The German city of Leipzig is to launch a pilot for a special DTT mux for up to four commercial broadcasters. The media authority of the state of Saxony, the Sächsischen Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien (SLMN), made the decision at a meeting on April 2.
A network of low power DTT transmitters will be built to serve the urban area of Leipzig. By using such a network it is hoped transmission costs can be kept low in order to facilitate local and regional private broadcasters. The current network of hig powered transmitters is too expensive for broadcasters serving small audiences.
The new network will have five transmitters with a potential reach of about 200,000 households. The multiplex will have room for four television channels, but alternatively one television channel can be replaced by up to 20 radio stations. The new local network will use cross polarisation in order to improve conditions for mobile reception. The network will be built by Mugler AG of Oberlungwitz.
