Channel group numbers for digital audio broadcasting allocated (with photo)
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     Hong Kong has moved a step closer to the launch of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) as the channel group numbers for operators were determined today (June 8) for the provision of quality sound broadcasting service. Furthermore, the Government plans to install a rebroadcasting system in government road tunnels for transmitting DAB channels. A thematic website and a radio announcement in the public interest (API) produced by the Government were also rolled out today to further enhance public awareness of DAB.

     Witnessed by the Acting Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Aaron Liu, representatives of the four DAB operators today drew channel group numbers by ballot according to mutually agreed procedures.  The results are as follows:

¡@                                    Channel
Broadcaster                        group number
-----------                        ------------
Digital Broadcasting Corporation        0
Hong Kong Limited (DBC)         

Metro Broadcast Corporation             1
Limited (Metro)        

Phoenix U Radio Limited                 2
(Phoenix U)     

Radio Television Hong Kong              3
(RTHK)        

     Radio stations are distinguished by different channel group numbers. These numbers form the prefix of channels to allow listeners to choose specific channels.  

     The three licensees and RTHK will provide round-the-clock DAB services on a total of 18 channels (three each for Metro and Phoenix U, seven for DBC and five for RTHK), offering a wide variety of programme choices.  Formal service will be launched by the end of this year.

     Preparation for the DAB service has also made progress in other aspects.  The Government proposes to install a specific rebroadcasting system at 11 government road tunnels including tunnels with the highest traffic volume such as Aberdeen Tunnel, Cross Harbour Tunnel, Lion Rock Tunnel and Tseung Kwan O Tunnel.  Apart from transmitting DAB channels to users travelling in the tunnels, such a system can help ensure that DAB listeners in the tunnels receive emergency broadcast messages with better sound and reception quality.  

     The Government also launched today a dedicated website (www.digitalradio.gov.hk) providing a wide range of information on DAB services, including its benefits, its development in Hong Kong and ways to receive DAB.  It  contains a list of frequently asked questions for public reference and a section on technical specifications to assist the industry in launching DAB-related products.

     The radio API launched today promotes the benefits of DAB, signing off with the slogan "Quality sound, quality visuals, and quality choices" to highlight the brand-new audio-visual experience brought about by DAB.

     Compared to analogue radio service, DAB provides better sound quality, more stable reception and a greater diversity of programmes. It also supports the transmission of digital images (ancillary visual service) to the screens of DAB receivers.  With suitable DAB receivers, listeners will be able to view information such as news, weather and traffic information, photos of singers and information of songs.

Ends/Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:03

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