RadioScape, a world leader in digital multimedia head-end and receiver technology, has upgraded the Arqiva DAB multiplex that handles BT Movios wholesale Mobile TV service, which was launched on 1 October 2006. The upgrade is to the latest version of RadioScapes DAB Professional Broadcast System Version 5.1 and enables multiplexes to handle Mobile TV broadcasting. The upgrade is part of an agreement that will enable Arqiva to begin upgrading its inventory of 47 DAB digital radio multiplexes in the UK, which forms the worlds largest DAB installation and is used to provide virtually all of the UKs commercial DAB broadcasts.
John Hall, RadioScapes CEO, said, Our leadership in end-to-end DAB technology gives us a huge advantage in developing Mobile TV solutions which are based on DAB. Our Mobile TV platform uses DAB spectrum that is already available in many countries so that working, reliable Mobile TV can be deployed now. This is why it is the solution of choice not only here in the UK but also in China where RadioScape is the leading provider of Mobile TV systems that now cover all the major conurbations. The proof of working Mobile TV in real world settings has resulted in RadioScape being invited to take part in trials around the world. It is a major success story for the company that is driving its growth as a leading player in the Mobile TV market.
Paul Eaton, Head of Radio at Arqiva, has worked closely with RadioScape to finalise this strategically important contract. He added, The move into Mobile TV is strategically important for Arqiva and for those using our infrastructure, such as BT Movio’s DAB-IP Mobile TV service. We have worked with RadioScape for some time now to develop this upgrade and its ability to deliver advanced data capabilities and Mobile TV.
Mobile TV trials
RadioScape provided the Mobile TV broadcast system technology for the following trials:-
The BT Movio trial in the UK in 2005
The recent joint trial by RTÉ, BT Ireland and RadioScape in Dublin
The Centre of Excellence for Digital Broadcasting (CoEfDB) trial in the Netherlands
The DMB/DAB-IP Mobile TV trial in the UK that was announced on the 5th of June 2006
Trials in China that resulted in commercial broadcasts covering all the major conurbations such as Beijing.