Australian radio trials electronic programme guide technology

Australian radio broadcasters will work with a London-based digital broadcasting software developer to add an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) service for the digital radio trial in Sydney, as the industry prepares for the multimillion-dollar rollout of digital radio services across the country in January 2009.

The service will use Unique Interactive’s proprietary EPG data management software, and will enable broadcasters to manage and update EPG data for the radio services participating in the trial.

“The addition of EPG data means that listeners will be able to see detailed programme information about their radio stations up to a week in advance on EPG-enabled DAB digital radios,” said Joan Warner, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia. “We believe features such as electronic programme guides and the ability to download music directly from digital radios will add a lot of consumer excitement to the launch of digital radio in 2009,” she said.

Ms Warner said the industry expects to have the digital transmission network in place and to begin test broadcasts in key metropolitan areas in 2008.

The first digital radio receivers compatible with the new technology are expected to be available on the market by mid 2008, ahead of a full-scale consumer launch of digital radio in key markets in January 2009. A rollout in regional areas is expected to follow soon after.

Source: Media Network, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union

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