Switzerland
Lance Eichenberger, Ruoss AG & Radio Sunshine, demonstrates the HD Radio Transmitter at the "HD Radio Field Trial and Demonstration" in
VHF testing in Switzerland is sponsored by Radio Sunshine and Ruoss AG. The comprehensive demonstrations, testing and trials are making the Lucerne area a center of excellence for HD Radio technology. All the transmissions have been carried out using Radio Sunshine’s main transmitter located in Rooterberg, Switzerland. The antenna is located 56 meters above average terrain and 830 meters above sea level. The station installed a Broadcast Electronics FXi-250 transmitter operating with a digital exciter. The station operates with 3.3 kW radiated power, and digital operations have been maintained 20dB below the analog power level. Testing commenced in April 2006. “The tests to date have not caused any complaints from listeners from the existing FM universe,” said Markus Ruoss of Ruoss AG. The tests are planned to continue on a fulltime basis through the autumn of 2007. There are already preparations for the next steps of the trial. In the lab of Ruoss AG is a live demonstration of an HD Radio signal interfered with all possible European interferers: +/- 100/300 kHz and with up to three interferers. Also during 2007 there will be a transmitter network set up for testing the RDS-AF-functionality. The station is located in an area characterized by mountainous terrain and difficult multicast conditions. The tests demonstrate the digital system provides reliable, uniform coverage within the existing analog coverage area of the station.
