HD Radio Broadcasting Around the World
January 2009
More than a dozen countries throughout the world are expressing interest in adopting the HD Radio platform because of the technology's ability to deliver digital-quality sound and services while leveraging existing analog spectrum. Interest is so high that leading broadcasters have created the Brazilian HD Radio Alliance. Thirty stations currently broadcast in several major Brazilian cities as that nation considers formal national adoption. Across Europe broadcasters have tested and are continuing to test the technology. In September 2007, European broadcasters banded together to form the European HD Radio Alliance with the mission of encouraging adoption of the technology there.
Based on the successful implementation of over 1,800 HD Radio stations in the United States, stations in both border countries - Canada and Mexico - are testing HD Radio broadcasting. In fact, Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Commission (CoFeTel) announced that it has authorized FM and AM radio stations within 200 miles from its border with the United States to begin transmitting with digital HD Radio technology, as approximately 10 stations have commenced HD Radio transmissions in Mexico, and others have equipment on order.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) completed a comprehensive HD Radio test program in September of 2006, from on-air transmission facilities in Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario. Results have been published, and Industry Canada (IC) via Gazette Notice SMBR-001-07 stated that IC is now prepared to consider applications for experimental HD Radio authorizations for existing FM radio broadcasting. Industry Canada went on to say should these experiments prove successful, Industry Canada will work with the public and private broadcasting industry to develop the required technical regulations in order to accommodate HD Radio broadcasting on a more permanent basis.
In Asia, HD Radio transmissions began in 2006 with a commercial radio network targeting mass transit commuters in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2007 Fatima Broadcasting International of Thailand began multicasting transmissions, becoming one of the first full-time and commercial HD Radio broadcast services in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines officially adopted HD Radio technology at the end of 2007 and 11 stations were awarded "Early Adopter" awards at a November 2008 meeting of their broadcasters association, KBP. Many HD Radio stations have been broadcasting on an experimental basis there since 2005. In 2008, the Radio Voice of Vietnam installed both MW and FM HD Radio transmitters in Hanoi for technology evaluation and testing. China has also been testing HD Radio technology in 2008 at the China National Radio Headquarters in Beijing.
HD Radio technology demonstrations have recently taken place in Argentina, Australia, Bosnia, Canada, Colombia, Chile (home of Continental Lensa, the first HD Radio transmitter manufacturer in Latin America), Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Panama, Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Vietnam.
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For more information, contact:
Vicki Stearn
iBiquity Digital Corp.
443-539-4345
Matthew Levison / Nancy Zakhary
Brainerd Communicators, Inc.
212-986-6667
Note: "HD RadioTM" and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The "HD" in HD RadioTM is part of iBiquity Digital's brand name for its advanced digital AM/FM system. It does not mean hybrid digital or high-definition digital; both of these are incorrect.
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