster is entitled to run two services on the ensemble. Capacity for eight services was awarded by the Swiss regulator BAKOM, as was the contract to operate the ensemble. The ensemble operator is then entitled to distribute the remaining capacity itself. Interested parties have until June 15th to make themselves known. BAKOM has specified that the services will be broadcast using DAB+.

May 28th 2008
CE London Snapshot updated. The Service MAGIC has sprouted a Secondary Component. MAGIC is packet data running at 8 kbit/s.

May 28th 2008
Switch London Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Secondary Component of Heart has been relabelled Heart.

May 28th 2008
Transmission powers in München, Nürnberg, Regensburg and Würzburg have been increased up to ten-fold. The result should be a significant improvement in the reception (including indoors) of the Block 12D ensemble Bayern. From an administrative point of view, the increases are considered to be test transmissions in deference to the concerns of the defence ministry that the increased signal strengths could interfere with adjacent military frequencies.

May 26th 2008
On Switch Aberdeen, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Magic is running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo. Snapshot updated.

May 26th 2008
On Score DUNDEE, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Magic is running at 112 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.

May 26th 2008
NOW Cardiff&Npt Snapshot updated.

May 26th 2008
MXR West & Wales Snapshot updated.

May 24th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two new transmitters in the Jura. Chasseral extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 to St.-Imier, Saignelégier, Les Breuleux, Sonvilier and Villeret. Les Ordons similarly extends coverage to Porrentruy (Ajoie) and Delémont. DAB coverage currently stands at about 90% of Switzerland by population. The remaining 10%, the majority of whom live in Oberwallis and Graubünden, should be served by the end of the year.

May 24th 2008
The Service heat radio has popped up on UTV-Emap Swansea.

May 23rd (2)
On NOW Kent and NOW Sussex Coast, the Service KISS is reported to have ceased. A new Service, Magic, has popped up.

May 23rd 2008
On Arqiva Ayr, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Magic is running at 112 kbit/s. Snapshot updated.

May 23rd 2008
Snapshots updated of the Blocks 9A, 9B and 9C ensembles Sydney Mux1 9a, Sydney MUX2 9b and Sydney Mux3 9c.

May 23rd 2008
On DRg London, the Service The Arrow - Rock has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Q Radio is running at 112 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.

May 23rd 2008
On UTV-EMAP W.YORKS, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service, Magic has popped up.

May 22nd 2008
On UTV-Emap Swansea, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Magic is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s.

May 22nd 2008
On Switch Aberdeen, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Magic is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s.

May 22nd 2008
On UTV-Emap Stoke, the Service KISS has ceased. Two new Services have popped up. heat radio and Magic are both reported to be running at 128 kbit/s.

May 22nd 2008
Snapshots updated of the Singapore Blocks 7B and 7C ensembles. Since the last Snapshots were taken, the ensembles have been relabelled Digital Radio 7B and Digital Radio 7C respectively.

May 22nd 2008
Switch Scotland Snapshot updated.

May 22nd 2008
On ScoreEDINBURGH and ScoreGLASGOW, the Service KISS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Magic is running at a lower bitrate than the Service it replaces, 112 kbit/s. Snapshot updated.

May 22nd 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has received one application for the North Wales local DAB licence from MuxCo North Wales (Town and Country Broadcasting Limited 70%, MuxCo Ltd 30%). Two frequencies will be used to cover the licence area, raising the possibility, technically at least, that two distinct ensembles could run. Block 10D will be used for the western part and Block 12D for the eastern part. Capacity is reserved for the two national BBC Wales services, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. In an appendix to the licence advertisement, Ofcom points out that the frequency corresponding to Block 10D is currently used by the Mount Leinster transmitter in the Republic of Ireland for analogue television. Consequently, Ofcom stated, "it will be difficult to implement the 10D frequency over significant sections of the western part of the licence area until either Mount Leinster ceases operation, or June 2015, whichever is the earlier". MuxCo proposes to broadcast six audio services in addition to the BBC service and to operate a Podcast service for download:-
  • Coast FM (GCap)
  • Champion FM (GCap)
  • Wales Live (Town and Country Broadcasting)
  • UCB UK United Christian Broadcasters
  • Traffic Radio (English Language) (provider tbc)
  • Traffic Radio (Welsh Language)
MuxCo proposes to use two transmitters from launch, Moel y parc and Great Ormes Head which it estimates will cover (outdoor) 50% by population of the licence area.

May 21st 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has awarded the local DAB licence for Somerset to the single applicant, MuxCo Somerset (UKRD Group Ltd 33.3%, The Local Radio Company Ltd 33.3%, MuxCo Ltd 33.3%). The ensemble will run on Block 10D (215.072 MHz). Capacity is reserved for the local BBC radio service, BBC Somerset. MuxCo proposes to broadcast seven audio services in addition to the BBC service and to operate a Podcast service for download:-
  • Star Radio
  • Ivel FM
  • QuayWest
  • Orchard FM
  • Easy Radio
  • UCB UK
  • Traffic Radio
MuxCo proposes to use two transmitters from launch (Mendip and Taunton), which it estimates will cover 78% by population of the area and proposes to consider two additional transmitters (Hutton and Yeovil Coker Hill) during the licence term. The combined effect of both additional sites would be to increase coverage to 91%. In its application, MuxCo proposed to launch in September 2009, assuming an August 2008 decision. It remains to be seen whether the early award will result in an earlier launch.

May 21st 2008
A new Service has popped up on the Block 12C ensemble, Sachsen-Anhalt. Rockland+ is reported to be running at 56 kbit/s using DAB+. Transmissions continue in original-flavour DAB at the reduced bitrate of 128 kbit/s.

May 20th 2008
A new transmitter has been added to the Block 12B SFN, BBC National DAB. Olivers Mount extends coverage to Scarborough and the surrounding area on the Yorkshire coast.

May 20th 2008
NOW Coventry and NOW Swindon Snapshots updated.

May 20th 2008
Snapshot of the Block ROK 8C Korean ensemble 1to1 added.

May 20th 2008
Snapshots of the Blocks ROK 12A, 12B and 12C Korean ensembles updated. Too many changes since the last Snapshots to list individually, including EIds, SIds, Ensemble Labels and Service Labels.

May 19th 2008
Snapshot of the Block ROK 8B Korean ensemble YTN DMB added.

May 17th 2008
On UTV-EMAP W.YORKS, the service SMASH HITS! has ceased. Snapshot updated.

