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DAB News

24

Comments

  • #52
    JDxtra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,936 ✭✭✭JDxtra


    SimonMaher wrote: »
    Even at 200w the coverage should be half decent from Donnybrook but it's really struggling. Even on a test licence they should at least be able to use the main tower with an aerial up top to see what urban coverage can be achieved at that power level.
    True. Unless all the "testers" are within the RTE campus! :)


  • #53
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    SimonMaher wrote: »
    Even on a test licence they should at least be able to use the main tower with an aerial up top to see what urban coverage can be achieved at that power level.

    Maybe this is being used as a test for sites where a high tower may not be available. These small-scale setups are designed to cover a small geographic area.


  • #54
    More Music
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 873 ✭✭✭More Music


    The trial is being broadcast from Donnybrook.

    It's not yet running at 200W. It's only meant for "on campus" testing at the moment.

    At 200W coverage should go beyond the M50.

    All stations received a local encoder from Viamux. Linux based Intel NUC box. All settings preset for them.

    One of the main objectives is to demonstrate seamless handover from an app (in this case the Irish RadioPlayer) to terrestrial DAB transmissions on a smartphone.


  • #55
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    More Music wrote: »
    One of the main objectives is to demonstrate seamless handover from an app (in this case the Irish RadioPlayer) to terrestrial DAB transmissions on a smartphone.
    Long term could this be the model for a national rollout?


  • #56
    JDxtra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,936 ✭✭✭JDxtra


    More Music wrote: »
    The trial is being broadcast from Donnybrook.

    It's not yet running at 200W. It's only meant for "on campus" testing at the moment.

    At 200W coverage should go beyond the M50.

    All stations received a local encoder from Viamux. Linux based Intel NUC box. All settings preset for them.

    One of the main objectives is to demonstrate seamless handover from an app (in this case the Irish RadioPlayer) to terrestrial DAB transmissions on a smartphone.
    Very interesting, thanks for sharing that information.


  • #57
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Viamux Éireann, Viamux as Gaeilge - http://www.viamux.com/viamux-eacuteireann.html

    Viamux, the company installing and managing the two new small-scale DAB+ muxes has launched its website in 3 additional languages, German, French and Irish.
    VIAMUX

    n réiteach ilphléach digiteach DAB/
    DAB+ raidió iontaofa ísealchostas
    Viamux DAB i mBosca

    An réiteach ilphléacs 'amach as an mbosca' iomlán

    Soláthraímid do gach trealamh ceann-deireadh (antenna, amplifier, SDR agus freastalaí ilphléacs) agus é a
    shuiteáil ag an suíomh tarchurtha. Cuimsítear ionchódóir DAB/DAB+ do gach ceann de do láithreacha stáisiún
    raidió do chliaint ionas go mbeidh an fhuaim ionchódaithe ag an bhfoinse chun an caighdeán is airde a
    choinneáil. Ag baint úsáide as an idirlíon mar chiorcad ranníocaíochta le haghaidh fuaime ionchódaithe,
    cinntítear go gcoimeádtar do chostais oibriúcháin leanúnacha ar a laghad.


    Viamux DAB sa Cloud
    An réiteach 'DAB mar sheirbhís' a bhainistítear go hiomlán

    Tá do fhreastalaí ilphléacs agus ionchódóirí DAB/DAB+ lonnaithe i ár n-ionad sonraí. Ón áit seo,
    cuirtear an sruth ilphléacsáilte 'chumasc' go díreach chuig do threalamh 'ceannlíne' ag an láithreán
    tarchuir ag baint úsáide as líonra príobháideach fíorúil. Cinntíonn an úsáid a bhaint as an scamall go
    mbainfidh d'ionchódóirí fuaime agus freastalaí ilphléacs leas as ár gcóras monatóireachta 24 uair an
    chloig agus tacaíocht theicniúil ar an láthair.

