News

Hessen Digital Radio began operation of its second broadcasting network Hessen Nord on Channel 6A on 29 June, with the use of the AVT MAGIC DABMUX Go Multiplexer, with up to 20 stations being able to connect. The device will be on show at AVT's booth (Hall 8, E76) next week's IBC exhibition in Amsterdam.

The Conseil superieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) call for applications for new DAB+ national multiplexes in France followed the results of a public consultation that began last year. The outcome of that consultation shaped a call for application reserved for radio editors, with part of the resource being available for non radio services and the confirmation on the distribution of coverage over the ensuring two years.

In Warsaw, a local pilot multiplex of digital radio in DAB+ technology was launched. Ultimately, the MUX will include the local local broadcasters, including Radio Kolor, or Muzo.fm, and broadcasters nationwide like Radio Maryja, and also for the first time in the Internet segment like Radiojazz.fm.

Romania's telecommunications authority ANCOM will conduct a public consultation ahead of auctioning the rights for the operation of one national DAB+ terrestrial digital audio broadcasting multiplex in the 223-230 MHz band (TV channel 12) and of one national T-DAB+ terrestrial digital audio broadcasting multiplex or 36 regional multiplexes in the 216-223 MHz band (TV channel 11).

The Romanian National Authority for Administration and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) has published a tender document for public consultation that will oversee the introduction of DAB+ multiplexes in the country. Submissions can be made until 24 September, after which ANCOM will make recommended modifications to the intial proposal and establish a calendar for later action.

Flemish station Radio Nostalgie has gone on air via DAB+ from Tuesday, and can be heard via the digital ether network of niemeer operator Norkring on channel 11A. The third-party operator recently expanded the number of support transmitters of this network to 18.

Iconic radio station Capital Radio is set to become the first DAB+ station in the United Arab Emirates. The station was on air in Abu Dhabi for 20 years from 1979 before closing. The station will first run on online radio from 2 September, before DAB+ and FM services follow after a few months.

Polish broadcast operator BCAST launched a new DAB+ multiplex in Warsaw on 24 August, which will include local radio stations including Radio Kolor or Muzo.fm, as well as national broadcasters, like Radio Maryja, and also for the first time internet stations such as Radiojazz.fm.

The world’s most recognised automotive specialists including Aston Martin, Toyota, Volvo, Peugeot and Citroen have recently purchased Factum Radioscape’s DAB+ measuring tool, the OBSERVA Field Monit, which monitors and records immediate and informative measurements, enabling the automotive industry to provide their customers an in-car entertainment system with an optimal listening environment. Further information will be available at the Factum Radioscape stand (Hall 8, Stand D90) at IBC2018.

Czech Radio can use high performance transmitters in Jihlava, Trutnov and Ústí nad Labem. There are also six walkers on the D1 motorway route from Prague to Brno (Čtyřkoly, Měchnov, Kácov, Velké Meziříčí, Velká Bíteš, Rosice). By the end of the year CRo wants to cover the motorways D5, D8, D10 and D11, next year D1 from Brno to Ostrava. The next summer will also launch an information campaign to make people aware of the availability and benefits of DAB+ radio.