German Radio In Dolby Digital 5.1 Goes Live

26-Nov-03

German public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) announced that the launch of the world's first permanent DolbyÆ Digital 5.1 surround sound radio service. Following tests and demonstrations during September 2003, the station is now broadcasting late night classical music concerts every other Thursday and Friday in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. These broadcasts can be received for no extra charge by the estimated 300,000 households in Germany and three million households across Europe who already have compatible DVB receivers for digital television.Dolby Digital 5.1 sound helps to deliver quality radio content in a more vivid and dramatic fashion to the consumer, and following testing and demonstrations at recent trade shows--IFA and IBC 2003--audience feedback was so positive that production heads at the station decided to continue with the service. ""We received extremely enthusiastic comments on the test from hundreds of consumers,"" commented Martin W?hr, Head of Studio Production and Operations at BR Radio. ""For example, anyone who cannot afford to attend classical music concerts regularly but loves the experience can now replicate this in the comfort of their own home. It also helps radio to hold its own against other entertainment formats, such as television or DVDs.""Surround sound is a logical next step for us, as everybody equipped to receive German digital TV channels in Dolby Digital can already receive the enhanced radio services,"" continued Mr W?hr.BR has been gaining experience in producing surround sound audio over the last few years, particularly with music and drama programming. ""Producing 5.1 channel programming ourselves has not only been an exciting technical learning process but also a massive success with our listeners,"" stated Mr W?hr. ""These broadcasts will lead to more regular 5.1 programming from us, and we hope it will encourage other stations to innovate with surround sound.""The transmissions can be received between 2am and 4am on ARD Digital via the Astra 1H satellite by any listener with one of over 40 models of Dolby Digital-compatible DVB receiver. The service can be found on Transponder 17, 11.837 GHz, H, 27,5, 3/4, and cable subscribers can access the service on ARD Digital. For more details on scheduling, visit www.br-online.de/br-intern.For more information about Dolby in broadcast, visit www.dolby.com/tvaudio. For more information about Dolby Laboratories, visit www.dolby.com.

Read More:
http://www.dolby.com/tvaudio
http://www.dolby.com
http://www.br-online.de/br-intern