The new transmitters significantly enhance Arabian Radio Network's broadcast offerings.
Rohde & Schwarz has upgraded the transmission for UAE FM broadcaster Arabian Radio Network (ARN), ensuring the continuity and expansion of their services as their existing FM transmitters neared the end of their operational life.
ARN, the multilingual commercial radio network, broadcasts from nine stations in six languages, reaching over 200 nationalities with its diverse content mix.
For years, ARN has relied on the performance of Rohde & Schwarz transmitters. Recognising the need for an upgrade, Rohde & Schwarz proposed a replacement strategy centred around the R&S THR9 transmitters, combined with Kathrein Broadcast and SIRA Radio Systems combiner upgrades. Capable of generating up to 40 kW from a single rack, the R&S THR9 boasts energy efficiency of up to 75%. This strategy offers substantial improvements in coverage, operational cost savings, and environmental impact.
The R&S THR9 transmitter stands out for its energy efficiency and liquid-cooling system. The liquid cooling eliminates the need for high-powered air conditioning in the transmitter building, a significant advantage in the hot Dubai climate where temperatures often exceed +40°C. By dissipating heat, the system reduces overall operating costs due to power expenses being the primary driver of running costs for a transmitter network.
Essa Darwish, Executive Director of Broadcast and Technology at ARN, said: “The R&S THR9 transmitter will help us focus on our main business as a radio broadcaster, by having full confidence in the infrastructure that will run continuously.”
Capable of generating up to 40 kW from a single rack with an energy efficiency of up to 75%, the R&S THR9 sets a new benchmark in FM radio technology. This efficiency translates into substantial operational cost savings and supports the commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new transmitters also enable ARN to enhance its broadcast offerings significantly. With features like RDS displays for graphics, song titles, and traffic information, ARN can deliver a more engaging listening experience. The Kathrein FM Directional Filter Combiner, modified for a higher total transmitter power of 180 kW, ensures clear signals due to its ‘Constant Impedance’ technology and high decoupling values.
Rohde & Schwarz, along with Kathrein Broadcast and SIRA Radio Systems, delivered a turnkey solution that included the installation of two banks of six R&S THR9 transmitters, each accommodating five channels and a standby for redundancy. This package also included essential equipment such as combiners, audio processing, and RDS encoders.
The company provided on-site commissioning, training for ARN’s technical staff, and a four-year service agreement. This support ensured that ARN could seamlessly transition to the new technology and maximise its benefits.
Beyond the immediate operational improvements and cost savings, the reduced power consumption significantly lowers the network’s carbon footprint.
Mahmoud al Rasheed, General Manager of ARN, stated: “The new project will strengthen the position of ARN as the number one multimedia broadcaster in the UAE and will help us increase our market share through high-quality audio and listener satisfaction.”
The decision to upgrade to R&S THR9 transmitters was driven by clear financial benefits, with a projected full return on investment within five years compared to maintaining the existing installation.