May 17th 2008
On NOW Cambridge, NOW Norwich, NOW Peteborough, Switch Scotland and UTV-Emap Stoke, the service labelled variously SMASH HITS, Smash Hits!, etc. has ceased. The service ceased on DRg London some time ago.

May 17th 2008
On Switch London, the service labelled YARR Radio is reported to have been relabelled Punjabi Radio.

May 15th 2008
Snapshot of the Block ROK 8A Korean ensemble U1 DMB added.

May 14th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 10C Taipei ensemble FM985 DAB TEST added. This frequency block was formerly occupied by an ensemble PC-Radio but this is assumed to have ceased sometime in 2005.

May 14th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12C ensemble MXR North East updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the audio Service Rock Radio has popped up and the Service REAL has ceased.

May 14th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12C Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the data Services PO_packet and TPEG_test have ceased.

May 13th 2008
Snapshot added of the Block 9B Singapore ensemble Rediffusion DAB.

May 5th 2008
A new service has popped up on the ensemble DRN Nieders.. NDR Musik Plus is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s in Joint Stereo with the PTy Rock Music. The service NDR 2 has been replaced by NDR 2 Plus. The audio service NDR Info is reported to be running at the reduced bitrate of 80 kbit/s and to be running in Mono. The audio service NDR Traffic is reported to be running at the reduced bitrate of 48 kbit/s and to be running in Mono. The data service NDR DATA is reported to be running at the reduced bitrate of 8 kbit/s. Equivalent changes are reported to have taken place in the configurations of the ensembles DRN MECKL VORPOM and DRN Sch-Holstein.

May 5th 2008
On the ensemble Bayern, the audio service Das Modul has been relabelled on3radio. The data service EPG Bayern is currently running in a shared sub-channel with the other data services, rather than in a sub-channel of its own. The bitrate of the shared sub-channel has increased to 64 kbit/s. The audio service BR Verkehr is running at the reduced bitrate of 64 kbit/s.

May 5th 2008
On the Block 11C ensemble NOW Cambridge, the service Q103 has moved has ceased. The service BBC Radio Cambs has been relabelled XRescantoBBCCamb. A new Service has popped up labelled BBC Radio Cambs. From the announcement on the BBC Radio Cambridge website it would appear that the old-SId-version should cease May 29th. If an equivalent change has taken place on the Block 12D ensemble NOW Peterborough, the service BBC Cambs (Pbro) will have been relabelled XRescantoBBCCamb and a new Service will have popped up labelled BBC Cambs (Pbro).

April 30th 2008
The Swiss regulator BAKOM has advertised capacity for eight audio services on a forthcoming second ensemble for the French-speaking region of Switzerland. The ensemble will run on Block 10B. BAKOM specifies that DAB+ will be used. As with the second ensemble for the German-speaking region, the licence to operate the ensemble will be the subject of a separate advertisement. The operator of the ensemble will be able to make use of the capacity unallocated following the current round. The operator must serve at least the conurbations of Geneva and Lausanne within 12 months of the operator award, and 80% of French-speaking Switzerland within 3 years. The public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR is entitled to operate two services on the second ensemble. Closing date for applications for capacity in this first round is 31st July 2008. The capacity is expected to be awarded in December 2008 and the operating licence in the first quarter of 2009.

April 30th 2008
The Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter in the French-speaking region. Chailly extends and improves coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 in the eastern suburbs of Lausanne, including Pully and Lutry.

April 30th 2008
The Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter in the Italian-speaking region. Gerra Lutri extends and improves coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR I01 in the region of Locarno, from the Italian border from Brissago as far east as Tenero.

April 26th 2008
The German website infosat reports that the DMB ensemble watcha is no longer to be marketed as a mobile television service. The transmissions from Mobiles Fernsehen Deutschland will, according to the report, be used in certain cities for test transmissions to develop new media and data services.

April 26th 2008
In Taipei, the Block 11C and 11D ensembles, BCC DAB and RTI ENSEMBLE have not been seen recently and are assumed to have ceased. Two new ensembles have been observed. On Block 10C, FM985 DAB TEST is running two audio services, both at 128 kbit/s. Another ensemble is running on Block 10B with nine services. No labels could be resolved and it possible the ensemble is labelled with the Chinese character set.

April 25th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has received one application for the Somerset local DAB licence. The ensemble will run on Block 10D (215.072 MHz). Capacity is reserved for the local BBC radio service, BBC Somerset. MuxCo Somerset (UKRD Group Ltd 33.3%, The Local Radio Company Ltd 33.3%, MuxCo Ltd 33.3%). MuxCo proposes to broadcast seven audio services in addition to the BBC service and to operate a Podcast service for download:-
  • Star Radio
  • Ivel FM
  • QuayWest
  • Orchard FM
  • Easy Radio
  • UCB UK
  • Traffic Radio
MuxCo proposes to use two transmitters from launch (Mendip and Taunton), which it estimates will cover 78% by population of the area and proposes to consider two additional transmitters (Hutton and Yeovil Coker Hill) during the licence term. The combined effect of both additional sites would be to increase coverage to 91%. MuxCo proposes to launch in Sptember 2009, assuming an August 2008 decision. Ofcom expected to announce a decision within four months of the closing date.

April 23rd 2008
The UK regulator, Ofcom, has awarded the local DAB licence for Surrey and North Sussex to MuxCo Surrey and North Sussex (UKRD Group Ltd 50%, MuxCo Ltd 50%). The licence area covers two frequency allotments, allowing the technical possibility of operating two distinct ensembles. Block 10B (211.648 MHz) is the frequency for the south eastern part and Block 10C (213.360 MHz) for the north western part. MuxCo propose to review the operation of two distinct ensembles during the licence period. MuxCo proposes to broadcast seven services, in addition to BBC Southern Counties Radio, and to operate a Podcast service for download:-
  • 96.4 Eagle Radio
  • County Sound
  • Mercury FM
  • Shuffle
  • Easy Radio
  • NME Radio
  • Traffic Radio
MuxCo proposes to use four transmitters from launch (Guildford, Reigate, Midhurst and Leatherhead) and would like to review and implement two additional transmitters (Crystal Palace [directional] and Crowborough) during the licence term. Co-ordination of antenna work with the television digital switchover programme means that MuxCo should be able to launch in April 2009.

April 21st 2008
The German spectrum regulator, the BNetzA, has authorised WorldSpace to use L-band spectrum for terrestrial relays of its satellite-based service. This follows a similar concession in Switzerland. A commercial debut for the service is expected to take place in Italy.