    Chun níos mó glao a fhoghlaim
    ​+44 (0)161 696 7557
    Oibrímid le cliant mór
    agus beag

    RTÉ

    Thug Viamux Craoltóirí Neamhspleácha na hÉireann (IBI) agus craoltóir stáit RTÉ le líonra raidió DAB+
    nuálach, ag craoladh gach stáisiún ar Radioplayer na hÉireann. Lonnaithe i mBaile Átha Cliath,
    fostaíonn an córas dhá ilphléacs DAB+ a chuireann gach 36 stáisiún raidió tráchtála na hÉireann in
    éineacht le naoi seirbhís RTÉ. Lascraíonn an líonra éisteoirí freisin gan uaim idir an app Radioplayer
    Éireannach agus DAB+ saor in aisce.

    Tuilleadh Eolais

    niocast
    digital

    Feidhmíonn Niocast Digital an ilphléacs raidió digiteach is daonra ar domhan. Lonnaithe i Manchester,
    Sasana, sheol an 'minimux' ar scála beag Dé hAoine an 28 Lúnasa 2015. Anois tugann sé 27 clár clár
    EAGGleictreach agus spreagúil DAB+, tugann an ilphléacs Niocast rogha d'éisteoirí gan choinne riamh
    don chathair agus soláthraíonn sé ardán riachtanach d'ábhar nua agus nuálaíocht formáid.

    láithreán gréasáin niocast
    Tá an taithí againn oibriú leat i ngach
    gné den tionscadal DAB/DAB+


  • #58
    Charles Slane
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,812 ✭✭✭Charles Slane


    These tests are coming in clearly now in Dublin 9.


  • #59
    Scotty66
    Registered Users Posts: 17 ✭Scotty66


    Loud and clear in Milltown. Quality seems excellent apart from Newstalk which is only coming out of one speaker! Still a few stations not playing.


  • #60
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I wonder would they extend the trial to areas outside of Dublin.


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  • #61
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Viamux people in Donnybrook on Tuesday

    https://twitter.com/viamux/status/917631002310307840


  • #62
    Trick of the Tail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,319 ✭✭✭Trick of the Tail


    All pointless - there's no point in carrying stations on DAB that are available on FM.

    Also no point if you can't get a decent quality feed from the programme sources, that 'trial' is just using web streams, most very dodgy quality.

    DAB will only work in Ireland if it carries other services.

    But that's why the IBI don't want it - they don't want any competition. So the only reason they're on board for this test is that THEIR members are the only stations on it.

    Sigh.


  • #63
    digitalise
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭digitalise


    Get a grip. It's not all pointless. It's a trial. Yes they are all stations that are already on FM but elsewhere in the country - not Dublin. You might have a point if stations were on FM and DAB covering the same area - that's how it seems to be in the UK.  But even that wouldn't be pointless.  I have DAB in the car and I don't hop between FM & DAB.  I just stick with the DAB.  So this is great for me.
    I think  someone has already said that they've sent encoders out to each station - so it's not rebroadcasting the stations web stream. Sounds fine to me.
    I do agree that the best chance for DAB taking off is if it carries other services.  But can you see that happening? Who runs radio in this country -  is IBI or is it BAI? Is the tail wagging the dog?


  • #64
    dave4565
    Registered Users Posts: 74 ✭✭dave4565


    It is pointless this is proven technology what is there to test


  • #65
    s3rtvdbwfj81ch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,691 ✭✭✭s3rtvdbwfj81ch


    digitalise wrote: »
    Who runs radio in this country -  is IBI or is it BAI?

    DOB init :pac:


  • #66
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,154 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    dave4565 wrote: »
    It is pointless this is proven technology what is there to test


    it's not pointless. the technology hasn't been proved in irish conditions, so therefore it has to be tested. This particular mux is using software based solutions so they will need to be tested in terms of irish conditions such as coverage.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



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  • #67
    JDxtra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,936 ✭✭✭JDxtra


    It's not using web feeds. They've sent units to each of the commercial stations to capture the audio at source.


  • #68
    Trick of the Tail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,319 ✭✭✭Trick of the Tail


    JDxtra wrote: »
    It's not using web feeds. They've sent units to each of the commercial stations to capture the audio at source.


    oh - I wonder why the audio qualities are so variable then.


