Interference Stymies Radio Test

 

The BBC has released a report on its year-long test of digital medium wave (DMW) radio (or digital radio mondiale (DRM) radio) that is reported to offer a more robust signal that carries for greater distances than analog radio broadcasting. The trial was held in southwest England using the frequency of BBC Radio Devon and was codenamed project Mayflower. Volunteer listeners reported favorably on the quality of daytime broadcasts, but attempts at broadcasting after sunset were another story. Nighttime changes in the atmosphere allow for distant off-shore signals to interfere with DRM, which in turn ceases to decode the signal causing an interruption in reception. BBC spokesman said that the problem would require re-planning the transmission network and/or the building of new transmitters. Industry analysts have concluded that the switchover from analog radio broadcasts is still some time away. The entire 11- page report on Project Mayflower has been posted online.

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