CRTC Ruling Opens Door For HD Radio In Canada

THE CANADIAN RADIO-TELEVISION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CRTC), an independent, has announced a revision to its policy for digital radio broadcasting, opening the door to the HD RADIO IN-CHANNEL, ON-BAND (IBOC) system.

In its Public Notice CRTC 2006-160, the CRTC commented that it would be prepared to authorize services using IBOC/HD Radio technology for the AM and/or FM bands, if the CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY authorizes services using the technology under the RADIOCOMMUNICATION ACT. The commission added that "an expedited process would be adopted for stations that propose to transmit a digital simulcast of their analog service."

iBIQUITY DIGITAL President/CEO ROBERT STRUBLE said, "THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (CBC) began HD RADIO testing in SEPTEMBER 2006, focusing on transmissions from TORONTO and PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO. Full results have not yet been published by the CBC, but early feedback has been very positive. There are plans to begin testing on MW-AM operations in early 2007.

"Programmers will be able to offer their content in both French and English as well as create new channels for Canada’s diverse population. We welcome this decision by the CRTC, and we look forward to the opportunity to assist Canadian AM and FM broadcasters with their digital conversions."

BWM 3 Series Hardtop Convertible Offering HD Radio

Meanwhile, more good news for HD RADIO. Domestically, BWM will offer a factory-installed digital HD RADIO receiver with FM multicasting capability as an option in its new 3 Series Hardtop Convertible for 2007. The HD RADIO option will have an SRP of $500.

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