  • #69
    dave4565
    Registered Users Posts: 74 ✭✭dave4565


    end of the road wrote: »
    it's not pointless. the technology hasn't been proved in irish conditions, so therefore it has to be tested. This particular mux is using software based solutions so they will need to be tested in terms of irish conditions such as coverage.

    transmitting from montrose using 200w is not testing coverage


  • #70
    Scotty66
    Registered Users Posts: 17 ✭Scotty66


    There is a saying: “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”. I’m sure Viacom would concur.


  • #71
    StreetLight
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,440 ✭✭✭StreetLight


    The FM version audio quality of Newstalk is so much clearer compared to the Minimux one, so there is definitely some difference in how the feeds are sourced.


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  • #72
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,154 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    dave4565 wrote: »
    transmitting from montrose using 200w is not testing coverage


    it actually is testing coverage. these minny muxes are for small local based dab setups. these setups are good for community radio, or could be used for small infill setups for coverage blackspots. if the trial is successful it might potentially lead to some sort of rollout, all be it that is probably more wishful thinking then actual reality. the potential is there though.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



  • #73
    Expunge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,096 ✭✭✭Expunge


    end of the road wrote: »
    it actually is testing coverage. these minny muxes are for small local based dab setups. these setups are good for community radio, or could be used for small infill setups for coverage blackspots. if the trial is successful it might potentially lead to some sort of rollout, all be it that is probably more wishful thinking then actual reality. the potential is there though.

    So why not test it in South Kerry and Donegal?


  • #74
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,154 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    Expunge wrote: »
    So why not test it in South Kerry and Donegal?


    what is wrong with testing it in dublin which would be easier and quicker for the operators of the mux to get to.
    contact the mux operator and ask them why they made the choice to test in dublin rather then elsewhere. viamux is their name i believe. let us know what they say.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



  • #75
    Expunge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,096 ✭✭✭Expunge


    end of the road wrote: »
    what is wrong with testing it in dublin which would be easier and quicker for the operators of the mux to get to.
    contact the mux operator and ask them why they made the choice to test in dublin rather then elsewhere. viamux is their name i believe. let us know what they say.

    Jeez! Keep your hair on!
    I'll ask the people paying for it and hosting it - RTÉ and the IBI.

    And the answer probably is; we're doing it to say we're doing it. We have ticked the box and we really don't give a ****e.
    We have no intention of opening things up to other serious commercial operators.
    Things are just fine as they are.
    200 watts from a shed in Donnybrook is as ambitious as we will get for now.


  • #76
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,154 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    the IBI will have no choice but to put up with more competition in the terrestrial radio sector eventually if they want to remain relevant. they will either willingly engage or be left behind, but more competition is coming sooner or later whether they want it or not.
    terrestrial radio listening while still high is slowly decreasing due to other forms of competition which offers choice and meets listeners requirements, so if the IBI want terrestrial radio to remain relevant they will modernise.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



  • #77
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    dave4565 wrote: »
    transmitting from montrose using 200w is not testing coverage
    end of the road wrote: »
    it actually is testing coverage. these minny muxes are for small local based dab setups. these setups are good for community radio, or could be used for small infill setups for coverage blackspots. if the trial is successful it might potentially lead to some sort of rollout, all be it that is probably more wishful thinking then actual reality. the potential is there though.

    The small-scale DAB trial mini-muxes in the UK are licensed to transmit at 50-100 watts, higher than analogue community radio at 25 watts. Future planning for the rollout of these muxes nationwide will limit the power to 100 watts.


  • #78
    end of the road
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,154 ✭✭✭✭end of the road


    The Cush wrote: »
    The small-scale DAB trial mini-muxes in the UK are licensed to transmit at 50-100 watts, higher than analogue community radio at 25 watts.

    that's right. the good thing is it will mean that local uk community radio will have a decent potential reach finally.
    The Cush wrote: »
    Future planning for the rollout of these muxes nationwide will limit the power to 100 watts.

    that's a bit disappointing if i'm honest. i was hoping that things would be taken on a case by case basis but i suppose realistically it's not the most important thing for now. maybe in time the limits will be increased where warrented.

