Radio Mindanao Network has announced the commencement of HD Radio Multicast broadcasting in the Philippines, using a Nautel HD Radio FM transmitter. Station iFM 93.9 DWKC in Manila became the first commercial station in the country to broadcast with HD Radio technology as a limited test in 2006.
This month, the station added another first when they expanded to full power broadcasting three digital audio channel in its current single frequency, using HD Radio multicasting capabilities, in addition to their traditional analog signal.
DWKC is operating their facility in hybrid mode, using their existing 35kW transmitter for the analog signal and a new Nautel 1kW HD Radio transmitter for the digital signal. The system includes Nautel's M50 digital exciter as well as Importer and Exporter. Three channels of digital programming are being broadcast by RMN in their HD Radio multicast operation.
The Radio Mindanao Network was founded by Henry Canoy in 1952. The group, which will celebrate its 55th anniversary on-air in August, O&Os more than 50 AM, FM and TV stations throughout the Philippines.
