Friday, November 28, 2008

Test begin for BBC/DW DRM service to begin 2009

Media Network contributor Christopher Lewis reported this morning “0858 UTC. I am currently listening to BBC and Deutsche Welle Test (the text as appeared on the display) on 9610 kHz DRM. I am not sure where the transmission is being relayed from, but signal is steady, with stereo audio. Programming is featuring reports about the environment, agriculture, sciences etc. Test continues at 0900 on 9610 khz, opening with a bulletin of DW news in English.”
In fact, the transmission on 9610 was from Sines, Portugal. In the DRM Sofware Radio Forums, the complete schedule is given for the tests which will continue at 0500-2300 UTC today, tomorrow and Thursday. There are also tests scheduled on mediumwave 1296 kHz at 0500-0700 and 1700-2300 UTC. Visit http://www.drmrx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2033
for the full schedule.

Related story:
BBC World Service and Deutsche Welle have announced plans to launch a joint radio service to Europe on DRM shortwave. The new stream, which will be entirely in English, is expected to go live in early 2009. It will be available from early morning till late at night targeting Western and Central Europe and a potential audience of 170 million listeners with global news and current affairs and a rich mix of in-depth analysis, documentaries and cultural programs. The service will provide a multimedia offer of audio and text, the latter coming automatically from the BBC News website.
Erik Bettermann, Director General at Deutsche Welle, said: “It is great that two of the world’s most established broadcasters can work together on a project of this scale. This is an exciting venture that will offer European listeners top class content and provides the perfect opportunity to reintroduce listeners to DRM.”
(Source: DRM Consortium)
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)