NAB to forge ahead with daytime AM HD all-digital

DRM is not even on their radar. NAB is pushing for FCC approval of all-digital HD for daytime AM. Not that this is unexpected, but when you won't let superior technological competitors (DRM) even have a chance...Read more about it here.

By the way, where is the research? I haven't seen one thing about the technical details of these tests, other than anecdote. Show us the money details involved!

The fox to guard the hen house...

IBiquity's comments about why the FCC should allow all-digital with AM-HD IBOC. I'm for all-digital operations, but I'd like to see DRM get a crack at it!

Does anyone out there have access to any scientific research showing that AM-HD can survive the rigors of skywave propagation (even half as well as DRM30)?                            

-crickets-

That is what I thought! I call to your attention again a RadioWorld article I linked to last year.

Radio World Commentary: "Why is there no mention of DRM?"

Back to our usual "AM (MW) Revitalization" soap-box here...

Check out this Radio World commentary by Gary Ellingson, a broadcasting consultant based in Morrhead, Minnesota. We agree! "Why is there no mention of DRM?"

Come on people (and FCC)! Time to poke the turkey of iBiquity's AM-HD (IBOC) mode, because it is done! We must demand DRM30 tests for the USA!

North American AM Revitalization? Pig in a Poke!

Radioworld's September 1st issue features an article about AM and sustainability and revitalization. What articles like this one don't seem to indicate is the real "dollars to donuts" stats the industry (and the people of the USA) need to decide if HD is right for AM's digital conversion. The fact is, NAB and FCC are sold-out to iBiquity in such a way that we are unlikely to ever get real stats on how HD (IBOC) from iBiquity works on AM (particularly nighttime sky-wave) or if it is even in the ballpark compared to the more-than-proven DRM30 protocol.

I find it sad that AM broadcasters are sinking into the mire of outdated regulations while a single for-profit company has the "permitted mode" locked down strictly for it's own financial gain. Let me make myself clear - the market (as in Capitalist) needs competition to function properly. An open standard like DRM30 is needed at least as far as it can be compared to the existing iBiquity HD (IBOC) format in terms of what will work best in North America as MW BC alternative to AM.

Until DRM30 is given a fair chance at showing its prowess in nighttime sky-wave conditions, the North American radio industry is being sold a "pig in a poke" with the existing iBiquity HD (IBOC) solution.

I really feel like a voice crying in the wilderness here, and what's worse is I feel like (nearly) the only voice? Where is the outrage? NAB and iBiquity won't even release their own technical findings about all-digital on MW BC? Whass'up with that? Help me here people! Write the FCC and tell them we want DRM30 as an option for AM/MW BC!

IBOC / HD AM Nightime Skywave - FAIL!

Here is a fine article that exemplifies what we have been saying for years! If you want successful digital broadcasting on Medium Wave (or Short Wave), you choose DRM30. Any questions?

Nigel Holmes says MW for Emergencies

Nigel Holmes of Radio Australia has a great piece on the MediaUK site about the value of MW/AM broadcast band during disasters.
"It turns out that smartphones aren't a good bet for the future of radio transmission; and there are particular benefits to AM radio." 

 He doesn't talk about going digital, but he got me thinking...
What if we could make that band media-rich, just what smartphone users are already used to? DRM would do that nicely, especially at the 18kHz or 20kHz bandwidth being used in Australia and other places!

"Must Read" for the DRM Enthusiast!

The consortium just posted the new and improved version of the DRM Introduction & Implementation Guide. This is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about the properties and benefits of Digital Radio Mondiale. Just in time too since we need to convince the powers that be to test DRM in all-digital on the USA AM/MW band. Of course, we already have lots of research to prove our point!

Kalundborg 243 kHz DRM transmission for IBC

UPDATE 20120915: This special broadcast was heard in Japan! Check out the YouTube video of reception. AMAZING!

UPDATE 20120905: (from ianf via DRMRX) - ...The BBC programme ‘The Strand’ demo will be transmitted in a loop on 243 kHz signal for the duration of the IBC 6-12 September 2012 before 05:35, between 09:20-11:35 and after 18:30 central European time. The loop may not be on continuously all night, but will be kept on air as much as possible.* We expect that the transmitter will ID as “DRM Kalundborg”.