Digital Audio Broadcasting

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB ) is a digital transmission standard for terrestrial reception of digital radio. It is suitable for the frequency range of 30 MHz to 3 GHz, and therefore includes the broadcasting of radio programs via cable and satellite. DAB was developed in the EU Eureka -147 project in the years 1987 to 2000. The DAB standard is available online under the code EN 300 401 from the European standardization body ETSI.

For the DAB in Germany for the non-technical term held digital radio and a corresponding orange logo was introduced in 2001. In connection with the restart of DAB in August 2011, the separate notation has been replaced by the new letters in a word; the logo was replaced. This step is somewhat problematic, as digital radio at the same time is a generic term for different digital transmission paths of radio, including for example, Internet Radio and DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale ).

• 2.2.1 List of DAB multiplexes

• 2.3.1 DAB in Austria
• 2.3.2 DAB in Austria
• 2.3.3 Other digital technologies

• 2.4.1 Block 10B of the RAS
• 2.4.2 Block 10D of the RAS
• 2.4.3 Block 13A of DABMEDIA

• 2.5.1 expansion targets

• 4.1 DAB
• 4.2 DAB
• 4.3 DAB Surround
• 4.4 Market Overview and compatibility between DAB and DAB
• 4.5 reception outdoors and in enclosed spaces

Frequencies

As the frequency range VHF band I ( 47-68 MHz, but no use for radio and television provided more), DAB Band III ( 174-230 MHz), in some countries the "Channel 13" ( 230-240 MHz) as well as parts of the L band divided ( 1.46 GHz) for DAB. The frequency range VHF band III is kept in Germany for digital radio, occasional television stations in the VHF band are to be relocated in the UHF range. The frequencies in the L band are due to the low range only for local DAB coverage.

DAB has four transmission modes specific regions (I, II, III and IV). For worldwide use of a recipient of all modes must support:

• Mode I for Band III, terrestrial
• Mode II to the L- band terrestrial and satellite
• Mode III for frequencies below 3 GHz, terrestrial and satellite
• Mode IV for L- band terrestrial and satellite

Availability

DAB is almost available everywhere in Germany, Switzerland, South Tyrol, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and the United Kingdom. In France, only individual receiving islands around Paris and Lyon are currently available, as well as in the Netherlands. In Italy, especially the private channels drive the DAB expansion ahead in the Northern Italian metropolitan areas. In Canada, until 2011, some metropolitan areas in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia were supplied. In Austria, the current trial operation since 2000, 2008 was closed. Overall, DAB is used in more than 40 countries, bringing about 500 million people of DAB stations can be achieved (as of November 2011).

Germany

DAB is available in Germany since 1995. The cover and supply in each area is different. The state of Bavaria took on 17 October 1995 as part of a pilot project, a network of seven national and seven local radio programs in Munich, Nuremberg and Ingolstadt in operation together with new data services. In April 1999, the first station there took on the control and operating since 2010, a second national network has been established. In other parts of Germany was and Digital Radio is introduced only slowly.

DAB was struggling especially in its first phase with large resistors and lack of success. The Central German Broadcasting rose after the end of the test operation in 1998 because of " bad experiences " first completely from the system and switched only in 2002 again as the only broadcaster to a largely unmoderated classical program ( MDR Klassik ). The media authority of Berlin -Brandenburg saw in 2004, the DAB standard in the former format as a failure. After the launch of DVB -T in Berlin adiosendern with his time 14 DVB-T-R only a DAB ensemble with the programs of radio and Germany Germany radio culture was there temporarily left.

In some cases, private broadcasters completed the DAB broadcast after the elimination of corresponding government subsidies. In Hamburg, the organizers of the nationwide FM broadcast Alsterradio presented the DAB distribution of the additional program AllRock in 2005 for economic reasons, a replacement. Even in other states, numerous providers withdrew in the first half of the new decade of the DAB technology. Private channels showed more interest in other FM frequencies. Power constraints for avoiding interference of the military band frequency range above 230 MHz in many places prevented a smooth indoor reception. Only in 2007 was the performance of some DAB stations up to 10 kW ( ERP) will be increased after the armed forces had declared renunciation of the use of the adjacent channels.

