Open Sourced Software DAB+ Cloud Mux Demonstrated in SA

Open Sourced DAB Mux

Open sourced Linux based software provided by Open digitalradio.org based in Switzerland was used to configure and demonstrate a full signal path DAB+ cloud based mux to members of the Joint SADIBA/ NAB DAB+ Work Group by one of its members Mr Frank Schultz. The focus of this solution is to provide a low cost cloud based solution for small coverage areas and the Community Broadcasting sector for use in the SADC region. The complete signal chain from studio playout to TX including DLS and SlideShow was demonstrated. The cloud based setup which has been running for the past 4 months has shown to be extremly reliable and been tested successfully for a short period live on the Gauteng DAB+ trial in SA. As part of further testing it is proposed to use this cloud based system on the Gauteng DAB+ trial during its next trial licence period.

SADIBA Studies DVB-T2 Coverage and Antennas

The on-going activities of the SADIBA DTT Planning work group has seen the publication of three studies on the implementation of DTT.  In this fourth study the work group investigated the likely performance of the installed home antenna base and the ability of these antenna to receive the new frequencies that would be used for DTT.


Thanks to the support of several SADIBA members the working group was able to characterise the performance of numerous  antennas typically found at homes throughout Southern Africa. 


Based on the characterised antenna performance the ability of households to receive the DTT services at the new frequencies was derived and the population impact calculated.This first phase of the study is focussed on Gauteng in South Africa. A national impact assessment is required to derive to total national South Africa homes impacted.

 
The study provides useful information for SADC counties as the use and prevalence of band -segmented receive antennas is relevant throughout in the region. The de-coupling factors derived are immediately useful to any similar impact assessment studies throughout the region.

SADIBA Antenna Impact Study -Gauteng Province.

Findings by SADIBA DTT Planning Sub Task Group.

SADIBA Recommendation : DTT Receive Antenna.