[opendtv] Canada Says "OK" to HD Radio
- From: John Golitsis <john@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: OpenDTV <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 15:51:12 -0500
http://www.marketnews.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=2442
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission
(CRTC) has revised its policy to allow HD Radio to enter Canada’s
digital radio broadcasting arena. Using the HD Radio technology,
existing AM and FM stations can broadcast digital signals along with
the analog, providing multiple channels of programming on the same
frequency, known as “multicasting”.
In addition to allowing for programming expansion via these
multicasts, the technology’s developer, iBiquity Digital Corp., says
that HD Radio provides improved sound quality over analog service. It
can also allow for other neat options, like scrolling text and
graphics content on the display of a receiver; and real-time traffic
updates. HD Radio’s in-channel, on-band (IBOC) system is already
available to approximately 80 per cent of the U.S. population through
more than 1,100 AM and FM radio stations; and receivers are available
from about 20 manufacturers.
In its Public Notice CRTC 2006-160, the Commission said it would be
prepared to authorize services using the IBOC/HD Radio technology for
the AM and FM bands if the Canadian department of Industry
authorizes it under the Radiocommunication Act. The CRTC added that
“an expedited process would be adopted for stations that propose to
transmit a digital simulcast of their analog service.”
“The HD Radio system is ideal for Canadian broadcasters and
listeners, allowing stations to offer more than one programming
stream without the need for more or different spectrum,” said Robert
Struble, President and CEO of iBiquity Digital. “Programmers will be
able to offer their content in both French and English, as well as
create new channels for Canada’s diverse population. We welcome this
decision by the CRTC, and we look forward to the opportunity to
assist Canadian AM and FM broadcasters with their digital conversions.
“The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) began HD Radio testing
in September 2006, focusing on transmissions from Toronto and
Peterborough, Ontario,” Struble added. “Full results have not yet
been published by the CBC, but early feedback has been very positive.
There are plans to begin testing on MW-AM operations in early 2007.”
Since HD Radio does not require an additional spectrum, the
transition would likely be seamless for providers, should they opt to
participate in the technology.
HD Radio technology is currently being tested and adopted in more
than a dozen countries throughout the world, including: Australia,
France, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland,
Switzerland, Thailand and Ukraine.
For more information, visit www.ibiquity.com or www.hdradio.com.
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