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01/01-2012
DRM
First, everyone all the best for 2012.
Can we conclude, so at the start of a new year, that DRM, as a modulation sort on AM and SW, is over?? Most - experimental - transmitters are switched off again, receivers are not available. At least one advantage, normal AM broadcast are not suffering anymore from the - hiss - that DRM stations were making on the co-channel and neighbouring channels.
For example: Radio Waddenzee/Radio Seagull, 1602 KHz., since today, New Yearsday, free from the disturbing which came from Langenberg 1593 KHz.
Best 73's Mr. W. Prins - Haren The Netherlands (1/1-2012)
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06/11-2011
DENMARK
As of November 1st 2011 DR (Danmarks Radio) has been authorized by the Danish Ministry of Business and Growth to use Kalundborg 243 kHz and 1062 kHz for transmission of nationwide radio.
Conditions for use:
243 kHz may be used with either analogue AM (max 300 kW) or DRM (max 60 kW).
1062 kHz may be used with either analogue AM (max 250 kW) or DRM (max 50 kW)
More - in Danish - http://www.itst.dk/
Please note, that DR only has got the authorization for using the frequencies; if DR will use it, is another story.
Now, only 243 kHz is used a couple of hours a day for service messages on AM.
By the way, a couple of weeks ago I tried to listen in on 243 kHz from Portugal - but nothing heard!
Ydun Ritz (6/11-2011)
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11/06-2011
DRM signal simultaneously
with AM
In DX LISTENING DIGEST 11-22, June 1, 2011 Ian Baxter, NSW, AUS wrote:
Also I'm not sure if anybody in the group knows this, but from around
May 20th or so, the VL8T new transmitter has reportedly been running
DRM tests. (...).
I've heard a "rumour" that VL8T was running DRM signal simultaneously
with AM (analogue) signal. I'm not sure it there is truth to this or
not, nor if even possible. I heard that there is something about a
technology that enables this on the DRM website (I haven't looked
yet). (...)
Gosh, this topic could go for a while. I think I have to look at the
DRM website; perhaps DRM can be carried as a sub-carrier on a SW
carrier like RDS can on FM? I'm over my head on this I have to check
this out later. I need enlightenment --- other than that offered by
Harold on Family Radio :-P
G'Night, all.
73's Ian Baxter.
It seems this is actually done; I have spotted RNE, Arganda del Rey,
1359 kHz doing just that, but managed to hear them with both DRM
& AM just once so far, as reported in DXLD yg this year.
The explanation as provided by a Carlos Mourato, CT4RK,
who works at the Pro-Funk managed DW relay down in Sines
after I asked him for a comment on that log of mine:
"RNE is using simulcast with the same tx. DRM is attached to an AM
modulated carrier.
The idea was that no mutual QRM existed, but unless the tx is very carefully
adjusted, especially if the OFDM (*) modulation has its Q component
modulated at a high level, it is very difficult, if not impossible that both
modes actually cause no QRM to each other. In my opinion, you'll have
either one or the other, not both, at least in the present time.
RNE's DRM isn't much interferred by AM. I receive RNE's DRM mainly at night
via NVIS, the signal is very strong and steady, which translates into a
fairly good Signal to Noise Ratio. The quality is very good, no dropouts, and perfectly compatible to FM."
*) Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing as explained for instance at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthogonal_frequency-division_multiplexing
I have no recording of that "DRM" as I call it, but what I heard gave
the impression of an AM signal being jammed though perfectly readable. At that time, I was unsure about whether it was coming from two separate txs or just one as it seems to be the case.
73,
Carlos Goncalves POR via dxld yg (10/6-2011)
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14/04-2011
SPAIN
RNE-1 Arganda 1359 is back on DRM mode only... as usual.
While they're pumping on silly noise into the band, I'm waiting for a reply on this issue from a Spanish DXer.
73,
Carlos Goncalves POR via dxld yg (14/4-2011)
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31/10-2010
LUXEMBURG
DRM transmissions on 1440 are almost gone, they have
meanwhile been cut back to a token operation between 8 AM and 9 AM local
time. Otherwise the Marnach transmitter is operated in AM mode, in the
time slots 04:30-08:00 and 17:00-02:00 CET or thereabouts.
As well-known
a large amount of this airtime is leased out to missionaries, CRI and
KBS, which presumably for now saved 1440 from being closed down
altogether. Gossip has it that RTL meanwhile became less willing to pump
money into its Luxembourg radio operations. This gathered, amongst other
sources, from
http://forum.mysnip.de/read.php?8773,850244
Concerning the power used on 1440: It is understood that Marnach has now
Transradio solid-state equipment for 600 kW and that these 600 kW are
the power at which the paid relays are being run. The tube transmitters
(S 4006, they should still have an even older 600 kW
Telefunken/Transradio transmitter with classic plate modulation as
well), in the past run in a pair as 1200 kW, are no longer in routine
use.
For 1440 kHz it must be also noted that the first half of the remaining single hour in DRM is leased out to KBS, which thinks that this is a good way to reach listeners in Germany (well, it's an unnecessarily complicated method to throw money out of the window). So RTL Radio in DRM on 1440 has meanwhile been cut back to a mere 30 minutes per day.
Kai Ludwig, Germany via dxld yg (30/10-2010)
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06/10-2010
DRM but no receivers
DRM has been around for a while now and many stations have taken up the digital mode over the past few years. It still seems to go under the heading of trial/test transmission however. The most prominent in my region is Radio New Zealand International which broadcasts in DRM nearly 24/7. Often I search aimlessly online hoping degen or tecsun, sangean or sony, some company will release a DRM receiver so I can hear. It is very sad that with DRM broadcasts on the air there is no cheap, compatiable DRM receiver at all. Does anybody know if any compnay will soon consider making a DRM radio? It just seems bizarre that DRM seems to be the future and won't vanish but yet they aren't making any receivers! I did note you can buy/import European DRM radios which are incompatiable in Australia/NZ's power supply.
I hope Degen/Kaito will soon be making a urgently needed DRM shortwave receiver. On another note Australia is progressing slowly with digital DAB radio with more consumers in cities purchasing radios. In Hobart despite the radios readily avaliable we have no DAB signals until a couple of years.
Cheers, Robb Wise,
Hobart, Australia via dxld yg (3/10-2010)
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02/07-2010
INDIA
All India Radio tender notice for DRM digital transmitters.
India's public service broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) is putting into practice its plans for digitalisation of radio and has placed a global tender notice for the procurement of several DRM digital transmitters. AIR has invited bids for the supply of 34 new MW transmitters, for the upgrade of 36 MW transmitters and purchase of 5 SW transmitters and other associated equipment. The Research Department of AIR is also going ahead with the purchase of a 500 watt DRM shortwave transmitter for conducting trials on 26 MHz SW DRM transmissions for local coverage. The details of the tender advertisement can be found on the official AIR website:
http://www.allindiaradio.org/NIT/Tenderenquiry-13/18006010.html
This procurement process is the start of the AIR's digitalisation plan of ensuring DRM Digital radio coverage for the entire country, thereby providing better and more robust radio services to the listeners.
Earlier this year, AIR had placed orders for the purchase of two 1000 KW DRM capable transmitters which are now being made ready for inspection and delivery. These MW transmitters can be operated in DRM mode, in analogue or in simulcast mode and provide coverage to very large areas in the Indian subcontinent. The transmitters have been manufactured by Thomson Broadcast & Multimedia, A.G.
And recently All India Radio has also confirmed the purchase of 6 mobile DRM transmitters of 10 KW each which are AM/DRM ready. These containerized transmitters are meant to be used in disaster management CASES as they can be easily transported to the affected areas by air/rail/road. A 60 meter medium wave mobile mast goes in another container which can be easily erected together with the transmitter and start broadcasting as and when required. These transmitters are being supplied by M/S Riz, Croatia.
Source: DRM Consortium http://www.drm.org/index.php?p=news_item&uid=212 via Alokesh Gupta,
New Delhi, India, dxld yg (1/7-2010)
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29/06-2010
DRM broadcasters' user guide released
The DRM Consortium has produced a new up-to-date Broadcasters' User Guide
intended to provide a source of relevant and authoritative information on
the full DRM Digital Radio broadcasting system.
It is aimed at broadcasters considering the transition from analogue to
digital broadcast in the AM and VHF broadcasting bands using what many
believe to be the most advanced and flexible digital radio broadcast system
today. It will also be of interest to manufacturers, service-planners,
administrations and regulatory bodies involved with broadcasting systems and
policy.
The document is intended to explain how and why a broadcaster might go
digital, from both technical and commercial perspectives, describe the basic
operation of the DRM system (DRM30 and DRM+), provide a definitive source of
references to key technical standards, including regulatory, co-ordination
and planning information for DRM broadcasting.
The Broadcasters' User Guide also provides detailed information on other
useful features, such as bespoke commercial applications designed to run on
the DRM platform. The Guide has eleven chapters with illustrations and clear
explanations on themes such as the DRM technology and content, the network
infrastructure, receivers, IPR and references to DRM system related papers
and published articles.
"The Broadcasters' User Guide is a reference document for anyone interested
in understanding and implementing this complete global, digital radio
standard. It addresses the specialists and enthusiasts in equal measure and
as such it is the free contribution that the DRM Consortium would like to
make to the broadcast industry and the revitalisation of audio broadcasting
in the digital age", said Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Consortium chair.
The Broadcasters' User Guide is available in booklet format from the DRM
Project Office and also on the DRM website where it can be downloaded in
PDF format.
Source: Media Network, DRM Consortium via Southgate via
Mike Terry, dxld yg (29/6-2010)
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09/03-2010
DRM Broadcast
Current DRM Broadcast, compiled by Klaus Schneider
http://www.wwdxc.de/drm.htm
Via DXing the Finnish Way (8/3-2010)
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05/02-2010
INDIA
AIR to get 2 MW DRM transmitters for Gujarat, W Bengal
All India Radio (AIR) has placed an order for the supply of two 1000 kilowatt DRM capable medium wave transmitters. These will replace old analogue transmitters of same capacity at Chinsurah (West Bengal) and Rajkot (Gujarat), with state-of-the-art solid state transmitters.
The new Megawatt transmitters can be operated in analogue, in simulcast or in DRM mode with automatic change-over between these three operational modes. The transmitters shall provide coverage to very large areas in the Indian sub-continent as well to the West, North, East and Southeast Asia.
This significant purchase was revealed at the recently concluded Broadcast Engineering Society (BES) India’s conference in New Delhi, attended by exhibitors and participants from all over the world. The need for cheaper digital radio sets and content innovation was highlighted by speakers during the event.
All India Radio has already chosen DRM as the technology for converting its vast analogue network to digital. This is part of its digital radio switchover strategy where more than 40 transmitters are to be made DRM capable in the near future. AIR is already broadcasting in DRM from one of its high-power shortwave transmitter located at Khampur near Delhi that covers an area of approximately 800 kilometre radius.
The DRM Consortium says the development underlines the commitment made by India to new technology in general and the DRM standard in particular.
Source: http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/air-get-2-mw-drm-transmitters-gujarat-w-bengal
Jaisakthivel, Tirunelveli, India via dxld yg (5/2-2010)
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28/11-2009
SPAIN
Things seems no to be very clear at RNE about the Arganda-1359 operation.
After starting the 24h. DRM operation recently, the whole past week they were
broadcasting in noise mode only from 1900z to @0700. During daytime the frequency was empty. This morning (Nov. 23rd 2009) they switched off the DRM tx. at 0657z and in some moment along the day they started in AM again. Now, at 2034z I can hear the Arganda tx. in AM. The past week the DRM operation did not contain the scrolling text announcing 24h. operation but only "RNE DRM ARGANDA-1359 Khz".
73s
Mauricio Molano,
Salamanca
Spain via emwg yg (23/11-2009)
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03/11-2009
SPAIN
After several years the medium wave DRM broadcast of RNE (Arganda 1359) has passed its testing phase and has become a regular one on the air 24 hours a day. The ID is "E7C238" and the program is labeled as "RNE DRM Arganda". I think the power isthe same: 10kw.
Mauricio Molano,
Salamanca
Spain via mwcircle yg (3/11-2009)
I wonder how large its audience is? Are there any DRM receivers for sale in
Spain?
73 Steve Whitt via mwcircle yg (3/11-2009)
Well, as in many other places... no receivers=nobody listening to. It is a toy for engineers. And I suspect that few people will be fooled by "DRM, The Intermitent Radio" to buy a new and expensive receiver. Let´s see!
Mauricio Molano via mwcircle yg (3/11-2009)
Does this also mean there are no more analogue transmissions from Arganda Del Rey on 1359 kHz?
73 Herman Boel, emwg yg (3/11-2009)
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11/08-2009
DRM
RECEIVER PROFILES
released at IBC 2009.
The DRM Digital Radio Receiver Profiles, which define minimum functionality for different classes of digital radio receivers, have been released in Amsterdam at IBC today. The Profiles aim to help manufacturers build stand-alone DRM or multi-standard receivers and stimulate digital radio markets across the world.
The Receiver Profiles offer significant benefits to all stakeholders in the radio market; for broadcasters they provide assurance that their services will be receivable and for manufacturers that their technology investments will be supported by a wide choice of services. For consumers the Receiver Profiles ensure that the products they purchase have the necessary features to offer consistent quality and assured levels of interoperability
across their region and beyond. Regulators can use the Receiver Profiles to develop strategies and policies for digital radio broadcasting within national boundaries or with reference to trans-national and harmonised markets.
The Profiles have been developed by the DRM Consortium with the aid of its member experts representing silicon chip manufacturers, consumer device manufacturers, radio broadcasters and other experts from across the industry. The development of the Receiver Profiles has taken into account important market considerations
including the consumer experience, manufacturing issues and broadcaster requirements.
Lindsay Cornell, Chairman, DRM Technical Committee and BBC’s Principal Systems Architect, says: “Products conforming to the DRM Receiver Profiles will provide a step change in usability over analogue radios. The Profiles are composed of mandatory features which must be implemented and recommended features which offer enhancements with wide appeal. Manufacturers may offer additional features in order to differentiate their product from others.”
Ruxandra Obreja, Chairperson DRM and Controller Business Development, BBC World Service, says: “The DRM Consortium will actively encourage its members to adopt the DRM Digital Radio Receiver Profiles. With ETSI approval of our system enhancement to include DRM+, DRM offers a total solution for digital switch over. The Receiver Profiles should stimulate the receiver manufacturing industry paving the way for full DRM roll-out”
The DRM Receiver Profiles document can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
http://www.drm.org/uploads/media/DRM_Receiver_Profiles.pdf
Source: Press release DRM Consortium www.drm.org (11/8-2009)
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