April 14th 2008
The Auckland test transmissions, Kordia DAB Pilot, have migrated from Block 12C (Block NZ 11C in New Zealand nomenclature) to Block 13F, in a sub-band currently allocated to the military. Snapshot added.

April 13th 2008
The New Zealand newspaper The Dominion Post is reporting that the Economic Development Ministry is to decide soon whether to allocate to DAB frequencies currently used by the military in order to speed up the introduction of digital radio. The preferred frequencies in Band III, between 175 and 230 MHz are currently in use for analogue television, which is not likely to be shut down until 2012, or until three-quarters of TV viewers have switched to digital, whichever is the sooner. The proposal under consideration is to make use of 230 - 240 MHz as an interim measure. The other alternative is to use L-band frequencies already reserved for DAB, but these are not favoured by the broadcasters. In another report, meanwhile, the same newspaper reports a more fundamental difference of opinion as to which technology should be used for digital radio. Public-service broadcasters prefer DAB+, but a number of commercial broadcasters are known to favour the American system HD Radio, presumably for the same reason it was preferred in the United States, namely that it would preserve the advantageous service contours enjoyed by the larger broadcasters. However, receivers made for the American market would not work in New Zealand.

April 13th 2008
The Melbourne Block 9C test ensemble has ceased. It is not known how long this interuption to transmissions will last. Regular broadcasts are scheduled to begin in Australia at the beginning of next year.

April 12th 2008
On the Blocks 5C and 12A ensemble Sachsen K12A, the Service sunshine is reported to have ceased.

April 12th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two new transmitters in the French-speaking region, Suisse Romande. Renens improves coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 in the northwestern suburbs of Lausanne. Signal de Bougy improves coverage along the axis Aubonne-Rolle-Gilly.

April 3rd 2008
In Südtirol (Alto Adige), coverage of the DAB ensembles has been extended into the tunnels of Mittewald und Mühlbach.

April 3rd 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two new transmitters in the French-speaking region, Suisse Romande. Delémont extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 to the area of Delémont, Courroux, Vicques and Courtételle. Moudon improves coverage in the area of Moudon, Lucens and Villeneuve.

April 3rd 2008
Off-topic:The UK regulator Ofcom has published its conclusions following a public consultation on the inclusion of high definition services as part of the digital terrestrial television system (DTT).
  • Ofcom is adamant that no additional radio frequency spectrum over and above what has been allocated to broadcasting following the Digital Divident Review (DDR) will be made available for high definition television on DTT, describing it as "a high cost solution". [Wohnort notes that "cost" in this context means reducing the amount of existing broadcasting spectrum that is to be reallocated to other, paying uses following the DDR, and that "additional" spectrum actually means no more than retaining some existing broadcasting spectrum for broadcasting use.] However, Ofcom states that broadcasters would be able to participate in the proposed auction of the reallocated spectrum. In a separate publication today on the Spectrum Framework Review, Ofcom states "In the same way that the broadcasters do not expect, nor receive, free employees or free broadcasting equipment, neither is it appropriate for them to receive free, or discounted spectrum."
  • All multiplexes should use 64QAM modulation to provide increased capacity at the expense of a less robust signal. (At present only two muxes use 64QAM. Four muxes currently use 16QAM.) On its own this would increase overall DTT capacity by 20%.
  • Multiplex B will be cleared of its present occupants, who will be accomodated on the other multiplexes.
  • HDTV services will be transmitted on Multiplex B.
  • Multiplex B will use DVB-T2, a standard still under development and expected to be finalised into a specification in Spring 2008. This will increase the capacity of Mux B by at least 30%.
  • HDTV services will use MPEG 4. The new coding standard is expected to be twice as efficient as MPEG 2. 10Mbps will be the data rate. Broadcasters had proposed that 15 Mbps at launch would be more appropriate. (The BBC's HD service currently broadcast at 16Mbps and Sky broadcasts at 18Mbps).
  • Altogether, the proposed technical changes will more than double the available capacity across the whole DTT system.
  • New set-top boxes would be required to receive HD Services and all services using MPEG 4 and/or DVB-T2.
  • Multiplexes carrying the main BBC, ITV and Channel 4 standard-definition services (Multiplexes 1 and 2) would continue to use DVB-T and MPEG 2 for the forseeable future. NGW has separately applied to use MPEG4 with DVB-T on its multiplexes. Ofcom has reserved judgement on this matter.
  • The conversion of the existing multiplexes to 64QAM, the conversion of Mux B to DVB-T2 and the reallocation of mux capacity will take place at digital switchover in the Granada region (North West England) in late 2009/early 2010. An interesting quirk of this move is that the Granada region should be the first part of the UK to receive the BBC's HD service on DTT in 2009.
  • In its consultation, Ofcom proposed HDTV service be transmitted at 720p. Ofcom now states 720p and 1080p, as well as the 1080i will be permitted and the choice of standard will be left to the broadcaster, not the regulator.
  • On Mux B, one slot will be reserved for the BBC's HD service. Two other slots will be awarded by beauty contest which will begin later in the spring. A fourth will be awarded at a later date.
April 1st 2008
In Vancouver, the ensembles CORUS Radio and CHANNEL8 are reported to have ceased. The only ensemble reported still to be broadcasting in Vancouver is CBC/SRC.

April 1st 2008
On Digital1 Network, the Services BFBS Radio, Capital Life and theJazz have fallen silent. The Service Birdsong is running at the increased bitrate of 160 kbit/s in Joint Stereo. The service's subchannel appears to be running with Equal Error Protection. Snapshot updated.

March 30th 2008
France listings revised.

March 30th 2008
Commercial Radio Australia has sought to counter stories circulating in the Australian media that the launch of digital radio will be delayed. In a statement, the CEO of Commercial Radio Australia confirmed that DAB+ broadcasts will begin in the major Australian cities as planned in early 2009. More...

March 30th 2008
Le Big Bang en France. The French regulator, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audovisuel (CSA), has invited applications to use capacity on local ensembles in a number of locations across France. In contrast with the UK licensing regime, where the multiplex operator holds the licence and arranges for service providers to use the available capacity, in France the service providers will be the licence holders, who must then agree between them on a multiplex operator and a transmission provider. Under the terms of the French advertisement, once awarded, the licence-holders will have a period of two months to agree on multiplex operator and transmission provider, otherwise the capacity will be readvertised. 19 localities are covered by the ensembles proposed:- Paris, Angers, Bordeaux, Brest, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Le Mans, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Metz, Nancy, Nantes, Nice, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg, Tours and Toulouse. Band III and L-band frequencies are included in the advertisement. Closing date for applications is June 16th 2008. The CSA will first determine the eligability of applicants and then proceed with a selection process, expected to be concluded in December 2008 with the issuing of licences. By February 2009 at the latest, the successful licence holders on each frequency should have notified the CSA of their choice of multiplex operator and transmission provider, which will be subject to CSA approval. The first transmissions are expected to follow in the first half of 2009. The CSA has confirmed that the ensembles will be transmitted using T-DMB. For a receiver to be able to work anywhere in France, it must be dual-band and T-DMB capable. More...

