What is Digital Radio Mondiale?
Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is the digital replacement technology for short-wave,
medium-wave and long-wave radio. It offers the benefits of digital radio - clear,
consistent audio quality and easy-to-use reception - to these frequency bands.
DRM has been under development for a while and is standardised across the world.
The letters 'DRM' can also stand for a number of other things, so to keep it
clear we're referring to the technology as 'digital medium-wave'.
Is it available throughout the UK?
No. We're running a 12 month trial to assess the technical aspects of the technology.
These trial transmissions will only be available to those with a suitable radio
in the Plymouth area. It'll be the first trial of digital medium-wave in the
UK.
Is DRM available outside the UK?
Yes. There are several countries trialling DRM but principally for international
broadcasting using short-wave. We already make the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service available
in DRM to some parts of Europe and north Africa and other broadcasters are also
experimenting with the technology. For information about the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service's
transmissions on DRM, . And for more information about the services from other
broadcasters, .
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Do I need to buy a new radio to listen to digital
medium-wave?
Yes. There are a number manufacturers in the UK who are planning to produce
digital medium-wave capable radios, although none is yet ready to buy in the
shops. As they are not yet readily available, we're not able to say how much
a digital medium-wave radio will cost.
How is the trial going to work?
We'll broadcast a test digital medium-wave - DRM - transmission on 855 kHz from
the Plymouth MF transmitter in place of the AM transmission that's currently
there. We're looking to recruit around one hundred people as an audience panel
for the trial. These people will be provided with suitable radios, as well as
being asked to complete a number of listening diaries and questionnaires. The
trial will start towards the end of April 2007 and last for twelve months. If
you'd like to volunteer to take part in the trial, you can .
Why is the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ running this trial?
We have a long tradition of trialling new technologies in order to understand
their characteristics and benefits for our audiences. The trial will give us
useful information about the practical issues surrounding digital medium-wave
reception inside listeners' homes. Although the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service has experience
of using this technology both on short-wave and on medium-wave, none of these
services is intended for UK audiences.
What service is the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ planning to broadcast using
digital medium-wave?
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's trial will broadcast the Plymouth version of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon. We have
no plans to introduce any new services.
Why is the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ spending money on trialling new transmission
technologies?
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has a clear remit to undertake research and development into broadcasting
technologies. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has contributed to the development of the DRM standard
so far and now needs to determine what role digital medium-wave has to play
in the digital future. This trial will help us do that.
Who is providing the transmitter for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's
trial?
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is working with National Grid Wireless, who currently provide all of
the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's analogue television and radio transmission services, in this trial.
You can find out more about National Grid Wireless on .
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Why is the trial only taking place in Devon?
The trial needs to be conducted a well-defined area and re-using the medium-wave
frequency for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon in Plymouth presents the right technical conditions.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon is now available on 95.7 FM, DAB digital radio, and online in
the Plymouth area, which means that its medium-wave frequency can be released
for the trial.
Will you make the results of the trial public?
Yes. The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and National Grid Wireless intend to publish the results after
the end of the trial. A copy of those results will be available from this website.
Does this mean that the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is giving up on DAB?
No, absolutely not. DAB is an established technology in the UK and we already
have an extensive DAB network carrying our national radio services. We also
make our local and regional radio services available on DAB wherever we can
and we fully intend to continue to do so. We're exploring the whole digital
future for radio, where services are delivered by the most appropriate mix of
technologies - DAB, DRM, or over the internet. This trial will help us explore
what part DRM has to play in that future.
When will the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ make other services available on digital
medium-wave?
We're not able to make any long-term commitment to provide services on digital
medium-wave for any of our UK audiences. The trial is intended to help inform
our future digital radio strategy.
Why can't I receive Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon on 855 AM medium-wave?
In order to trial the new digital medium-wave technology, we're re-using the
855 AM frequency in Plymouth. That means that the AM service that was there
previously will be switched off on 1 April 2007. In order to continue enjoying
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon, you'll need to re-tune your radio to 95.7 FM - or find us on
DAB digital radio.
Is it only Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon in Plymouth that's affected?
Yes. Only the 855 AM frequency is affected by the trial. Listeners to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio
Devon on any of our FM frequencies aren't affected, nor are those listening
on 801 AM in Barnstaple, 990 AM in Exeter or 1458 AM in Torbay.
How can I take part in the trial?
Simply to more details. You'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire
and leave your details. If you are successful, you will be invited to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio
Devon's studios in Plymouth in mid-April to collect your radio. We're looking
for a representative sample of listeners so we're afraid that it's likely that
not everybody who expresses an interest will be able to be part of the trial.
How long will the trial last?
The trial will start in April 2007 and will last for 12 months.
Where can I find out more about DRM?
There's a wealth of information on the Internet about the technology
behind DRM. A good place to start is with the , or with written by one of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's engineers who helped to develop
the standard. And there are further technical publications about DRM on .