    I'm very highly educated. I know words, i have the best words, nobody has better words then me.



  • #79
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    end of the road wrote: »
    that's a bit disappointing if i'm honest. i was hoping that things would be taken on a case by case basis but i suppose realistically it's not the most important thing for now. maybe in time the limits will be increased where warrented.

    Where required local SFNs could be implemented to increase coverage.


  • #80
    rogue-entity
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,656 ✭✭✭rogue-entity


    Trick of the Tail wrote: »
    All pointless - there's no point in carrying stations on DAB that are available on FM.

    But that's why the IBI don't want it - they don't want any competition. So the only reason they're on board for this test is that THEIR members are the only stations on it.
    And what stations would you propose they do put on there? Depending on who you ask, either any station with a licence from the competent authority in an EU member state can broadcast on a 'local' platform (seems to work for Satellite and Cable?) or only a local station can do so vis-a-vis content licence.

    Of course they don't, it's easy to claim you're "number one" when you have a captive market and effectively zero competition. Easy to justify when you cite "finite advertising income" and easy to implement when you have regulatory capture.
    digitalise wrote: »
    Yes they are all stations that are already on FM but elsewhere in the country - not Dublin.

    ...Is the tail wagging the dog?
    So Dubliners with DAB radios can now experience the radio landscape in the South East; three ILRs within reception range all sounding effectively the same as each other. :D

    Yes, it's text-book regulatory capture.


  • #81
    um7y1h83ge06nx
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,029 ✭✭✭um7y1h83ge06nx


    On Tuesday I bought a basic portable radio as we were without power and I thought it handy for future use. Most of my radio listening these days is done in the car or using smartphone apps.

    Instinctively I just went for a FM/AM radio but it got me thinking afterwards. Where are we in Ireland with DAB and is there any chance in the future that Ireland will do a switch-over from FM to DAB?

    Apologies, this probably seems a basic question and something that has probably being discussed to death here, I'm not a frequent user of the Radio forum.


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  • #82
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Marcos Purring Piano wrote: »
    Instinctively I just went for a FM/AM radio but it got me thinking afterwards. Where are we in Ireland with DAB and is there any chance in the future that Ireland will do a switch-over from FM to DAB?

    Stuck in first gear, no national digital radio rollout plan, no FM transition plan, no interest from the commercial broadcasters.

    Waiting for an announcement about this small-scale DAB+ trial and the future plans for digital radio, likely to happen at the Digital Radio UK ‘Doing the DAB’ event in Belfast on Nov 17th where JP Coakley, RTÉ's Director of Radio Operations, is taking part.

    Elsewhere, Norway switches off the last of their national FM transmitters this Dec as they complete the transition to digital radio broadcasting. Switzerland - South Tyrol 2017, DSO national start 2020 - and Denmark may follow in the years ahead. These countries have population coverage in excess of 98%. The UK, Germany and Netherlands have similar coverage but no plans to switch off FM broadcasting.


  • #83
    More Music
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 873 ✭✭✭More Music


    Just to clarify, Norway are indeed at a very advanced stage of DAB roll out and FM switch off. However, it is only for national services. They are keeping local and regional FM transmitters. The DAB service only carries national radio stations.

    Related to a previous poster and buying a battery powered FM radio for emergency situations....all digital/DAB radios are notoriously heavy on batteries. Maybe not ideal for emergencies unless you have a lot more batteries than you would usually stock pile.


  • #84
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    More Music wrote: »
    Just to clarify, Norway are indeed at a very advanced stage of DAB roll out and FM switch off. However, it is only for national services. They are keeping local and regional FM transmitters. The DAB service only carries national radio stations.