March 29th 2008
On NOW Cardiff&Npt, the Service Xpress Radio is reported to have ceased.

March 28th 2008
UK TII table updated. Addition of Fenham and Ridge Hill to the BBC SFN.

March 28th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12C. Ziefen extends coverage of the ensemble SRG SSR D01 to the area of Liestal, Füllingsdorf, Lausen, Bubendorf, Reigoldswil and Nunningen. The new site is considered to be under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

March 27th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has received one application for the Surrey and North Sussex local DAB licence from MuxCo Surrey & North Sussex Ltd (MuxCo Ltd 50%, UKRD Group Ltd 50%). The licence area covers two frequency allotments, allowing the technical possibility of operating two distinct ensembles. Block 10B (211.648 MHz) is the frequency for the south eastern part and Block 10C (213.360 MHz) for the north western part. Capacity is reserved for the local BBC service BBC Southern Counties Radio. MuxCo propose to review the operation of two distinct ensembles during the licence period. MuxCo proposes to broadcast seven services, in addition to BBC Southern Counties Radio, and to operate a Podcast service for download:-
  • 96.4 Eagle Radio
  • County Sound
  • Mercury FM
  • Shuffle
  • Easy Radio
  • NME Radio
  • Traffic Radio
MuxCo proposes to use four transmitters from launch (Guildford, Reigate, Midhurst and Leatherhead) and would like to review and implement two additional transmitters (Crystal Palace [directional] and Crowborough) during the licence term. Co-ordination of antenna work with the television digital switchover programme means that MuxCo would be able to launch in April 2009, assuming a May 2008 announcement. Ofcom stated in the licence advertisement that it intends to announce a decision within four months.

March 26th 2008
The Hungarian regulator, the Nemzeti Hírközlési Hatóság (NHH), has announced an auction for the rights to operate five digital television broadcasting networks and one VHF DAB network. Technical details about the DAB network (as with the TV networks) are being withheld from public scrutiny, and are available only upon registration as Participants and upon payment of a Participation fee of one million Forints plus 20% VAT. The licences will run for a period of 12 years. Closing date for bids is 11:00 on April 24th 2008.

March 25th 2008
In Germany, the regional regulator, the Landesmedienanstalt Saarland, acting on behalf of all the Landesmedienanstalten, has issued a call for expressions of interest in using capacity on the forthcoming national and regional DAB ensembles. One nationwide ensemble will be advertised. In each Land, two regional layers of coverage will be advertised which between them should eventually cover the whole of Germany. Frequency resources will become available in 2009 to the enable the provision of a fourth layer of coverage, should that be desired by the Länder. Frequencies for the three (or four) layers of coverage become available following analogue switch-off of the ARD and ZDF television services, and the migration to Bands IV and V of those DVB-T services currently operating in Band III.

March 22nd 2008
Radio Nederland is reporting that the Swiss regulator BAKOM has awarded L-band spectrum to Worldspace Satellite Radio for use by terrestrial fillers in Switzerland, although neither party's website has yet announced this. There is no frequency conflict with DAB, since the 12.5 MHz in question is already earmarked for satellite radio. However, there is obviously going to be competition for market share, especially in territories where DAB is not yet fully established. Moreover, SDR is not compatible with either DAB, DAB+ or DRM receivers. Worldspace Satellite Radio will use a new system, Satellite Digital Radio, which has recently been standardised in a series of ETSI specifications (TS 102 550 [2], TS 102 551-1 [3] and TS 102 551-2 [4]). Worldspace plans its first commercial roll-out in Italy in 2009. According to the Radio Nederland report, Worldspace expects to be awarded licences by four further national administrations in Europe this year. The new Worldspace services could actually encourage terrestrial broadcasters to proceed with DAB rollout, since none is likely to be willing to concede market share to the new system.

March 22nd 2008
Irish public-service broadcaster RTÉ has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12C, bringing to four the number of DAB transmitter sites in the Republic. Woodcock Hill extends coverage of DAB Ireland Mux1 to a large area of County Limerick around the city of Limerick. According to the Irish DAB website digitalradio.ie, coverage by population currently stands at 47%. The website hopes that this will rise to 79% by the end of 2009.

March 20th 2008
On NOW Cambridge, the Service Q103 (C5C0) has been relabelled Q103 has moved. A new Service has popped up. (C36A) is labelled Q103.

March 19th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has awarded the local DAB licence for Mid & West Wales to the sole applicant, MuxCo Wales Limited (Town & Country Broadcasting Ltd 70%, MuxCo Ltd 30%). The licence area covers two frequency planning allotments, but MuxCo proposes to broadcast to only one. The ensemble will operate on Block 12D, using two transmitters at Presely and Carmel from Q1 2010, and to add two more, at Fishguard and Llanelli within two years. MuxCo states it has not identified a commercially viable way of serving the other half of the licence area, Ceredigion and Powys (Block 10C) but will work with others during the licence term to identify ways of extending DAB into this area. MuxCo proposes to provide three local digital sound programme services, in addition to BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.
Radio Pembrokeshire (Town and Country Broadcasting Ltd)
Radio Carmarthenshire (Town and Country Broadcasting Ltd)
Wales Live (Town and Country Broadcasting Ltd)
March 15th 2008
In Israel, the Block 12A ensemble has ceased. A licensing process to operate a full public service is expected to begin sometime soon. It is most likely that the DAB+ standard will be specified.

March 14th 2008
The UK Competition Commission is to permit the proposed takeover of transmission provider National Grid Wireless Group (NGW) by Macquarie UK Broadcast Ventures Ltd. The deal amounts to a merger between NGW and the only other significant transmission provider in the UK, Arqiva, which is a subsidiary of Macquarie, and creates a monopoly in transmission provision in the UK. The Competition has specified a number of conditions which must be fulfilled if the deal is to proceed:
  • an immediate price discount of 17 per cent to all radio broadcast customers
  • an immediate price discount of 3.25 per cent to all analogue and low-power Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) customers
  • a price discount to high-power DTT customers worth £44 million through to 2020 and £72 million to 2032 (net present value)
  • renewals and new contracts to be based on the same prices and terms as existing contracts or determined on cost-oriented and fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRND) terms
  • an annual audit of digital switchover costs to ensure that costs are appropriately incurred, allocated and recorded; and
  • the appointment of an industry adjudicator to resolve disputes, in particular ensuring that new services are offered on cost-oriented and FRND terms
If agreement cannot be reached, the Competition Commission has announced it will order a substantial divestment of NGW business acquired through the takeover.

