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| DAB
("original flavour") |
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| DAB+ |
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| Radio Numérique Terrestre - DMB-Radio |
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| DMB TV |
Free PURE
DAB+ upgrade
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.
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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!
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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.
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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)
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Search for DAB offers:
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Remember to select FREE DELIVERY to reduce your costs still further.
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| Pan-European Specification |
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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.
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| Band III |
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| L-band |
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DMB-TH |
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IBOC
(aka HD Radio) |
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ISDB-T |
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Ensemble Label
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3 Stereo |
 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 + | | | IV | TII |
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Archives 2004
December 24th 2004
In Canada, the great waiting game continues. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commissions has granted CHUM another extension to the time limit by which its DAB services in Ottawa were to be on air. The latest extension, which relates to the services CFRA, CKKL, CJMJ-FM and CFGO, runs until the end of August 2005. Similar extensions have been granted to Standard Radio Inc. in Ottawa for CKQB-FM and to Cogeco Diffusion Inc in Montreal and Laval for CFGL-FM. The CRTC is currently deliberating three proposals for subscription digital radio which involve satellite delivery, satellite delivery with terrestrial assistance and a third, terrestrial proposal using T-DAB. It is unlikely there'll be any new DAB developments in Canada until the outcome of this process is known.
December 23rd 2004
RAS, the DAB network operator in Südtirol (Alto Adige), has brought into service two new transmitters on Block 12D. Mut and Freienfeld are transmitting the ensemble RAS-DAB 12D.
December 23rd 2004
MXR North East listing corrected. MXR Yorkshire Snapshot updated.
December 23rd 2004
In Rheinland-Pfalz, the Service Cont.Ra, previously on the L-band ensemble Regio Rheinl-Pf., is reported to have popped up on the Band III ensemble Rheinland-Pfalz, running at 64 kbit/s. The bitrates of SWR 2 and DASDING are reported to have been reduced, respectively from 192 to 160 and from 160 to 128 kbit/s.
December 22nd (2)
DAB transmissions have begun in Andorra on Block 12C. According to the World DAB Forum's December Newsletter, two services are being broadcast - Andorra Müsica and RNA. Coverage is reported to be 100% of the territory.
December 21st 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its national DAB expansion programme. Carmel brings DAB to Carmarthenshire, including Llandeilo, Ammanford, Pontyberen, Llandybie, Glanaman, Pontyates, Gorslas, Cross Hands and Penygroes.
December 21st 2004
A new Service is reported to have popped up on NOW Bristol. TestTransmission is reported to be running at 96 kbit/s in Mono.
December 21st 2004
In Baden-Württemberg, the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation has awarded capacity on the Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg and Ulm local L-band ensembles to WILANTIS. The speech-based service of science, reasearch and technology information, combined with half-hourly news is already broadcasting 88.6 MHz in Stuttgart.
December 21st 2004
In Baden-Württemberg, the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation has awarded capacity on the Mannheim and Freiburg local L-band ensembles to Radyo Metropol FM. The Turkish-language service is already broadcasting on the ensembles in Karlsruhe, Stuttgart and Ulm. The LfK has also awarded Radyo Metropol FM the FM frequency 95.4 MHz in Stuttgart "so that listeners can be better informed about the digital distribution of the service."
December 21st 2004
Australia has inched another small step towards the full-scale introduction of DAB. The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts has announced a consultation process for the development of a policy and regulatory framework for the introduction of digital radio. The Government expects to be in a position to elaborate on the framework within 12 months. The Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority are to conduct a study on the availability of VHF and L-Band spectrum, in particular on a hybrid VHF/L-Band model for spectrum planning, which would involve the latter band being used for infill or town-only purposes and L-Band propagation and building penetration characteristics and transmission site requirements. The government sees a particular problem with Band III in the need to co-exist with existing television transmissions and feels the need to co-site with television transmitters makes Band III SFNs impractical. The government notes criticisms of L-band performance but feels these deficiencies could be overcome with higher transmission powers and more sites. The government accepts that the industry would prefer to operate from fewer towers. [Wohnort adds that economics are the key to this conundrum.] The government proposes a moratorium on new entrants to the digital radio market which would last five years and commence once technology and spectrum issues are resolved and a timetable for roll out of digital services determined. Commercial Radio, which is involved in joint digital radio trials in Sydney, welcomes the government announcement but criticised the five year moratorium as not being long enough.
December 19th (2)
TWG-EMAP W.YORKS Snapshot updated and corrected. NOW Nottingham Snapshot updated.
December 19th 2004
EMAP Teesside, EMAP T&W, MXR North East and MXR West Midlands Snapshots updated.
December 17th 2004
The Bayerischer Landesmedienanstalt has published details of Germany's proposals for DAB to be submitted to the RRC'06 frequency planning conference. Currently, Germany's coverage is based on a Band III layer for each of the Länder plus second and third layers at local level provided in L-band. The existing Band III "first layer" coverage would be retained. The paper gives details of proposals for a new second layer of coverage in Band III, based on the Länder boundaries, and how it is proposed to move the existing local ensembles from their current L-band assignments into new "third layer" assignments in Band III. The L-band frequency assignments from the Wiesbaden and Maastricht agreements would be retained, however, for future use as eventual fourth and fifth layers. The report states that DVB-T or DVB-H networks would not be suitable systems to form the basis of digital radio in Germany. It cites also the ARD and ZDF preference for DAB for radio broadcasting over other systems. The paper proposes, quoting Switzerland and the UK as examples, that improvements in coding technologies make possible an increase in the number of services which could be carried on each ensemble. Mehr auf Deutsch...
December 16th 2004
Listing of the Belgian ensemble RTBF DAB Radio updated.
December 16th 2004
A new Service has popped up on TWG-EMAP W.YORKS. Masti is reported to be running at 64 kbit/s. The Service SUNRISE RADIO has dropped to 64 kbit/s Mono.
December 16th 2004
Switch Aberdeen and Score DUNDEE Snapshots updated. Since the last Score DUNDEE Snapshot was taken, the Service Storm has been relabelled The Storm
December 15th 2004
The Direktorenkonferenz der Landesmedienanstalten, a grouping of all the German Landesmedienanstalten, including MABB, has confirmed its backing for DAB and called for a national approach to the development of digital radio. It has called upon its Technical Committee (TKLM) to study the strengths and weaknesses of each available transmission system to report back by February 2005. The TKLM has already gone on record to declare the DAB (Eureka 147) system "state of the art" and ideally suited to delivery of digital radio. The TKLM said that the stagnation of digital radio in Germany resulted from unsatisfactory transmission powers which gave rise to poor indoor reception and from the lack of a national strategy for DAB rather than any technical failings inherent in the system itself. The DLM proposes co-operation between the Landesmedienanstalten in the awarding of capacity and raises the possibility of giving national coverage to new audio services. A coordinated round of allocations is due to take place in the New Year. The DLM is to establish a German proposal to be negotiated at the RRC'06 frequency planning conference.
December 15th 2004
Ofcom, the UK broadcasting and telecommunications regulator, has published its vision for the future of digital radio in a submission to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport as part of its obligation to report on the progress and future prospects for digital radio. Ofcom proposes:-
- Four or five blocks of additional Band III spectrum, Blocks 10A - 11A, should be released for DAB, subject to international agreement at the RRC due to report in May 2006. Three of these would be used to complete the pattern of local multiplexes across the country. One or two additional blocks would be used for new national multiplexes.
- An increase in the amount of capacity (currently 20%) of a multiplex which may be used for non-programme-related data.
- Abandoning hardline minimum bitrate requirements for audio services in place of what Ofcom describes as "a system of co-regulation to define audio quality standards which meet audience expectation".
Ofcom reveals that work to clear the proposed Blocks of other users has already begun and has issued a notice to current licensees to alert them to impending changes.
Ofcom has launched a consultation process with a closing date for submissions of March 7th 2005.
The consultation document includes a list of areas where Ofcom proposes new local multiplexes but warns that this list may change. The list includes areas already allocated frequencies from the existing seven UK Blocks but which have not yet been licensed. Ofcom proposes to publish an initial timetable in Spring 2005.
The consultation document reveals that preliminary UK trials of DVB-H are scheduled to take place in 2005. Ofcom's view is that spectrum suitable for DVB-H would not become available until after analogue TV switch-off. It points out that none of the respondents to an earlier consultation process on the future use of Band III spectrum proposed any other system than DAB (Eureka 147). More...
December 15th 2004
The Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt has advertised capacity on the local L-band ensembles in Halle and Magdeburg. 116 CU are available, which at Protection Level 3 would correspond to an audio service at 160 kbit/s. Applications must be submitted by mid-January.
December 15th 2004
On DRg London, the Service Virgin Cl. Rock has been relabelled Virgin ClassRock.
December 13th 2004
The BBC has published its vision for the future of digital radio in a submission to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the goverment's review of digital radio. The BBC proposes:-
- Digital provision should match analogue before switch-off is contemplated.
- A joint industry plan for migration and the use of spectrum be adopted.
- Up to five blocks of additional Band III spectrum, Blocks 10A - 11A, should be released for DAB to be used by the entire industry. The submission reveals that the UK bid at the RRC are in the range 209.2 to 215.2 MHz. The BBC proposes that the next phase of DAB expansion be in Band III rather than L-band.
- BBC and commercial services not currently on DAB should migrate.
The submission reveals that the BBC has devised an outline spectrum plan that would "deliver enhancements to all tiers of digital radio provision", including an enhancement of audio quality on UK-wide multiplexes.
The submission calls on the UK government to take the lead in advocating DAB in dealings with other countries. The BBC declares itself to be fully behind the Eureka 147 standard, which it describes in the submission as "entirely suited to the delivery of radio in the 21st century". More...
December 13th 2004
Switch London Snapshot updated.
December 10th 2004
On Switch London, the Service Travel Now is reported to have ceased.
December 9th 2004
The second national ensemble for Denmark has popped up. In Jutland the ensemble operates on Block 13B. In Fyn and Sjælland the transmissions are on Block 11C. Some of the Block 11C transmitters are operating on reduced power currently. Full power for those sites is anticipated in the first half of 2005. The fact of the transmissions on Block 13B (not used currently in Germany for DAB) and some very favourable tropospheric reception conditions led to the first reception report to be seen by this site coming from Niedersachsen!
December 9th 2004
The test service Test silence running on Digital1 Network has ceased. Judging by the reception reports received by this site, either the Service ran in a number of configurations, or different receivers reacted differently to the tests... or both.
December 8th 2004
Commercial Radio Australia has announced that a power increase for the three experimental ensembles in Sydney has been approved and should take place in January.
December 7th 2004
The test service Test silence has popped up again on Digital1 Network, running at 128 kbit/s Joint Stereo at Protection Level 2.
December 6th 2004
In Hessen, the L-band ensemble in Frankfurt am Main, LG FRANKFURT.M, has ceased. Its only Service, harmony.fm, has popped up on the Block 12C ensemble BAND III HESSEN. A new Service has popped up on the same ensemble. Planet Radio is running at 160 kbit/s. The Service HIT RADIO FFH is reported to have ceased.
December 4th 2004
In the Netherlands, the new transmitter at Arnhem has been brought into service after many delays. The coverage map on the Nozema website has been updated.
December 3rd 2004
In Hong Kong, the Block 11B ensemble RTHK has been relabelled DABHK. The Service DAB ONLY has been relabelled RTHK R5 IN DAB. Snapshot updated.
December 3rd (2)
In Berlin, the relay of the UK multiplex Digital1 Network has popped up on Block LA, previously used to relay BBC National DAB. The Digital Radio website for Berlin/Brandenburg reports that the relay of BBC National DAB has ceased "for legal reasons".
