Radio One, Detroit, Chooses Omnia-6 for HD Radio

16 December 2002, Cleveland Ohio, USA

When Radio One decided to turn on HD Radio in Detroit, Michigan – one of the 10 most competitive radio markets in the US – they chose Omnia to meet their audio processing requirements.

“WDMK is Radio One’s first IBOC station,” comments Ken Wallace, Radio One’s regional Director of Engineering. “We’re doing high-level combining, so we needed processing that was tailored specifically for DAB. The processor we had was all right, but we decided to spend a little money and get the Omnia- 6dab, because it can do so much more. Its audio response extends to 20 kilohertz, and installation was very easy.”

WDMK-FM utilizes an Omnia-6dab for HD Radio processing, while an Omnia-6fm simultaneously processes their analog signal. “The coolest thing,” continues Wallace,” is the Ethernet connections on the Omnias. I can control both the DAB and the FM Omnia at the same time, right from my desk.”

Omnia-6dab offers broadcasters the ability to maintain a well-defined “signature sound” in the new digital medium. Since the Omnia-6 platform samples at 96kHz, it’s a natural for DAB applications whose frequency response can extend to 20kHz. Omnia-6dab is optimized for digital transmission and accommodates the bitrates outlined in DAB specifications.

Omnia enjoys a rich legacy of involvement with DAB. In Europe and Asia, Omnia audio processors are used by many high profile Eureka-equipped stations and network broadcasters. In the US, formal testing with USA Digital Radio and Lucent Digital Radio began in 1998; today Omnia processors are key components of iBiquity DABtests conducted with broadcasters throughout the US. For more information, browse www.omniaaudio.com/dab.htm.

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Omnia, a Telos Systems company, is world-renowned for its digital audio signal processing expertise. Omnia audio processors for FM, AM, TV, DAB, Internet, and audio production are setting new standards for professional audio quality.