The AM Signalling System (AMSS) adds a small amount of digital information to existing analogue AM broadcasts on short-, medium- and long-wave, giving similar functionality to that provided by the Radio Data System (RDS) on the FM bands. The system has been designed within the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) consortium, primarily to ease the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

A suitably-equipped receiver will allow selection of the AM service by name as well as the choice of re-tuning to other frequencies carrying analogue or digital versions of the same or a related service.

Several AMSS transmissions are already on air and some, if not all, of the first consumer DRM receivers will incorporate AMSS decoding.

Cost comparisons between DAB and DVB-H have sometimes been inconsistent in the past. Some have claimed that DAB networks are cheaper per multiplex, while others have claimed that DVB-H will be cheaper per radio or TV channel. The underlying and hidden assumption is that the networks will be filled with content.

These kinds of comparisons leave much for speculation – as one can claim that both DAB and DVB-H can be cheaper, depending on if you calculate the costs per multiplex or per channel. To know the costs of these technologies, we need to know the market size. And clearly, we need a common measurement system, to enable fair comparisons.

This article stems from a study carried out by EBU Project Group B/BTH (Broadcasting to Handhelds) which has been examining the several system technology options. The group has also considered some service aspects, including business models and programme offers.

The results suggest that the first task for a broadcaster is to develop a clear understanding of the various roles in the “BTH value chain” that he might wish to play – from content production to the consumer. He must then develop the necessary synergies with partners in the future BTH world. This may subsequently have a direct influence on the choice of technical system, rather than making a selection on the basis of technical performance only. There will also be further fundamental considerations to take into account, such as spectrum availability.

Delivering broadcast-quality content to consumers is one of the most challenging tasks in the new world of digital broadcasting. One of the most critical aspects is the highly efficient use of the available transmission spectrum. Consequently, a careful choice of compression schemes for media content is essential – for both the technical and the economical feasibility of modern digital broadcasting systems.

In the case of audio content, the MPEG-4 High Efficiency AAC v2 profile (HE-AAC v2) has proven, in several independent tests, to be the most efficient audio compression scheme available worldwide. It has recently been selected within DVB as part of its overall codec toolbox.

HE-AAC v2 comprises a fully-featured tool set for the coding of audio signals in mono, stereo and multichannel modes (up to 48 channels) – at high quality levels using a wide range of bitrates.

This article defines the theoretical maximum electric and magnetic field strengths and induced leg currents that people could be exposed to at MF broadcasting frequencies, without the basic restrictions being exceeded.

The article is based on a contract report, prepared for BBC World Service by the Radiation Protection Division of the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA). An overview of this HPA report is provided by Mike Hate of BBC World Service.

The purpose of this article is to provide EBU Members with basic information on the possible benefits of employing content analysis techniques for documenting their television and radio archives. It is based on the considerable experience gained by RAI over recent years in this field.

The article also looks analytically at the impact these new archive documentation techniques will have on traditional working practices.