December 3nd 2004
UK TII table updated.
December 3nd 2004
On Berlin/BRBG 12, the Service BB Radio L-Welle is reported to have ceased.
December 3nd 2004
On the Block 12B ensemble DAB Baden-Wuert., the bitrates of the SWR services are reported to have been reduced. SWR 1, SWR 2, SWR 3 and DASDING are running at 128 kbit/s and Cont.Ra at 48 kbit/s.
December 3nd 2004
The Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt has advertised capacity on two medium-wave frequencies, 531 kHz and 1575 kHz from the site at Burg. The successful applicant may choose whether to broadcast analogue or DRM up until January 1st 2010 but after that date all transmissions must be in DRM. The MSA has announced it will give preference to applicants that undertake to broadcast DRM earlier than that. Applications must be submitted by mid-December.
December 2nd 2004
In Norway, new transmitters have been brought into service extending DAB coverage to the cities Kristiansand, Stavanger and Tromsø. A new Service has popped up on the national ensemble. Alltid Folkemusikk broadcasts national folk music and has been conceived for broadcast on DAB. A new website has been launched which includes a coverage map.
December 2nd 2004
The World DAB Forum, the international non-governmental body coordinating the roll-out of DAB and DRM has issued a robust condemnation of the recent announcement by the Medienanstalt Berlin Brandenburg that it wishes to abandon DAB. Using words like "extraordinary" and "dangerous", the statement draws on quotes from DAB players around Europe to illustrate what the Forum describes as MABB's isolation from the rest of Europe. Full Statement...
November 30th 2004
The Block LI ensemble in Berlin, which was broadcasting the UK multiplex Digital1 Network, is reported to have ceased.
November 30th 2004
The German magazine Radiowoche reports that the public-service broadcaster Czech Radio is proposing to develop three new radio services which would be transmitted on DAB. The three would be, respectively, an all-news service, a classical music service taking advantage of EBU membership to broadcast live concert relays and a third service catering for musical styles not currently offered by commercial pop music broadcasters.
November 30th 2004
The Niedersächsischen Landesmedienanstalt has received one application for the available capacity on the Niedersachsen ensemble. Radio Starlet Programm - und Werbegesellschaft mbH proposes to broadcast its Country & Western service TruckRadio.
November 30th 2004
A new Service, Acen, is reported to have popped up on TWG-EMAP Swansea .
November 30th 2004
The service date of the DAB transmitter in the Dutch city of Arnhem has been further delayed. Nozema reports a new service date of December 2nd.
November 30th 2004
The Medienanstalt Berlin Brandenburg has proposed that the present DAB model be abandoned. Its paper discusses a number of alternatives, including DVB-H, DMB and DRM. At the same time, the Initiative Marketing Digital Radio has criticised the manner in which certain Bundesländer are dealing with the introduction of digital radio, particularly the fact that each Land is trying to develop its own policy in isolation from developments elsewhere. Reacting to the announcement by MABB, made, according to IMDR, without the agreement of the affected broadcasters or manufacturers, the IMDR says these isolated and unilateral utterances are having the effect of destabilising industry confidence in other parts of Germany. IMDR proposes a nationwide approach to the digitisation of radio. MABB und IMDR auf deutsch...
November 22nd 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has granted Milestone Radio Inc. an extension to the time limit by which their service CFXJ-FM Toronto was supposed to be broadcasting on DAB. This service was authorised in August 2002 to broadcast on Block L2 (1454.56 MHz). The extension runs to the end of August 2005.
November 22nd 2004
A new Service has popped up on NOW Nottingham. Saga 106.6 FM is running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.
November 19th 2004
Südwestrundfunk, the public-service broadcaster in southwest Germany, is to cease its transmission on DAB of the regional service SWR 4 from the 1st January 2005. Describing it as a partial withdrawl from DAB on the part of SWR, Frank Scherer, stellvertretender Präsident of the Landesmedienanstalt LFK, also announced that SWR intended to cease as well its transmission on DAB of the services DasDing and Cont.Ra - services originally devised specifically for DAB but which subsequently obtained additional analogue frequencies. In his speech, delivered at the opening of Metropol FM on DAB last month, Herr Scherer drew critical comparison between the millions being spent on the digitisation of the terrestrial television transmission network, used by only 10% of Germans, with the little interest being shown in the digitisation of terrestrial radio, used by 95%. Herr Scherer also criticised other Landesmedienanstalten in Germany for taking the attitude that "it would be no catastrophe if radio were to remain analogue". His view and that of his Landesmedienanstalt, on the other hand, is that "the future is digital, and also for radio". (Wohnort notes that the announcements by SWR have been made against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations about the licence fee settlement in Germany, and that the public-service broadcasters currently receive a supplement to the licence fee which is intended to finance the introduction of DAB, and which seems to go to them whether they actually broadcast on DAB or not.)
November 18th 2004
NOWNorwich Snapshot updated.
November 18th 2004
The test service Test silence, which has been running on Digital1 Network, has ceased.
November 17th 2004
Snapshot of NOW Cambridge added. Snapshot of ntl: Cambridge updated.
November 17th 2004
On Digital1 Network, the Service ntl-data has ceased. A new Audio Service has popped up. Test silence was running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo when observed and broadcasting.... silence. Snapshot updated.
November 15th 2004
In Berlin, the Services BB Radio reg and TwenFM have ceased on the Block LI ensemble and popped up on the Block LE ensemble BERLIN/BRBG LE. The Block LI frequency is now carrying the UK multiplex Digital1 Network. Simultaneously, the Block LA frequency continues to broadcast the UK multiplex BBC National DAB. At the present time in the capital city, English-language services from the UK outnumber native German-language services on DAB.
November 11th 2004
Israel listing updated.
November 11th 2004
Switch London Snapshot updated.
November 11th 2004
NOW Nottingham Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Service Century 106 has been relabelled 106 Century FM.
November 9th 2004
Listing of the CBC ensemble in Toronto updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble is reported to have been relabelled CBC DAB.
November 9th 2004
The Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien has advertised capacity on the L-band local ensemble in Nürnberg. The ensemble operates on Block LC. The available capacity amounts to a Service at 160 kbit/s using Protection Level 3. The capacity is currently being used Thursdays between 21:00 and 23:00 to broadcast religious programming. Only applications ready to include this programme in its transmissions will be considered. The closing date for applications is December 3rd.
November 9th 2004
Snapshot of the London L-band experimental ensemble updated. Since the last observations, the ensemble has been relabelled ntl: Expt-London.
November 4th 2004
MXR North West Snapshot updated.
November 4th 2004
Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Windsor Snapshots updated.
November 4th 2004
Monaco listing added.
November 4th 2004
NOW Peterborough has popped back up following the collapse of the Peterborough transmitter on the evening of October 30th. As this is a temporary solution, the coverage for the time being is most unlikely to match that from the original mast.
November 2nd/3rd 2004
On the Block 12D ensemble NRW K12, a Secondary Component has popped up tonight behind the Service Funkhaus Europa. WDR Wahl is carrying US Presidential election coverage from American broadcaster National Public
Radio overnight and then relaying WDR 5's "Morgenecho".
November 1st 2004
On NOWBournemouth, NOW Bristol, NOW S&C and NOWSwindon, the Service Saga Radio has ceased.
October 31st 2004
The Peterborough transmitter mast caught fire on the evening of October 30th and collapsed onto transmitter buildings and adjacent fields. The site was a major transmitter in the national FM network and broadcast DAB signals from BBC National DAB, Digital1 Network and NOW Peterborough. The latter multiplex is off the air completely, as the other transmitter in the SFN, Huntingdon (Hinchingbrooke Hospital), was fed by microwave link from Peterborough.
October 30th 2004
Nozema, the Dutch transmission provider, has brought into service a new transmitter on the Block 12C ensemble Publieke Omroep. The new transmitter at the IJ site replaces one operating previously at the RAI exhibition and conference centre. The new transmitter is running currently at 500w but is expected to be increased soon to 2kw. A planned transmitter for Arnhem is understood to have been delayed until mid-November.
October 30th 2004
On the Vancouver ensemble CORUS Radio, the Service CKNW DEMO is reported to have ceased.
October 26th 2004
Vancouver Snapshots updated. On CHANNEL8, the Service Jack FM has been relabelled 97KISS since the last observations. CLEAR FM has been relabelled XFM. The Services on the Block L5 ensemble CBC/SRC were running at the reduced Protection Level 3. There are SId clashes between all the Services on Block L5 on the one hand and all the Services on Block L8 on the other!
October 25th 2004
The website of the Swiss public service broadcaster SRG/SSR reports that the disruption to the service RSR-1ERE on SRG SSR - DRS in the German-language region has been overcome. This was the only service on the ensemble to suffer from the interference, and the problem manifested itself only on receivers from, among others, Pure, Pioneer and TechniSat that used a particular chipset. The precise cause of the disruption is still being investigated.
October 25th 2004
Metropol FM has popped up on the local L-band ensembles in Karlsruhe, Stuttgart and Ulm. The Turkish-language broadcaster has been broadcasting in analogue form in Berlin since 1999 and in Ludwigshafen since 2001.
October 23rd 2004
UK TII table updated.
October 23rd 2004
A new ensemble has popped up in Italy. C.R.DAB is broadcasting on Block 8C and carries five audio services. KISSKISS, *R-ZETA*, ANNI60, DISCORADIO and REPORTER are each reported to be running at 224 kbit/s in stereo.
October 23rd 2004
The two test Services on VDL Paris, Audio Test 2 and Audio Test 3 are reported to have ceased.
October 23rd 2004
The two ensembles for the split local franchise of Cornwall and Plymouth are reported to have popped up on Blocks 11B and 12A respectively. On Block 11B, five services are reported to be running at 128 kbit/s. These are test transmissions and as such are liable to interruption, periods of reduced power and other odd effects. According to Now Digital, the official service date of these ensembles will be October 31st.
October 16th 2004
Two new Services are reported to have popped up on VDL Paris. Audio Test 2 and Audio Test 3 are each reported to be running at 192 kbit.s in Stereo.
October 12th 2004
The Niedersächsischen Landesmedienanstalt has advertised capacity on the Block 12A ensemble DRN Nieders.. The capacity will become available following the decision by Klassik Digital Nord not to continue broadcasting following the removal of transmission subsidies. Closing date for applications is November 8th, 12:00.
October 12th 2004
In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Block L11 ensemble DAB Halifax has ceased.
October 11th 2004
In Vancouver, the ensemble DAB DEMO 1 continues to be off the air. The ensemble broadcast the services CFUN, CHUM RADIO and QM-FM and was last observed on Block L4 in February. It was understood to have gone off the air for technical reasons. At the time it was thought likely that the ensemble would reappear on Block L7. Currently, three ensembles are broadcasting in Vancouver.
October 10th 2004
On MXR North East, MXR North West, MXR West & Wales, MXR WestMidlands and MXR Yorkshire, the Service Urban Choice is reported to have been relabelled Choice.
October 5th 2004
ALDI is the latest supermarket chain in the UK to stock DAB radios on its shelves. A mains/battery-operated Band III radio from Tevion is on sale for £'59.99. More...
October 4th 2004
A new Service is reported to have popped up on NOWNorwich. Zeta is reported to be running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo. The Service Passion is reported to have ceased.
September 30th 2004
On the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep, the bitrate of the Service Concertzender has increased from 128 to 192 kbit/s.
September 30th 2004
A new Service has popped up on the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep. Luistertest is a speech loop with news and a message that the service is a test and that for the real news you should listen to Radio 1.