Over a long period, no significant decisions have been taken out of politics and economics that could help the digital radio breakthrough. On 15 July 2009 the Commission for determining the financial needs of broadcasters ( KEF) blocked the funds requested for the DAB stations ARD and the Germany radio, since the present project proposals of the ARD and the Germany radio to digital radio substantial parts of her with the unfulfilled broadcasters agreed criteria and thus the profitability of the projects could not be detected. The project provided funds for the digital future of radio were not deleted but will remain frozen for new initiatives. The KEF recommended in this context the verification of DVB- T as an alternative to DAB, what you earned strong criticism, because Ulrich Reimers, the only technician in the body, was seen as biased. His name appears on DVB-T patents.

Since late 2009, more interested in digital distribution channels can be seen again in private organizers. Accordingly, new suppliers have applied to DAB station presets, as Oldie Star in Berlin and new resource for local HD bouquets Bavaria. In Bavaria, four new nationwide private programs were approved in October 2011: Antenne Bayern digital, antenna BayernInfo digital, MEGA RADIO, RT1 in the mix. After mega radio the other programs have now started broadcasting.

Restart in Germany 2011

After the DAB radio had ( with the exception of Bavaria ) reached only poor dissemination and acceptance during its first phase in the Federal Republic of Germany, a restart was planned for the year 2011. The success should the enhanced DAB guarantee; it uses more efficient channel coding and compression method, with comparable output power has an even greater range and reception quality as DAB. According to the plan and private providers should be on a first nationwide oriented multiplex, the so-called " Bundesmux ", distributed from 1 August 2011, in addition public service programs. The agreement to hit the network operator Media Broadcast with the public and six private broadcasters Radio Germany in December 2010, after the chipmaker Frontier Silicon had completed a four-year advertising contract with the private broadcasters and thus committed to financial support. Besides Germany, funk, Germany radio culture and knowledge DRadio stood ready with LoungeFM, 90elf, Absolute Radio, Energy, ERF Radio, Classic Radio, Radio Bob and Radio Horeb an expanded program offering. Thus, the nationwide DAB Plus multiplex was utilized at more than 85 percent and therefore satisfies the KEF for the release of frozen funds project in tens of millions. The remaining capacities of the Commission for authorization and supervision ( ZAK ) the State Media Authorities announced once again, whereupon the Hamburger Frank Otto media mbH could expand with the KISS FM program offering. In November 2011 Regiocast followed live with sunshine.

The original 14 programs launched on DAB on time on 1 August 2011 and were broadcast over 27 stations with up to 10 kW of power at the beginning. Along with the new compression method in the AAC format was able to be realized compared to a DAB disturbed much more resistant signal and an increased range. The aim was initially to supply the major metropolitan areas and some motorways.

In North Rhine- Westphalia the Bundesmux was originally published on channel 5A. To avoid interference of the police radio, already switching to channel 5C was (made possible by an agreement with the Netherlands ) in September 2011. Up to 2 March 2012, all DAB Plus transmitters are switched to channel 5C exception. In October 2011, the DAB Plus control operation ran almost any problem, terminals industry and distributors saw their expectations " more than satisfied ". A further extension to the transmitter network is provided, first the supply main motorway connections and other urban areas was a priority. Until the final in September 2015 110 transmitter sites for the nationwide DAB -Plus network are provided. The current DAB broadcast coverage in Germany is about 70 percent of the population (as of November 2011).

Thuringia is nationally supplied with DAB. DAB was introduced there in 1995 as a DAB pilot project. Due to the predetermined low transmitting power is lacking, according to the Thuringian State Media Authority (TLM ) to a sufficient indoor reception supplies. According to the TLM the current transmission coverage in Germany is 80 percent.

DAB DAB with previous devices to receive only if they can be updated with new firmware. New DAB -Plus -enabled devices are generally backward compatible. Virtually all appliances, newly arrived in the trade since the end of 2010, support the new standard. A receiving technical exception in Bundesmux represent Germany Germany radio and radio is culture, which can also be received with conventional DAB radios as they continue to send in the old mp2 format. A problem case with DAB radios are local, since the large data capacity for individual channels in relation is more expensive. Made-to- transmitter networks not yet exist. The L- band, which was originally planned for local radio will be no longer be used due to the high frequency- induced attenuation.

