Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
2008-Q3	Editorial: "Unique Digital Radio" for Europe Alberto Morello and Lieven Vermaele
2008-Q2	Digital Radio — a receiver manufacturer's viewpoint
	Colin Crawford and Tony King-Smith (250 kB)
	While DAB take-up has been very successful in a few markets, it has failed in other markets due partly to a lack of compelling digital-only content. In this article, PURE Digital – the most successful DAB receiver manufacturer over the past five or six years – provides an upbeat analysis of what the future holds for DAB-based digital radio. The article concludes with a section from parent-company, Imagination Technologies, on the latest silicon developments for digital radio.
311	The evolution of DAB Frank Herrmann, Larissa Anna Erismann and Markus Prosch (972 KB)
	DAB – already covering 500 million people in 40 countries around the world – represents the fully mobile and narrowband (1.7 MHz) terrestrial branch of COFDM broadcasting technologies. Although the family of DAB standards has been growing continuously from its beginnings in the early 90s, several major milestones have been reached by the WorldDAB / WorldDMB Forum, especially within the last three years. The most prominent examples are certainly DMB and DAB+. Those two and further applications, as well as the necessary framework created, are illustrated in this article. The technical perspective is accompanied by an economic one, visualising the growth underway and the promising prospects that lie ahead, based on the substantially extended DAB toolkit.
308	GE06 — overview of the second session (RRC-06) and the main features for broadcasters Terry O’Leary, Elena Puigrefagut and Walid Sami (1.364 MB)
	The Geneva 2006 frequency plan (GE06) is set to replace the Stockholm plan of 1961 (ST61) – providing for T-DAB and DVB-T digital services in the VHF and UHF broadcasing bands (Bands III and IV/V) throughout the European Broadcasting Area and beyond. The EBU contributed actively and efficiently to the success of the planning process, by developing the calculation software that was used by the ITU at RRC-06. This article describes the planning process and its outcome which should ensure that spectrum is available for digital terrestrial broadcasting over the next few decades, covering a large area including 118 countries.
306	Mobile TV — results from the BT Movio DAB-IP pilot in London Emma Lloyd, Ross Maclean and Andrew Stirling (493 KB)
	Later this year will see the launch of BT Movio, which will be the first commercial mobile broadcast entertainment service to launch in Europe, enabling mobile operators to offer consumers a reliable live digital TV and radio service on their mobile phones. The service will be broadcast using the DAB digital radio network. In order to prove the viability of the service prior to launch, BT undertook a pilot with a representative sample of 1,000 users in the London area. This article outlines the results of the pilot – the largest of its kind undertaken in Europe – and what this means for the future of TV-to-mobile services.
305	An economic analysis of DAB & DVB-H Daniel Skiöld (514 KB)
	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.
305	Broadcasting to Handhelds — an overview of systems and services Chris Weck and Edgar Wilson (246 KB)
	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.
303	DAB digital radio — a recipe for success Quentin Howard (573 KB)
	DAB digital radio began test broadcasting around ten years ago but it has not been a universal consumer success across Europe. In the UK, however, digital radio receivers are one of the fastest-selling consumer electronics products and sales have overtaken those of analogue radios. Why has the UK succeeded with DAB digital radio when other European countries have yet to see their markets take off? This article explains what steps the UK took to make DAB digital radio a success.
302	RRC-06 — technical basis and planning configurations for T-DAB and DVB-T Roland Brugger and Kerstin Mayer (738 KB)
	One fundamental part of the RRC planning process is to carry out a compatibility analysis. To facilitate this procedure, a reduction in the large number of possible transmitter configurations, down to just a few reference planning configurations, is useful. For compatibility calculations, SFNs may be represented by generic reference networks, whereas single transmitters are described by their “real” characteristics. This article describes various planning configurations and reference networks for T-DAB and DVB-T, while keeping an eye on DVB-H requirements as well.