September 29th 2004
Capital Radio and GWR have agreed to merge, it has been announced today, creating one of the UK's biggest commercial radio companies. GWR is behind Digital1 Network, the UK national commercial ensemble, and the local ensembles of Now Digital. GWR has a large stake in the London local ensemble DRg London. Capital has four local ensembles, in Cardiff/Newport, South Hants, Sussex Coast and Kent and with EMAP jointly owns the local ensembles CE London, CE Birmingham and CE Manchester. The companies run some of the UK's most successful radio services, including BRMB, Capital FM, Capital Gold, Century FM, Classic FM, Essex FM, Leicester Sound, Red Dragon, Trent FM and XFM.
September 27th 2004
Snapshots of Taiwan ensembles updated.
September 27th 2004
Snapshots of Korean ensembles added. The Service KBS DMB on KBS ensemble has the same SId (F1E00002) as PRBS on SBS DMB.
September 26th 2004
UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's is to launch an own-brand portable DAB radio this month, to retail for £79. The RED DB7 radio will offer DAB and FM reception and be powered by mains or battery.
September 26th 2004
On the L-band local ensemble Augsburg, the Service 1D12, Fantasy Aktuell broadcasts promotional content for BMW from 10:00 to 14:00 daily. During this period, the Service Label changes to BMWRadioAugsburg.
September 26th 2004
Netherlands listing updated.
September 26th 2004
The new local ensemble for Cambridge is reported to have popped up on Block 11C. These are currently test transmissions and are liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects. According to Now Digital, the ensemble is to be launched on October 1st.
September 26th 2004
A new Service is reported to have popped up on Berlin/BRBG LI. roadRadio is reported be running at 192 kbit/s.
September 26th 2004
On Berlin/BRBG LE the Services NOVA Radio and Radio De Luxe are reported to have ceased. Two new Services are reported to have popped up. Motor FM begins programme service on September 27th. TWENFM begins programme service on October 1st.
September 26th 2004
On Berlin/BRBG LI the Service Jazz Radio is reported to have ceased.
September 26th 2004
Snapshot added of the Brunei ensemble RTB Brunei.
September 26th 2004
Snapshots added of the trial Band III ensembles in Sydney and Melbourne. Snapshot updated of the trial L-band ensemble in Sydney. This ensemble currently broadcasts the same multiplex as the Block 9A ensemble.
September 25th 2004
On ScoreGLASOW the Service C6C2, Saga Radio has ceased and been replaced by C4A2, SAGA 105.2fm.
September 24th 2004
Snapshot of the Block 7B Singapore ensemble SmartRadio Info updated. Snapshot of the Block 7C ensemble SmartRadio Youth added. Note that the two packet data services on SmartRadio Youth, MediaCorp SR and Socrates, appear to have Audio-Service-style SIds - A231 and A232 respectively.
September 24th 2004
On the Italian ensemble DAB RAI, the Services RAI MF1, RAI MF2, RAI MF3 and RAI ISORADIO are reported to be running at the increased bitrate of 192 kbit/s. The Service SANREMO is reported to have ceased since the last Snapshot was taken.
September 24th 2004
NDR, the public-service broadcaster in northern Germany, has been conducting tests in Hannover in conjunction with Hannover University of a new transmission format for digital broadcasting developed for use in the existing FM band (Band II) simultaneously with the existing analogue FM signals. Designated IBAC (In-Band Adjacent-Channel) and based on continuous phase modulation, the scheme is claimed to offer bitrates of up to 200 kbit/s within an FM 200 kHz channel. A paper describing the system and the tests is to be presented at the IEEE 54th Annual Broadcast Symposium in October.
September 24th 2004
The Niedersächsischen Landesmedienanstalt has announced it is to cease financial support to the service Klassik digital, which broadcasts in the Block 12A Niedersachsen ensemble DRN Nieders., on the grounds that there is only "hesistant" interest in DAB receivers. Should Klassik digital nord wish to cease broadcasting on DAB, the NLM will readvertise the capacity. Wohnort observes that the reported level of interest is understandable and predictable, given that only 7 audio services are broadcast on DAB in Niedersachsen, and that most of them are already available in analogue. The NLM has removed support from the one service which was not available elsewhere.
September 24th 2004
Hong Kong has reappeared on the DAB map. A Band III ensemble has popped up in the SAR on Block 11B. Currently two audio services, DAB ONLY and RTHK ALL IN DAB, are being broadcast. Previous DAB trials, which ended in June 2001, were in L-band. Snapshot added.
September 24th 2004
Coverage maps for the forthcoming Plymouth/Cornwall and Cambridge local ensembles are available for download from the Now Digital website. Note that they are not currently available on their "Coverage" page - you must go into the page for that particular area to access the map.
September 16th 2004
The Chief Executive of the UK regulator Ofcom, Stephen Carter, has spoken to a Social Market Foundation seminar on digital radio. Ofcom is undertaking a Statutory Review of DAB which is on schedule for a November publication. He says that while in parts of Europe there may be uncertainty about DAB, Ofcom will use "all its powers of advocacy and persuasion for digital radio". He speaks optimistically about the prospect of sufficient spectrum being released to "fill in the white spaces on the map" for local digital radio and raises the possibility of additional spectrum being available for national coverage. Ofcom is also addressing the indoor coverage issue, which he describes as the "I can only get it in my loft" problem. More...
September 16th (2)
The Services NOW Access are reported to have ceased on Now Digital local ensembles across the UK. This is described by Now Digital as a temporary measure while infrastructure work is carried out.
September 15th 2004
On the Danish ensemble DR DAB, the Services DR Boogie, DR Jazz, DR Rock and DR Soft are reported to be running at the reduced bitrates of 160 kbit/s. Two new Services are reported to have popped up, DR Litteratur, running at 80 kbit/s, Mono, and DR SPORT, running at 96 kbit/s, Mono.
September 15th 2004
On the Netherlands ensemble Publiek Omroep, the Data Service DAB Lottery has ceased. Two new Data Services are reported to have popped up, DAB Demo Service and EPG Demo.
September 13th 2004
The three Band III ensembles in Sydney, which have been off the air for technical renovation since the end of August, popped back up today. Further testing may be necessary on the Blocks 9A, 9B and 9C multiplexes which could result in interruptions, periods of reduced power or other odd effects. Commercial Radio, which is conducting the tests on behalf of a number of broadcasters, says in a Statement that it expects full service to resume on September 16th.
September 6th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has before it three applications which will significantly affect the development of digital radio in Canada. Indeed, the DAB roll-out in Canada has effectively stalled, pending the outcome of the CRTC's deliberations.
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Canadian Satellite Radio Inc., in partnership with US satellite radio operator XM Satellite Radio Inc., proposes a satellite subscription radio service, assisted by terrestrial repeaters, offering 101 channels, four of which would be produced in Canada by CSR. The services would be picked up on specially-marketed CSR receivers which would include AM and FM. CSR does not propose to produce dual-band DAB/Satellite receivers, describing the cost as "prohibitive".
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CBC, the Canadian public-service broadcaster, in partnership with Sirius Satellite Radio and Standard Radio Inc., proposes a satellite subscription radio service, assisted by terrestrial repeaters, offering 78 channels, four of which would be produced in Canada by CBC. Special receivers would be needed to receive the new services. By being broadcast on the Sirius satellite system, the CBC services would become available to Sirius subscrivers across the United States also.
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CHUM Limited, proposes a terrestrial subscription radio service using the DAB (Eureka 147) system's Conditional Access capabilities to broadcast 50 channels, all of which would be produced in Canada by CHUM. Special receivers would be needed to receive the new services. CHUM proposes to accomodate 16 to 17 services on each ensemble, requiring three ensembles for a 50-channel service.
The CRTC is to hold a public hearing to consider the applications in Gatineau, Quebec, beginning November 1st.
More...
September 6th 2004
In Ireland, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has published its responses to a government consulation on "frequency spectrum policy for digital broadcasting (DAB)". Among its conclusions:-
... There are serious concerns that in order to provide a financially viable DAB service, it is necessary to increase the number of channels per multiplexer and by doing so eliminate the key advantage of DAB, that of near CD quality audio.
...
... It may therefore be prudent to leap-frog the Eureka 147 DAB system and implement newer technologies that better utilise the spectrum, can deliver a variety of services including television, are hence potentially more attractive to consumers, leading to take up by consumers and achieving the goals set by Government.
...
... ComReg proposes that this band is planned on the basis of DVB-T implementation. With this arrangement it is possible to provide sufficient multiplex capacity which would greatly exceed not only the capacity required for the current analogue television services available in Ireland but also, simultaneously, to provide capacity that exceeds that required for the current national analogue radio services available in Ireland. We should as a priority seek as many national DVB-T coverages as possible at the RRC. However this need not preclude regional opt-outs.
...
September 5th 2004
Nozema, the DAB transmission provider in the Netherlands, has brought into service a new transmitter at East Amsterdam, improving coverage of the Block 12C ensemble Publiek Omroep in the city.
September 5th 2004
Netherlands listing corrected.
September 5th 2004
UK TII table updated. Addition of Bracknell.
September 4th 2004
Readers of this site will be familiar with the "digital radio competition" concept, but SmartRadio in Singapore has come up with an novel variation. In its current contest, the lucky winner will receive an AM/FM radio! Oh, and a Pure Digital umbrella. More...
September 2nd (3)
A new packet Data Service, DAB Lottery, (E3800000) is reported to have popped up on the Netherlands ensemble Publiek Omroep, running at 64 kbit/s with MOT content.
August 31st (2)
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of TEAM 990, ROCKDETENTE, RADIO ENERGIE, RADIOMEDIA and MTL BEST MUSIC (CHUM 97.7) on Stations Privees in Montreal.
August 31st 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CJAD and CJFM-FM on the Block L2 ensemble licensed for Montreal. This "phantom" ensemble has never actually transmitted and this is now the third time Standard Radio has obtained an extension. The Commission originally approved these allocations in August 2001. The non-existent ensemble is now licensed until August 2005. And then?
August 31st 2004
Denmark listings updated. The second Danmarks Radio ensemble, to be launched later this year, will be transmitted on two frequencies - in Jutland on Block 13B and in Funen, Lolland, Falster, Zealand and Bornholm on Block 11C.
August 31st 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CFUN and QM-FM on DAB DEMO 1 in Vancouver. This ensemble was observed in February this year to be transmitting on Block L4. No mention is made in the Decision of the Service CHUM RADIO which was also on this ensemble.
August 30th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CKNW AM980, NW2 AM730, ROCK 101 and 99.3 THE FOX on CORUS Radio in Vancouver. There appears to be no mention in the decision of a service corresponding to CKNW DEMO.
August 30th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CFMX, CIAO, CIRV, MIX 99.9 and THE FAN on CHANNEL 9 in Toronto.
August 30th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CFRB, EZ-ROCK, JAZZ FM and CJMR and CJYE on CHANNEL 4 in Toronto.
August 30th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CBC Radio 1, CBC Radio 2, RC Culturelle and RC Premiere on CBC Radio-Canada in Toronto and of CBC Radio One, CBC Radio Two, R-C Culturelle and R-C Premiere on CBC Radio-Canada in Montreal.
August 30th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has extended for another year the licenses of CIDR, CIMX, CKLW and CKWW on CHUM/CBC in Windsor.
August 25th 2004
Now Digital has announced that it has been denied permission to bring into service an additional transmission at Mildenhall. A new transmitter here would have extended coverage of NOWNorwich to the south-west and would have closed the gap between the coverage areas of this ensemble and the forthcoming local ensemble in Cambridge. Now Digital says it expects an update from Ofcom in November.
August 25th 2004
Now Digital has brought into service a transmitter at Sudbury, extending the coverage of NOW S&C. A further transmitter at Harlow is planned.
