91Èȱ¬

The trial used a frequency which had previously carried 91Èȱ¬ Radio Devon and necessitated the conversion of the transmitter and frequency assignment to digital operation.

A panel of 100 listeners was recruited and asked to undertake various listening exercises to explore the practicalities and experience of listening to DRM.

The trial showed that it was relatively straightforward to convert a frequency to DRM operation and that the panel were generally positive about the experience of listening to it.

A number of problems were found with reception overnight – principally due to interference – which suggests that significant re-planning and re-engineering of the transmission network might be required if it was to be used for domestic broadcasting in the future.

The final report of the trial is now available. It is split into three parts. First, a summary report which draws together the main findings and themes of the research.

Second, the final report of the audience research, compiled by the 91Èȱ¬â€™s audience research team and the external research agency used in the trial.

Finally, a technical white paper from the 91Èȱ¬â€™s Research & Development team who developed the standard and helped extensively with the organisation of the trial.