According to the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for Commercial Broadcasting in late 2013 to a penetration rate of 88% on the road and be 54% at home ( indoor reception) of digital radio in Bavaria.

Driving forces for the success of DAB radios

Currently, some stations are mainly in the nationwide DAB ensemble as " draft horses " in conversation. These are channels that are of interest only to a part of the listener, but there influence the decision to buy a digital TV set and so in decisions determine the success of digital radio. So, for example, include in the field of music programs Radio BOB! and sunshine live as draft horses, as there are similar programs on FM only locally limited. Also 90elf was the only station, the Bundesliga transferred unencrypted, such a workhorse. To some extent, even to exaggerate, digital radio listeners could be their electronic waste with the withdrawal of the Bundesliga rights for 90elf from view. Also, programs such as those of Germany or Radio Horeb, which are used by their listeners targeted because of their thematic orientation, would be available without DAB only locally limited terrestrial.

Under the title inventory: DAB has neither top nor flop says Teltarif in May 2013, draft horses are important but not the only decisive factor for the success of digital radio. Other considerations such as an interactive return channel via the Internet or DAB car radios as standard equipment may be required in addition to help to market penetration DAB. According to a study of the SWR are listeners who are already using DAB, no longer willing to switch back to FM radio.

Private and public programs

In addition to the Germany -wide multiplex some national operators and public regional broadcasters are involved with the reboot of DAB -Plus. In 14 states currently send public radio programs, some are there analog medium wave programs in parallel operation in DAB ( ) available.

The Hessian Broadcasting (hr) sends since December 1, 2011 its six radio waves hr1, hr2-kultur, hr3, hr4, You FM and hr- info in the broadcast standard DAB ; before the hr radio programs were not broadcast on DAB. In a second bouquet for the Rhine -Main area, the programs absolute relax, Radio FFH, Harmony FM, Radio Teddy, Planet Radio and antenna 50Plus be sent.

The North German Radio (NDR ) spread since November 22, 2011 its radio stations NDR 1, 2 NDR, NDR Kultur, NDR Info and N -Joy via DAB . Previously, the NDR had finished the long-term transmission of programs in the old DAB standard in summer 2011. Since 5 January 2012, the offer with NDR Info Spezial, NDR Blue and the NDR traffic channel NDR Traffic has been added. Due to low density of stations, programs can not be sent across the board. With the spread of NDR 1 country programs, this has the consequence that they can be received in their associated circulation areas covered only a very limited range. For example, the NDR - country program for Schleswig- Holstein only in the Kiel -air, while the Hamburg State program far purely extends into the neighboring states. Private radio stations have so far shown no interest mitzunutzen this north German DAB Plus national multiplexes.

The Central German Broadcasting (MDR ) since August 1, 2011 DAB uses to spread its programs MDR 1, Jump, MDR Figaro MDR Info MDR Sputnik and MDR Klassik. In Saxony- Anhalt to receive radio SAW, 89.0 RTL, Rockland Sachsen- Anhalt and Radio Brocken private statewide organizer DAB.

The Saarland Rundfunk ( SR ) exudes his radio programs UnserDing and antenna Saar since January 17, 2012, in DAB from. SR 1 Europawelle, SR 2 and SR 3 Kulturradio Saarlandwelle will initially continue in the old DAB standard sent as well as the private radio Salü.

The West German Radio (WDR) presented his broadcasting radio programs on 1 August 2011 from DAB to DAB order. With the programs 1 Live, WDR 2, 1LIVE diggi, Kiraka, Radio Europe, WDR event and the traffic service WDR VERA well as from the November 6, 2012 WDR 5, however, is formed so that a different offer than FM because the programs WDR 3, WDR 4 missing. According to WDR you already reach " in the first stage [ ... ] 85 percent of the population in NRW. " Only private broadcasters in the country multiplex is currently (as of October 2012) the Domradio.

Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR ) sends since 1998 on DAB and started from August 1, 2011 successively the DAB broadcasting on DAB switch. Currently ( December 2012) are (the latter only until March 31, 2012) aired after the old DAB standard only plus Bavaria, Bavaria Upper Bavaria 1, BR traffic, Bayern 3, pulse and BR -Klassik. All other BR programs are distributed via DAB . Owing to the much greater acceptance of digital radio in Bavaria also several Statewide private channel on restart of DAB , including Rockantenne, absolute relax, Mega Radio Bavaria, rt1 in the mix, antenna Top40, Antenne Bayern info digital and smart radio involved. The last preset radio station Galaxy on August 1, 2012, the broadcast of DAB to DAB order. In the regions of Munich, Nuremberg, Erlangen, Ingolstadt and Augsburg, there are also local multiplexes are transmitted to the all in the region transmitting on VHF local radio stations.

The Southwest Broadcasting (SWR ) sends officially since January 9, 2012 via DAB . Even before you took advantage of DAB for the dissemination of radio programs. For the digital radio you put the Programs SWR2, SWR3, SWR4 and DASDING on DAB to merely SWR1 and SWRinfo continue to send in the old DAB mode.

The Rundfunk Berlin -Brandenburg ( RBB) began on 1 January 2012, broadcasting in DAB two Berlin station. In addition to the RBB programs Radio Berlin 88.8, Antenne Brandenburg, Culture Radio, Info Radio, Radio One and Fritz at the start were also programs of other public service institutions, as Bayern 2, MDR JUMP, SWR3, BR -Klassik and Radio Europe (WDR ) via DAB spread. WDR 2 remained in the old DAB mode. Moreover, Bavaria plus sent in a second multiplex and the private radio B2 and Radio Paloma, but even here only in the old DAB mode. In the metropolitan area of Berlin / Potsdam RBB since August 18, 2011 digital (DAB ) to receive via antenna.

With Radio Bremen ( RB) via DAB are since February 1, 2013, all ARD broadcasters in this Standard be received.

List of DAB multiplexes

Switzerland

The Federal Council issued on 17 February 1999, the SRG SSR idée suisse a concession for the construction of a DAB network in Switzerland. In the same year went in Greater Bern -Solothurn the first transmitter in operation. There followed in 1999 and 2000, the regions Interlaken -Bern -Biel, Baden- Zurich -Winterthur and the Lake Geneva region and the agglomeration of Basel. Since 2001 DAB (including the large tunnels) and parts of the north-south axis is the satellite on the main routes between East and West. The end of 2009 DAB was available to the whole of Switzerland. Between 15 and 22 October 2012 were originally turned off all DAB stations (up to three transmitters, which will be simultaneously broadcast in DAB and DAB ). In order for the migration to a complete DAB broadcast began. By 2015, this should be completed.

SRG SSR idée suisse radiates in the four language regions with a private program ensemble with nine to eleven stations from - in the canton of Grisons, it is with the exception of two stations exclusively in DAB . In July 2007, eight private programs have been licensed for the second DAB ensemble in German Switzerland. 18 vendors have this filed a license application. SRG SSR idée suisse receives two additional concessions. A total of 17 SRG SSR idée suisse are switched.

Since October 15, 2009, SwissMediaCast AG, one supported by the SRG and private radio company, in German-speaking Switzerland and parts of the Romansh-speaking Switzerland operates its own DAB -Plus network over which all private radio stations and some stations of the SRG will be disseminated (Layer D02, channel 7D, Volume III ). From the beginning, these were DRS 4News Radio Swiss Classic, Option Musique, Rete Tre, Radio Top Two, Life Channel, Energy Zurich, Radio Eviva, Radio Basel, backstageradio.ch and Open Broadcast ( in test mode). Abschaltszenario A for FM transmitter is indeed " long-term " planned but not currently scheduled concrete. The development shows that now every tenth household owns a DAB Plus device. The channels will be distributed via the DAB - Plus network of SMC AG on channel 7D (Band III) in the entire German-speaking Switzerland.

The Swiss government has end of October 2011 decided to award no new FM frequencies more. In addition to the already existing FM licenses only concessions for DAB be forgiven. The Federal Council explains this, among other things with the already well-advanced digitization in Switzerland and the high costs that would have an FM conversion to provide new frequencies result.

