News

Since the end of August, Swiss station Radio Südostschweiz has been connected to SRG's Ticino DAB+ multiplex I01. Thus, Radio Südostschweiz extends the DAB+ transmission area in the south to the Italian border at Chiasso and Ascona and at the same time opens up the southern valleys of Misox and the Calancatal. Managing director Silvio Lebrument says the move is aimed at preparing for the eventual DAB+ switchover in Switzerland between 2020 and 2024. "Now it is time to motivate the listeners to switch to the new technology," he said.

There are few things in life that are as certain as the quality of a Ruark product. For years, the company has proved itself with excellent DAB radios, Bluetooth speakers and all-in-one CD plus speaker-type devices. Now it’s time for a music-streaming speaker: the Ruark MRx.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has set up a list of 27 short tunnels in the south region to be upgraded to receive DAB+. According to safety regulations, there must be DAB in new tunnels over 500 meters long. There are also installed DAB facilities in tunnels that previously had FM equipment.

British audio brand VQ and Laura Ashley the iconic textile design brand today announce a collaboration to create a range of audio and tech products, starting with a vintage styled DAB Digital Radio & Bluetooth Speaker – Hepburn Mk II.

The new Audemat DAB Probe will be launched at IBC2018 and is Worldcast’s flagship product for monitoring DAB signal quality and service continuity, at the transmitter site or in a coverage area. According to Worldcast, the Audemat DAB Probe enables remote monitoring of a set list of channels and allows users to verify the conformity of their DAB network with both legislation and their broadcasting needs.

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.