HD radio: field test in Central Switzerland

The first European field trial of high-definition radio technology (HD radio) is currently taking place in central Switzerland. The digital technology for FM radio promises better quality and higher capacities. Although there have been reservations about this system in Europe up to now, Markus Ruoss, founder and majority shareholder of Radio Sunshine, believes in the digital future of the FM band. After receiving approval from the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom), Ruoss began testing HD radio at the end of March 2006. He hopes that HD radio could prove to be the most efficient and economically viable addition or even alternative to the DAV147 standard for regional radio stations.Marcel Regnotto from Bakom welcomes the field test. He hopes that it will provide useful information with regard to a possible introduction. Among other things, the trial should show whether HD radio proves itself in difficult topographies. Comparisons with other digitization processes are also planned. The final report is to be submitted to OFCOM next year. According to Ruoss' assessment
Swiss private radio stations could start broadcasting with HD radio technology between 2008 and 2010. In the event of a possible introduction, Ruoss expects investments of around 200,000 Swiss francs for the local station Sunshine.