Since January 1, 2013 with the passage 7A, a multiplex in northern Switzerland added, which was expanded on September 3, 2013 by other stations that previously transmitted on channel 9A. On 29 November, two third multiplexes went on the air. Channel 9D with initially nine programs and first two locations in Eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Likewise, in the channel 8B first two sites and the target of a nationwide expansion in the Central Plateau. All multiplexes in future expanded almost everywhere in their area.

In the Romandie two regional multiplexes are planned, provided the channels 10B and 10D. Already made ​​concessions for three broadcasters for 10B. In Ticino, no regional multiplexes planned.

List of DAB multiplexes

Austria

DAB in Austria

The ORF and in 2005 divested ORS operated on an experimental basis between January 1999 and end- 2008 DAB stations in Vienna and Tyrol.

In Vienna, between January 1999 and the end of 2008 three transmitters on the Bisamberg, Kraftwerk and Danube city in the ORF Centre Küniglberg in block 12B programs OE1, Radio Wien, broadcast Ö3 and FM4.

In the Tyrolean Inn valley was between September 2000 and the end of 2008 via the transmitter Patscherkofel and Innsbruck 2 - Seegrube in block 12C programs OE1, Radio Tirol, Ö3 and FM4 sent to allow a continuous DAB reception from Germany to Italy.

The broadcasting and telecommunications regulatory GmbH ( RTR ) wrote between 2006 and 2009 on its website, the broadcasting would run " [ ... ] but in practice the exclusion of the public. "

From 2000 until the end of 2008, the following radio programs of the ORS in Vienna and Innsbruck digital broadcast:

• OE1
• Vienna Radio or Radio Tirol
• Ö3
• FM4

However, DAB to Austria due to lack of demand from broadcasters until today still can not prevail. In addition, the ORS would like to wait and see which standard will prevail next DAB (DAB , DRM, etc.).

By the end of 2008 the program broadcast was terminated by ORS with DAB.

DAB in Austria

The ORS was granted in May 2012, the authorization for a temporary DAB -Plus test mode on channel 6A on pledges for the period from 1 October 2012 to October 1, 2013, but do not use them.

Due to the topography and proximity to the neighboring countries of this transmitter system already foreign DAB Plus multiplexes approval:

• Bayern Digital Radio GmbH (channel 12D)
• Bayerischer Rundfunk ( channel 11D )
• SwissMediaCast AG (channel 7D)
• Southwest Broadcasting (Channel 8D)
• Swiss Radio and Television Corporation (Channel 12C)

The broadcasting and telecommunications regulatory GmbH ( RTR ) had called in June 2012 for expressions of interest.

In August 2013 it was announced that in Vienna - subject to the approval of the regulatory authority Austrian Communications Authority - is to launch a DAB pilot trial. It is planned to spread over a single frequency network with two transmitter sites, the more powerful of the two sites with 10 kW is operated. The countries participating in this test, broadcasters are not yet known.

Other digital technologies

Since December 2009 isolated digital radio stations are receivable in Austria, but is currently only in the DVB- T multiplex B ( Vienna, Austria Radio Maria ) and C (Styria, but as a television program ) sent. The charisma of some stations via DVB- H was set in 2010. The re-introduction of DAB DAB in the variant was not planned in February 2011 due to the lack of convincing success messages from abroad by providers.

South Tyrol

At present (including 7 in German language ) broadcast radio programs in the Greater Bolzano, Überetsch and the lowlands of the radio - Anstalt Südtirol (RAS ) and a private consortium and the RAI ( Radiotelevisione Italiana ) a total of 28 radio programs almost nationwide and many more.