300	RRC-04/06 — an overview of the first Session (RRC-04) Elena Puigrefagut and Terry O’Leary (787 KB)
	The ITU Regional Radio Conference, RRC-04/06, was convened to update the Stockholm 1961 and Geneva 1989 VHF/UHF television broadcasting Plans for the European and African Broadcasting Areas, respectively. It takes account of the spectrum needs for digital radio and television terrestrial services in the European and African Broadcasting Areas, and also in neighbouring areas. The first Session, RRC-04, was completed in May 2004 and this article provides an overview of the progress made in establishing the planning criteria and parameters for the later second Session, RRC-06, to be held in 2006.
299	What's the difference between DVB-H and DAB — in the mobile environment Andreas Sieber and Chris Weck (379 KB)
	The European digital terrestrial broadcast systems – DVB and DAB – have recently come into focus as a means of delivering streaming content to mobile, portable and even handheld receivers. But what are the pros and cons of using these broadcast systems in conjunction with cellular networks? This article explains it all.
299	The re-launch of DAB in Switzerland Thomas Saner (467 KB)
	Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been something of a sleeping beauty in Switzerland since 2000. However, the public service broadcaster – SRG SSR idée suisse – has just given the go-ahead for the reorganization and expansion of DAB. This decision was prompted by the realisation that FM can no longer offer additional capacity without a loss of quality. Furthermore, the DAB bandwagon is beginning to roll again, starting out in the UK, while – here in Switzerland – non-ionising radiation requirements now demand new distribution technologies that produce less electromagnetic radiation. The availability of DAB receivers was an additional factor supporting SRG SSR's move.
299	Indoor reception of DAB — consequences for planning and implementation Simon Mason (497 KB)
	NTL has conducted extensive DAB field-strength measurements in Band III inside large buildings in central London. The conclusions from this campaign are that a field strength of 71 dbmV/m is required in order to provide good indoor DAB reception to handheld devices.
298	Frequency economy – new convergence Kjell Engström (424 KB)
	Frequency economy in terms of economic efficiency leads to quite different conclusions on how to use the broadcast spectrum than frequency economy in terms of spectrum efficiency. This article discusses some aspects of frequency economy and convergence, as seen from a radio broadcaster’s perspective.
297	DAB — from Digital Radio towards Mobile Multimedia Franc Kozamernik (991 KB)
	The purpose of this article is to inform EBU Members of recent progress with Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) – in terms of its market rollout in Europe, its system developments within the WorldDAB Forum, the preparations for the ITU Regional Radio Conference RRC-04/06 and its potential for any future developments. One of the main messages of the article is that DAB has the potential to transform the traditional audio-based radio medium into a fully-fledged multimedia system, particularly suited to bringing digital information to the general public, anywhere and anytime. It is vital for the success of DAB to work in harmony and synergy with some other systems, particularly those in the communication and Internet sectors.
296	DAB and CD quality — reality or illusion Gerhard Spikofski and Siegfried Klar (652 KB)
	This article reports on the results of an investigation carried out into whether the transmitted sound quality offered by Digital Radio (DAB) stations in Germany is superior to that of FM radio. The tests revealed that not all is as it should be, with many stations not conforming with the relevant ARD recommendations for DAB broadcasters.
295	OFDM receivers — impact on coverage of inter-symbol interference and window positioning Roland Brugger and David Hemingway (904 KB)
	This article offers a general overview of the possible strategies for FFT window synchronization in OFDM receivers. These strategies are equally applicable to the T-DAB and DVB-T broadcasting systems.
292	DAB — now hitting the market on an industrial scale Delphine Josse (432 KB)
	Digital Audio Broadcasting (or DAB for short) has moved into a phase of “industrialisation”, with many new broadcast services starting throughout Europe and beyond. The choice and availability of different types of DAB receivers is also expanding at an encouraging rate, as outlined in this article.
292	Reflections on a near-past T-DAB conference Ken Hunt, Terry O'Leary and Darko Ratkaj (369 KB)
	With the 2002 CEPT Maastricht Conference now behind us, this article provides an insight into some of the more important decisions made on the future spectrum availability for T-DAB services.
290	Reflections on a near-future T-DAB conference — or making "war on this bloody tyrant time" Ken Hunt and Terry O'Leary (103 KB)
	This article gives a brief outline of the topics to be discussed at the forthcoming T-DAB planning meeting, which will be held in Maastricht during June 2002.
289	Satellite DSB systems — and their potential impact on the planning of terrestrial DAB services in Europe Franc Kozamernik, Nigel Laflin and Terry O'Leary (304 KB)
	This article deals with both the system and frequency management aspects of digital sound broadcasting by satellite in L-band, and gives a short description of the newer satellite digital audio systems and their possible impact on T-DAB planning and implementation.
289	T-DAB in the UK — overcoming the spectrum planning and interference issues Mark Thomas (614 KB)
	The roll-out of T-DAB in the UK is proceeding rapidly, with a large proportion of the population now within range of a wide choice of digital radio programme services. The main drivers for reaching this stage have been a mixture of industry resolve, consensus, long-term vision and investment – catalysed by well-constructed incentives. This article looks at the background to the UK’s frequency plan, then looks more closely at two areas of work undertaken by the UK Radio Authority to control interference between the transmissions of different multiplex operators.
279	Digital Audio Broadcasting — coming out of the tunnel Franc Kozamernik (459 KB)
	The roll-out of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Europe is at an advanced stage – but is much slower than expected. This article attempts to analyze the principal economic, technological, regulatory and frequency management reasons for this slow progress. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the members of the World DAB Forum, which brings together the main players, the introduction of DAB is now running smoother that it would have been if WorldDAB did not exist. The article confirms that Eureka-147 DAB is the right technology to take Radio into the 21st century.
278	DAB — is it already out of date? Philip Laven (181 KB)
	The EBU’s Technical Director poses a provocative and challenging question about the future of the Eureka-147 DAB system.
278	An uplinking technique for Eureka-147 satellite DAB Richard Evans (312 KB)
	The Eureka-147 terrestrial DAB system has been shown to be also suitable for satellite broadcasting at an international level. However, a method is needed to uplink the programme datastreams from, perhaps, several widely differing locations – to form a single DAB multiplex at the satellite for transmission to the consumer. This article describes the possibility of using a conventional geostationary satellite, in conjunction with the TDM technique, to achieve multi-uplink access to the satellite.
278	The HuMIDAB project — looking at the Human Machine Interface of digital radios Bev Marks (235 KB)
	The HuMIDAB project was born out of a belief – among EBU and WorldDAB members – that the Eureka-147 DAB standard would open so many new opportunities for receiver designs that the digital radios of the future could not just replicate the analogue radios of today. Future digital radio services would provide a package, including audio programmes, associated services – such as programme-related data – and, at a later stage, multimedia capability in the form of pictures, perhaps even moving ones! Both the broadcasters and the receiver designers would have to rethink the requirements of digital radios. They would have to work together to formulate an intrinsic understanding of the other’s role, to allow the design of new digital radios with many enhanced features. This article reports on the work carried out within the project, which had only a one-year time frame.
278	Wiesbaden '95 revisited — T-DAB planning parameters, reference networks and frequency-planning algorithms T. O'Leary (197 KB)
	As a follow-up to the two previous articles in EBU Technical Review about Wiesbaden ‘95, the author describes the EBU Synthesis computer program that was developed for allotting T-DAB frequency blocks during the Wiesbaden planning process.
274	DAB progress report — 1997 F. Müller-Römer (525 KB)
	August 1997 saw the official launch of consumer DAB equipment at the IFA exhibition in Berlin. The author reviews the worldwide progress of DAB, and offers his personal views on how it should be developed over the years to come. In particular, he suggests that an augmented version of DAB should be used to replace the current analogue TV transmissions in Band III with digital multimedia transmissions for Europe, which are equally received at home or on the move.
