AIR plans live broadcast of Commonwealth Games in DRM mode

           India is committed to the planned roll-out of a DRM digital  transmitter network and this was emphasized by top government officials in New Delhi last week. The Indian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni said the country needs good radio connectivity for millions of Indians living in rural and far-flung areas and technology should be made accessible to them. In a meeting with DRM Chairperson Ruxandra Obreja and Project Director Vineeta Dwivedi in the Indian capital, Ms Soni stressed the need for affordable DRM receivers for quick and efficient take-up of the technology. While India is preparing to host the 2010 Commonwealth
Games, DRM can become a good tool to start new digital broadcasts for national and international audiences. All India Radio (AIR) plans to have seven and a half hours of daily live broadcasts of the Games. Senior officials of the national broadcaster confirmed that they are now firming up plans for Commonwealth broadcasting and DRM will have a role to play. Currently, AIR has a regular DRM service of 8 hours of daily DRM SW broadcast.