The world is watching what is happening in Australia as digital radio launches. With all capital cities now switched on, and the industry working together to encourage early take-up, Commercial Radio Australia has found itself busy hosting visitors who want to track the progress of DAB+ in this country. A Korean radio industry delegation is in town this week, and an Indonesian group of broadcasters is expected to arrive soon. Other international broadcasters are anticipated to attend this year’s Commercial Radio Conference in October to hear about developments.
The current delegation includes representatives from the Korean Digital Radio Committee, Electronics and Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI), Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA), Buddism Broadcasting System (BBS), Telecommunication Technology Association (TTA), HYNDAI AUTONET Co Ltd and Namseoul University.
Unofficial reports suggest the visiting broadcasters and regulators are impressed with what they have seen so far, although official comment is hard to get out of such delegations.
CRA’s Chief Executive Joan Warner has told radioinfo:
“The radio industry world-wide has been watching with great interest the rollout of digital radio in Australia. Many countries that are making decisions about their digital radio future are very interested in the successful rollout of DAB+ digital radio services in Australia.
“Our all of industry approach of including all stakeholders in the planning and rollout has been successful and the Korean delegation is here to meet the organisations involved.”
Most of Australia’s capital city markets have turned the wick up the power to full after several weeks of testing, although Melbourne is still on low power while some interference issues are sorted out.
The Korean delegation is meeting with key stakeholders from the Australian radio industry including; Austereo, Fairfax and the public service broadcasters, plus industry regulator the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), to discuss the successful switch on of digital radio in Australia.
The Korean delegation will also visit the TXA Artarmon tower site to inspect the DAB+ antenna, transmitters and multiplexes.
The DAB+ digital radio technology switched on in Australia is the standard already adopted in Switzerland, Malta and Hungary. DAB+ will be launched in Germany and Italy in 2009 and is expected to be trialled and/or adopted in the Czech Republic, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, much of Scandinavia and other European and Asian markets.