WorldCast Systems has announced a large-scale rollout of its SmartFM technology in Germany. The company says this patented technology enables broadcasters operating Ecreso transmitters to reduce their energy consumption by up to 40%.
According to WorldCast, the rollout — implemented on 800 of its transmitters by the end of 2022 — is a major step toward the decarbonization of FM broadcasts in Germany.
WorldCast has sold some 2000 Ecreso FM transmitters to the country, with Uplink Network GmbH operating nearly half of them. Uplink, in collaboration with several stations it operates, including public radios Deutschland Radio, RBB, WDR and NDR, is currently deploying SmartFM on its entire park of Ecreso transmitters. Installation began earlier this year and will continue until December.
“Germany is renowned for its rigorous selection process, which makes this a resounding success for our teams — and we hope, for the entire radio industry.For Uplink, the trigger was to broadcast with a greener solution while ensuring optimal quality,” said Christophe Poulain, co-president of WorldCast Systems.
“We are pleased to be able to take this important step in energy saving together with WorldCast Systems. As Germany’s largest broadcaster, it is particularly important to us to successfully support our customers with innovative saving options such as SmartFM without loss of quality. An efficient process that saves energy, reduces costs and protects the climate,” says Thomas Weiner, COO Uplink Group.
Smart FM is built into Ecreso FM transmitters and can be integrated via a software license model, which begins by activating a free three-month trial.