March 14th 2008
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM) has extended the licences of the two private-sector services Radio Galaxy and Rock Antenne until 31st December 2009. The services are broadcast on the Block 12D ensemble Bayern. The time limit has been stipulated on the grounds that in 2009 it is planned to licence new services as part of the promised relaunch of DAB in Germany.

March 11th 2008
The Austrian regulator KommAustria has awarded the operation of a nationwide DVB-H multiplex (Mux D) to Media Broadcast GmbH, a subsidiary of TDF Group. Media Broadcast plans a rapid rollout, intending to provide coverage in Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Klagenfurt in time for the UEFA Euro 2008 in June. 15 television services for reception on mobile devices and four radio services will be transmitted.

March 10th 2008
Has Canadian DAB entered the twilight, or the Twilight Zone? The Canadian regulator, the CRTC, has announced an extension to the licences of the currently operational DAB services to August 31st 2009. Included in the decision, however, are the services in Windsor which ceased quite some time ago. This is the second such extension to a non-existant ensemble. In announcing that the Windsor ensemble was being renewed last year, the CRTC stated that the criteria for renewal was that the multiplex should have been in operation by August 31st 2007. In actual fact, the ensemble ceased over a year before that date, and a CBC source confirmed to Wohnort that the transmitter had been dismantled, adding "We have no clue when we will put it back on the air." When asked why the CRTC was treating Windsor more favourably than other undertakings which were also not on the air, the CRTC responded "the above-noted undertakings had at one point commenced operations. The Commission was informed in writing of their respective implementation dates. It should be noted that each of these undertakings has fulfilled a principal licensing requirement (i.e. being in operation) and as such, have had their licences renewed". The key criteria appears to be, therefore, not whether an ensemble is operational, but whether it has ever been operational. However, the ensemble in Halifax meets that criteria, in having once been operational, but being non-operational currently, with no plans for it to resume broadcasting. Halifax is thus treated differently from the Windsor ensemble in not being renewed. The unfortunate services in Montreal, Toronto and Victoria, not to mention CHUM's subscription services, which never made it to the air at all, and therefore are currently not on air, are therefore unfavourably treated with respect to the services in Windsor which are also currently not on air.

March 9th 2008
The Swiss regulator BAKOM has awarded the operation of the second ensemble for German-speaking Switzerland to SwissMediaCast AG. According to the BAKOM statement, the ensemble will operate on Block 7D. According to the Swiss licensing process, SwissMediaCast AG will operate the ensemble. Eight private-sector radio services were awarded capacity on the multiplex last summer. Public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has been allocated capacity for two radio services, one of which currently uses capacity on the existing ensemble. SwissMediaCast AG is itself permitted to offer the remaining capacity. Services on the ensemble must use the DAB+ standard, though SRG/SSR has previously stated that its services would be broadcast in original-flavour DAB. SwissMediaCast AG must cover the conurbations of Basel, Bern and Zürich within one year, and 80% of households in German-speaking Switzerland by the end of February 2011.

March 5th 2008
Irish public-service broadcaster RTÉ has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12C. Cork extends coverage of the ensemble DAB Ireland Mux1 to the county of Cork in the south of the Republic.

March 5th 2008
UK TII table updated.

March 3rd 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12A. Le Locle extends coverage of the ensemble SRG SSR F01 to the area of Le Sagne und Le Locle. The new site under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

February 25th 2008
Two new ensembles have popped up in the Czech Republic. The transmissions are broadcasting the same multiplex in parallel on Blocks 12B and LG in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen). Two services are being broadcast in original-flavour DAB [Radio Wave (192 kbit/s) and the regional service ČRo Plzeň (192 kbit/s)] and four services in DAB+ [Radio Česko (40 kbit/s), ČRo Leonardo (56 kbit/s) and ČRo D-dur (64 kbit/s)].

February 23rd 2008
A new Service has popped up on NOW Cardiff&Npt. Xpress Radio is reported to be running at 64 kbit/s in Mono LSF.

February 22nd 2008
A new transmitter has been added to the Block 11D SFN in England and Wales, Digital1 Network. Olivers Mount extends coverage to Scarborough and the surrounding area on the Yorkshire coast.

February 22nd 2008
On DRg London, the Service SMASH HITS! has been relabelled Smash Hits!.

February 22nd (2)
The UK regulator Ofcom has received one application for the Mid and West Wales local DAB licence. MuxCo Wales Limited (Town & Country Broadcasting Ltd 70%, MuxCo Ltd 30%) proposes to provide three local digital sound programme services, in addition to BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.
Radio Pembrokeshire (Town and Country Broadcasting Ltd)
Radio Carmarthenshire (Town and Country Broadcasting Ltd)
Wales Live (Town and Country Broadcasting Ltd)
MuxCo also proposes to provide "a wide selection of podcasts provided by a range of companies". MuxCo proposes to serve only the Block 12D part of the licence area, using two transmitters at Presely and Carmel, and to add two more, at Fishguard and Llanelli within two years. MuxCo states it has not identified a commercially viable way of serving Ceredigion and Powys (Block 10C) but will work with others during the licence term to identify ways of extending DAB into this area. Ofcom expects to announce a decision within four months.

February 20th 2008
UK TII table updated.

February 20th 2008
GCap, the largest commercial radio company in the UK is to offer for sale two of its DAB radio services, theJazz and Planet Rock, and will sell off its stake in the national commercial ensemble Digital1 Network. In its announcement, GCap states that in its view "DAB is not an economically viable platform for the Company". In a clarifying statement issued Monday, Digital One announced that the two services should only cease if no buyer is found. However, GCap's own statement specifically talked of closure.

February 20th 2008
On UTV-EMAP Swansea, the Service Acen has ceased.

