VT Communications (VTC), part of VT Group plc is providing a ground breaking AM broadcast pilot service using the Digital Radio MondialeTM (DRMTM) system. Several UK commercial broadcasters are participating, including Virgin Radio, Asian Sound Radio, Classic Gold Digital, Premier Christian Radio and CVC.
The commercial trial, which runs for two months, is the first of its kind targeting the UK. It allows commercial broadcasters to assess the benefits of the exciting new digital AM technology, including real time text and data based information services, in addition to demonstrating the superb quality of reception that is now available on the AM bands.
The programming is being broadcast from transmission facilities in Western Europe reaching the whole of the UK as well as North West Continental Europe, demonstrating the exceptional coverage offered by the AM (SW, MW & LW) DRM technology platform which enables broadcasters to reach mass audiences cost effectively from one single transmitter.
VT Communications owns and operates three DRM capable transmitters in the UK. Following successful service trials in 2004, these transmitters already carry programming for several international broadcasters into Europe.
VT Communications will be demonstrating these UK trials at the Digital Radio Show in London from 1-2 June 2005, providing conference delegates with the opportunity to listen to the broadcasts and expose them to the future of AM digital radio. DRM Chairman and Chief Operating Officer at Deutsche Welle, Peter Senger will address the conference in a session titled An Overview of Global DRM Implementations, at 10:30am on 1 June.
Bryan Coombes, General Manager for Broadcast at VT Communications commented: VT Communications is delighted at being able to offer our customers the opportunity to evaluate the benefits of DRM technology on their home territory. This really is an exciting taste of the future of radio, today.
Virgin Radio’s Development Director Jason Bryant said: “Virgin Radio is committed to making its programme services available on a wide variety of platforms. We believe that DRM is an exciting, and potentially wide appeal new platform and have been impressed with the technology on this trial”.
John Baish, Managing Director at Classic Gold Digital commented: Were all excited by the opportunities that DRM will create, and this trial has given us a lot of encouragement about the potential of the platform. This is a groundbreaking initiative, and VT Communications have worked with great professionalism on the trial.
Asian Sound Radio’s Shujat Ali, Managing Director commented: “We see DRM and other digital radio platforms as an excellent means for covering the ethnic and Asian community niche markets, enabling us to stay at the forefront of this key market area.”