NRSC Releases Updated Guidelines to Improve Digital Radio Signals for Broadcasters

LAS VEGAS, NV - The Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB) Subcommittee of the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) on April 16th reaffirmed two important NRSC Guideline documents dealing with measurement of RF mask compliance for AM and FM HD Radio™ stations and the transmission power of FM digital sidebands. These guidelines include handling of asymmetric sideband power levels that benefit broadcasters by clarifying the correct levels required for best coverage resulting in higher quality digital broadcast signals. The NRSC is a technical standards-setting body cosponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™.

• NRSC-G201-B, NRSC-5 RF Mask Compliance: Measurement Methods and Practice, was developed by the subcommittee's IBOC Standards Development Working Group (ISDWG), which is chaired by Dom Bordonaro, chief engineer, Connoisseur Media.
  
  
• NRSC-G202-A, FM IBOC Total Digital Sideband Power for Various Configurations, is intended as an aid to those who are responsible for or involved with FM IBOC facility design, operation and compliance monitoring. This document is a companion to NRSC-G201-B and expands upon information contained in Annex 1 of that document.

While the refreshes to both documents bring them up-to-date, this most recent version of NRSC-G201 is significant because it clarifies asymmetric sideband power levels for NRSC-5 IBOC, more commonly known by the DTS brand name HD Radio™. DTS is the exclusive developer and licensor of HD Radio technology.

The DRB is co-chaired by Glynn Walden, senior vice president, CBS Radio, and Jackson Wang, chief executive officer, e Radio USA. Additional information about the NRSC, including information on becoming a member, is also available on the website.

Additional information about the NRSC, including information on becoming a member, is also available on the NRSC's website.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

About CTA
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.