Nautel's NA200 Goes into Service with DRM

Bangor, ME (September 24, 2003) - Nautel's DRM compatible NA200, 200 kW AM Broadcast Transmitter will begin DRM broadcast service today, as VT Merlin Communications officially launches DRM service for the BBC World Service.

The NA200 was installed at VT Merlin's site on Orfordness, England and was commissioned prior to the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, and was on-the-air with a digital signal at 1296 kHz bearing 96 degrees towards Geneva, for the inaugural DRM broadcasts. VT Merlin's NA200 is currently broadcasting DRM during the evening from 16:00 to 24:00 hours with a short break for the AM analogue service at 19:00 hours. The transmitter's coverage includes Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, and Northern France during the day, and also Germany at night.

The transmitter was configured for dual mode operation to allow for both DRM and conventional Medium Wave AM broadcasting. The transmitter's modular design made for ease of transport and installation at VT Merlin's remote Orfordness site. The inherent reliability features of the transmitter also provide VT Merlin with the desired level of confidence needed for a remote site.

"This is an important milestone for Nautel. Testing and demonstrations at customer sites is one thing, but actual service is another. We are please to offer DRM products for sale, as broadcasters around the world turn to DRM as a way of reclaiming scarce spectrum and enhancing the quality of their service for listeners" commented Scott Campbell, President & CEO of Nautel.

VT Merlin provides critical communications and broadcast services to major international broadcasters, such as the BBC World Service, NHK (Radio Japan), and Voice of America, among others.

Nautel is an active member of the DRM Consortium and Ibiquity Digital Radio. Nautel's digital portfolio includes DRM, HD Radio, and DAB transmission equipment.