Today, Tuesday January 31, TDF starts broadcasting DAB+ digital radio from its Saint-Contest (Calvados) site.
The population of the Caen conurbation (Calvados) can now receive thirteen radio stations broadcast in DAB+ digital quality: Chante France, Clazz, Crooner Radio, France Bleu Normandie, Générations, Hello Normandie, Jazz Radio, Oüi FM, Radio Bonheur 100% Chansons françaises, Radio FG, Radio Nova, RCF Normandie, Sud Radio.
To enable these radios to be broadcast in DAB+, TDF teams installed new technical facilities. The work involved installing a new antenna system, a multiplexing cell and an associated transmitter. Work was also carried out to adapt the infrastructure.
In addition to broadcasting DAB+, the TDF Saint-Contest site also broadcasts FM radio and hosts cell phone operators.
As the benchmark technical operator for terrestrial television and radio broadcasting, TDF has been involved in the development of DAB+ for many years. TDF's laboratories have made a major contribution to the definition and standardization of this technology. Today, TDF is mobilized for the deployment of DAB+ broadcasting services in mainland France.
DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a digital terrestrial broadcasting system for radio, similar to DTT for television. It enables radio stations to offer listeners high quality sound, but also to transmit additional information and visuals in addition to the audio stream. This technology, which complements FM broadcasting, enriches the French radio landscape.
To receive DAB+, you need a radio or car radio equipped with this technology. Since the end of 2019, all radio receivers sold in France, except car radios, integrate DAB+. And from 2020, all car radios in new cars sold in France will also include DAB+. As with the FM band, DAB+ radio reception remains completely free of charge.
Karim El Naggar, Managing Director of TDF's Audiovisual BU, comments: "I am delighted with the arrival of DAB+ on the extended Caen allotment, broadcast from the TDF site in Saint-Contest. TDF has been firmly rooted in the region for many years. When it comes to DAB+, TDF is committed to supporting its customers, the program publishers, to meet their digital coverage needs as effectively as possible. To do this, we are drawing on our expertise in radio broadcasting over almost 50 years to provide a complete DAB+ offering, from feed collection and headend, to signal transport via our entire existing network, and of course broadcasting."
