Digital Radio for the Netherlands

After extensive market research, the Dutch infrastructure provider, KPN, has selected London based radioscape to provide the new Eureka 147 (DAB / DAB+) Encoding / Multiplex systems to replace the system originally installed in 2005, that has been providing up to 12 channels of Digital Radio in DAB for the Dutch Public Broadcaster.

It was vital that KPN commission a new Digital Radio system that was simple to use and would provide a cost effective solution for today's DAB, and the probable future move to DAB+. Radioscape's utilisation of IP throughout the entire system guarantees that functionality and also delivers the ability to place the Audio encoders either at the central multiplex, or at each remote studio site, delivering much more control and functionality to the service providers. Such facilities are increasingly important as the technology matures and Radioscape's long experience with the technology makes them the obvious choice for an increasing percentage of the global Market.

The new system was installed for KPN and will take over from the current system after 6 weeks of trials are completed. During this time, training was carried out for staff to prepare them for the new digital environment that will become the norm in the Netherlands and may include other advances available from radioscape, such as:-

• 5.1 Surround Sound
• Visual Slide Show
• Electronic Program Guide
• Traffic and Travel Information
• DAB+ (with significantly more stations on each ensemble grouping).

Radioscape's Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Tony Orwin has been involved with DAB in the Netherlands since 2004 and as he commented, "I believe that it is the company's policy of "partnering" with their existing and new clients to help the technology advance in the global market place that has enabled us to become intimately aware of the precise needs of the broadcasters, and has enabled Radioscape to design systems that meet those technical, commercial and operational requirements so well. It has been a pleasure working with KPN over that period and to have been able to deliver a system now that so closely matches their ongoing requirements. Radioscape's engineers and sales team have worked closely with KPN to ensure that the system will support KPN and its role of delivering Digital Radio to the people of the Netherlands - well into the future".

Radioscape is based in London from where it services the requirements for the majority of the worlds broadcasters in Digital Radio, with its range of Eureka 147 Encoding, Multiplexing and Monitoring products that it has developed, manufactured and supported since 1997.

Its experience in IP based architecture and the associated services that are required by broadcasters have taken it to a pre-eminent position in the market that is enhanced by its unique product range that stems from Enhanced Data Services Authoring, Encoders, Multiplex, Seamless Switches, RF and ETI Monitoring, Test and Measurement Equipment for DAB / DAB+ T-DMB and DMB-A broadcasts, as well as Seamless DAB Voice Break In Systems for Road / Rail Tunnels.

KPN is the leading telecommunications and ICT service provider in the Netherlands, offering wireline and wireless telephony, internet and TV and Radio to consumers and end-to-end telecom and ICT services to business customers. KPN's subsidiary Getronics operates a global ICT services company with a market leading position in the Benelux, offering end-to-end solutions in infrastructure and network-related IT.

In Germany and Belgium, KPN pursues a Challenger strategy in its wireless operations and holds number three market positions through E-Plus and KPN Group Belgium. In Spain and France, KPN offers wireless services as an MVNO through its own brands and through partner brands. KPN provides wholesale network services to third parties and operates an efficient IP-based infrastructure with global scale in international wholesale through iBasis.