RIGA, Latvia� Public BroadcasterLatvian Radiowill test digital radio technology in collaboration with the Latvian State Radio and Television Center over a period of one year. The National Electronic Mass Media Council has decided not to offer the opportunity to commercial broadcasters during that time, according to Baltic-course.com.
“Since several European countries are currently in various stages of transition to digital audio broadcasting (DAB and DAB+), Latvia needs to identify the benefits this technology could provide to society. They might include lower broadcasting costs and better signal quality across Latvia. But before taking any further decisions about the digital radio, this technology has to be tested. This is what independent experts recommend,” said Aija Dulevska, chairperson of the National Electronic Mass Media Council.
System integrator A-T TRADE MUSIC won the public tender to provide DAB multiplexer equipment to LVTRC.� Equipment manufacturer Paneda will supply the complete system with 16 DAB+ services and multiplexers as well as data content system for the project. �The project will start as a trial in November with six channels and will eventually be completed with commercial radio stations, thus totaling 16 services.�
The LVTRC order includes a complete system with multiplexers and audio encoders as well as the content management systemRAPID from All In Media. �The system is realized in one single 1U hardware, including support for AES/EBU, AES67/LiveWire as well as web stream formats that will be used for the commercial stations. Each broadcaster will have access to its own web based user interface, and can handle and manage the system independently from each other.
�
