Tune in to a visual radio

Radio in India is in for a revolution with the All India Radio planning to go digital, reports Satyen Mohapatra.

Radio in India is in for a revolution with the All India Radio planning to go digital.
With this, the audio quality of radio transmission is expected to take a quantum jump.

Tests on sending radio signals digitally started last month. One of the major plus points of digital transmission would be that broadcasters will be able to transmit "visually" programme related and other information to radio listeners.

In an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Director (Engg) All India Radio Yogendra Pal said, " To receive digital transmission, one would require a digital radio set, which would have a small display screen like that on the mobile phone."

"So while listening to a song, the listener will be able to see the name of the movie, the name of the singer, composer and any other related information about the song."

He said AIR would liaison with Railway, Civil Aviation and other ministries whose messages could also be flashed on the radio 'screens' whether it is on train and airlines arrival, departures or other general messages. News headlines and stock exchange rates could also be regularly transmitted, he added.

"We can generate additional revenue by also transmitting advertisements in this way," he added.

"We propose to first start digital broadcast services initially for external services and then in our regional services," he said.

The government is importing a number of digital radio receivers for testing their quality under Indian conditions, he added.

HT Image