A few weeks ago, the government controlled broadcaster ERT started transmitting a DAB+ multiplex from their transmitter site on Mt Ymittos, near Athens (HGRS87 coordinates: 483892, 4200920; WGS84 coordinates: 37.9583 N - 23.8183 E; 945 m ASL). Before that, the Minsitry of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Information had published two relevant ministerial decisions in the Government Gazette. Decision 169/2018 defines the allotements and frequency allocations for DAB broadcasts in VHF Band III (174-230 MHz) and authorized a number of transmitter locations. Decision 170/2018 issues a license to ERT for nationwide DAB+ broadcasts on one frequency in each allotment.
Currently an experimental ERT transmssion on 227.36 MHz covers only part of Attica Region. The multiplex contains the following audio streams:
- "PROTO" (136 kbps, AAC)
- "DEYTERO" (136 kbps, AAC)
- "TRITO" (136 kbps, AAC)
- "ERA SPORT" (96 kbps, AAC)
- "KOSMOS" (128 kbps, AAC)
- "Voice of Greece" (96 kbps, AAC)
- "ERA 7" (64 kbps, AAC)
Voice of Greece is also transmitted at irregular times, usually during late nights, in short wave, on 9420 kHz.
"ERA 7" transmits audio from the sessions of the Greek Parliament.
"TRITO" is supposed to transmit high fidelity music, however the current bitrade is inadequate, as 192 - 256 kHz is the minimum acceptable bitrate for this purpose.
My vintage MagicBox Clarus Plus DAB/WiFi digital desktop radio receiver can receive all seven channels with its whip antenna, however the signal strength is weak and the error rate relatively high.
For general and technical information about DAB, access to the relevant ETSI standards and other updates, visit the WorldDAB Forum at: https://www.worlddab.org/