274	Pseudo channel BER — an objective quantity for assessing DAB coverage R. Schramm (316 KB)
	The net Bit Error Rate (BER) in the decoded signal can be used to assess the coverage of a DAB service but it requires the transmission of a special test signal which uses up a complete sound channel in the DAB multiplex. The author proposes the use of a so-called "pseudo channel BER" as an objective quantity for assessing the coverage of a DAB service. The method does not require the use of a specially transmitted test signal; it is applied to ordinary DAB programme material.
272	Towards the next generation of DAB receivers F. van de Laar, N. Philips, J. Huisken (123 KB)
	The first DAB receivers which accorded with the DAB European Telecommunication Standard became available in 1995. These were based on either a DAB channel-decoder chipset from the JESSI project, or on general-purpose DSPs. For a consumer product, the complexity of these early DAB receivers was much too high. This article describes the features of the next generation of DAB receivers, which are due to be launched at the Berlin IFA in late August. These new receivers will be based on a second generation of channel-decoder chipsets, as developed within the JESSI AE-14 and AE-89 projects. Not only will they be much smaller (and cheaper) than the earlier models from 1995, the new generation of receivers will also support DAB transmission mode IV and the reception of low bit-rate MPEG-2 speech.
271	Archimedes: measurements in an emulated DAB satellite channel J. Frank, R. Schramm, R. Großkopt, P. Höher, T. Wörz, A. Schmidbauer, F.C.T. Gale and R.A. Harris (494 KB)
	The European Space Agency (ESA) has investigated the use of multiregional highly-inclined eliptical orbit (M-HEO) satellites for digital radio systems. these studies have demonstrated, in particular, that it is possible to use the Eureka-147 DAB system – delivered by six HEO satellites – to provide a digital radio service to Europe, North America and East Asia. This article describes how these studies, sponsored by ESA and carried out by DLR and IRT, set out to answer unresolved questions about the transmission channel and the use of the Eureka-147 system under operational conditions.
270	Digital Audio Broadcasting — On the way David Witherow (137 KB)
	With the EuroDab Forum now renamed the WorldDAB Forum, the Author reports on the progress of DAB implementation to date, and offers a pointer to the future prospects for Eureka-147 DAB.
267	The CEPT T-DAB Planning Meeting — Wiesbaden, July 1995 K.J. Hunt, T. Cesky, T. Jeacock, M. Mägele, T. O'Leary and G. Petke (155 KB)
	In the Autumn 1995 issue of EBU Technical Review, Ken Hunt offered readers some personal reflections on the CEPT T-DAB Planning Conference which took place at Wiesbaden, Germany, last July. A detailed review of this meeting has now been made and, in this article, several delegates who played leading roles at the Conference offer readers an overview of the preparations and achievements which will permit a smooth introduction of terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting.
265	Digital Audio Broadcasting — radio now and for the future Franc Kozamernik (161 KB)
	The world's first DAB services were launched in the United Kingdom and in Sweden at the end of September. With several other broadcasters also preparing for the "big day", the author reports on the current status of DAB technology, and summarizes the progress being made to implement DAB services worldwide.
265	Personal reflections on the CEPT T-DAB Planning Conference: Wiesbaden, 3 - 21 July 1995 Ken Hunt (244 KB)
	Before terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting (T-DAB) services can be introduced, it is vital that suitable frequency blocks are allotted to each country, paying due regard to the possible interference that such services may receive from, or cause to, other existing services. In Europe, this planning task is the responsibility of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT). A CEPT T-DAB Planning Conference was held in Wiesbaden, Germany, from 3 to 21 July 1995. In this brief article, the author offers his personal reflections on what was achieved at this conference.
262	The RAI plans for DAB field tests M. Cominetti (250 KB)
	The article briefly describes the plans for DAB field tests conducted in the Aosta Valley test-bed. The tests will assess the system performance, characterise the RF channel and evaluate the coverage of a single frequency network (SFN) including three transmitters on VHF channel 12. These experiments, involving both mobile and fixed reception, are part of the activity of a RAI DAB Working Group aimed at identifying and studying the technical and operational aspects for the introduction of T-DAB services in Italy.
