.21.2007
Private station Radio Regenbogen and network operator Media&Broadcast, a division of T-Systems, are launching a field test of HD Radio IBOC digital radio technology at the end of August.
The station, severing the Rhein-Neckar region of southwestern Germany, continue with its standard 102.8 MHz FM broadcasts, along with two new multicast channels — Regenbogen Gold and Regenbogen Comedy.
“Listeners in the will be able to receive the Radio Regenbogen program as in the past with their normal radio at a frequency of 102.8 [MHz],” stated Radio Regenbogen Managing Director Gregory Spaceman in a press release. “With the new HD Radio technology, they will also be able to enjoy the new formats, two new multicast channels.”
Media&Broadcast stated that it views HD Radio as a possible option for future digitization of the FM band, and it is using the field test to explore the requirements of the HD radio system. The regional broadcast regulator, the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LfK) supports the pilot project
“With this trial, we want to find out whether or not HD Radio represents a meaningful digital auxiliary offer for our licensees. It helps us little if the reports only refer to experiences in other countries,” stated LfK President Thomas Langheinrich. The first report on the trial is slated to be presented to the LfK on 27 September.
iBiquity Digital, Audio Export Georg Neumann, Orban/CRL Systems, Broadcast Electronics and Ruoss AG are assisting with tests.
(Source: RWI)