Archive notice: This article was originally published on October 24, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The Baden-Württemberg private broadcaster Radio Regenbogen begins Germany’s first broadcast using digital HD radio technology on October 25. „The technical preparations for the start of HD radio were already completed a few weeks ago; only the various approval procedures were still outstanding. Following comprehensive tests, finally by the Federal Network Agency, we have now received clearance for all three digital programmes and would like to start directly with them,“ reports the Managing Dirrector of Radio Regenbogen, Gregor Spachmann.
The most-listened-to private radio programme in its broadcasting area, Radio Regenbogen,
can now for the first time and as the only European high-power transmitter in the analog FM band be transmitted in digital form. In addition to the existing Radio Regenbogen programme, two further, completely new programmes can now be broadcast, likewise in the innovative digital sound quality. Spachmann sees HD radio as a highly interesting option for the future of radio. „In the Rhine-Neckar region, with a normal FM radio you can receive the Radio Regenbogen programme on the FM frequency 102.8 as before. With a new HD device, you additionally have the
possibility of listening to our new formats Regenbogen Gold as well as Regenbogen Comedy,“ says the Managing Director.
Thanks to technical support from network operator Media&Broadcast of TSystems, the technical requirements for
the launch and operation of the Radio Regenbogen programmes in HD quality could be created on the transmission mast in Heidelberg. The Baden-Württemberg State Institute for Communication (LFK) sees in the
support of the pilot project the possibility of finally gathering its own experience with this technology – previously known only from third countries such as the USA, Switzerland or Brazil.
The initiators are meanwhile already meeting with broad interest and versatile support from the device and automotive industries. In addition to patent holder iBiquity Digital Corporation, the companies Audioexport Georg Neumann, Orban/CRL Systems, BE Broadcast Electronics, TC Electronics as well as Ruoss AG, which is leading the way in Swiss HD radio, are supporting the trial.
Further links:
- Radio Regenbogen
