Broadcast Electronics Brings HD RadioTM Technology
to Bogotá, Columbia
July 30, 2008
Source: Broadcast Electronics
With the installation
of Broadcast Electronics' HD Radio transmission equipment
last month, TROPICANA 102.9 FM became the first station in
Colombia to transmit using HD Radio technology.
The installation is part of a test granted under temporary
authorization by the broadcast governing agency in Colombia,
and was conducted in the country capital of Bogota, population
nine million. The station is owned by Caracol Radio Network,
one of the main radio networks in Colombia with more than
130 AM and FM stations, and the Broadcast Electronics equipment
is represented by Jaime Sorzano, owner of Broadcast Equipment
and Parts in Colombia.
This is the first reported HD Radio installation in Colombia,
raising speculation that it could spark further interest in
HD Radio broadcasting in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Neighboring stations in Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico are broadcasting
HD Radio technology using BE transmission equipment, as are
stations in Europe and Pacific Asia. More than 1,700 stations
in the U.S. are broadcasting digital HD Radio technology,
benefiting the worldwide market with established receivers
and broadcast technology.
A longtime Broadcast Electronics customer, Caracol Radio Network
is known as one of the foremost early adopters in the area,
according to Raul Hun, Broadcast Electronics' Sales Manager
for Latin America and the Caribbean. "By testing HD Radio,
Caracol is once again taking a lead position in the fiercely
competitive Colombia market," he said.
"We are pleased that a group of the stature of Caracol
has chosen to become a leader with HD Radio technology in
their country. Combined with the strong activities in Brazil,
Mexico and elsewhere, iBiquity's HD Radio technology is becoming
the clear choice for Latin America," said Jeff Jury,
Chief Operating Officer with iBiquity Digital Corporation,
the developer and licensor of HD Radio technology.
The station converted to HD Radio technology using a Broadcast
Electronics FXi 250 digital FM exciter and FSi 10 HD Radio
exporter into an existing BE FM 20S solid-state transmitter.
HD Radio technology transmits digital audio and data alongside
existing AM and FM analog signals, allowing listeners with
HD Radio receivers to enjoy crystal-clear reception, data
services, and new channels through multicasting.
Unlike other digital broadcasting technologies, HD Radio technology
works within the existing analog spectrum, without taking
up additional frequency. Through this approach, HD Radio technology
enables AM and FM radio stations throughout the world to transition
to digital broadcasting in a seamless, non-disruptive manner.
The technology also provides a platform for advanced interactive
features that includes: multicasting (multiple channels broadcast
on a single FM frequency), real-time traffic and weather services
and scrolling text on the receiver display.
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