Thailand
In March 2006, Broadcast Electronics installed an HD Radio system for a public radio network targeting mass transit commuters in Bangkok. The system operates on FM frequency 100.5 MHz with a separate antenna at an output of 70 watts. The system was acquired by RNT Television Plc (www.rnttelevision.com), which has a contract to broadcast to buses in Thailand using a portion of existing licensed FM frequencies. Broadcast Electronics installed this HD Radio system in March 2006; a Broadcast Electronics FMi 106 HD Radio transmitter system is operating in high-level combined mode with an existing BE FM 5C transmitter.“Interest has been growing in Thailand for an affordable, robust digital radio system that will open up opportunities for broadcasters. This new HD Radio network for mass transit indicates the technology has great potential here,” said Pairoj Veeranondh, Managing Director of Broadcast and Studio Co., Ltd. Radio Thailand authorized the system as Thailand’s first introduction to HD Radio technology. To receive the signal, more than 10,000 HD Radio receivers will be installed in buses.
National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), based in Bangkok, also began employing HD Radio technology on 88 MHz with a BE FM-5C transmitter providing an output of 50 watts using a high-level combining system. Local Thai broadcasters believe this expansion of HD Radio technology is the beginning of a trend that is spreading across Asia.