February 20th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has advertised the local digital licence for North Wales. Two frequencies will be used to cover the licence area, raising the possibility, technically at least, that two distinct ensembles could run. Block 10D will be used for the western part and Block 12D for the eastern part. Capacity is reserved for the two national BBC Wales services, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. The closing date for applications is May 21st 2008. Ofcom expects to announce a decision within four months of the closing date. In an appendix to the licence advertisement, Ofcom points out that the frequency corresponding to Block 10D is currently used by the Mount Leinster transmitter in the Republic of Ireland for analogue television. Consequently, Ofcom states, "it will be difficult to implement the 10D frequency over significant sections of the western part of the licence area until either Mount Leinster ceases operation, or June 2015, whichever is the earlier".

February 19th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has awarded the local digital licence for Lincolnshire to the sole applicant, MuxCo Lincolnshire Limited (Lincs FM Group Ltd 51%, MuxCo Ltd 49%). The ensemble will run on Block 10D (215.072 MHz). MuxCo proposes to broadcast seven audio services in addition to the local BBC radio service, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, using four transmitters (Belmont, Lincoln County Hospital, High Hunsley and Grantham) from July 2009.
Lincs FM 102.2 (Lincs FM Group Ltd)
Compass FM (Lincs FM Group Ltd)
Lincs Country (Lincs FM Group Ltd)
Easy Radio (Easy Radio Limited)
Shuffle (MuxCo Lincolnshire Ltd)
UCB UK (United Christian Broadcasters Ltd)
Traffic Radio (Highways Agency)
February 18th 2008
On the Block 6A ensemble Club DAB Italia, the Services Deejay, m20, RADICALE, RDS and Rin have ceased. The Service R Italia has been relabelled Radio Italia. The Service R Maria has been relabelled Radio Maria. The Service Capital has been relabelled Radio Capital. The Service Radio 24 has been relabelled R101.

February 18th 2008
The Block 12B ensemble DAB RAI has been relabelled RAI. The Services RAI MF1, RAI MF2, RAI MF3, RAI FD4 and RAI FD5 have been relabelled Radio Uno, Radio Due, Radio Tre, FD4 and FD5 respectively. The Service VISRADIO is reported to have ceased.

February 18th 2008
The Block 9D ensemble EuroDAB Italia has been relabelled Euro DAB Italia. The Service RADIO RADIO has been relabelled Radio Radio. The following services are being broadcast as DAB+, each at 48 kbit/s:- Radio Vaticana +, Radio Padania +, RTL 102.5 Classic +, Radio Deejay +, Virgin +, Radio radicale +, RDS + and Radio 24 +.

February 17th 2008
The UK regulator, Ofcom, has published details of a policy change which takes immediate effect following a recent consultation. In future, Ofcom will regulate whether a service will be in mono or in stereo, now believing it to be an essential characteristic of a programme service. A request by a multiplex operator to change a stereo service to mono will require approval from Ofcom. The regulator states that it will not normally approve such a change if it believes that it would unacceptably diminish the range and variety of services that they broadcast. Specifically, Ofcom states that it will not normally approve a request to change a stereo service to a mono service in order that the released capacity could be used for closed user group data services. Ofcom intends to review this policy after twelve months.

February 11th 2008
A new Service has popped up on Switch London. ZEE RADIO is reported to be running at 64 kbit/s in Mono.

February 11th 2008
A new transmitter has been added to the Block 11D SFN in England and Wales, Digital1 Network. Whitby extends coverage to Whitby and the surrounding area on the Yorkshire coast.

February 9th 2008
The media regulator in Bayern, the BLM, has awarded 116 CU capacity (equivalent to 160 kbit/s at Protection Level 3) on the Block LD local ensemble Ingolstadt to Radio Starlet Programm- und Werbegesellschaft mbH for its service Truck Radio. One of the terms of the award is an incentive to the broadcaser to switch to DAB+ transmission. If by May 1st 2011, the service is being broadcast in MPEG4 coding, a four-year extension to the licence will be granted.

February 6th 2008
The licensing process is rolling forward in Australia. In December, Commercial Radio Australia, representing over 98% of the country's commercial radio broadcasters, invited applications to participate in joint venture companies which will apply for DAB+ licences in, respectively, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. In January, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia issued a similar invitation to incumbent community broadcasters in the same cities to participate in representative companies. Those representative companies would then take a shareholding in the joint venture companies being formed by Commercial Radio Australia. The country's regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority issued an invitation to apply for multiplex licences in December. That invitation is expected to close some time in May, by which time the new consortia should be in position.

February 6th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter at Ins Schaltenrain. The new site broadcasts both the Block 12C ensemble for German-speaking Switzerland, SRG SSR D01, and the Block 12A ensemble for French-speaking Switzerland, SRG SSR F01, thereby extending coverage of both ensembles to an area including La Neuville, St. Blaise, Twann, Ins and Sugiez. The new site under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

February 6th 2008
EMAP Liverpool and UTV-Emap Stoke Snapshots updated.

February 2nd 2008
Off-topic: The Digital Television Group, whose members include virtually everyone whose anyone in UK broadcasting, transmission and consumer electronics retail - BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5, Arqiva, National Grid Wireless, Virgin Media, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Comet, Dixons, etcetera, etcetera - have published a response to Ofcom's consultation on the future of Digital Terrestrial Television which is critical of Ofcom's proposals (see November 21st). Among the DTG's concerns:-
  • Ofcom's proposals risk creating consumer confusion, cause potential purchasing delays, are likely to reduce picture quality for existing standard definition Freeview viewers, result in potentially inferior HD picture quality, and a very limited service offer.
  • Past British experience has been that previous rollouts with small numbers of services have failed:- BSB, ONdigital, BT Movio. History could repeat itself fourth time with HDTV under Ofcom's proposals.
  • Ofcom's proposals do not provide for a 5-channel HD simulcast of the main PSB services.
  • The proposed bitrate of 10 Mbps per HD service is too low. DTG says this is true whichever codec is used, MPEG 2 or MPEG 4.
  • The success of BBC HD and Sky's HD high bitrate services on the one hand and the slower uptake in Europe where bitrates are lower "confirms that the high bitrate produces success."
  • Ofcom's proposals are based on optimistic predictions of how new technologies (MPEG4, DVB-T2) will perform in reality.
  • High picture quality and sound are essential. Merely transmitting the requisite number of pixels and labelling them HD will not be sufficient.
  • Ofcom should make available additional spectrum for HDTV, particularly during switchover.
  • Ofcom's proposals preserve spectrum inefficiencies. There has been no serious consideration of using Single Frequency Networks.
  • Ofcom's proposals jeopardise the UK's lead in HDTV in Europe and predicts that if France proceeds with its roll-out as planned and Ofcom's proposals are implemented, France will overtake the UK in HD-enabled households by 2011.
  • The Beijing Olympics will be available to French terrestrial viewers in HD this year. Widespread UK access to HDTV coverage of the London Olympics in 2012 would be doubtful if DVB-T2 HDTV were to be significantly delayed.
The DTG Response in full..

