The first test transmission of digital radio using DAB+ technology has started in Sydney, ahead of its six city rollout in January 2009.
The digital radio test which started today, will broadcast a mixture of talk and music including pop and jazz to allow the industry to test the sound quality of different content.
The trial is being managed by Commercial Radio Australia on behalf of commercial and public radio broadcasters.
“This is the first fully compliant high power broadcast of digital radio using DAB+ technology anywhere in the world, so it’s quite an important milestone,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of CRA.
“This is a technical field test that will ascertain coverage area and system performance and how well DAB+ can be used to broadcast multiple channels of audio and data, in preparation for commercial rollout,” she added.
Warner said the test would send a signal to radio receiver manufacturers that the industry is serious about digital radio and would need a range of DAB+ digital radios in the market ahead of launch.
DAB+ technology will allow listeners to tune into digital radio through an iPod and enable people to download and purchase songs as they are listening to them.
Australia has also joined a new DAB+ taskforce set up by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.
The association has 170 members from 53 countries and is focussed on encouraging the adoption of DAB+ in the region. Warner has been appointed chair of the taskforce
