New Digital Standard Promises Increased Radio Choice

New radio technology being trialed in London could soon be rolled out nationally, replacing the crackles of AM radio signals with a wider number of stations and much clearer transmission.

The technology, Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), is being touted as a complementary standard to existing DAB radio services, replacing current analogue AM signals.

A trial of the technology is currently underway in the capital, with National Grid Wireless (formerly Crown Castle UK) providing the broadcast infrastructure, while broadcast partners Virgin Radio, talkSPORT Radio, Kiss 100FM and BBC World Service air content over the new service. RIZ Transmitters has provided the transmission equipment for the experimental service.

John Ward, director of network operations and engineering at National Grid Wireless, explained the significance of the new service, stating: “This trial comes on the 10th anniversary of the switch-on of the first BBC DAB transmitter and demonstrates the commitment of National Grid Wireless to remain at the forefront of broadcast transmission technologies.”

The DRM trial will take place for approximately six weeks, broadcasting from National Grid Wireless’ Crystal Palace site.

The latest radio trial follows several months of experimental outings for new broadcast standards in Britain, such as the DVB-H standard, delivering digital TV to mobile devices, which was first tested in Britain by Arqiva in September (see Arqiva To Demonstrate Mobile Video Standard).

Elsewhere, a raft of less experimental technologies, such as Virgin’s Visual Radio (see Virgin Launches Visual Radio For Mobile Phones), and BSkyB’s mobile TV service (see Sky Signs Vodafone For Mobile TV Service), promise to cram yet more data and rich media services into the airwaves.

National Grid Wireless: www.gridcom.com