News

Replying to the regulator on the recent DAB+ consultation launched by the CSA, the President of French radio station Fréquence Plus, Anthony Eustache, calls for an increased offer of FM frequencies to smaller broadcasters, to ensure their ability to finance participation on national DAB+ multiplexes, and guarantee a sustainable launch of DAB+ by players invested in its success.

The distribution of the so-called residual capacity at regional plots for DAB+, will be launched on August 14. Yesterday the scheme was announced. The remaining capacity applies to more than 30 channels at various regional DAB+ lots. There are more than 30 licenses available.

It's more than just a 'retro' digital (DAB) radio, or even an Internet radio. It's very much an all-round digital audio 'solution'.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs have issued licences for 34 regional DAB+ channels across the South, North and South West of the Netherlands. The distribution will start from August 10. Licences are for a period of two years.

In addition to providing better audio quality, digital radio offers other advantages, such as power consumption about 60% lower compared to FM radio. Station search is by name rather than frequency and additional services such as images can be added.

Garages that wish to use the installer Digital Radio Certification Mark, also known as Tick Mark, must complete the official IMI DAB Radio Installation Technician Accreditation, which is now available through Celsus.

PPL, the body that collects music royalty payments on behalf of record companies, has re-affirmed that it plans to charge existing stations an additional fee to simulcast on a nine-month technical trial of small-scale DAB.

The "Collective Radio North" which includes channels Delta FM, Horizon, Mona FM and Radio 6 encourage the actions being currently made to roll out digital radio in France. "Digital radio guarantees the modernisation of a regulated radio that offers the development of new services while preserving free anonymity. We say 'Yes' to digital radio in the North of Calais."

Radioplayer has launched a new 'hybrid adaptor', a free software service for all Radioplayer member stations, to improve their visual impact on hybrid radio receivers. Listeners with hybrid radios (which combine DAB and FM with extra features powered by the internet) will see colourful logos and programme information on their radio screens. Radioplayer uses existing data and images held for each station, and is formatting data in the RadioDNS hybrid radio format.

The full position paper outlining the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association ZVEI's position on a digital radio strategy is now available for download.