    Yes, that's why I mentioned their national FM transmitters. The national commercial, PSBs (regional) and larger local broadcasters are switching to DAB/DAB+ only. Smaller local stations can continue on FM until the end of 2021.
    More Music wrote: »
    The DAB service only carries national radio stations.

    Not correct, there are currently 7 local multiplexes carry mostly DAB+ exclusive stations with licence applications being advertised for other areas -


  • #85
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I'm able to pick up these two multiplexes in and around the south inner city, with the occasional bit in the city centre. Was getting an intermittent signal on Abbey Street earlier today. I'm just using a cheap handheld DAB radio from Argos which uses the headphone cable as the aerial so it's probably not great in fairness.

    Some stations still have no audio though, Radio Kerry being one of them.


  • #86
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    http://www.wohnort.org/dab/ireland.html#tests

    Latest snapshots of the Dublin mini muxes, updated earlier today. Still some stations without audio.


  • #87
    turbocab
    Registered Users Posts: 228 ✭✭turbocab


    The Cush wrote: »
    The small-scale DAB trial mini-muxes in the UK are licensed to transmit at 50-100 watts, higher than analogue community radio at 25 watts. Future planning for the rollout of these muxes nationwide will limit the power to 100 watts.
    signal coverage is terrible,cant even get it in stillorgan 2 miles away as the crow flys,25 watts on fm would give much better coverage


  • #88
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Digital Radio UK ‘Doing the DAB’ event in Belfast today, 11.00-12.00, where JP Coakley, RTÉ's Director of Radio Operations, is taking part.

    http://www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/events/doing-the-dab/
    Doing the Dab – the future of radio in Northern Ireland

    Digital radio listening in Northern Ireland is now growing faster than the rest of the UK and the availability of DAB has been transformed with over 54 stations available, and coverage expanded. The last 3 years have seen the launch of local stations Downtown Country, BBC Radio Foyle and most recently U105 on DAB, as well as the launch of the second national DAB network, Sound Digital, with 18 stations. This investment in content and coverage has accelerated the growth of DAB ownership to 40% and digital listening to 30%, behind the rest of the UK but growing fast.

    Doing the DAB: Northern Ireland will hear about the future of digital radio in Northern Ireland and how local stations BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, Downtown Radio, Downtown Country, Cool FM and U105 are using digital platforms to reach new audiences.

    Additionally, the Republic of Ireland’s public service broadcaster, RTÉ, will talk about future plans for digital radio

    Speakers:

    Ford Ennals
    Stuart Robinson
    Mark Mahaffy
    JP Croakley
    Jimmy Buckland
    Peter McVerry
    Michael Tumelty
    Larry Deeney


  • #89
    Mickey Mike
    Registered Users Posts: 794 ✭✭✭Mickey Mike


    Radio_Fan_738 wrote: »
    RTE to close down their Dab network ?

    Are you serious? You're only kidding right, that's not the way to go, closing down Long Wave 252 and FM Radio is what makes more sense, where did you hear this?


  • #90
    Loughc
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 24,990 Mod ✭✭✭✭Loughc


    Mickey Mike wrote: »
    Are you serious? You're only kidding right, that's not the way to go, closing down Long Wave 252 and FM Radio is what makes more sense, where did you hear this?

    Not a chance is that true. Especially with their recent push on Rté gold, DAB is here to stay.


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  • #91
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Mickey Mike wrote: »
    Are you serious? You're only kidding right, that's not the way to go, closing down Long Wave 252 and FM Radio is what makes more sense, where did you hear this?

    I read it a slightly sarcastic reply to More Music's original post
    More Music wrote: »
    Big news on the way.

    Ssshh.
    Radio_Fan_738 wrote: »
    RTE to close down their Dab network ?


