VDL and Sumatronic selected to supply DAB+ Head-end equipment to SwissMediaCast for 7 New Regional Digital Radio Networks in Switzerland

Wednesday 8th January 2014

SwissMediaCast AG (Wangen SZ, Switzerland) has chosen VDL (Lyon, France) and Sumatronic AG (Unterägeri, Switzerland) to supply DAB+ Encoding, Multiplexing Head-end systems, plus installation and support services. The selection was made following extensive commercial and technical evaluations.

SwissMediaCast will roll-out a total of 7 regional DAB⁺ networks by 2015 for the 3^rd DAB-Layer in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The first network will be on-air from 1^st December 2012 and will cover the Zurich, Aargau, Schaffhausen and Glarus areas.

VDL’s Swiss partner, Sumatronic AG, played a major role in SwissMediaCast’s decision to use VDL Head-end equipment, due to their extensive broadcast systems experience, technical competence and local support capabilities.

The VDL DAB⁺ Multiplexers will be located at a new Playout Centre in Zurich. The 12 DAB⁺ Audio Encoders will be located at the radio stations studios and connected to the Playout Centre via dedicated IP networks.

Hans Strassmann, CTO of SwissMediaCast commented: "VDL was able to provide excellent international references, while Sumatronic has the experience and capability to provide the best possible service to SwissMediaCast. So, we have both a technically advanced and very cost-effective solution for our customers and our Company. In the next 2-3 years, seven regional DAB⁺ networks in the entire German-speaking area of Switzerland will be built. The first DAB+ Allotment (regional network Zurich, Aargau, Schaffhausen, Glarus) is already under construction and will be on air from 1 December 2012. This also marks the beginning of the DAB⁺ broadcast of the SRG's DRS radio regional news programmes.”