Canada

HD Radio testing in Canada includes VHF-FM broadcasts on two radio stations in Toronto, Ontario. There are plans to begin testing on MW-AM operations in early 2007. The VHF-FM operation has been implemented by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and focused on transmissions from Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario. CBLA-FM operates at 99.1 MHz from the CBC facilities at the CN Tower in the center of downtown Toronto. The system operates in a high-level combiner separate amplification mode with the analog transmission provided by a Nautel-type V10 analog FM transmitter with a analog transmitter output of 50kW. The digital transmission is provided by a type Nautel FM1 Digital Exciter/Transmitter operating at 20dB below the analog power. CJBC-FM Radio operates from the same CBC facilities on the CN Tower in Toronto. The system also operates in a high- level combiner separate amplification mode with the analog transmission provided by a Nautel type V10 analog FM transmitter with an analog transmitter output of 5.1kW and the digital transmission is provided by a type Nautel FM1 Digital Exciter/Transmitter operating at 20dB below the analog power. CBCP-FM in Peterborough, Ontario operates 98.7 MHz with an analog transmitter power of 9.2kW provided by a BE type FM-10S. The digital signal operates at 20dB below the analog power is provided by a BE type FM106 transmitter and a FMi HD Radio Exciter and Importer system. Temporary transmission began Sept. 4, 2006 and 24-hour operation commenced September 14th. Full test results have not yet been published by the CBC. In the VHF and MF operations, the stations serve a large metropolitan area characterized by urban and suburban listening environments. The tests have demonstrated very good coverage up until this point.