August 25th 2004
Nozema, the DAB transmission provider in the Netherlands, has brought into service a new transmitter at Lelystad, extending coverage of the Block 12C ensemble Publieke Omroep in Flevoland.
August 23rd 2004
Reception reports from Italy indicate that the ensemble DAB RAI has returned to air after an outage lasting several days.
August 20th 2004
According to the most reliable of the technical observations received, the new WDR Service EINSLIVE diggi on NRW K12 in Nordrhein-Westfalen is being signalled both as a Secondary Component to the Service EinsLive and as a Service in its own right (D398). On many receivers capable of receiving Secondary Components, the Service therefore appears twice. A similar arrangement is used by the BBC for their Service BBC 5LIVE SportX.
August 20th 2004
UK TII table updated.
August 20th 2004
Corrections to UK Local listings.
August 18th 2004
On NRW K12 in Nordrhein-Westfalen, the Service Funkhaus Europa has a new SId, D496. The data Service WDR-INFO has a new SId, E0D00005, and is running at the reduced bitrate of 56 kbit/s.
August 17th 2004
On Switch Aberdeen, SMASH HITS! is running at the reduced bitrate of 80 kbit/s, Mono.
August 16th 2004
A Secondary Component to the Service EinsLive has popped up on NRW K12 in Nordrhein-Westfalen. EINSLIVE diggi is running at 96 kbit/s Mono. The bitrates of some other WDR services have dropped to accomodate the newcomer. EinsLive is reduced to 128 kbit/s Joint Stereo. Funkhaus Europa is reduced to 96 kbit/s Mono. Verkehrskanal is reduced to 56 kbit/s.
More...
August 15th 2004
MXR West & Wales and MXR WestMidlands Snapshots updated.
August 14th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB expansion programme. Pur Down improves coverage in Bristol and the surrounding area.
August 13th 2004
A new Service has popped up on the L-band ensembles in Halle and Magdeburg. Truckradio is reported to be running at 192 kbit/s.
August 12th 2004
Public-service broadcaster Danish Radio has announced that it will launch its second national DAB ensemble in December. Altogether, DR will broadcast 17 distinct audio services on digital radio. More (in Danish)...
August 12th 2004
According to reports received from Italy, the entire DAB RAI SFN has ceased to permit technical renovation work to take place.
August 12th 2004
A new data service has popped up on NOW READING. now-data-rdg is reported to be running at 96 kbit/s with Multimedia Object Transport protocol. The other Services on the ensemble are now broadcasting PTy. Listing updated.
August 12th 2004
NOW Bristol, NOWSwindon and NOWWiltshire Snapshots updated.
August 12th 2004
The website of the Canadian digital radio roll-out body has been redesigned.... and had most of its content removed!
August 11th 2004
On Switch London, The VirginGroove is reported to have been relabelled Virgin Groove.
August 11th 2004
On NOW READING, 2-TEN FM is reported to have been relabelled 2.TEN Digital.
August 11th 2004
CE Birmingham Snapshot updated.
August 10th 2004
TWG-EMAP Swansea Snapshot added.
TWG-EMAP StokeSnapshot updated.
August 5th 2004
Now Digital has announced that the local ensembles for Cambridge and Plymouth/Cornwall will be launched in October and November 2004 respectively. This appears to amount to a slight slippage on previous dates which referred the last day of the previous month in both cases.
August 4th 2004
Now Digital has added the transmitter at Hemdean to the Reading and Basingstoke SFN.
August 3rd 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has authorised Corus Radio to transfer the Service EDGE 102 (CFNY) from the Block L3 ensemble CHANNEL3 to the Block L8 ensemble CH___8 and Rogers Broadcasting to transfer the Service 92.5JACK (CJAQ) from the Block L8 ensemble CH___8 to the Block L3 ensemble CHANNEL3. The move will result in each broadcaster having all its services on one multiplex.
August 3rd 2004
Rheinland-Pfalz listings updated. On the Block 12A ensemble Rheinland-Pfalz, the Service Domradio has ceased. On the regional ensembles in Mainz and Ludwigshafen, Regio Rheinl-Pf., the Services Domradio and RADIO TRIER have ceased.
August 3rd 2004
Snapshots of EMAP C Lancs, EMAP Humberside, EMAP Leeds, EMAP Liverpool and EMAP South Yorks updated.
August 3rd 2004
On Switch Scotland, the Service THE HITS has ceased. A new Service has popped up. KERRANG! is running at 112 kbit/s in Mono. Snapshot updated.
July 30th 2004
Panasonic UK today confirmed that their new portable is, after all, Band III only and not dual-band as they had advised earlier.
July 30th 2004
On NOW READING, the Service Classic Gold has been relabelled C GOLD T.VALLEY.
July 30th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Crabwood Farm extends coverage in the Winchester area, including Eastleigh, Twyford, Micheldever and New Alresford.
July 29th 2004
DRg London evening Snapshot updated.
July 29th (2)
On DRg London, the Service SBN London has ceased. SBN Limited has ceased trading. On the NOW Digital local ensembles, the Services NOW Access have either fallen silent or are broadcasting tone.
July 29th 2004
UK TII table updated.
July 29th 2004
In the Netherlands, the transmitter at Lopik, which was the first to be brought into service following the resumption of DAB transmissions, has had its power increased from 500w to 4kW.
July 29th 2004
On the local ensembles in Halle and Magdeburg, the Service DIGMOVE has ceased.
July 27th 2004
A new Service has popped up on NRW K12 in Nordrhein-Westfalen. domradio is running at 160 kbit/s. Funkhaus Europa is running at the reduced bitrate of 112 kbit/s. Verkehrskanal is running at the reduced bitrate of 64 kbit/s.
July 27th 2004
Snapshot of the Portuguese ensemble RDP-DAB added.
July 27th 2004
Snapshot of NOW READING added. This ensemble is still testing and the configuration may change before launch.
July 27th (2)
On EMAP C Lancs, EMAP Humberside, EMAP Leeds, EMAP Liverpool and EMAP South Yorks, the Service The Hits has been replaced by Kerrang!, running at 64 kbit/s, Mono.
July 23rd 2004
The new local ensemble for Reading has popped up on Block 12D. These are test transmissions and are liable to interruption, periods of reduced power and other odd effects. The official launch date is July 31st.
July 21st 2004
The Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg has awarded capacity on the L-band ensembles in Karlsruhe and Ulm to "Radyo Metropol FM". The Turkish-language service is expected to appear on DAB later this year. The broadcaster is also seeking capacity on the L-band ensemble in Stuttgart.
July 19th 2004
Nozema, the DAB transmission provider in the Netherlands has brought four new transmitters into service, at Hilversum, Haarlem, Den Haag and Rotterdam. The Block 12C ensemble Publieke Omroep broadcasts six audio services from the public-service broadcaster NOS.
July 17th 2004
The DAB website of SRG-SSR has been updated with a map showing the latest roll-out timetable for Switzerland.
July 17th 2004
On MXR West & Wales, the Service vibe 101 has been relabelled vibe fm.
July 16th 2004
All the Services on the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep have new SIds.
July 16th 2004
The latest issue of the EBU Technical Review includes an article describing the background to the renewed interest in DAB in Switzerland. Recent legislation strictly limits permissable RF levels, reducing the scope for further expansion of the FM network. The medium-wave transmitter at Beromünster must be closed down in 2008. SRG-SSR plans to provide an ensemble for the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in 2005. Subsequently DAB coverage will be provided in eastern Switzerland, in Jura and the Grisons. SRG-SSR has called for Band III to be devoted entirely to DAB. L-band would not be ideal for Switzerland. SRG-SSR is seeking allocations at RRC 04/06 which will permit the German-language ensemble to migrate from Block 12C into channel 11. This will enable a 10dB power increase which is expected to ensure good mobile portable and indoor reception. more...
July 16th 2004
The latest issue of the EBU Technical Review includes an article describing the research undertaken by transmission provider NTL into indoor DAB reception in London and the field strengths necessary for good quality reception. more...
July 15th 2004
In the Netherlands, the data Service PRBS on the ensemble Publieke Omroep has ceased.
July 15th 2004
In Vancouver, the ensemble DAB DEMO 1, observed in February to be on Block L4, is understood to be off the air for engineering repairs. It is likely that when it resumes, it will appear on Block L7. The Services CFUN, CHUM RADIO and QM-FM are affected.
July 14th 2004
Snapshot added of the motorway ensemble between Tours and Poitiers, TDF BLOC 3.
July 14th 2004
Paris Snapshots updated, including for the first time a Snapshot of the Block LG ensemble, VDL Paris. Since the last Snapshots, Le Mouv' has moved up to 256 kbit/s. DONNEES has dropped to 8 kbit/s.
July 14th 2004
NOW Digital has announced that the local ensemble for Reading will launch July 31st from two transmitters, Hannington and Bracknell (Coppid Beech). A transmitter at Hemdean should be added before the end of August. A fourth transmitter at Basingstoke has been subject to planning permission delays and no on-air date is known.
July 13th 2004
Digital Radio Südwest, the DAB network operator in Rheinland-Pfalz and Baden-Württemberg, has taken the transmitter Mühlacker out of service. This site has already been replaced by a transmitter at Langenbrand.
July 13th 2004
Panasonic UK have advised that the two new models, the RFD1 and the SCEN9, are both dual-band and will receive L-band as well as Band III. This site would be pleased from anyone who has actually used these receivers.
July 13th 2004
Sony's forthcoming portable model added to Radios page. This FM/AM/DAB receiver will cover both Band III and L-band.
July 13th 2004
Eltax's Tangent DAB-50 added to Tuners page. This FM/DAB tuner covers Band III only.
July 6th 2004
A new Service has popped up on the L-band ensembles in Halle and Magdeburg. Nova Radio begins official programme service tomorrow 7.7 at 07:07.
July 6th 2004
France finally has a law for the regulation of digital radio broadcasting. Passed by parliament last month and approved by the Consitutional Court last week, the new law sets down the framework for DAB in the future. All the existing licences, still officially "experimental", must be readvertised, including the blocks in Paris which were awarded a couple of years ago. Only VDL ever took up its allocation from that round. New licenses will be for 10 years with the possibility of two five-year renewals. As an incentive for existing broadcasters to broadcast on DAB, five-year extensions to FM licences are available to FM licensees who broadcast on DAB. Once a franchise has been advertised, the CSA must announce a decision within 8 months, down from the present 2-year maximum. Meetings are understood to be scheduled for September to determine a timetable for licence advertisements. Broadcasters are lobbying for frequencies in Band III and France is likely to request blocks at the ITU Regional Radiocommunication Conference.
July 6th 2004
In what may be a promising development for the global expansion of DAB, The Radio Network, parent company of a number of commercial radio stations in New Zealand, is advertising for a "Head of Engineering - Development". The job specification is broadcast-oriented and includes DAB. (If you get the job, please mention this site..... at the very least!)
July 4th 2004
A new Service has popped up on MXR WestMidlands. Urban Choice is running at 64 kbit/s, Mono.
July 3rd 2004
On NOW Nottingham, Classic Gold and 96 Trent FM are reported to have returned to 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo transmission.
July 1st 2004
New Home Cinema system from Samsung added to Combis page. This DVD/CD/mp3 player comes with power amps and speakers and includes a DAB/FM tuner.
July 1st 2004
On the Belgian ensemble VRT DAB, Studio Brussel, which normally carries the radio service of the same name, is currently broadcasting the audio of WerchterFM, a special-event station for the rock festival Rock Werchter, which runs July 1st to July 4th.
