WASHINGTON, DC - NAB FASTROAD today announced the release of a final report on field testing of digital single frequency network (SFN) technology for FM in-band/on-channel (IBOC) digital radio. This work has been undertaken by iBiquity Digital Corporation, developers of the HD Radio™ IBOC system used by U.S. broadcasters to transition to digital radio, and is being co-funded by iBiquity and NAB FASTROAD.
Single frequency networks utilize on-channel digital boosters to improve FM IBOC digital radio coverage. These boosters, strategically located within the coverage area of a radio station, transmit only the digital portion of the hybrid IBOC signal. The approach to digital booster development being undertaken by iBiquity is aimed at a booster design that is interoperable among the various transmission equipment manufacturers. The technology is backwards-compatible with existing receivers and supportable by existing FM IBOC broadcast products, such as exciters, through upgrading.
The technical report just released describes field testing of a single frequency network using Greater Media's Boston area station WKLB-FM and experimental booster station WKLB-FM1. Both digital-only and digital-plus-analog booster configurations were tested. Also included in the report are the results from experimental broadcast stations WD2XAB and WD2XAB-1, located near Baltimore, MD which were first reported on in November 2010. The full text of the final report and information on the NAB FASTROAD technology advocacy program are available at www.NABFASTROAD.org.
About NAB FASTROAD NAB FASTROAD (Flexible Advanced Services for Television & Radio On All Devices) is the technology advocacy program of the National Association of Broadcasters. The overall mission of the FASTROAD program is to seek and facilitate development and commercialization of new technologies that can be exploited by broadcasters using radio and television broadcast spectrum.
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 iBiquity Digital
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new and unique FM content via HD2/HD3 channels, crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands - all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio Technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ. For more information, please visit www.hdradio.com and www.ibiquity.com.
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