DAB+ offers lower infrastructure costs for new services than any other digital radio platform *** Over 50 different combined DAB/DAB+ receiver models commercially available *** DAB Slide show pictures enables advertisers to couple pictures with audio magnifying consumer brand awareness *** There are more DAB radios available than any other digital radio platform *** DAB family of standards is extremely flexible - it is easy to transmit DAB, DAB+ and DMB on the same transmission *** A typical DAB kitchen radio consumes a third less power than an energy saving light bulb ***

Country Information for DAB, DAB+ and DMB - Hong Kong


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| Current situation | Services on Air | Details of Trials | Regulation |

Other News Latest News from Hong Kong

4 digital radio applications received (04-05-2010)

The remaining one was submitted by Phoenix Radio, a new licence applicant. The authority will process the applications in accordance with the ...
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Current situation in Hong Kong Top
Last update: 19-08-2010 - older versions

Population:6.9 million
Services:7 DAB
Last update: 20-01-2008

The latest in a series of trials is currently on air in Hong Kong from Wave Media Ltd, a commercial radio broadcaster.  Seven services, including a range of music stations such as opera, classical, oldies and easy listening, are available to 50% of Hong Kong's 6.9 million population covering the main urban areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and Shatin.  The broadcasts include text and visual slides alongside the audio.

Stations on the multiplex are broadcast in a mix of DAB and DAB+, and the trial is due to run until November 2010.  Wave Media, which also broadcasts analogue stations, is committed to a digital radio future for Hong Kong.  Company boss, Albert Cheng, says he would like to run up to ten digital channels, but admits that depends on government approval.  He says: “Since the beginning, what we actually aimed for is digital audio broadcasting.”

Meanwhile, two other companies, Metro Broadcast Corp and Phoenix Radio have also applied for digital broadcast licences.

Due to the nature of its topography, it is difficult to broadcast FM services on the island of Hong Kong and, as a result, the diverse community that makes up the population is underserved in terms of station choice.  DAB and DAB+ are seen as the best way to increase that choice using the restricted spectrum available.

 

Services on Air Top

In this country there is

on air.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB programmes 0 7 7

Details of Trials Top
Last update: 19-08-2010 - older versions

The public broadcaster, RTHK has conducted serveral trials using DAB.  The first was a three year trial using L-Band that ran from  to 1998 to 2001.  The was followed by a Band III trial between 2004 and 2006.  These trials included audio, data such as traffic, weather and financial information, and an element of visual media using DMB.

Regulation Top
Last update: 17-07-2008 - older versions

Any DAB/DMB licensing development will be party to a review process by the Hong Kong regulator. Currently the regulation in Hong Kong is divided between three different bodies: OFTA (telecommunications authority – spectrum allocation), HKBA (broadcasting authority) and TELA (entertainment content licensing authority). The merger of these various bodies, to form one broader regulatory authority, is ongoing.