July 1st 2004
The Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien will "do everything" to move the local L-band ensembles in Bavaria into Band III. Speaking at the opening of the Lokalrundfunktage in Nürnberg, the President of the BLM, Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dieter Ring, said that in addition to the Channel 12 blocks already coordinated, additional Blocks in the range 9 to 11 should also be used. The Regional Radiocommunication Conference of the ITU has already agreed the future planning basis for DAB and this process will be concluded either the end of 2005 or in 2006. Important would be the readiness of public-service and private broadcasters to inform about digital radio and to promote DAB.
July 1st 2004
In Sachsen, two new Services have popped up on the Band III ensemble Sachsen K12A. Radijojo, a children's service, and Sunshine Live ("Dance, Trance, Techno und Tech House") are reported both to be running at 192 kbit/s. The Service DR Klassik has ceased.
July 1st 2004
In Sachsen-Anhalt, the local ensembles have popped up again in Halle and Magdeburg on Blocks LG and LB respectively following a period of technical renovation. The Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt has awarded capacity on the ensembles to Radio Brocken, Nova Radio and Truckradio. Radio Brocken has popped up on the ensembles and is broadcasting already, according to reports, at 192 kbit/s. Nova Radio has announced it will begin broadcasting on 7.7 at 07:07. Truckradio is to follow later. Digmove, which was on the ensemble before the renovation, has reappeared.
July 1st 2004
In Hessen, Radio Stark, broadcast to coincide with the Hessentag, has ceased.
June 29th (2)
In Südtirol, the regional government has authorised the Rundfunkanstalt Südtirol (RAS) to build seven new DAB transmitters and provided financial support. An ensemble on Block 9D will broadcast seven services from private broadcasters. Currently only services from public-service broadcasters are being broadcast via DAB in Südtirol. More...
June 29th 2004
In Rheinland-Pfalz, the Landeszentrale für private Rundfunkveranstalter has announced its intention to reallocate reserved capacity for private broadcasters in the Block 12A ensemble Rheinland-Pfalz to public-service broadcasters. The Services DEUTSCHLANDFUNK, Cont.Ra and SWR4 MZ, currently broadcast on the L-band ensemble Regio Rheinl-Pf. will move to the Band III ensemble. At least two websites are reporting that the L-band ensemble may soon cease. The relevant passage purported to be quoted from the LPR release does not exist in the version on the LPR's own website. More...
June 29th 2004
On NOW Nottingham, Classic Gold is reported to have dropped to 80 kbit/s, Mono. 96 Trent FM is reported to have dropped to 96 kbit/s, Mono.
June 27th 2004
CAPITAL KENT and CAPITAL SUSSEX Snapshots corrected.
June 25th 2004
UK TII table updated.
June 24th 2004
In Singapore, Mediacorp Radio has announced that DAB transmissions will be interrupted each night from July 12th to July 26th to allow for maintenance work. The interruptions will run 02:00 to 06:00 local time.
June 24th 2004
Bush portable radio and Bush clock radio added to Radios page.
June 24th 2004
MOS CD/DAB radio and Hitchi mini system added to Combi Products page. (They don't make toast).
June 24th 2004
Aw heck, I can't remember what the distinction was supposed to be between a Combi Product and a Package, so now there's just one page, Combi Products. If it makes toast as well, it probably belongs on this page.
June 23rd 2004
Two new products from Panasonic added to the receivers pages. On the Combis page, a combined CD/mp3 player with built-in DAB tuner. On the Radios page a new portable DAB/FM radio. Both products are presumed to be Band III only.
June 23rd 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Wickhambrook extends coverage in the Bury St Edmonds, Saffron Walden, Thetford and Newmarket areas.
June 23rd 2004
The following changes have been reported on EMAP C Lancs, EMAP Liverpool, EMAP S Yorks and EMAP Teesside: The services "Magic" are broadcasting at the increased bitrate of 128 kbit/s and are in Joint Stereo again. The Service The Hits is running at the reduced bitrate of 64 kbit/s.
June 23rd 2004
On the VDL ensemble in Paris, the Service Balkan Radio has been relabelled Paris Live Radio and now broadcasts audio from that station.
June 23rd 2004
The Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und Neue Medien has authorised a change to the Services line-up on the ensemble Sachsen K12A. DR Klassik is to be replaced by "sunshine live" from July 1st.
June 18th 2004
WDR, the public-service broadcaster in Nordrhein-Westfalen, is broadcasting live commentary from Germany's matches at UEFA 2004 on an additional Audio Service which pops up on the Block 12D ensemble for the duration of match coverage.
WDR 2 Sport runs at 64 kbit/s, during which time the Service Funkhaus Europa drops from 128 kbit/s to 64 kbit/s.
June 18th 2004
The Landesanstalt für Medien Nordrhein-Westfalen has awarded capacity on the Block 12D ensemble to Domradio. Radio Starlet and Radiojojo had also applied for the capacity.
June 18th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Sandale is an important addition to the network, bringing digital radio for the first time to northern Cumbria and south-west Scotland, including Carlisle, Workington, Brampton and Gretna Green.
June 16th 2004
A new Service is reported to have popped up on the Block 12C ensemble, BAND III HESSEN. Stark is reported to be running at 160 kbit/s. Radio Stark is running a special service to coincide with the 44th annual Hessentag, this year being held in Heppenheim, 18th to 27th June.
June 14th 2004
Score N.IRELAND Snapshot updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the Protection Level of Cool Hits has dropped from 2 to 3 and the Protection Level of Downtown Radio has increased from 3 to 2.
June 14th 2004
The FCC has invited comment from broadcasters on the future regulation of radio broadcasting in the digital era. Confirming it's choice of Ibiquity's proprietary IBOC system (adopted by no other country), the Commission seeks responses to, among other things, the following matters:-
- should broadcasters be required to provide a minimum amount of "high-definition audio"
- what amount of capacity is required to permit "high-definition audio" (in other words, what's the lowest acceptable bitrate)
- should separate rules be applied to AM and FM stations
- how many audio streams can each station transmit without degrading audio quality or introducing interference
- are there any data services which should be prohibited
- should subscription services be permitted
- should spectrum fees be charged for the portion of spectrum used by broadcasters for subscription services
- the recording industry in the US has expressed concern through the RIAA about the potential for consumers to "exploit" broadcast music. The FCC seeks comment on whether action is required through technical standards - a reference to encryption - or through the rules under which broadcasters operate.
More...
June 10th 2004
Now Digital has announced an additional transmitter for the local ensemble NOW Norwich. Mildenhall, south-west of Norwich, is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.
June 10th 2004
Now Digital has announced that the additional transmitters at Harlow and Sudbury for the local ensemble NOW S&C should be commissioned later this year.
June 10th 2004
The launch of the Reading local ensemble, originally scheduled for the end of June, has been postponed until the end of July.
June 10th 2004
A new Service has popped up on Switch Aberdeen. KERRANG! is running at 112 kbit/s in Mono.
June 8th 2004
Germany TII table updated.
June 7th 2004
Digital Radio Südwest, the DAB network operator in southwest Germany, has brought another transmitter into operation in Baden-Württemberg. Langenbrand, near Calw, extends coverage of the Block 12B ensemble in Stuttgart, Sindelfingen, Herrenberg and towards Heilbronn.
June 4th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion Programme. Charing Hill extends coverage in Kent, including Sittingbourne, Faversham, Charing and Doddington.
June 2nd 2004
The Regional Radiocommunication Conference of the ITU has agreed the technical basis for the future planning of broadcasting services in the bands 174-230 MHz (Band III) and 470-862 MHz (includes Bands IV and V). The agreement applies to countries in the European and African broadcasting areas (Region 1) and Iran in Region 3. Iraq, absent from such discussions for over a decade, is included in the planning area. So far as DAB is concerned, frequency planning will be performed for mobile or portable indoor reception. A further conference will be held either 2005 or 2006 to confirm these decisions, which in the meantime will be validated by planning exercises. More...
June 1st 2004
The BBC has brought into service another two transmitters as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Fenham extends coverage in the Newcastle and Gateshead area. Lark Stoke extends coverage in Gloucestershire, including Charingworth, Alderminister, Chipping Campden and Moreton in Marsh.
June 1st 2004
A new Service has popped up on the Block 12D ensemble in Nordrhein-Westfalen. WDR 2 Der Sender is a parallel transmission of the FM service, running at 128 kbit/s. The Service WDR 3 is reported to have been relabelled Funkhaus Europa and be running at the reduced bitrate of 128 kbit/s. The Services EinsLive and WDR 2 Klassik are reported to be running at the reduced bitrates of 160 kbit/s each.
June 1st 2004
The L-band ensembles in Halle and Magdeburg are reported to have popped back up again on Blocks LG and LB respectively. These are test transmissions following technical upgrades and may be liable to interruptions and periods of reduced power. Official service should follow the awarding of capacity by the Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt, which is expected at the end of the month.
May 31st 2004
EMAP Liverpool listing corrected.
May 30th 2004
A new Service is reported to have popped up on the Swedish ensemble SR RIKS DAB. SR Minnen is to repeat archive entertainment, literature, plays and documentaries from recent years.
May 29th (2)
On DRg London, the Service Liquid has been relabelled Virgin Cl. Rock.
May 27th 2004
On the Belgian ensemble VRT DAB, the Service 927 Live has been relabelled Sporza. Snapshot updated.
May 27th 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has granted Sur Sagar Radio Inc. an extension to the deadline by which its DAB service should be operational. In April 2003, the Commission authorised Sur Sagar Radio to broadcast in Toronto on Block L2 (1454.56 MHz). Following the extension, the new deadline is April 2005.
May 27th 2004
It is reported from Italy that an L-band ensemble is operating occasionally in Piemonte. Operated by the RAI Centro Ricerche e Innovazione Tecnologica, the Block LF transmissions are to investigate L-band propagation in and around the city of Torino.
May 22nd 2004
A new ensemble has popped up in Piemonte, Italy on Block 12C. ITS RAI is an experimental ensemble operated by the RAI Centre for Research and Technological Innovation. The transmissions are intended to test data services, such as HTML content.
May 22nd 2004
Snapshot updated of the experimental L-band ensemble ntl: London.
May 21st 2004
Snapshots added of the ensembles CAPITAL KENT and CAPITAL SUSSEX.
May 21st 2004
Snapshot added of the experimental L-band ensemble ntl: Cambridge.
May 21st 2004
TWG-EMAP W.YORKS Snapshot updated. The Service Panjab Radio is now running at the reduced bitrate of 64 kbit/s.
May 19th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Exeter St. Thomas extends coverage in the city of Exeter.
May 19th 2004
On DRg London, the Service Classic Gold is now running at the increased Protection Level 3 and reduced bitrate of 80 kbit/s. The Service The Storm-London has been relabelled The Storm.
May 16th 2004
UK TII table updated.
May 16th 2004
Snapshot of Swedish ensemble SR RIKS DAB updated.
May 16th 2004
Berlin Snapshots updated, including for the first time the DMB ensemble on Block 12B, FhG FIRST-on-Air, and the Block LA ensemble which rebroadcasts the UK national multiplexes BBC National DAB and Digital1 Network on alternate days. For further information about these ensembles see their entries on the UK pages. This new Snapshot was actually taken in Berlin. Note that the receiver used would have us believe that Transmission Mode I was being used in L-band. Surely not...
May 16th 2004
Snapshot of NOW Leicester updated.
May 14th 2004
Snapshot of NOW Nottingham added.
May 13th 2004
Pure Digital's new DAB radio, The Bug, added to Radios page.
May 13th 2004
Snapshot of TWG-EMAP Stoke added.
May 13th 2004
"Electronics Weekly" has called upon the British government to draw up a clear road map for the early allocation of L-band frequencies. In an editorial comment, the magazine quotes Radioscape as saying that the UK must not be allowed to lose its leading position in digital radio technology. Nigel Oakley of Radioscape says the industry is looking at ways to broadcast data and video services over DAB, something which is already happening in South Korea. At the moment, L-band frequencies are due to become available for DAB in 2007. Radioscape would like this to happen sooner. More...
