Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) commissioned VT Merlin Communications to undertake a feasibility study into setting up digital broadcasts in the Hong Kong territory using the Digital Radio MondialeTM (DRMTM) system. RTHK has a number of analogue medium wave and FM radio services, but currently has no digital radio service. They were therefore keen to experience the benefits that the DRM system could bring to the region.
VT Merlin engineers conducted a pilot study during March 2004 utilising RTHK’s existing analogue transmitter on 783 kHz, which is broadcast 24/7 from its transmission facility at Golden Hill. During the test the analogue signal was suspended between 01:00 and 05:00 and the DRM signal was broadcast instead. A total of 47 RTHK sites located throughout the territory were included in the study, with measurements taken at each location. This clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the digital system. The pilot transmissions also showed the flexibility of DRM by broadcasting dual language programmes in English and Cantonese over the same channel. VT Merlin also proved the possibilities for data transmission by sending electronic images during the regular audio service.
Peter Gordon, VT Merlin’s Head of Digitalisation commented: ” The results of this study are very encouraging and show RTHK how the DRM platform could
be constructed using existing broadcast infrastructure. We look forward to
helping RTHK to develop digital services in the future.”
VT Merlin is a founder member of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), a consortium of broadcast related organisations working to bring digital AM radio to the market place.
The third annual summit of the international broadcasting industry takes
place in May 2004. The AIB Global Media Business Conference is on Wednesday
12th and Thursday 13th May in the headquarters of Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty.
The conference auditorium is the former Czechoslovak parliament chamber, the
Hall of the People and the building – the former Czechoslovak Parliament – is
located right at the top of Wenceslas Square in central Prague.
The agenda is far-reaching and will stimulate much discussion and debate
between the delegates attending this important annual conference. With delegates
joining from all over the world – Australia, Germany. Canada, New Zealand,
Sweden, France, the USA and many other countries – this is the premier event for
the international broadcasting industry to meet, exchange ideas and to learn.
Delegates include broadcast executives, producers, journalists, regulators, politicians, manufacturers, service providers and consultants.
The entire industry will be represented and so make this an unmissable event.
The conference agenda is available online – click on the Conference link on the navigation bar to the left.
Supported by
The AIB has negotiated a range of special rates for delegates travelling to the
AIB Global Media Business Conference in Prague. Full details will be available
to all delegates on receipt of their registration.
The AIB has appointed Destination Travel of Prague as the official travel agency. Destination has negotiated first-class hotel deals and you can only book the official conference hotel through Destination. Check out the booking form on line.
There are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available to
companies and organisations that want to raise their profile in the global media marketplace. Download the sponsorship document here and
contact
Anver Anderson to discuss how the AIB Global Media Business Conference can benefit your business.
We look forward to seeing you in Prague in May 2004.
