iBiquity, Norwegian Local Radio Association Test HD Radio in Oslo
Sep 18, 2014 2:22 PM, Doug Irwin, CPBE AMD DRB
OSLO�The Norwegian Local Radio Association announced the successful completion of the first phase of HD Radio testing in Oslo, Norway. Radio Metro, with the support of HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital Corporation, and equipment manufacturer Nautel, began operations under a test authorization in Mid-June. The first phase of testing included many of the advanced digital radio services offered by HD Radio Technology, including Program Info, HD2/HD3 audio services as well as the visual service known as Artist Experience. Testing is expected to continue through December 31, 2014.
During the summer of 2014, iBiquity Digital conducted field tests with Svein Larsen, the Chairman of Norwegian Local radio association. At 100W, the HD Radio signal covered the entire city of Oslo. Larsen says, �The test in Oslo shows that with one 100 watt transmitter, it is easy and inexpensive for all-digital HD Radio broadcasts to cover an entire city. This creates the best listener experience with a very low cost for broadcasters. With HD Radio receivers currently available, it is clear that HD Radio broadcasts will be the preferred standard for digital radio on the FM band for Norway and is the perfect choice in a multi-platform world.�
The HD Radio system operates in a variety of modes and configurations to meet the unique needs of broadcasters. The hybrid configuration enables broadcasters to maintain their current analog operations while adding up to 4 channels digital audio, advanced services such as synchronized images and traffic data services, all within their current frequency allocation. The system can also be configured in an all-digital mode, which provides robust coverage and the option for additional broadcast bandwidth. All HD Radio receivers in production support both the hybrid and all digital modes of transmission. To date, over 25 million receivers have been sold and the technology is factory installed by 35 car manufacturers on over 185 different vehicle models.