May 13th 2004
The Unabhängige Landesanstalt für Rundfunk und neue Medien (ULR) in Schleswig-Holstein has awarded capacity on the Block 12D ensemble to Delta Radio and RSH. The ULR expects the new services to begin broadcasting on October 1st. The ULR rejected applications from Radio Paradiso and Truckradio Countrystar as not confirming to the conditions of the advertisment. The Landesanstalt also rejected an application from Radio Nora, although it felt the application was an attractive one.
May 12th 2004
Snapshot updated of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ensemble in Schwerin, DRN MECKL VORPOM.
May 12th 2004
Snapshot added of the Schleswig-Holstein ensemble in Kiel, DRN Sch-Holstein. The EId of this ensemble (1001) was not unique in Germany, being transmitted also by the experimental L-band ensemble in Weissenfels, ProMedia.
May 12th 2004
Hamburg Snapshot updated. Since the Snapshot was taken, two new Services have popped up on DRN HAMBURG. allROCK and Radio Digital 1 are both running at 160 kbit/s.
May 10th 2004
A new data service, Portal (short), has popped up on the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep.
May 8th 2004
A new audio service has popped up on the Danish ensemble DR DAB. DR Royal will broadcast until May 14th in connection with the forthcoming Danish royal wedding.
May 8th 2004
Sachsen and Sachsen-Anhalt Snapshots updated, including for the first time a Snapshot of the L-band ensemble in Weissenfels, which is being used for a local television experiment using DAB.
May 7th 2004
Thüringen Snapshots updated, including for the first time a Snapshot of the L-band ensemble in Ilmenau. Intended for experimentation with new data services, the ensemble, labelled Audio Test, carried a single audio service, Audio 1, when observed. The EId, 1000, was not unique, matching that observed on the L-band ensemble Regensburg.
May 7th 2004
NOW Leicester listing updated. Classic Gold is known to be broadcasting in Joint Stereo and Sabras Sound in Mono. The bitrates have not been confirmed but are likely to be 128 and 96 kbit/s respectively.
May 7th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Darvel extends coverage to Ayrshire, including Ayr, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Cumnock & the East coast of the Isle of Arran).
May 6th 2004
Listings for Norway updated. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the regional ensemble Region Østlandet has been relabelled Region Oslofjord.
May 6th 2004
Listings for Denmark updated. Snapshot of the national ensemble DR DAB updated. Details of future regional ensembles added.
May 5th 2004
Listings for Hungary updated. An ensemble is broadcasting in Budapest on Block 13A. Currently, three services are transmitted on DAB Budapest: Kossuth Radio, Petofi Radio and Bartok Radio.
May 4th 2004
Snapshots of the ensembles in Saarland updated. Since the last Snapshots were taken, the Band III and L-band ensembles have been relabelled DRSaar 1 and DRSaar 2 respectively.
May 4th 2004
Ofcom, the UK broadcasting and telecommunications regulator, has authorised new multimedia data services to be broadcast on Digital1 Network, using capacity which has been free since the cessation of the audio services Bloomberg Radio and ITN News. The data-casting service is to be provided by BT Wholesale.
May 3rd 2004
On TWG-EMAP Stoke, the Service KISS 100 has been relabelled KISS.
May 3rd (4)
On DRg London, MXR North West, MXR Wales & West, MXR WestMidlands, MXR Yorkshire and Switch Scotland, The Arrow has been relabelled The Arrow - Rock.
May 3rd 2004
Snapshots of the ensembles in Baden-Württemberg updated. Since the last Snapshot, the L-band ensemble in Freiburg has been relabelled Regio FREIBURG and has a changed EId, 105D. On Regio KARLSRUHE, the Service RADIO ENERGY has a changed SId since the last Snapshot, 1309.
May 3rd 2004
Snapshot of the Lyon ensemble VOIX DU LYON updated.
May 3rd 2004
Snapshots of the ensembles in Switzerland updated. Since the last Snapshot, the ensemble in western Switzerland has been relabelled from SRG SSR / RSR to SRG SSR / F, presumably on the grounds that fewer than half the services on the ensemble now originate from Radio Suisse Romande.
May 2nd 2004
Snapshots of the ensembles in Italy updated, including for the first time a Snapshot of the Block 12D ensemble RAS-Test. Since the last Snapshot of the Block 12A ensemble RAI-RAS was taken, the EId has changed to 512A.
May 2nd 2004
Snapshots of the ensembles in Austria updated. The ensembles ORF TIROL * DAB and DAB ORF-WIEN are transmitting the same EId, A001, although the Services line-up is different.
May 1st 2004
Snapshots of the ensembles in Bayern updated, including for the first time Snapshots of the L-band ensembles Regensburg and Wuerzburg. The L-band ensembles Muenchen and Wuerzburg are transmitting the same EId, 1073.
May 1st 2004
Germany TII table corrected and updated.
May 1st 2004
A new Service has popped up on the Kent local ensemble. KM-digital is running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.
April 29th 2004
Snapshot added of the Croatian Block 12C ensemble, HRT.
April 28th 2004
On NOW Wolverhamptn, the SId of has changed to C1C4.
April 28th 2004
Two new Services are reported to have popped up on the local ensemble for Swansea, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.
April 28th 2004
A press release for Harris Communications, announcing a contract to supply multiplexing equipment, reveals that three ensembles should be operational during this year's Olympic Games, on Blocks 13A, 13B and 13C. According to the release, 20 different languages, including Greek, English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Turkish, Japanese and Chinese will be broadcast. According to an earlier report, quoting the Greek station KISS FM, a minimum of 11 different language services will run simultaneously. The transmissions are being organised in co-operation with the regional government of Amaroussion, where three quarters of the Olympic events are to take place.
April 28th 2004
The local ensemble for Kent has popped up on Block 11C. Five audio services have been seen running at 128 kbit/s in Joint Stereo - Invicta FM; CAPITAL GOLD; XFM; KISS and BBC Radio Kent. Although designated the "Kent" multiplex, this ensemble will not for the time being cover the Channel coastal area because of international frequency planning restrictions. This ensemble has not yet officially been launched, and so these transmissions may be subject to interruption, periods of reduced power and other odd effects.
April 25th 2004
The local ensemble for Nottingham is reported to have popped up on Block 12C. Seven audio services are running at 128 kbit/s in Joint Stereo - Galaxy 105; Sabras; The Storm; 96 Trent FM; BBC Nottingham; Century 106 and Capital Disney. Classic Gold is running at 64 kbit/s in Mono.
April 25th 2004
The local ensemble for Stoke-on-Trent is reported to have popped up on Block 12D. Five audio services are running at 128 kbit/s in Joint Stereo - BBC Radio Stoke, KISS 100, Signal 1, Signal 2 and SMASH HITS.
April 22nd 2004
The BBC has brought into service two new transmitters as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Pendle Forest extends coverage to Burnley, Colne, Accrington and the surrounding areas. Madingley extends coverage to the Cambridge area, including Bottisham, Cottenham, Duxford, Great Chesterford, Little Abington, Lolworth and Sawston.
April 19th 2004
The government of Taiwan is to advertise licences for six ensembles. The Taipei Times reports that winning applicants are expected to have services operational within three years or have their licences revoked. Three ensembles will have national coverage, meaning Taiwan as well as the islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. Three ensembles will have regional coverage to serve, respectively, northern, central and southern Taiwan. A further two frequencies are available for DAB, but the Taiwan government is holding these in reserve for the time being for official and emergency purposes. Applications must be submitted between August 1st and August 15th.
April 17th 2004
Digital Radio Nord, the DAB network operator in northern Germany, has added another transmitter to its SFN in Niedersachsen. Aurich extends coverage in western Niedersachsen.
April 16th 2004
The BBC has brought another transmitter into service as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Morecambe Bay extends coverage to Morecambe, Barrow-in-Furness, Camforth and Broughton-in-Furness.
April 16th 2004
The Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt has received four applications for capacity on the L-band ensembles for Halle and Magdeburg, from 89,0 RTL; Nova Radio; Truckradio Country Star and RadioJojo. The capacity is expected to be awarded by the Medienanstalt in the coming weeks.
April 16th 2004
On the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep, the Service Radio4 has been relabelled Radio 4.
April 16th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB expansion programme. Lancaster extends coverage to the Lancaster, Burton-in-Kendal, Ingleton & Casterton areas.
April 9th 2004
Capital Hants listing corrected. SId of BBC Radio Solent is C932.
April 9th 2004
Daytime Snapshot of DRg London updated. Evening Snapshot corrected. The Mix is running at PL3.
April 8th 2004
The Now Digital website has available for download coverage prediction maps for the forthcoming local ensembles for Nottingham and Reading.
April 7th 2004
Digital1 Network has added another transmitter to its Block 11D SFN in England. Lark Stoke extends coverage in Warwickshire.
April 7th (2)
Evening Snapshot of DRg London updated, showing the recent additions Heat and The Mix. Heat, The Mix and The Storm-London are running at PL3. The other services on the ensemble are running at PL4.
April 7th 2004
Germany TII table updated. Different numbering schemes are in use for the Band III and L-band networks in Bayern. In L-band, all transmitters have the Main ID 01. The Sub IDs are re-used, with each transmitter group being numbered 01, 02, 03, etc. There is also a numbering conflict between the L-band sites and the Band III sites in Oberbayern.
April 6th 2004
The L-band local ensemble for Regensburg has entered official programme service on Block LB. Two services, DeutschlandRadio and Deutschlandfunk are currently being broadcast from transmitters at Hohe Linie and Regensburg.
April 1st 2004
A new Service, ROCKLAND, has popped up on the Block 12B ensemble in Thüringen, DABTHUERINGEN.
April 1st 2004
The L-band ensembles in Halle and Magdeburg have ceased. As announced in advance, the transmission plant is to be modernised and the ensembles will enter full public service following the allocation of capacity by the Landesmedienanstalt.
April 1st 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Ridge Hill extends coverage to Herefordshire, including Hereford, Ledbury and Bromyard.
April 1st 2004
On the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep, most Services are reduced to 160 kbit/s. Radio4 stays at 192 kbit/s. Concertzender is reduced to 128 kbit/s and is now carrying the matching audio.
March 31st 2004
On Switch London and Switch Scotland, jazz fm has been relabelled JAZZFM.
March 31st 2004
On the Netherlands ensemble Publieke Omroep, Concert Radio has been relabelled Concertzender. Currently the Service is silent.
March 31st 2004
On MXR West & Wales, the Service The Arrow has been relabelled The Arrow Rock.
March 31st 2004
A new Service has popped up on DRg London. Heat is running at 64 kbit/s, Mono.
March 30th (2)
Three new Services have popped up on the Block 12C ensemble in the Netherlands, Publieke Omroep: Radio4, 747AM and Concert Radio. All six Services on the ensemble are currently running at 192 kbit/s.
March 30th 2004
Two new transmitters have been added to the Block 11D Digital1 Network SFN in England. Ashford and Faversham are now operational.
March 30th 2004
A "DAB dossier", published by the EBU, discusses the state of play in France and Germany. The Dossier reports that in France, which up to now has used L-band exclusively, sufficient frequencies in Band III have become available to provide three Blocks nationally and up to five in some regions. The Dossier reports that France is to submit its requests at CEPT 2005. [In the Départements of Rhône and Loire, Block 7D was allocated to DAB in 2002 but is not yet being used.]
March 30th 2004
On the Belgian ensemble RTBF DAB Radio, the Service Prg FM21 has become CLASS.21 (Full Label).
