DAB development in France: a progress report on technical and services aspects

Since the beginning of Eureka 147, TDF, within the CCETT, is fully involved in the definition and the implementation of DAB. In 1996, according to the conclusions of the CEPT conference in Wiesbaden, TDF decided to study and build a DAB network in the Paris area, using the 1.5 GHz frequency band. An authorization for two DAB ensembles has been given by the French regulation body in charge of broadcasting matters (CSA). These two DAB blocks are broadcast through a single frequency network, based on three transmitters sites. This is the first occasion to apply the most recent digital technologies concerning all the DAB aspects. Audio programmes are collected and synchronized from different locations inside Paris and sent toward the two DAB ensemble multiplexers. New services have been implemented and programme associated data (PAD) inserted inside the audio channel and packet mode data channels are used