WorldDAB holds expert DAB+ signal distribution seminar

17.02.2023 by Will Jackson

Signal distribution - how to get the signal from the multiplexer to the transmitter - is a critical topic for all DAB digital radio multiplex operators. A working and reliable distribution network is essential for a good DAB network. The latest seminar from WorldDAB’s Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee (SNIC) aims to explore this key area in depth, bringing leading experts in the field together in Geneva on Thursday 9 March for a free half-day seminar, in-person and online.

There are many ways to transport the signal from the multiplex to the transmitter and different strategies to achieve reliability and redundancy. Across the morning, industry leaders from advanced DAB markets will share their experience and insight on the various methods used.

The scene will be set with an update on the global growth of DAB+ from Hanns Wolter, Technical Director of DAB Italia and Chair of the WorldDAB SNIC. Hanns is involved in network planning and spectrum issues and also works closely with hardware manufacturers for the deployment of a comprehensive DAB environment. Currently, he is responsible for the planning and management of the ongoing roll-out of DAB Italia’s network and all issues related to the creation, distribution and transmission of the multiplex.

Speaking on scenarios and best practice for EDI/ETI distribution over satellite is Tork Niendorf from 2wcom Systems. He is a software developer, focussing on DAB and audio distribution systems, with his work including EDI over satellite and EDI-to-ETI converters at transmitter sites throughout Norway, Germany, Italy, and France.

Stan Roehrich will be discussing regional DAB+ network feeding via IP links. Stan is the co-founder and CTO of digris AG, which operates local DAB SFN coverage in Switzerland, France and the UK. digris develops innovative software and hardware solutions for internal uses. Stan is also CTO at DABcom which operates a large SFN coverage in Switzerland, and vice president at the Open Digital Radio association which maintains open-source software for DAB+ tools.

DAB+ signal distribution over IP using EDI and SRT will be explored by Emanuele Mancuso. He is a network assistant with DAB Italia, focussing on the development and integration of IP networks for DAB Italia's national digital radio network. In this context, he has gained significant experience with the distribution of real-time signals, also using the SRT protocol.

Small-scale DAB is one of the fastest growing sectors across Europe. Exploring its implementation in the UK, where over 20 new multiplexes have been launched in the last 18 months, is Lawrie Hallett. He is the Operations Director of Future Digital Norfolk Limited, which has been broadcasting a small-scale DAB service to the Greater Norwich area of eastern England since 2015.

The seminar is organised by the Spectrum and Network Implementation Committee (SNIC) of WorldDAB, the global industry forum for DAB digital radio. It facilitates the adoption and implementation of broadcast digital radio based on DAB, the digital radio standard adopted by broadcasters across Europe, Asia Pacific and beyond.

WorldDAB has several committees that are governed by its members. Working groups and task forces focus on specific areas related to the deployment of DAB. The SNIC provides guidance on DAB network implementation including how to build a transmission site, multiplexing and sound processing, monitoring and signal distribution and data service implementation. The Committee also monitors and lobbies to ensure frequency availability for DAB+.

The seminar is open to all and free of charge. Register to attend here, by 28 February 2023.