  • #92
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    The Cush wrote: »
    Digital Radio UK ‘Doing the DAB’ event in Belfast today, 11.00-12.00, where JP Coakley, RTÉ's Director of Radio Operations, is taking part.

    http://www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk/events/doing-the-dab/
    Additionally, the Republic of Ireland’s public service broadcaster, RTÉ, will talk about future plans for digital radio

    Haven't see any reports about this in the press, just this
    Additionally JP Coakley from RTÉ, the Republic of Ireland’s public service broadcaster, spoke of RTɒs support of DAB in the Republic of Ireland, indicating that he is keen to explore opportunities for co-operation with Northern Ireland broadcasters in the future.

    http://www.getdigitalradio.com/dab-news/view/669

    https://twitter.com/DigitalRadioUK/status/931488920206004224

    https://twitter.com/viamux/status/931490688558161920


  • #93
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Sounds like he is pleading for funding to get DAB going here! It’s going very well in the north and Rte should wake up and get the rest of Ireland on digital radio even if it meant a few independent companies setting it up.


  • #94
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    zorro2566 wrote: »
    Sounds like he is pleading for funding to get DAB going here! It’s going very well in the north and Rte should wake up and get the rest of Ireland on digital radio even if it meant a few independent companies setting it up.
    Stalled while awaiting a BAI policy on this for the independent commercial radio sector, at least RTE have 50% population coverage.


  • #95
    rogue-entity
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,656 ✭✭✭rogue-entity


    zorro2566 wrote: »
    ...Rte should wake up and get the rest of Ireland on digital radio even if it meant a few independent companies setting it up.
    It comes down to this:
    Comreg are responsible for licensing the spectrum, but their policy (with regards to radio) is to deal only with RTE or the BAI. They do not appear to have any policy or plans regarding T-DAB and deferred me to the BAI.

    The BAI, although responsible for the licensing of broadcasters, concluded that for a service provider (multiplex operator) it would not be their responsibility, but Comreg.

    So you get caught between the proverbial pillar and post, as neither side has decided just what to do; two different private companies ran "trials" of DAB but nothing came of it.


  • #96
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,673 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    rogue-entity wrote: »
    So you get caught between the proverbial pillar and post, as neither side has decided just what to do; two different private companies ran "trials" of DAB but nothing came of it.

    Indeed, the frequency for a second "commercial" mux is agreed and internationally coordinated but what would be the point of Comreg issuing a multiplex licence without the content to be carried. Until such time as the BAI/Dept of Communications lay down a policy on the future of commercial radio using DAB we're stuck where we are.


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  • #97
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Radio Kerry has audio now. Passing through Donnybrook on a bus and the signal is dire. Dropping over the cliff even when stopped.


  • #98
    SimonMaher
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,060 ✭✭✭SimonMaher


    Karsini wrote: »
    Radio Kerry has audio now. Passing through Donnybrook on a bus and the signal is dire. Dropping over the cliff even when stopped.

    The main purpose of the test at this stage is to demonstrate the ease and low cost by which stations can be fed to the multiplex. A very simple mini-pc in the radio station 'streaming' direct to the software based MUX. When the original DAB tests with all the hardware were done years back the capital costs were huge and this Minimux demonstrates that this is not now the case! Very impressive tech and interesting to see how it develops. Aerials at low height currently, that can be changed once the MUX technology is tested and demonstrated.

    Simon


  • #99
    Schorpio
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,290 ✭✭✭Schorpio


    If this minimux rolls out nationwide it would silence a lot of naysayers against the implementation of DAB in Ireland.

    I would love the ability to switch between these regional stations.


  • #100
    Trick of the Tail
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,319 ✭✭✭Trick of the Tail


    The trouble is, its only involving the existing FM stations, not any new operators.

    This is largely because the BAI are not keen on encouraging any alternative services, since the FMers are lobbying them against this - as they don't want any competition.

    So I can see that if mini-muxes are rolled out, they'll merely contain the same FM stations available right now, which is pointless.


  • #101
    Scotty66
    Registered Users Posts: 17 ✭Scotty66


    Such a shame. In the UK the localised DAB trial has provided a broadcast platform for dozens of interesting new formats serving niche audiences. There's no evidence to suggest that these have posed any threat whatsoever to the existing mainstream stations. The BAI should follow Ofcom's lead and rise above the lobbyists, considering instead the wider listener benefits of the new technology.


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