First DAB+ transmitters arrive in Australia

The first DAB+ digital radio transmitters have arrived in Australia. 

A total of sixteen transmitters are currently being installed at various sites in the five state capital launch cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.

As well as the transmitters, other DAB+ infrastructure such as monitors and multiplexes have arrived, and the antennas are under construction in Melbourne.

Australia will have one of the most spectrum efficient and sophisticated digital radio networks in the world, as a result of the Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) Digital Technical Advisory Committee’s efforts over the years and joint industry and government research grants.

With the addition of DAB+ infrastructure, broadcasters will be able to offer more stations, digital quality sound, a pause and rewind function, plus a new informative visual scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host, the cover of a CD, a product picture or an animated logo on screen.

It’s expected that digital radio will roll out in May 2009. 

Source: Media Network, Current.com.au