U.DAB launches largest small-scale DAB multiplex in the U.K.
Rohde & Schwarz has delivered 71 R&S TMV9 and R&S THV9 VHF transmitters to Media Broadcast, the operator of Germany’s second national DAB+ network.
Media Broadcast oversees the network on behalf of platform owner, Antenna Deutschland. The company is responsible for the provisioning, installation and operation of the transmitters.
The new DAB+ multiplex comprises 71 radio transmitter stations, located within the main metropolitan areas and along Germany’s autobahn network. The second multiplex enables a further 16 private national radio channels to broadcast over the network. Germany’s national DAB+ networks total 29 digital radio channels.
Live since October, the new DAB+ network reaches 83 percent of Germany’s population — an audience of over 67 million people. Last year, the number of DAB+ receivers in Germany increased by more than 33 percent relative to the previous 12 months. The use of DAB+ as the distribution means for radio broadcasts increased by 26 percent.
Furthermore, from the end of 2020, all new vehicles manufactured within the EU must be equipped with radio systems designed to receive digital radio programs.
At Rode & Schwarz’s Teisnach manufacturing facility, the production and delivery of the 71 R&S transmitters of the power classes 750 W to 5200 W was completed by the end of July, allowing sufficient time for installation and commissioning of the transmitters.
“Our transmitter series already equip the first national DAB+ multiplex and have been running without any problems for many years,” explained Manfred Reitmeier, vice president of Transmitters and Amplifier Systems at Rohde & Schwarz. “Also, the fact that we needed to manufacture and deliver more than 70 DAB+ transmitters in a very short time period was a tailor-made requirement for our team.
“Over many years, we have developed a great relationship with this customer, based on trust, and we value this project most highly,” concluded Reitmeier.
