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DRAC Discussion paper - Receivers
Print this pageA Discussion Paper on Digital Radio Broadcasting in Australia
Receivers
The introduction of DRB would require listeners to purchase suitable receiving equipment. A range of receivers with different capabilities could be expected to become available, as is currently the case with analog receivers.
The adoption of DRB by consumers will depend on the price and features of digital receiving equipment and the services on offer. In the early stages, only enthusiasts would be likely to seek out the DRB services. Greater market penetration would be expected to occur following mass production of receivers and an accompanying fall in price.
An industry survey in 1991 estimated there were 29.1 million radio receivers in Australia, and that 76% of households had four or more receivers. Replacing even a fraction of these with digital receivers would represent a significant cost to the community, and radio listeners would require strong incentives to make the change.
To encourage receiver ownership, listeners would need to be informed about the benefits of DRB, with the caveat that while DRB technology provides capacity for services, it cannot guarantee the provision of those services. To make an informed choice regarding purchase, consumers would also require information on the price and quality of receivers as well as service availability.
Only experimental DRB receivers are currently available, costing several thousand dollars. These early models provide for AM, FM and DRB reception, a feature expected to become a permanent part of receiver design. Later models are expected to include a screen for program associated data and other services.
The official launch of Eureka 147 will occur in Berlin, Germany, in late 1997 - by which time an estimated 100 million European residents will be within the coverage of DRB transmissions. The receivers displayed in Berlin are expected to be priced from $1 000, although there are many European and Japanese manufacturers interested in producing DRB receivers and it is anticipated that the price will fall rapidly as receivers are mass produced for the European market.
It is not possible at this stage to make an assessment of when in-band receivers will become available.
Comment is invited on whether any special policies may need to be adopted to encourage the supply of inexpensive, mass produced receivers in Australia.
George Paterson Pty Ltd, Status of the Media 1991, Sydney, 1991
- Document ID: 9353 |
- Last modified: 6 February 2008, 2:24pm