February 2nd 2008
In Germany, the Block LH ensemble Wuerzburg is reported to have ceased.

February 1st 2008
Daytime Digital1 Network Snapshot updated.

February 1st 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service two transmitters in the Jura. Sonceboz extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 to Sonceboz-Sombeval and Corgémont. Mont Graitery extends coverage to Moutier and the surrounding area. The new transmitters are under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

February 1st 2008
On Digital1 Network, the service Oneword has been relabelled Birdsong.

February 1st 2008
On Digital1 Network, the DAB-IP services C4, E4, ITN News and ITV 1, formerly marketed as BT Movio, have ceased. Snapshot updated.

January 28th 2008
Denmark TII table updated.

January 28th 2008
The DAB transmission provider in the Italian province of Südtirol (Alto Adige), RAS, has added a new transmitter site to its Blocks 12A and 12D networks. Grüdnerjoch improves coverage of the ensembles RAIRASDAB12A and RASDAB12D in the Gröden and Gaden valleys, including St. Christina, Wolkenstein, Kolfuschg and Corvara.

January 28th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter in Canton Fribourg. Cordast extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR F01 to an area including Gurmels, Bösingen and Düdingen. The new transmitter is under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

January 25th 2008
    Wohnort comments: Just when one had begun to believe that perhaps the Mainz Declaration of public-service broadcasters, commercial broadcasters, media regulators, federal government and spectrum regulators might mean that FINALLY a consensus had been reached on the future development of DAB in Germany, along comes the KEF U-boat and fires its torpedoes at the stricken digital radio ship. The KEF is the body which distributes the proceeds of the licence fee among the public-service broadcasters. Presuming to make technological decisions on behalf of the Bund (federation) and make media policy for the Länder, the KEF has proposed to cut the funding for DAB. Furthermore, the KEF proposes to cut the financing for the migration of DVB-T out of VHF into UHF that would have cleared spectrum ready for multiple DAB ensembles with nationwide, regional and local coverage. In utterances at best illinformed, and at worst misleading, the KEF declares for example that radio receivers for DAB+ are only available in limited numbers and that it is not to be expected that notable manufacturers will bring forward such receivers specially for the German market. In fact, while it is true that it is early days yet so far as volume production is concerned, a number of manufacturers have committed themselves to producing DAB+ receivers for the world market, and Germany would have been far from alone in adopting DAB+. Needless to say, the photocopiers have been humming in the press offices of the public-service and commercial broadcasters, the regional media regulators and the marketing offices, every one of whom more or less now has a position vis-a-vis the KEF decision. For anyone really wishing to follow the polemic in full, the German DAB websites are full of it. Wohnort will merely report any actual concrete developments on the airwaves, if and when they happen.
January 24th 2008
In Denmark, 17 audio services are currently broadcast across two ensembles, some of them time-sharing. Danmarks Radio has launched two new Services, DR COCO and DR MPG, replacing DR P2 PLUS and DR Barracuda.

January 24th 2008
The world's most northerly DAB transmitters? Norwegian DAB coverage was extended in December to include the towns of Bodø, Harstad, Narvik, Mo i Rana, Alta, Hammerfest and Vadsø. In addition to the national programmes, listeners in the new reception area can now hear the programmes of all three of public-service broadcaster NRK's northernmost regional radio services. During 2008, coverage improvements are planned in Oslo and Akershus and an extension of DAB coverage into the county of Sogn og Fjordane.

January 24th 2008
As evidence of continued measurable progress in Swedish DAB, a new antenna was recently installed at the Nacka transmitter site, allowing a doubling of the radiated power and improving reception in Stockholm. Transmitter upgrades have also taken place in Malmö, improving coverage of the city centre. Faced with limited budgets with which to develop DAB, SR has concentrated on content to make DAB an attractive proposition, while confining coverage to the major conurbations of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. According to Swedish Radio, seven audio services are currently broadcast on the Block 12B ensemble SR RIKS DAB: SR Atlas, SR Bubbel, SR Klassiskt, SR Minnen, SR P1, P7 Sisuradio and P3 Star.

January 24th 2008
The French regulator, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel, has authorised T-DMB multiplex operator Towercast to increase the power of its Block 9A transmissions in Paris from the Porte de Bagnolet and Porte Maillot sites.

January 24th 2008
The French regulator, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel, has authorised test transmissions using DRM in the medium-wave (MF) band from Saint-Gouéno (Côtes-d'Armor). The tests are authorised to run until the end of April 2008.

January 24th 2008
In the Netherlands, test transmissions using a digital radio system for the FM band, FMeXtra, are reported to have resumed on the frequencies of Q Music, Radio 538 and Sky Radio.

January 24th 2008
And now some information for any listeners who have been reading the Channel 4 Radio website and may be wondering what the outcome of Channel 4's bid for the second national DAB multiplex may be when Ofcom "make their decision in July". They won. Ofcom made their decision in July 2007!.

January 24th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has received one application for the local DAB licence for Lincolnshire. The ensemble will run on Block 10D (215.072 MHz). MuxCo Lincolnshire Limited (Lincs FM Group Ltd 51%, MuxCo Ltd 49%) proposes to broadcast seven audio services in addition to the local BBC radio service, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, using four transmitters from July 2009.
Lincs FM 102.2 (Lincs FM Group Ltd)
Compass FM (Lincs FM Group Ltd)
Lincs Country (Lincs FM Group Ltd)
Easy Radio (Easy Radio Limited)
Shuffle (MuxCo Lincolnshire Ltd)
UCB UK (United Christian Broadcasters Ltd)
Traffic Radio (Highways Agency)
Ofcom expects to announce a decision within four months.

January 24th 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has advertised the local DAB licence for Somerset. The ensemble will run on Block 10D (215.072 MHz). Capacity is reserved for the local BBC radio service, BBC Somerset. Closing date for applications is April 23rd 2008. Ofcom expects to announce a decision within four months of the closing date.

January 24th 2008
Switch London Snapshot updated.

