BC-DX 789 05 Jan 2007 Private Verwendung der Meldun

NETHERLANDS The Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands has announced
that holders of mediumwave licences may now apply for a modification to
the licence to allow them to use the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) system.
The Agency highlights three benefits of DRM over analogue:
Greatly improved audio and reception quality The possibility of
transmitting additional data services Lower power is necessary (less
environmental damage and lower energy costs)
The Agency also points out the disadvantage that listeners first have to
buy a new DRM receiver. For existing mediumwave licence holders, there are
three options: Continue broadcasting in analogue (no further action
necessary)
Replace analogue with DRM, in which case the licence holder needs to
request a modification to the existing licence
Replace analogue with a so-called SCS (Single Channel Simulcast)
transmission allowing analogue and DRM modes to be broadcast on the same
frequency, which also requires a licence modifcation.
(Source: Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands)
Andy Sennitt comments:
At the 2005 International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam, I was told
informally by a colleague from the Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands
that the Agency was keen to get DRM on the agenda as soon as possible, so
this announcement is not a surprise. I imagine that option 3 (Single
Channel Simulcast) will appeal to licence holders, certainly for the next
few years when very few DRM receivers are in use.
(Andy Sennitt-HOL, RNW MN NL, via mwdx and BrDXC-UK Jan 3)
NEW ZEALAND Radio NZ International - The Shortwave Future.
Long time listeners to Radio New Zealand International may remember a
number of times when the 'quiet voice of the Pacific' was silenced through
funding cutbacks and bureaucratic and political ignorance and
indifference.
Since 1990, when a new 100 kW AM transmitter was inaugurated from a new
transmission site in the central North Island, RNZI has steadily regained
listeners in its main Pacific target areas, and beyond.
The introduction of a second 100 kW [DRM] transmitter in 2006 has further
improved RNZI's capability to deliver core services such as 'Dateline
Pacific' to local rebroadcasters across the region.
Recent arrangements for Radio Australia and the BBC to carry key programs
have broadened the reach of RNZI even further, both stations operating
networks of local FM relay stations that now carry RNZI content.
RNZI's use of DRM [digital radio] is unusual, being designed to deliver
point to point FM quality signals directly to designated local radio
stations at specific times of the day.
The signal starts the day beamed at French Polynesia, and moves westwards
across the Pacific as dawn breaks, thus allowing local stations to carry
RNZI programs during peak morning listening times.
The installation of DRM capable receivers at a growing number of radio
stations across the Pacific allows FM quality reception at key local
listening times, and has built the local RNZI audience into the largest of
any broadcaster in the region.