Hong Kong - Current situation - History
19.08.2010
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.
17.07.2008
The Hong Kong regulators are currently in the midst of a consultation on digital broadcasting.
Since 2004, there have been a total of four six-month trials in DAB Band III, conducted by RTHK, Hong Kong's public broadcaster. Trials included audio, data (e.g. traffic, weather and financial information) and visual elements (using DMB).
There is also interest from one of the commercial operators to run a DMB trial in the future.
20.01.2008
Since 2004, there have been a total of four six-month trials in DAB Band III, conducted by RTHK, Hong Kong's public broadcaster. Trials included audio, data (e.g. traffic, weather and financial information) and visual elements (using DMB).
There is also interest from one of the commercial operators to run a DMB trial in the future.