LJUBLJANA�The official roll-out of digital radio happened in Slovenia on September 20th as public broadcaster RTV Slovenija launched the first digital radio network, carrying 13 programs.
RTV Slovenija will operate the first digital multiplex, called R1, and will broadcast from seven transmitters around the country: Nanos, Crimea, Krvavec, Ple�ivcu, Pohorje, Tinjanu and Trdinov top.�The network will initially reach 73 percent of Slovenian households and covers 89% of motorways and expressways, reportsZurnal24.si.�
Slovenia has opted for the DAB+ technology, and radios with DAB+ decoding technology are already available in stores. Some car stereos are also compatible with the technology.
While the introduction of digital terrestrial broadcasting ended the era of analog TV broadcasts, digital radio will not squeeze out analog FM radio, according to English.sta.si.� The DAB+ network will operate alongside the existing FM network since it is a parallel technology with additional capabilities rather than a replacement.
Among other things, Digital radio offers the ability to broadcast multiple stations on a single network. Four radio stations operated by RTV Slovenija, including its flagship program Val 202, will be available in digital alongside nine commercial stations catering to a range of tastes including top hits, rock, religious programs and Slovenian music.
Transmitter site at Mt Nanos in the southwest of Slovenia. Photo: Tamino Petelin�ek/STA