March 29th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Kirkton Mailer extends coverage to Perth, including Balbeggie, Bridge of Earn, Burrelton, Stanley & Methven.
March 29th 2004
On MXR North West, the Service The Arrow has been relabelled The Arrow Rock.
March 28th 2004
Snapshots updated of the national Spanish ensembles FU-E, MF1 and MF2. On FU-E, the Service RADIO CLASICA is running at the reduced bitrate of 224 kbit/s. This change was made necessary by the number of receivers which do not support 256 kbit/s. There is a smaller number of receivers which do not even support this lower bitrate. It is to be regretted that where a broadcaster is willing to offer high quality services, its hand has been forced by receivers in the marketplace which do not fully support the DAB Specification. The Service REE EUROPA is running at the increased bitrate of 160 kbit/s.
March 28th 2004
Snapshot updated of the regional ensemble in Catalunya. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled CATALUNYA RADIO and has a new EId, E1A8.
March 28th 2004
Snapshot added of the regional ensemble in Galicia, FU-GAL.
March 28th 2004
Snapshot updated of the sole ensemble in Toulouse. Since the last Snapshot was taken, the ensemble has been relabelled TDF:RADIO FRANCE.
March 28th 2004
Capital Hants Snapshot updated. The SId of BBC Radio Solent has changed since the last Snapshot. It is now C1A3.
March 28th 2004
Correction to DAB receivers page. The three Sangean models are currently Band III only. Dual-band versions are expected to be available in due course.
March 27th 2004
UK TII table updated.
March 27th (2)
On MXR Yorkshire and MXR WestMidlands, the Service The Arrow has been relabelled The Arrow Rock.
March 27th 2004
ntl: London Snapshot updated.
March 27th 2004
On DRg London, the Service CAC9, formerly BREEZE, has been relabelled and now carries Classic Gold. The Service The Arrow has been relabelled The Arrow Rock. The bitrate of the Service Panjab Radio is reduced from 96 kbit/s to 64 kbit/s. Snapshot updated.
March 27th 2004
On the Block 12A ensemble in Südtirol, RAI-RAS, the Service D316, formerly RAS BAY Mobil, has been relabelled and now carries RAS BAYERN 3. The EId of this ensemble is understood to have changed to 512A since the last Snapshot was taken.
March 27th 2004
A new L-band ensemble has popped up in Cambridge. According to Ofcom's latest Technical Parameters table, the ensemble is operating on Block LA (1452.960 MHz) from the Milton site. Operated by ntl:, the ensemble appears to be carrying similar experimental services to the Block LC ensemble in London.
March 27th 2004
A total of four ensembles are currently operating in Sydney. In addition to the Band III trials on Block 9A, which is currently a simulcast of the L-band ensemble already broadcast in the city, two new ensembles have popped up on Blocks 9B and 9C. Altogether, thirteen audio services are now being broadcast digitally in Sydney.
March 27th 2004
Two new transmitters have been added to the Block 11D Digital1 Network SFN in England. According to the Digital1 website, the sites at Chartham and Thanet are now operational.
March 23rd 2004
The Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt has advertised capacity on the L-band ensembles for Magdeburg and Halle. Four sub-channels of 116 CUs each are available. The ensembles, on Blocks LB and LG respectively, are to be taken out of service on March 31st for technical renovation work and should return to air in full public service subsequently. Interested parties were given four weeks to apply following the publication of the contest in the Ministerialblatt on March 15th.
March 23rd 2004
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has authorised a new ensemble to operate in Victoria, British Columbia, to be operated by OK Radio. The ensemble will operate on Canadian Block L12 (1472.000 MHz ) from Malahat Ridge. Two Services will be broadcast, CKKQ-FM Victoria and CJZN-FM Victoria, although OK Radio, who own both FM stations, propose to broadcast not more than 14 hours of non-simulcast programming each week. The Commission gives OK Radio 24 months to begin transmissions, although the licence itself is only valid until August 2006. The Commission undertakes in the Decision to have a long-term policy for digital radio in place by then and to have a streamlined process for converting the transitional licences into full-term ones.
March 23rd 2004
On the Belgian ensemble RTBF DAB Radio, the Service Prg FM21 has reappeared.
March 23rd 2004
The L-band experimental ensemble in Südtirol has ceased.
March 23rd 2004
The Block 11A ensemble in Barcelona, Tradia DAB 11A has ceased.
March 23rd 2004
In the Netherlands, the Block 12C ensemble, PO1, has reverted to its former label, Publieke Omroep.
March 23rd 2004
The BBC has brought into Service two new transmitters as part of its National DAB expansion programme. Keighley extends coverage to areas including Silsden, Oakworth and Steeton. Stockland Hill brings the BBC multiplex to the Honiton area, Axminster and Chard and improves coverage along the A30.
March 14th 2004
The L-band experimental ensemble in London, ntl:Experimental, has been relabelled ntl: London.
March 13th 2004
On CE Birmingham, the Service BRMB has been relabelled new 96.4 brmb.
March 12th 2004
On Capital Hants, the Service Passion has ceased. A new Service has popped up. The Saint is running at 96 kbit/s, Mono.
March 12th 2004
New page added to accomodate forthcoming combined DAB and DRM receivers.
March 10th 2004
The Services Ridings FM on EMAP Leeds, Trax FM on EMAP South Yorks and Lincs FM 102.2 on EMAP Humberside have risen to 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.
March 8th 2004
The US industry website RW Online reports that the NAB has recommended the FCC to authorise night-time IBOC AM operation. The NAB believes that adverse effects would primarily be experienced by distant skywave analogue signals and that the "benefits" of IBOC are "well worth" this trade-off. The NAB recommends the FCC deal with unanticipated interference on a case by case basis. More...
March 8th 2004
Korean channel assignments added to frequency tables. Since the Korean numbering follows the European convention but refers to different frequencies, this site will adopt the naming convention Block ROK 12A, Block ROK 12B, etc. when referring to these assignments. This is not official nomenclature.
March 8th 2004
On EMAP Leeds, the Service Ridings FM has dropped to 96 kbit/s, Mono.
March 8th 2004
MXR North West listing corrected.
March 5th 2004
The public-service broadcaster in Ireland, RTE, has announced it is to begin preliminary planning for digital radio, involving the development of new content and applications. [wohnort: The most likely first practical step would be the resumption of DAB test transmissions in the Dublin area which ceased in March 2001.] More...
March 5th 2004
In the Netherlands, the new Block 12C ensemble has been relabelled PO1. The Service Radio 1 now carries the correct audio from Radio 1. All three services on the ensemble are running at 128 kbit/s.
March 5th 2004
The Landesanstalt für Medien Nordrhein-Westfalen (LfM) has received three applications for capacity on the Block 12D ensemble which is broadcast throughout the Land:- RADIOJOJO GmbH for its service RADIOJOJO!, dom-Radio - Bildungswerk der Erzdiözese Köln for its service Domradio and Radio Starlet Programm- und Werbegesellschaft mbG for its service TruckRadio. The capacity advertised is for one service only. Seven services are already broadcast on the ensemble:- Eins Live, WDR 2 Klassik, WDR 3, DeutschlandRadio Berlin, Deutschlandfunk, the traffic info service Vera and the data service WDR Info. The LfM has received applications from six groups for capacity on the four L-band ensembles being advertised: Divimex Media GmbH for its service Hit-FM Russia, RADIOJOJO GmbH for its service RADIOJOJO!, Villa Media GmbH for its service Deluxe Radio, Inselradio S. L. (Sociedad Limitada) for its service 95,8 FM Mallorca Das Inselradio, 1. türkischsprachiges Radio in Deutschland BetriebsGmbH & Co. KG for its service Radyo Metropol FM and dom-Radio - Bildungswerk der Erzdiözese Köln for its service DomRadio. The L-band ensembles will serve, respectively, Köln/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Essen and Dortmund/Bochum. One application has been received for the mediumwave DRM frequencies (855 and 702 kHz) on offer, from Radio Starlet Programm- und Werbegesellschaft mbG for its service TruckRadio. The LfM expects to announce a decision on April 23rd.
March 4th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Danbury extends coverage in the Chelmsford area (including Ingatestone and Brentwood).
March 3rd 2004
The L-band transmissions in Halle and Magdeburg, which after 5 years of operation still have "test" status, are to cease on March 31st. Following renovation work, the transmitters will re-enter operation in "full service". Capacity on the ensembles is to be awarded by the Landesmedienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt, with a decision due April 28th.
March 3rd 2004
Two new Services have popped up on the Block LC ensemble in Ulm. According to the website sender-tabelle.de, sunshine live and Klassik Radio are running at 192 and 160 kbit/s respectively.
March 3rd 2004
Snapshots of CE Manchester, MXR North East, MXR North West and MXR Yorkshire updated.
March 2nd 2004
On the German ensemble DAB Rheinl.Pfalz, the Service Hitradio RPREins has ceased. A new Service has popped up. Domradio is running at 192 kbit/s.
March 2nd 2004
On the Belgian ensemble VRT DAB, the Service DABklassiek (631A) has been relabelled Klara continuo.
March 2nd 2004
On MXR North West, the Service JAZZFM (C1C8) has ceased. The Service Smooth has a new SId (C3A7). A new Service has popped up. Real Radio (CECE) is running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo.
March 2nd 2004
On EMAP Humberside, the Service Lincs FM 102.2 is reported to be running in Mono at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s.
March 1st 2004
On EMAP South Yorks, the Service Trax FM is broadcasting at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s and is now Mono.
February 29th 2004
An ensemble has popped up in the Netherlands on Block 12C (227.360 MHz). Publieke Omroep is broadcasting 3 Audio Services - Radio 1, Radio 2 and 3FM, all at 128 kbit/s. Radio 1 in fact carries audio from Radio 4.
February 29th 2004
The experimental ensemble operated by the Projekt Medienfunk-Plattform of the Technischen Universität Ilmenau has been brought into service on Block LC (1.456386 MHz). Currently only data services are being broadcast. The low power of these transmissions means that they are receivable only in the immediate area of Ilmenau.
February 28th 2004
A new Service has popped up on TWG-EMAP W.YORKS. BBC Radio Leeds is running at 128 kbit/s, Joint Stereo. The Services YARR Radio and Panjab Radio are reported to be running at the reduced bitrates of 64 kbit/s.
February 28th 2004
On Switch London, the bitrate of KERRANG! has been increased to 112 kbit/s. The Service is running in Mono. Snapshot updated.
February 28th 2004
The Swedish Parliament's Committee on Digital Radio has proposed a gradual expansion of DAB in Sweden, although it will be left to broadcasters to determine the pace. The Committee proposes that Sveriges Riksradio (SR), the public-service broadcaster, should have all the capacity of the national ensemble. Two-thirds of each of 19 regional ensembles would be allocated to commercial broadcasters who would be able to achieve national coverage by broadcasting on all the ensembles or provide local services on each. The Committee proposes increased financial support for SR's DAB transmissions and financial incentives by way of lower tarifs to encourage commercial stations to begin digital broadcasting. The proposals have still to be approved by the Swedish Parliament, but have the support of six of the seven parliamentary parties.
February 27th 2004
ScoreGLASGOW listing corrected.
February 27th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Beacon Hill extends coverage to the Torquay, Paignton, Totnes & Newton Abbot areas.
February 26th 2004
On CE Manchester, the bitrate of KEY103Manchester has been increased to 160 kbit/s.
February 24th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Bincombe Hill extends coverage to the Weymouth & Dorchester areas.
February 22nd 2004
A new Service is running on the Danish ensemble DR DAB. DR Dansk is reported to be running at 160 kbit/s. Other Service are running at reduced bitrates to accomodate the newcomer. DR Boogie SKUM, relabelled DR Boogie, along with DR Rock and DR Soft are down to 128 kbit/s. DR Jazz is down to 160 kbit/s.
February 21st 2004
On the Block 7B Singapore ensemble SmartRadio Info, the Service Bloomberg is reported to be running at the increased bitrate of 96 kbit/s. The Service Symphony is reported to be running at the increased bitrate of 192 kbit/s. On the Block 7C ensemble SmartRadio Youth, the Services Gold and yes 933 are both reported to be running at the increased bitrates of 160 kbit/s.
February 21st 2004
A new ensemble is reported to have popped up in Regensburg (Bayern). The Block LB ensemble is reported to be broadcasting test programmes Test_BRA through Test_BRG and Test_BLMA through Test_BLMB.
February 20th 2004
On the Spanish ensemble MF1, the Service INTERECONOMIA has been relabelled IntereconomiaDAB.
February 20th 2004
RTBF DAB Radio listing for Belgium updated.
February 20th 2004
Snapshots of Vancouver added. The DRRI website shows the services CFUN and QM-FM as being broadcast on 1463.280 MHz (L7). No ensemble was observed on Block L7. An ensemble was observed on Block L4, which carried the Services CFUN, CHUM RADIO and QM-FM. In the city, the Service CHUM RADIO on the Block L4 ensemble DAB DEMO 1 had the same SId (006F) as the Service CKNW AM980 on the Block L6 ensemble CORUS Radio. Those two ensembles were broadcasting the same EId (0010).
February 19th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another two transmitters as part of its National DAB Expansion programme. Durris extends coverage to Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Inverberie and Banchory. Meldrum extends coverage to Turriff, Peterhead, Minlaw, Kintore & Ellon and improves the coverage to Kintlaw, Inverurie and surrounding areas.
February 19th 2004
UK TII table updated.
February 17th 2004
A new Service has popped up on CE Birmingham, Beat 106 is reported to be running at 64 kbit/s mono.
February 14th 2004
On Switch London, the Service The Groove has been relabelled The VirginGroove.
February 14th 2004
Two new transmitters have been added to the Digital1 Network SFN in England. Stoke Holy Cross extends coverage in parts of Norwich and the surrounding area to the North East. Owing to international frequency clearance issues, this site is operating on reduced power until final clearance is obtained. Danbury improves coverage in and around Chelmsford.
February 8th 2004
The German telecommunications regulator, RegTP, has allocated Block LC (1.456386 MHz) to the Projekt Medienfunk-Plattform of the Technischen Universität Ilmenau. The ensemble, to be broadcast from Kickelhahn, will be used to experiment principally with new Data Services.
February 5th 2004
Ofcom, the new unified regulator for broadcasting and telecommunications in the UK, has announced a strategy and a consultation on the future licensing of FM radio services. Ofcom believes that "licensing more FM services will help to bring about a faster and more successful move towards using digital services. It will do this by promoting the growth and prosperity of the radio industry as a whole". Ofcom is to conduct a major review of digital radio which will include consideration of a potential timetable for switchover. A consultation was recently conducted on the future use in the UK of L-band and Ofcom is currently considering the responses.
February 5th 2004
Snapshots updated for EMAP C Lancs, EMAP Humberside, EMAP Leeds, EMAP Liverpool, EMAP South Yorks, EMAP Teesside, EMAP T&W and TWG-EMAP W.YORKS
February 5th 2004
HEAT is confirmed to be running on EMAP C Lancs and EMAP Humberside at 64 kbit/s, Mono. The Services The Hits and Magic are being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s, Mono.
February 4th 2004
The BBC has brought into service another transmitter as part of its national DAB expansion programme. Mounteagle extends DAB coverage to the Moray Firth area, including Inverness, Invergordan, Cromarty & Dingwall.
February 2nd 2004
A new Service has popped up on the Band III ensemble in Sachsen. MDR Klassik is reported to be running at 192 kbit/s.
February 1st 2004
The Direktorenkonferenz der Landesmedienanstalten has recommended objectives to be pursued by Germany at the future Stockholm frequency planning conference:-
A second tier of coverage allowing nationwide audio and data services.
A third tier of coverage should permit more regional and local service providers to enter digital radio.
February 1st 2004
On the Band III ensemble DAB Saarland, the Service RADIO SALU is reported to have ceased. On the L-band ensemble, the Service Radio Salü Gold is reported to have ceased.
January 31st 2004
A new Service has popped up on EMAP Liverpool. HEAT (CDCE) is being broadcast at 64 kbit/s, Mono. The Services The Hits and Magic Liverpool are being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s, Mono.
January 31st 2004
DRM receivers page updated.
January 31st (2)
A new ensemble, RAS L-G, has popped up in Südtirol (Alto Adige) on Block LG from Penegal with six audio services. These are test transmissions and as such are liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects.
January 30th 2004
Italy listings updated.
January 30th 2004
A new Service has popped up on EMAP T&W. HEAT is being broadcast at 64 kbit/s, Mono. The Services The Hits and MAGIC are being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s, Mono.
January 30th 2004
A new Service has popped up on EMAP Teesside. HEAT is being broadcast at 64 kbit/s, Mono. The Services The Hits and Magic Teesside are being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s, Mono.
January 30th 2004
CAPITAL SUSSEX listing updated.
January 29th 2004
A new Service has popped up on EMAP Leeds. HEAT is being broadcast at 64 kbit/s, Mono. The Services The Hits and Magic 828WYorks are being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s, Mono.
January 29th 2004
A new Service has popped up on EMAP South Yorks. HEAT (CDCE) is being broadcast at 64 kbit/s, Mono. The Services The Hits and Sth York's Magic are being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 96 kbit/s, Mono.
January 29th 2004
On TWG-EMAP W.YORKS, the Service YARR Radio is being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 64 kbit/s.
January 29th 2004
The World DAB Forum reports that in Italy, Eurodab have added another transmitter to their Block 9D SFN. The new site in Toscana extends coverage to Firenze, Val d'Arno and Arezzo.
January 28th 2004
Ottawa listing updated.
January 27th 2004
The Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien has awarded capacity on the Blocks 5C and 12A ensembles in east and west Sachsen to Radiojojo.
January 27th (2)
Sussex Coast listings updated and corrected. Gaydar Radio is running in Mono. An EPG data service DAB Guide is running at 16 kbit/s.
January 27th 2004
Swansea listings updated.
January 27th 2004
UK TII table updated.
January 27th 2004
On the Ottawa ensemble CBC Radio-Canada, the Services CBC Radio Two and R-C Culturelle are being broadcast at the increased bitrate of 224 kbit/s.
January 27th 2004
A programme of transmitter power increases is underway on the UK national SFNs Digital1 Network. To date, the Block 11D sites Alsagers Bank, Bilsdale, Brighton, Caldbeck, Daventry, Emley Moor, Holme Moss, Mendip, Moel-Y-Parc, Oxford, Pontop Pike, Waltham, Wenvoe and Zouches Farm have been adjusted. Still to come are the Block 11D sites Sutton Coldfield, Turners Hill and Pendle Forest in England and the Block 12A sites Craigkelly and Kirk o'Shotts in Scotland.
January 23rd 2004
Berlin/Brandenburg listings updated.
January 22nd 2004
On Switch London, the Service KERRANG! is being broadcast at the reduced bitrate of 64 kbit/s.
January 22nd 2004
UK website ukradio.com is quoting a launch date of January 31st for the Swansea local ensemble.
January 22nd 2004
On TWG-EMAP W.YORKS, the Service Panjab Radio is being broadcast at the increased bitrate of 96 kbit/s. The Service YaaRRadio has been relabelled YARR Radio.
January 22nd 2004
The Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has accepted the decision of the Canton Luzern to block the renovation of medium-wave transmitter Beromünster and will decommission the transmitter by 2009 at the latest. On that date, the Service Musigwaelle 531 (MW 531) will become a digital-only Service, available on DAB, digital satellite and cable.
January 19th 2004
The new ensemble for Swansea has popped up on Block 12A. These are test transmissions and as such will be liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects.
January 17th 2004
Wien (Vienna) listing updated.
January 16th 2004
On the Nordrhein-Westfalen ensemble NRW K12, the Service PowerRadio has ceased. It had fallen silent at the turn of the year. A capacity corresponding to that used by PowerRadio has been advertised by the Landesmedienanstalt.
January 15th 2004
On the Danish national SFN, DR DAB, the bitrates of DR Boogie SKUM and DR Rock are reported to have increased to 192 kbit/s. DR Nyheder is reported to be running at the increased bitrate of 80 kbit/s. The Data Service DR Digital is reported at the increased bitrate of 16 kbit/s. The Data Service Teletext was reported not to be present on the ensemble.
January 15th 2004
In Italy, RTL has announced an expansion of the Eurodab transmitter network on which their RTL 102.5 Service is broadcast. Currently, coverage of Lombardia, Piemonte, Emilia Romagna, Toscana, Lazio and Campania is claimed with new transmitters in Umbria and Sicilia promised for this month. Data Services are due to be added at the end of February.
January 15th 2004
New Services have popped up on SRG SSR / DRS, the Block 12C ensemble in the German-speaking region of Switzerland - Swiss Classic and the principal services from the other two linguistic regions, La première and Rete Uno. According to a press release yesterday from SRG/SSR, a total of eleven services will be broadcast in the DRS ensemble - the existing Services plus the new three. It is reported from Switzerland, however, that currently only six audio services are present in the ensemble - Swiss Pop, Swiss Jazz, Swiss Classic, La première, Rete Uno and Radio Rumantsch. Swiss Classic is also to be added to SRG SSR / RSR, the Block 12B ensemble in the French-speaking region.
January 11th 2004
Evening Snapshot of DRg London updated.
January 11th 2004
On Switch London, the Service (CBCB) appears to have Service and Service Component labels which differ, resulting in some receivers displaying the Service as YARR Radio and others as YaaRRadio.
January 10th 2004
The new ensemble for Sussex Coast has popped up on Block 11B. These are test transmissions and as such will be liable to interruptions, periods of reduced power and other odd effects.
January 10th 2004
Swiss public-service broadcaster SRG/SSR has announced that its radio service broadcasts using the Astra Digital Radio (ADR) standard from Astra at 19.2E will cease at the end of this year. Most of the SRG/SSR services are already broadcast in DVB-S from Hotbird 3 at 13E.
January 10th 2004
In the United States, the first consumer receivers for iBiquity's proprietary IBOC system, "HD Radio", have gone on sale to the general public. Nathan Franzen purchased the new Kenwood KTC-HR100 tuner from the Ultimate Electronics store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on January 5th in a joint promotion with local station KZIA-FM. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Franzen became the first member of the United States public to be able to receive HD Radio. Cedar Rapids was birthplace of Arthur Collins (1909-1987), who founded the Collins Radio Company.
January 2nd 2004
On DRg London, the Service Panjab Radio is running at the increased bitrate of 96 kbit/s and is now running in Mono instead of Mono LSF. Daytime Snapshot updated.
January 2nd 2004
On DAB ORF-WIEN, the Service FM4 * DAB is reported to be running at the increased bitrate of 192 kbit/s.
January 2nd 2004
A new Service has popped up on MXR WestMidlands. Kerrang! (C4B3) is reported to be running at 64 kbit/s, Mono.
January 2nd 2004
On the Nordrhein-Westfalen ensemble NRW K12, the Service PowerRadio is reported to have fallen silent. A capacity corresponding to that used by PowerRadio has been advertised by the Landesmedienanstalt.
January 2nd 2004
The medium-wave DRM transmissions on 531 kHz, "531 digital" have ceased. The frequency is to be awarded next year by the Medienanstalt Sachsen-Anhalt.
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