Special DRM Broadcasts for HFCC 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

HFCC conveners had hoped for more, but here are a few DRM broadcasts targeting the HFCC 2019 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Transmission will originate by Encompass Digital Media Services on Ascension Island. All days are 16.00-17.00 UTC on 21630 kHz bearing of 245 degrees. Four different content providers will air, one each day.

• Monday 26 August – BBC World Service [English]
• Tuesday 27 August – KBS World Radio (Korea) [Spanish]
• Wednesday 28 August – NHK World Radio (Japan) [Spanish]
• Thursday 29 August – TWR (TransWorldRadio) [Spanish]

In addition, Vatican Radio will also carry a special broadcast in DRM during the HFCC meeting. Monday 26-Thursday 29 August at 18.30 -19.00 UTC on 17535 kHz from Santa Maria di Galeria bearing of 230 degrees. Program will consist of music with text in English and Spanish.

Rumors of new DRM receivers are in the air. I'm anticipating reports from the meeting soon. Stay tuned!

NRSC - take a look at DRM for MW!

This Radio World article talks about the NRSC and their "impact". How about they check-out the impact of allowing DRM on MW in the USA?

In fact, this BBC study on Project Mayflower might just tell them what they need to know. Even at modest power levels, DRM works well and sounds better than AM!

This is one of many documents that plead our case - that DRM is the digital solution for the mediumwave and shortwave bands.

Let Radio World know what you think about DRM! Perhaps the FCC and NRSC will get the picture and allow DRM to be tested head-to-head with IBOC on the AM/MW broadcast band.

International Radio for Disaster Relief DRM Trial

"Digital Radio Mondiale announced that the Emergency Warning Features of the DRM system would be featured in a broadcast included in the International Radio for Disaster Relief Trial (IRDR) Trial to coincide with the Media Summit on Climate Change to be held June 4–6 in Jakarta, Indonesia"...

June 5-6
15650kHz (BBC/Babcock)
0300–0330, 0400–4300, 0500–0530 UTC 

 

UPDATE: 20140601
Special transmissions in English or Mandarin targeting Indonesia (in UTC) on June 5-6, 2014
(unknown if these are all DRM):

• 0200-0230 ABC Radio Australia, Shepparton - 21840 kHz
• 0230-0530 BBC, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand - 15650 kHz
• 0500-0530 R Vatican, Santa Maria di Galeria - 21840 kHz
• 0530-0600 Sri Lanka BC, Trincomalee - 15650 kHz
• 0600-0700 First Response Radio via FEBC, Philippines - 15650 kHz
• 0730-0800 MGLOB Madagascar - 21840 kHz (alternative time: 0930-1000)
• 0800-0830 IBB, Tinang or Udon Thani - 15650 kHz
• 0830-0900 NHK World Radio Japan, Palau - 15650 kHz
• 0900-0930 IBB, Tinang or Udon Thani - 15650 kHz
• 1000-1030 All India Radio, Bangalore - 15650 kHz
• 1030-1100 RTC China (in Standard Chinese), Beijing - 21840 kHz
• 1100-1130 KTWR Guam - 15650 kHz
  
  <from Mauno Ritola on the WRTH Facebook group, via DXLD>

BBC story "Digital Shortwave : a radio revolution"

Here is a great story about DRM as the driving force behind reviving shortwave. WE know they are right!

DRM General Assembly to be held at BBC in London this month

DRM is in focus as preparations are under way for the General Assembly of the DRM Consortium, scheduled to take place on March 26th and 27th 2014 at the BBC Headquarters in central London, the New Broadcasting House. Under the title “DRM in Action” the Consortium will use this opportunity to highlight the excellent benefits of the DRM standard and the progress it is making around the world, as well as to emphasise the power of digital radio. For more info write pressoffice@drm.org or to read more go here.

19 July DRM30 BBC Broadcast to South Africa

Live DRM SW transmission aimed at Southern Africa on July 19th on the occasion of the SABA workshop

The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium will use its strong presence at this year’s Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) Digital Broadcasting Infrastructure and Platforms Event, during Mediatech (Africa’s biggest technology and trade show exhibition for the media and entertainment industry) to demonstrate the possibilities of the DRM standard. During its morning workshop on Friday 19th July DRM experts, representing well-known Consortium members companies and organizations such as Ampegon, Fraunhofer IIS, and Nautel, will make presentations and be available to answer any questions.

To complement the workshop DRM is pleased to announce that it is planning a live broadcast to South Africa which will be transmitted on 21,460 kHz during the Workshop. The two hour transmission will feature BBC programmes in English and will be on air from 1000-1200 GMT, 1200-1400 local time.

Ruxandra Obreja, DRM Chairperson, says: “This is an exciting opportunity for delegates to not just hear about the technology but to listen to the excellent audio quality that DRM can bring to radio lovers in Africa. DRM is the only standard for all bands below and above 30 MHz that could offer so much to listeners across the continent.”

For more information please write to: projectoffice@drm.org.

UPDATE: Glenn Hauser of DXLD muses that the TX site is Ascension Island. There have been other tests from there recently.

Consultant takes BBC to task on digitization plans

"Independent Consultant John Shaw shares his knowledge and expertise on DRM and DAB in an open letter addressed to BBC Trust Chairman, Lord Patten."

Check out this "open letter" from the Consortium website. Mr. Shaw challenges the notion that localized DAB multiplexes will serve as well as strategically sited DRM30 outlets (including resurrecting BBC on longwave).

I get the idea that when something becomes an "open letter" it is akin to a last-ditch effort to get a point across. Maybe we can find a way to use this both directly (email Lord Patten) and as an example for us to do our part in support of digitization rather than abandonment of shortwave in our respective countries of abode.