MUMBAI: As part of the transition to digital broadcasting, public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has issued orders for six DRM-configured transmitters to be installed by All India Radio (AIR).

The purchase of six Nautel NX Series 300 kW medium wave transmitters configured for DRM30 transmission, is part of AIR’s plans to upgrade its facilities across the country to DRM30 digital broadcasting. The implementation will allow the broadcaster to get upgraded and also use alternative platforms like podcasting, SMS, webcasting and mobile service amongst others.

Apart from that, AIR also aims to offer a 24 hour news channel along with additional programming and services including Interactive Text Transmission and disaster warning alerts.

DRM Consortium chairperson Ruxandra Obreja said, “When all these transmitters are on-air, with the extra content that will be made available, India will be probably the largest digital radio country in the world. This roll-out should encourage chipset and receiver manufacturers to produce more DRM receivers. The Prasar Bharati announcement re-affirms All India Radio’s commitment to digital technologies and proves that DRM has come of age.”

Nautel president and CEO Peter Conlon said, “What a tremendous opportunity for the radio industry in India. Prasar Bharati and All India Radio have embarked on a project that will bring great flexibility and a world of possibilities to broadcasting in India. We look forward to working with AIR as they proceed with their digital deployment.”