DRM+, application of the Digital Radio Mondial system for frequencies up to 174 MHz, was successfully demonstrated in Paris on 16 July 2009.
A DRM+ signal was broadcast in VHF band I on 64.5 MHz from Tour Pleyel, in the north of Paris. Stereo and 5.1 surround audio signals, accompanied by DRM Dynamic Labels, Journaline text information and SlideShow graphics images, were presented with live indoor reception to an audience of more than 50 broadcasters and radio specialists.
Following the event, participants had the opportunity to experience live mobile DRM+ reception with 5.1 surround sound.
This demonstration was organized by the Syndicat National des Radios Libres (SNRL) and was performed with the help of the Fachhochschule Kaiserslautern and the Fraunhofer IIS of Erlangen, Germany.
The aim of the event was to prove that the DRM system could be used by local and smaller radio stations unable to join multiplexes, even in places where the FM band is full thanks to the use of available frequencies below 87 MHz.
David Blanc of SNRL descibed DRM+ as “a perfect complement” to multiplexes in VHF band III.
“It is an efficient and simple solution for hundreds of isolated local radio stations, especially in rural or mountainous areas,” stated Blanc. “We really hope this technology can get government approval in France and Europe and be integrated in radio receivers.”
DRM Consortium Chair Ruxandra Obreja stated: “The DRM+ demo in Paris proved that there is already the cutting edge technology available to provide all the benefits of digital radio meeting the needs of smaller stations and of the listeners wherever they are.”
