GatesAir delivers first CDR systems to China
Published: ASIA
CHINA: The Guangdong Broadcast Bureau technical centre in Guangzhou city has taken receipt of China Digital Radio (CDR) systems from GatesAir. The system is made up of four GatesAir Flexiva 20kW transmitters and supports both IP and ASI audio and data transport to transmitter sites across the internet and satellite networks, facilitating the national rollout of digital radio in China. It also integrates the manufacturer’s hybrid crest factor reduction technology to increase power output for signal coverage optimisation. GatesAir delivered and commissioned the systems along with Cimax, its regional partner.
China Digital Radio is an FM in-band, on-channel (IBOC) digital radio system capable of delivering a large multiplex of audio data services, including news, traffic and other local and national information. The Guangdong launch will initially support one channel of digital programme audio, though the architecture of China Digital Radio supports multichannel delivery for as many as 12 channels.
GatesAir is working with The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT)’s Academy of Broadcasting Science as well as regional broadcasters across China during the early planning and design phases, which the company expects will lead to additional projects based on SARFT’s aggressive rollout plan. GatesAir is reportedly the only supplier outside of China to support China Digital Radio.
‘The sophistication and quality of our China Digital Radio solution directly correlates with our extensive experience across all digital radio standards worldwide – a key factor in SARFT’s selection of GatesAir as a trusted China Digital Radio supplier nationally,’ said Rich Redmond, chief product officer, GatesAir. ‘The flexibility of the China Digital Radio standard – which includes hybrid FM/digital delivery, multicasting and wide-area IP networking – means that the future is wide open when it comes to the possibilities of digital radio in China. We are excited to be an integral part of this digital transition.’