05/09/2012
VDL and Sumatronic selected to supply DAB+ Head-end equipment to SwissMediaCast for 7 New Regional Digital Radio Networks in Switzerland
SwissMediaCast AG (Wangen SZ, Switzerland) has chosen VDL (Lyon, France) and Sumatronic AG (Unterägeri, Switzerland) to supply DAB+ Encoding, Multiplexing Head-end systems, plus installation and support services. The selection was made following extensive commercial and technical evaluations.
SwissMediaCast will roll-out a total of 7 regional DAB+ networks by 2015 for the 3rd DAB-Layer in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The first network will be on-air from 1st December 2012 and will cover the Zurich, Aargau, Schaffhausen and Glarus areas.
VDL’s Swiss partner, Sumatronic AG, played a major role in SwissMediaCast’s decision to use VDL Head-end equipment, due to their extensive broadcast systems experience, technical competence and local support capabilities.
The VDL DAB+ Multiplexers will be located at a new Playout Centre in Zurich. The 12 DAB+ Audio Encoders will be located at the radio stations studios and connected to the Playout Centre via dedicated IP networks.
Hans Strassmann, CTO of SwissMediaCast commented: "VDL was able to provide excellent international references, while Sumatronic has the experience and capability to provide the best possible service to SwissMediaCast. So, we have both a technically advanced and very cost-effective solution for our customers and our Company. In the next 2-3 years, seven regional DAB+ networks in the entire German-speaking area of Switzerland will be built. The first DAB+ Allotment (regional network Zurich, Aargau, Schaffhausen, Glarus) is already under construction and will be on air from 1 December 2012. This also marks the beginning of the DAB+ broadcast of the SRG's DRS radio regional news programmes.”