262	Digital Radio Broadcasting in Canada — A strategic approach to DRB implementation G. Chouinard, F. Conway, W.A. Stacey and J.R. Trenholm (368 KB)
	While digital sound broadcasting tends to be regarded as a European interest, much valuable work is being done in other countries, and in Canada in particular. The present article presents the wide-ranging collaborative study programme under way in Canada. The results will be of interest in Europe, too, since the studies include detailed consideration of the 1500 MHz band, which has so far received relatively little attention elsewhere, at least in comparison to the research effort deployed at frequencies near 200 MHz.
261	First results of field tests with the DAB single frequency network in Bavaria A. Lau, M. Pausch and W. Wütschner (2.2 MB)
	This article presents a report on the DAB field test in the channel 12 single frequency network which forms one component of the Bavarian DAB Pilot Project. Measurements results obtained using a specially-equipped monitoring van and computer software which has been specifically developed for mobile reception are compared with coverage predictions. The "gain" over individual transmitters, which is achievable in DAB SFNs, is demonstrated by way of an example. The special features of coverage in mountainous regions are also discussed.
261	DAB field trials in Finland V. Erkkilä and M. Jokisalo (213 KB)
	The article describes the facilities recently installed for DAB field trials in VHF Band II, in Finland. Preliminary results are given, together with some indications of specific aspects of DAB reception which will require more-detailed investigation. A full-scale measurement campaign is due to begin in autumn 1994.
261	Field trials with a high-power VHF single frequency network for DAB — Measurement techniques and network performance M.C.D. Maddocks, I.R. Pullen and J.A. Green (2.8 MB)
	The advent of digital formats such as CD has created demand for uniformly high audio quality from radio, even in vehicles and for portable reception. The Eureka-147 DAB system has been designed specifically to meet these demands and the BBC is undertaking a major experiment to test the system and to gather data which will allow efficient planning of its transmitter network. As a basis for these tests, a network of four 1 kW e.r.p., VHF transmitters has been installed to cover the London area in England. The results show wide-area coverage from the transmitter network which is in reasonable agreement with computer predictions. The results also provide quantitative values which can be used for coverage prediction and for international coordination of services. Finally, the performance of the system demonstrates a number of the benefits of the Eureka DAB system for mobile and portable reception.
261	Dynamic Range Control (DRC) and Music/Speech Control (MSC) — Programme- associated data services for DAB W. Hoeg, N. Gilchrist, H. Twietmeyer and H. Jünger (659 KB)
	There will always be the need for broadcasters to apply dynamic range compression to some types of programme material, either because of the limitations of the broadcasting medium or because of listeners' requirements. The Eureka 147 DAB digital audio broad casting system enables broadcasters to transmit programmes with a relatively wide dynamic range, accompanied by a dynamic range control (DRC) signal which the listener may use to effect unobtrusive compression of the programme dynamics, if required. A music/speech control (MSC) signal, which is also transmitted, will enable the listener to balance the loudness of different types of programme according to taste. The techniques used for the optional compression of programme dynamics in DAB may also be used to control the dynamic range of programmes unobtrusively for conventional VHF/FM broadcasting, but without control data being transmitted.
260	Transmission of coded sound signals in a future ATM network U. Aßmus and M.S. Nunes (59 KB)
	The article describes a method for the adaptation of high-quality digital sound signals to a future integrated-services broadband network. The digital signals, with a highly-reduced bit-rate, are transmitted in cells in the asynchronous transfer mode. The method can be applied to the networking of signals for Digital Audio Broadcasting services between studio centres and the DAB transmission multiplexer.