Block 10B of the RAS

• Bayern 3 ( Hit Radio )
• Bayern Klassik ( Classical )
• Bavaria 5 News (24 hour news )
• Kiraka by WDR ( children's radio )
• RADIO UNO ( RAI )
• RADIO DUE
• RADIO TRE
• S- BZ RAI (RAI Sender Bozen )
• Germany radio culture in DAB
• Swiss Pop in DAB
• Swiss Classic DAB
• RSI Rete Due in DAB

Block 10D of the RAS

• ORF OE1 ( Austria 1, culture)
• ORF - OE2 ( Radio Tirol )
• ORF OE3 ( Hit Radio Ö3 )
• ORF FM4 (Alternative )
• SRG Swiss Jazz (24 hours of jazz )
• SRG Radio Romansh (Romansh )
• Bayern2 (information)
• Bayern1

Furthermore, in the Greater Bolzano on channel 13A, the ensemble " DABMEDIA " broadcast ( catering for about 39 percent of the population ). This includes the programs listed below:

Block 13A of DABMEDIA

• Radio 2000
• Radio Gherdeina
• Radio Green Wave
• Radio Holiday
• Radio Tirol
• Südtirol 1
• Tele Radio Vinschgau

In Block 12C also sends along the A22 motorway and in Merano (as well as in other parts of Italy ), the ensemble of " Club DAB Italia ", which consists exclusively of Italian language programs in DAB . Also in the Trentino and Veneto multiple transmitters were built along the A22 since December 2012.

The RAI has taken in November 2013, at the site Penegal the DAB package for Trentino -Alto -Adige in block 12B in operation, which is also broadcast on other transmitter systems in Trentino.

In the space of Bolzano, you can already receive additional programs from the Trentino, which transmit over the radio transmitter Paganella block 10A and 12D block under certain circumstances.

By March 2013, the RAS also has a transmitter operated in L-band, in order to investigate the propagation characteristics of this frequency band. The transmitter was located at the main site Penegal and provided the Greater Bolzano ( about 26 percent of the population ). The program was temporarily occupancy, the programs used there have been moved to the VHF band and send now block 10B.

European Union

In France, the digitization of radio was prescribed. France, however does not rely on DAB, but on DAB , DMB and DRM. Mid-2010, should the islands first start in Paris and Marseille to start and gradually by 2015 the entire country have DMB channels.

Finland has turned away from DAB.

In Sweden, DAB is currently only available in the metropolitan areas of Stockholm and Gothenburg. However, the reception will be rapidly expanded.

In Slovenia, the license for the old standard DAB at prime location Krvavec after several extensions was only permitted until November 2013. Before that took place in the summer of 2013 a public consultation on the successor standard DAB instead.

Czech Radio programs were up to receive exclusively in the L band, the goal is to convert all channels to the Band III.

From the main station Sljeme in Zagreb, the Croatian operator has tested OiV 1997-2011 DAB.

In the UK, DAB is due to a good in-house supply, the variety of programs in conjunction with a strong promotion of the network operator, Digital One, the BBC and the DRDB very successful. So far, 3.5 million DAB receivers were sold. The retail chain Dixons has FM radio withdrawn from sale because they are the future would focus on selling digital receiver. There has been shown to be a driving force (in this case the BBC ) can always influence the success of DAB. Meanwhile, the government has the FM Ausschalttermin and the transition scenario by 2015 set by law.

Expansion targets

Officially declared aim of the European Commission to analogue television and radio until 2012 was (see analogue switch-off ) to replace. This goal has not been reached.

In May / June 2006 was held in Geneva, the International Conference RRC shaft 06, within which the frequencies for digital broadcasting (radio and TV) in the VHF band III and UHF ( band IV and V) were rearranged. As a result, the desire of the Federal Republic of Germany has fully complied with, so that two more national coverage with around 12-18 DAB or DMB according to many programs are possible in the future. Overall, therefore, are then three coverages with around 18-24 programs in the VHF band III and another three coverages, also with 18-24 programs in the L-band ( 1.4 GHz ) are available.

In addition, the ARD DVB- T will relocate from the VHF band III in the more favorable for DVB- T UHF range. This provides a further four III national coverage for 24-36 DAB or DMB corresponding number of programs available for DAB / DMB in the VHF band. Overall, therefore, about seven coverings offers the possibility of in band III around 42-63 DAB programs and L-band three coverages in addition around 18-24 DAB programs, for a total of about ten coverages around 60-87 DAB or according to spread many DMB programs.

Market situation and competing systems

From 2004 to stand for interested consumers a greater choice of DAB receivers available, so an obstacle was cleared from the early years of the way. However, compared to FM receivers, the selection was still modest. For 2007, the University of Bonn mentioned a figure of 546,000 DAB receivers in German households.

