Digital radio tests start in Brazil in September

Twelve digital radio transmitters will begin functioning in Brazil on 26 September, in test mode. This date marks 84 years of radio in Brazil.

Yesterday the Minister of Communications, Hélio Costa, announced that the transmitters will operate in the main cities, including São Paulo and Rio De Janeiro. The tests will serve as the basis for the definitive start of digital radio in the country, which is scheduled for first months of 2006.

According to the Minister, broadcasters will have to choose the standard to be used and will make tests with the American system (IBOC) and with the European system (DRM) [sic. DRM is a worldwide standard.]

The complete transition from analogue to digital radio is expected to take about 10 years. According to Hélio Costa, each broadcaster will have to spend between R$150,000 and R$200,000 (US$61,000 - US$81,000) on the transformation.

Costa says the population will not feel the difference in their pocket, since a digital radio receiver costs practically the same as an analogue one.

No details were given about which stations will participate in the test phase.

(Source: Agência Estado)

Other recent stories..

Click to join southgatearc

Other News Stories

• Get our news headlines for your website - click here
• Submit your news story - click here