Manchester’s small scale DAB multiplex leads the World
Manchester, 21 May 2017
Nine more radio stations are set to join the Manchester small-scale multiplex from the end of May. This will bring to 28 the number of services available on what is believed to be the most populated DAB multiplex anywhere in the World.
Announcing the additional nine services, Niocast Digital’s Director of Operations, David Duffy said:
“We are delighted to be able to give more services the opportunity to bring their content to listeners via our DAB platform. We are now adding to the variety and choice of listening in Manchester with another nine fantastically diverse radio stations”.
Because of the costs involved DAB digital radio has, historically, been the preserve of big broadcasting organisations with deep pockets - like the BBC and major commercial radio groups. Now, though, Ofcom is looking at how smaller, independently-owned DAB operations can increase listener choice across the country.
Niocast’s Director of Programming and Content, John Evington reflects on DAB’s shaky start back in the 1990s:
“DAB promised higher quality than FM and more listener choice but failed dismally on both counts. Many of the ‘new’ services were simply brand extensions of existing stations – some of them in mono and relying on ‘clunky’ automation systems. I think it’s fair to say that, for most listeners, the first impression of DAB was disappointing”.
Since winning the licence to operate the DAB multiplex in Manchester, Niocast has been actively exploring ways of improving and enhancing the listener experience with a range of technical advances. John explains:
“The game changer for us is the adoption of the more efficient DAB+ standard which means we can address both of the historical shortcomings of DAB by delivering high quality audio whilst, at the same time, bringing a greater number and range of services to air”.
The vast majority of new DAB receivers carry the ‘Digital Tick Mark’ which means they are DAB+ compatible. However, some retailers continue to market radios that can only receive the original DAB signal which, Niocast argues, is hindering the take-up of DAB+ amongst listeners. Niocast now wants to see government outlaw the sale of these sets.
The full line-up of stations on the Niocast multiplex can be found at www.niocast.com The new additions include Manchester stations Vinejuice, Radio Diamond and Trafford Sound; community stations Fever FM, Radio Sangam and Flame CCR; Mi-Soul; nineties revival station NonStop90s; and Likwid - described as ‘free flowing music to open your mind!’.
Nine more radio stations are set to join the Manchester small-scale multiplex from the end of May. This will bring to 28 the number of services available on what is believed to be the most populated DAB multiplex anywhere in the World.
Announcing the additional nine services, Niocast Digital’s Director of Operations, David Duffy said:
“We are delighted to be able to give more services the opportunity to bring their content to listeners via our DAB platform. We are now adding to the variety and choice of listening in Manchester with another nine fantastically diverse radio stations”.
Because of the costs involved DAB digital radio has, historically, been the preserve of big broadcasting organisations with deep pockets - like the BBC and major commercial radio groups. Now, though, Ofcom is looking at how smaller, independently-owned DAB operations can increase listener choice across the country.
Niocast’s Director of Programming and Content, John Evington reflects on DAB’s shaky start back in the 1990s:
“DAB promised higher quality than FM and more listener choice but failed dismally on both counts. Many of the ‘new’ services were simply brand extensions of existing stations – some of them in mono and relying on ‘clunky’ automation systems. I think it’s fair to say that, for most listeners, the first impression of DAB was disappointing”.
Since winning the licence to operate the DAB multiplex in Manchester, Niocast has been actively exploring ways of improving and enhancing the listener experience with a range of technical advances. John explains:
“The game changer for us is the adoption of the more efficient DAB+ standard which means we can address both of the historical shortcomings of DAB by delivering high quality audio whilst, at the same time, bringing a greater number and range of services to air”.
The vast majority of new DAB receivers carry the ‘Digital Tick Mark’ which means they are DAB+ compatible. However, some retailers continue to market radios that can only receive the original DAB signal which, Niocast argues, is hindering the take-up of DAB+ amongst listeners. Niocast now wants to see government outlaw the sale of these sets.
The full line-up of stations on the Niocast multiplex can be found at www.niocast.com The new additions include Manchester stations Vinejuice, Radio Diamond and Trafford Sound; community stations Fever FM, Radio Sangam and Flame CCR; Mi-Soul; nineties revival station NonStop90s; and Likwid - described as ‘free flowing music to open your mind!’.