DAB radios are offered since the beginning of 2012 under the € 40 mark, USB flash drive -based receivers are available from about 20 €. Meanwhile, almost only receiver for DAB are commercially available. Many manufacturers have their models equipped with new multi- standard capable chips. The Switzerland assumes that will follow with the migration of stations from DAB to DAB , the car equipment industry and an adequate supply of car radio receivers will also offer DAB as of 2012. Again, it is hardly possible for economic reasons alone completely replace with DAB FM radio.

Following the decision of the KEF, not to promote DAB broadcasting further discussed in Germany radio via DVB- T as an alternative to DAB. For experimental transmissions of 14 radio stations via DVB- T in Berlin area, two radio stations joined in Leipzig. A planned in Hamburg and Schleswig -Holstein shared DVB-T bouquet with up to 16 radio programs did not materialize due to low number of applicants. In Berlin, the radio offering has been shortened to DVB- T now again. Also there are no mobile receiver, in particular car radios in the market. The main criticism in DVB- T radio is the incompatibility to European development and the lack of mobility. Is from about 120 km / h DVB- T after the current specification unusable.

The Digital Multimedia Broadcasting System has not been adopted in Germany by the market. In Austria and Switzerland it was never introduced. However, France uses this standard and the equipment industry has responded by multi-standard compatibility. There was also a radio via satellite transmission standard, which was no longer used after years due to poor circulation.

DAB is country- based mixed success. A good overview with regard to the country-specific expansion is under Worlddab.org. An overview of competing standards, terrestrial and satellite, can be found at Digital Radio, Section Tabular overview. The current situation in Germany leads to the conclusion that the future is chosen DAB as standard, and will establish itself as the sole radio platform. For a same standard would be to their European neighbors selected. DVB- T has not been shown by various unsuccessful tenders as a substitute for DAB . This is probably emerged DAB as the " winner " of the systems.

Technology

DAB

The audio programs are coded in DAB means initially MUSICAM (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 2 aka MP2) with data rates of 32-256 kbit / s. Although the bit rate often used on DAB prior to the conversion of most of the channels of 160 kbit / s ( commonly used standard) is by a factor of 7.5 under an audio CD, but is one of the Audio CD reach near future quality (cf.. Lossy audio data compression).

For the DAB transmission multiple audio streams are also possible with pure data services together into a so-called ensemble with a high data rate. The resulting multiplexing is modulated by Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex ( COFDM). This method is compared to analogue broadcasting significantly more resistant to interference. In addition, it is possible to cover large areas with a single frequency ( single frequency network ). This is the frequency economy, ie the consumption of spectrum per program, with DAB usually much better.

For DAB, the following frequency ranges are used for transmission in Germany at present:

• In the VHF band III ( 174-230 MHz), the former TV channels 5, 8, 11 and 12
• In the L-band range of 1452-1492 MHz. ( need direct line of sight to the transmitter, low range)

The frequency ranges used for DAB are divided into blocks. The VHF Band III for example, contains the blocks 5A to 12D.

The band III is mainly used for the regional broadcast ensembles, while the L- band is used for transmission of local ensembles due to higher costs in DAB. Meanwhile, however, L- band networks are continually " converted " in Volume III networks.

Since the frequencies in the L band require a higher transmission power due to the high frequency, DAB is broadcast in the L band with transmission rates of up to 4 kW.

From 30 May 2006, tentatively aired in Band III and L-band in some metropolitan areas DMB, the tests were set but no later than mid-2011.

A disadvantage compared to the analog FM reception is the higher power consumption of the DAB receiver, especially noticeable on the battery hungry portable DAB receivers. This applies after the first experience for DAB Plus receiver.

DAB

In order to meet the quality standards even at low bit rates, World DMB handed the process HE AAC v2 as a complementary encoding method for DAB for standardization. In this case, an additional error protection ( Reed-Solomon code) is added. DAB that uses the same audio codec and although a similar error protection as DMB, otherwise it differs, however, technically.

