In an historic move for European radio, Germany today launched nationwide digital radio services.
The national digital radio project office was set up to coordinate the efforts of ARD (association of public broadcasters), Deutschlandradio (national public broadcaster) and Digital Radio Deutschland (DRD – representing a consortium of private broadcasters), in the nationwide launch of digital radio. The goal of all parties is to establish digital radio as the radio of the future. In a statement today Michael Reichert, from the German digital radio project office said:
“We are delighted to see today‟s launch of national digital radio in Germany. Both public and commercial broadcasters have long believed digital is the way forward. Now, for the first time, they are working together to ensure a successfully co-ordinated launch in Germany. The importance of radio now and in the future has been shown by the close co-operation between not only broadcasters but also the network operator, the radio industry as a whole, retailers, manufacturers and the Government. These are exciting times for both listeners and Germany‟s radio industry.”
Alongside Deutschlandradio, the national public broadcaster, commercial broadcasters (REGIOCAST Digital, Die Neue Welle, ERF, Entspannungsradio, NRJ, Klassik Radio, NWZ/FOM and Radio Horeb) are offering new, quality, audio programmes and enhanced multi-media services which consumers today have come to expect from their digital media enhancing the German radio landscape.
Indoor and outdoor coverage will be up to 95% in some areas of the cities where transmitters went live today. Coverage will gradually increase (up to 99% in some areas) with the final phases set for completion by 2014.
The German automotive sector is supportive of the launch of new digital radio and with more than 10% of all radio listening taking place in the car, this is significant for the German digital radio industry. In-car digital radio enhances the offering to automotive customers and continues to ensure that customers receive the best quality audio and multi-media radio in car. German automotive brands continue to lead the automotive market in all areas including in-car entertainment and information especially the opportunity TPEG offers in terms of traffic and travel data to drivers.
Germany joins an increasing number of countries choosing digital radio as their national standard including the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Malta, Hungary, the Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Mr Jorn Jensen, President, WorldDMB said “We are pleased that national digital radio is now on-air in Germany. This heralds the start of a new era for radio in Germany which will ensure that radio enters the digital age. Listeners in Germany can expect new content, an exciting range of receivers and to be part of what is a revolution in radio!”
(Source : WorldDMB Press Release)
Germany, which is Europe‟s biggest radio market, is now broadcasting digital radio in all major cities and autobahns. 27 transmitters around the country are on air today delivering new radio content to 40 million people. German listeners now have 14 new digital services to choose from and radio broadcasters now have the opportunity to diversify their programme offering, something which is no longer possible in Germany on FM.
The national digital radio project office was set up to coordinate the efforts of ARD (association of public broadcasters), Deutschlandradio (national public broadcaster) and Digital Radio Deutschland (DRD – representing a consortium of private broadcasters), in the nationwide launch of digital radio. The goal of all parties is to establish digital radio as the radio of the future. In a statement today Michael Reichert, from the German digital radio project office said:
“We are delighted to see today‟s launch of national digital radio in Germany. Both public and commercial broadcasters have long believed digital is the way forward. Now, for the first time, they are working together to ensure a successfully co-ordinated launch in Germany. The importance of radio now and in the future has been shown by the close co-operation between not only broadcasters but also the network operator, the radio industry as a whole, retailers, manufacturers and the Government. These are exciting times for both listeners and Germany‟s radio industry.”
Alongside Deutschlandradio, the national public broadcaster, commercial broadcasters (REGIOCAST Digital, Die Neue Welle, ERF, Entspannungsradio, NRJ, Klassik Radio, NWZ/FOM and Radio Horeb) are offering new, quality, audio programmes and enhanced multi-media services which consumers today have come to expect from their digital media enhancing the German radio landscape.
Indoor and outdoor coverage will be up to 95% in some areas of the cities where transmitters went live today. Coverage will gradually increase (up to 99% in some areas) with the final phases set for completion by 2014.
The launch of digital radio in Germany is supported by leading receiver manufacturers from Europe and around the world. Manufacturers PURE, SONY, Philips, Roberts, Panasonic, Enspert, DUAL, Tivoli and more have all committed to bringing a wide range of receivers to the market to ensure that all sectors and price points are catered for. To coincide with the launch the large electronics chains Saturn and Media Markt are also committed to stocking new receivers. Says Ralf Reynolds, PURE‟s regional director, central Europe: “The launch of Germany‟s first national digital radio services is historic for German radio listeners and an enormous step forward in the foundation of digital radio across Europe and beyond. PURE is committed to supporting Germany‟s national digital radio launch by bringing to market our full digital radio range - the world's largest range of globally compatible 'profile 1'* digital radios”.
The German automotive sector is supportive of the launch of new digital radio and with more than 10% of all radio listening taking place in the car, this is significant for the German digital radio industry. In-car digital radio enhances the offering to automotive customers and continues to ensure that customers receive the best quality audio and multi-media radio in car. German automotive brands continue to lead the automotive market in all areas including in-car entertainment and information especially the opportunity TPEG offers in terms of traffic and travel data to drivers.
Germany joins an increasing number of countries choosing digital radio as their national standard including the UK, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Malta, Hungary, the Netherlands, Australia, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Mr Jorn Jensen, President, WorldDMB said “We are pleased that national digital radio is now on-air in Germany. This heralds the start of a new era for radio in Germany which will ensure that radio enters the digital age. Listeners in Germany can expect new content, an exciting range of receivers and to be part of what is a revolution in radio!”
(Source : WorldDMB Press Release)
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