259	DAB multiplex and system support features J. Riley (127 KB)
	This article describes the multiplex and system support features of the Eureka 147/DAB digital audio broadcasting system. It sets out the requirements of all users along the broadcast chain, from service providers and broadcaster through to the listener. The contents of the transmission frame are examined, drawing the distinction between the main service multiplex and the provision of control information in a separate fast data channel. The concept of the DAB service structure is introduced and the inherent system flexibility for altering the service arrangement is explained. A wide range of service information features build on those provided in earlier systems, such as the Radio Data System, and are intended to make it easier for a listener to find any required service and to add a further dimension to audio broadcasting. The choices available to users in all of these areas are examined.
258	General-purpose and application-specific design of a DAB channel decoder F. van de Laar, N. Philips and R. Olde Dubbelink (156 KB)
	In 1988, the first public demonstrations of a new Digital Audio Broadcasting system were given in Geneva. Although this showed the feasibility of digital compression and modulation for digital radio, a lot of work remained to be done in the fields of standardization, frequency allocation, promotion and hardware cost and size reduction. This article describes the development of current DAB receivers, with special emphasis on the design of the digital signal processor-based channel decoder which has been used in the 3rd-generation Eureka receivers, as well as a prototype decoder based on an application- specific chip-set.
258	DAB single-frequency networks at 1.5 GHz R. Brugger (387 KB)
	Although initially envisaged for hybrid satellite digital sound broadcasting, consideration is now being given to the use of the 1.5 GHz band for large terrestrial DAB single-frequency networks. The article examines the self-interference that will occur in such networks by means of computer simulations, and suggests that they may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Comparison with results obtained in other studies highlights the need for a statistical treatment of prediction calculations.
255	Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting in Europe T. O'Leary (181 KB)
	In just eight short years, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has progressed from largely unproven theories through practical experimentation, to field trials and international standardization. So evident are the potential benefits of the new medium, for both broadcasters and – more importantly – their listeners, that a number of EBU Members are now planning to start terrestrial DAB services well in advance of the launch dates envisaged for satellite services. With 1995 now established as the target date for operational DAB in some countries, EBU Members are defining strategies to ensure that the launch is successful; for this to happen, three essential prerequisites have been identified: frequencies must be made available; transmitters and receivers must be available; attractive programme services must be offered. This article outlines the strategic planning being carried out by the EBU Members, in the framework of the EBU Technical Committee.
252	Service planning for terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting A. Lau and W. Williams (300 KB)
	As DAB system developers in the Eureka 147 consortium and the EBU move towards the establishment of a complete system specification, and as broadcasters express increasing interest in opening DAB services as soon as 1995, the question of service planning gains in importance. This progress report on service planning studies for DAB single frequency networks (SFN) contains valuable preliminary data concerning required field-strengths and protection ratios for terrestrial DAB services (including protection to and from other broadcast systems such as television and FM radio). DAB SFNs offer greatest spectrum efficiency if they use many closely – spaced low – power transmitters. However the first terrestrial DAB services will most probably be incorporated within the existing broadcast transmitting – station infrastructure and the article presents the results of coverage predictions for practical DAB SFNs serving large regions from existing transmitter sites. Further work is required on many aspects of DAB service planning, to refine the prediction models used and ensure that the launch of DAB programme services is not compromised by inadequate coverage.
252	Results of the WARC-92 Conference C. Terzani, D. Sauvet–Goichon and K.J. Hunt (225 KB)
	WARC-92 was the first opportunity since 1979 for broadcasters – and indeed other users of radio spectrum – to state their case for modifications or additions to the existing frequency allocations for certain of the services for which they have a responsibilty. The intervening twelve years had seen some significant changes in the bands falling under the scrutiny of WARC-92. These were, most notably an increase in congestion in the HF bands allocated to international broadcasting (especially below 10 MHz), and the development – at least in prototype form – of two major new broadcasting systems: Digital Audio Broadcasting, requiring frequencies in the UHF range, and wide RF band HDTV for which a new frequency band in the vicinity of 20 GHz was deemed approporiate. Broadcasters were therefore especially concerned, at WARC-92, to safeguard their future in these three important areas, whilst remaining attentive to all other aspects of the Conference which might have a influence on present or future broadcasting services.

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