A comparison of the necessary data rates between MUSICAM ( DAB) and HE AAC v2 (DAB ) is less a question of technical definition, but depends mainly on the claim to the audio quality and to transfer audio content from. Before the introduction of DAB a net data rate of 160 kbit / s has established itself in the use of MUSICAM in Germany, often even 128 kbit / s are accepted. To achieve the same quality with HE AAC v2, it is assumed that about 80 kbit / s or 72 kbit / s, and the estimates in practice vary very often. HE AAC v2 is certainly capable, even at relatively low bit rates allow still acceptable (but not necessarily more artifact-free ) audio transmission. DAB was introduced with 80 kbit / s and can roughly twice as many audio programs transmitted in an ensemble as the conventional DAB transmission method. In practice this means for DAB about 12 to 18 audio programs per DAB ensemble. Extensive practical experience has been made ​​extensively in test ensembles. It reached DAB greater acceptance. Positive was noted during the tests that even at very low reception level, the programs were not disturbed. From about 10 to 15 percent reception but there was nothing to hear, because DAB rushes (like FM ) or " bubbles " (DAB ) is no longer, but the receiver abruptly cut it off.

DAB Surround

DAB Surround Sound enables 5.1 surround sound through the combination of MPEG -1 Audio Layer 2 ( DAB) or HE- AACv2 (DAB ) with MPEG Surround.

Market Overview and compatibility between DAB and DAB

The reception of stations that use encoding using HE AAC V2, is only possible with DAB receivers are additionally equipped with a decoder for HE AAC V2 equipped. With the aim of the recipients who also HE AAC can decode V2 in addition to the MPEG -1 Layer 2, to distinguish from each other, the term " DAB " was created by World DMB. However, this is purely a marketing name that is not part of the standards.

Since the end of 2011 is growing in Germany, the number of programs that are broadcast via DAB , rapidly. In Switzerland, with a large choice of DAB channels plus the big department stores and electronics stores offer almost exclusively to DAB devices. Simple receivers for DAB are sold there from about 55 euros converted, greater choice is from about 100 euros. The range of car radios in DIN sizes with DAB Plus capability (from 100 euros ) is limited to one to three models from a handful of manufacturers. For hi-fi components similar prices. Depending on the equipment the price ranges are significantly higher than for FM radio receivers. Due to the low demand, there are not yet anywhere in Europe a well-functioning competition.

All devices available since November 2011, the DAB can receive are backwards compatible and can also DAB broadcasts, according to the current approach (MPEG -1 Layer 2 ) received.

Offer manufacturers usually no update of DAB receivers to upgrade to DAB at ( Blaupunkt, Kenwood, Pioneer, Roadstar ). For some devices, the company Roberts however, this is possible.

For PCs, there are DAB Plus sticks that are connected via a USB connection to the PC. Many of these devices, especially those with Realtek RTL2832U chipset, can also be used as a DVB -T stick.

Reception outdoors and in enclosed spaces

The interference-free reception of DAB and DAB in enclosed spaces ( indoor reception ) with a telescopic antenna or the device fixed built-in antenna is only possible when adequate reception field strength. The outdoor reception often works much better, even over long distances due to the lack of attenuation inside buildings.

Data services

In addition to pure audio transmission, the following data services and types are already specified in DAB:

Other services are easily transmitted in DAB, as they can be signaled by specific administrative information in the multiplex.

DAB / DMB thus opens the possibility of a high speed data channel can be transmitted at a higher speed by a factor of 100 on the next TMC data ( traffic message channel ) is much larger amounts of data. This allows not only the transfer much more detailed messages, but additionally urban messages, which can not be transferred due to the high data volume and a limited upward Location List by TMC. TPEG is currently in the TISA ( Traveller Information Services Association ) in specification. The TISA is an association of the TMC Forum under ERTICO in Brussels and the TPEG Group at the EBU in Geneva. In addition, there are in Germany, the working group " mobile.info " with the participation of BMW, Daimler, VW-Audi, Bosch - Blaupunkt, FhG, THREAD, Navteq, Tele Atlas, T-Systems and Siemens VDO. This group specified in coordination with the TISA a particularly slim, tailored to the needs of automotive TPEG Automotive, which is characterized by very low distribution costs with high efficiency.