January 22nd 2008
The UK regulator Ofcom has awarded the local DAB licence for Gloucestershire to MuxCo Gloucestershire Limited (UKRD Group Limited 25%, Murfin Media Limited 25%, Town & Country Broadcasting Limited 25%, MuxCo Limited 25%). The ensemble will run on Block 10C (213.360 MHz). MuxCo Gloucs proposes to begin broadcasting with 10 audio services simultaneously with the launch of the local ensemble for Hereford & Worcester (September 2008), but in any case no later than October 31st 2008 (with an eleventh service to follow within nine months). MuxCo Gloucs proposes to use four transmitters: Churchdown Hill, Stroud, Blunsdon and Icomb Hill.

January 21st 2008
On Switch London, the Services Heart and Virgin Xtreme are reported to be running at the lower bitrate of 128 kbit/s, without accompanying MOT slideshow.

January 19th 2008
On the Block 12A/5C ensemble Sachsen K12A, the Service RADIJOJO! is reported to have ceased.

January 18th 2008
CE London listing corrected. At some point last year, the SId of Traffic Radio changed to (C5D1).

January 17th 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter in Canton Ticino (Tessin). Gresso extends coverage of the Block 12A ensemble SRG SSR I01 to the Val di Vergeletto. The new transmitter is under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.

January 16th 2008
The Block LE ensemble Berlin/BRBG LE has ceased. One of the services it broadcast, Voice of Russia, is reported to have migrated to the Block 12D ensemble Berlin/BRBG 12.

January 16th 2008
On the Block LE ensemble Ingolstadt, the Service Radio Riverside is reported to have ceased.

January 15th 2008
A new Service is reported to have popped up on UTV-Emap Stoke. Traffic Radio is reported to be running at 48 kbit/s, probably Mono LSF.

January 15th 2008
On the Block 12A ensemble DRN Nieders., the Service Deutschlandfunk is reported to be running at the increased bitrate of 192 kbit/s.

January 15th 2008
A number of new Services have been observed recently on the second Danish ensemble DR DAB2. TV2 Radio is reported to be running at 192 kbit/s (probably in Joint Stereo). Radio 100 Soft is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s (probably in Joint Stereo). DR Oline is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s (probably in Joint Stereo). DR P2 Plus is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s (probably in Joint Stereo). The service DR Politik was reported to be running at 32 kbit/s.

January 15th 2008
Transmissions using the digital radio system FMeXtra are reported to be taking place in the Netherlands on the 105.3 MHz frequency on Delta FM.

January 14th 2008
Snapshot of the Block 12C Nordrhein-Westfalen ensemble NRW K12 updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service EinsLive has been relabelled 1Live and the Service EINS LIVE diggi has been relabelled 1Live diggi. The data service (E0D01005), formerly labelled TPEG-PDATest, is now labelled WDR-INFO. The data service (E0D01006), formerly labelled WDR-INFO, is now labelled TEC-Test.

January 14th 2008
Snapshot added of the DMB ensemble in Nordrhein-Westfalen, WDR-DMB.

January 14th 2008
UTV-EMAP W.YORKS Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the SId of Traffic Radio has changed from (C2D1) to (C3D1).

January 14th 2008
Recent Snapshot added of the Block LC experimental London ensemble Arqiva Test Dev. Note that this L-band ensemble was observed to be using Transmission Mode I, optimised for Band III.

January 14th 2008
EMAP Leeds, EMAP Humberside, EMAP Teesside and EMAP T&W Snapshots updated.

January 14th 2008
China listing updated with two DMB ensembles on Blocks 5B and 5C seen in Shenzhen, SZ-TV 1 and SZ-TV 2.

January 12th 2008
On Digital1 Network, the Service Core (C3C0) has been relabelled BFBS Radio and is running at the increased bitrate of 112 kbit/s in Joint Stereo. Overnight Snapshot updated.

January 11th 2008
A test transmission popped up briefly on NOW Cardiff&Npt today. Test Cardiff was reported to be running at 64 kbit/s in Mono LSF. The Service has since ceased.

January 11th 2008
A new Service has popped up on EMAP Liverpool. CityTalk is running at 64 kbit/s in Mono with the PTy "Phone In".

January 11th 2008
DRG London Snapshots updated. Since the last Snapshots were taken, a new Service has popped up. Rainbow Radio is running at 64 kbit/s in Mono LSF.

January 11th 2008
Snapshot added of the Murcia ensemble MURCIA DIGITAL.

January 11th 2008
NOW S. Hampshire Snapshot updated.

January 11th 2008
EMAP Liverpool Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service Gold has been relabelled Gold - Liverpool and has resumed using the SId C7D3, which it had during dual-running with Classic Gold and ceased using the former Classic Gold SId CFC4.

January 10th 2008
Snapshot updated of the Block 12C ensemble for the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled SRG SSR D01. The Service DRS MUSIGWAELLE has been relabelled DRS MUSIKWELLE.

January 10th 2008
Score N.IRELAND Snapshot updated.

January 9th 2008
The ensemble of the Turkish public-service broadcaster TRT has not been received recently in either Istanbul or Ankara and is assumed to have ceased.

January 9th 2008
On NOW W. Wiltshire, NOW Bournemouth, NOW Bristol, NOW Cardiff&Npt, NOW Kent, NOW Berks&Hants, NOW Essex, NOW Sussex Coast and NOW Swindon, the Service FUN radio kids is reported to have ceased. The service is reported continuing on DRg London.

January 7th 2008
The German public-service broadcaster MDR is conducting DMB tests in the greater Leipzig area on Block 11A. The pilot project is expected to last one year. The ensemble is reported to be broadcasting 3 television services and two radio services.

January 3rd 2008
On the Blocks 12A and 5C ensemble Sachsen K12A, the Service 89.0 RTL digital is reported to have fallen silent and is expected to cease shortly.

January 3rd 2008
On Digital1 Network, the Service theJazz is running at the increased bitrate of 128 kbit/s in Joint Stereo.

January 2nd 2008
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has brought into service a new transmitter on Block 12A. La Chaux-de-Fonds extends coverage of SRG SSR F01 to La Chaux-de-Fonds as well as Saint-Imier, Renan, Les Bois, Sonvilier and La Ferrière. The new transmitter is under test at the moment and as such liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects before entering official public service in about four weeks time.


Stories from 2018
Stories from 2017
Stories from 2016
Stories from 2015
Stories from 2014
Stories from 2013
Stories from 2012
Stories from 2011
Stories from 2010
Stories from 2009
Stories from 2008
Stories from 2007
Stories from 2006
Stories from 2005
Stories from 2004
Stories from 2003
Stories from 2002
Stories from 2001
Stories from 2000





Please send updates and corrections.


carey@wohnort.org


© 2016 wohnort media


Usual Banner Photo: NASA


Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional