Radio ga ga in digital quality

The drive towards the digitalisation of Maltese media will get another boost with the launch of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in the Maltese islands. Trials have just started on the new DAB+ standard being rolled out by Digi B Network, promising better signal quality and a host of new services.

"All of the world's broadcasting platforms have moved or are moving from analogue to digital which allows for increased capacity and quality," explained Sergio D'Amico, managing director of Digi B Network. "Radio is very popular and this is confirmed by both regular surveys and the amount of local radio stations. Although the way media is being utilised is changing, radio is undoubtedly a part of the media spectrum and we are positioned through the use of DAB+ to play a role in that future."

Following a public call for interest by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), his company applied for a licence and was subsequently awarded the frequency spectrum necessary to provide digital radio services through a transparent auction process. Malta will be the first European country to launch a network based on the new standard, the company claimed.

Maltese DAB+ listeners will get high quality signals that are hiss and crackle free. Since the signal is in digital format it can also carry information such as tuning to a station by name and not frequency, an electronic programme guide, dynamic text that tells listeners what is on air, and even slide shows. Certain receivers also make it possible to pause and rewind a broadcast.

Furthermore digi B Network is promising a wider choice of stations and the services will be free to air.

Trials will be held over the coming months through a single frequency network. Several national local radio stations, including Bay Radio, Radio 101, RTK, Calypso, Campus FM and Smash, have agreed to a simulcast trial period. Negotiations with other channels are ongoing. A number of popular foreign stations such as the BBC World Service, Voice of America, and RAI will also be re-transmitting. The list of stations is set to grow.

DAB+, the latest DAB format, has been selected for Malta as the most suitable and efficient transport method for Malta, the company said.

"Digi B Network is proud to be associated with the first nationwide roll out of the latest DAB+ multiplex. Other far larger countries such as Australia, Switzerland and China have also selected DAB+. In the EU, the UK, France, Italy and Germany have all had DAB transmissions, albeit of previous formats, for some time now," added Mr D'Amico.

DAB+ uses AAC+ compression, which is three times as efficient as the older DAB. This will not only provide higher quality service, but the improved efficiency allows for the introduction of new exciting services. The introduction of EPG and slideshow features to complement the audio services is also being considered.

Despite the fact that DAB will bring a significant improvement in radio broadcasts, comparable to the leap from analog to digital television in recent years, it is still early to make predictions.

"As with any change there are doubts and fears that are raised," admitted Mr D'Amico. "The (radio) industry is facing challenges from outside. DAB presents an opportunity for new investment both from the current stations and from new ones. New investment is always good news for the industry. DAB will make the industry stronger and several broadcasters realise that, hence their participation in the trial."

Individual listeners will have to invest in completely new radio sets. Some of the latest car models may already have a DAB radio set installed on board, however new portable sets that receive DAB have to be bought.

"It is definitely a change that must happen, but like every previous technological change (black and white TV to colour TV, analogue to digital TV, CRT to LCD TVs,) once commenced it is unstoppable," insists the managing director.

"In fact Digi B Network is already selling the new DAB+ receivers. Also DAB+ is advantaged in that it is a free to air service and the only investment required is the purchase of a new set. There will be a good amount of new content targeting specific niches, which will be very attractive to listeners. Furthermore, DAB+ will soon be available as a feature in hi-fi for home and cars as well as in mobile phones, PDAs, USB sticks and the like. The DAB family of standards, which now includes DAB+, is the only European Standard accepted in China. We can therefore expect competitive prices for DAB+ enabled devices in the future."

Radio listeners interested in DAB are advised not to rush and buy the first set they get their hands on. Digi B Network is warning listeners not to buy the relatively low-prices sets from the UK as these receivers are not applicable to transmission in Malta and will need to be modified by manufacturers prior to release for the local market.

More information on DAB in Malta at www.dab.com.mt.