Here at MuxCo HQ we’re gearing up for the next multiplex launch – Somerset.
We’ve just started test transmissions on two of our three transmitters – Taunton and Hutton. These consist of a ‘barker’ giving details about the launch. We’ll add these test broadcasts to our third transmitter – Mendip – early next week.
Sometime in that week (edit: actually early next week now) it’s likely we’ll continue tests and use some live or presented audio from our service providers. Like all tests, this is susceptible to interruption.
The official launch of the multiplex will then be on Friday 26th September at around 8.30am.
Hiya – So will the Mendip transmitter serve area’s like Puriton, near Bridgwater? Is that why at the moment – can’t get the test transmissions?
Yes this area will be served by Mendip
I have family in Yeovil, who have had real problems with TV and FM radio reception as the town is set down in a bowl. Will Yeovil get a good DAB signal?
I think Yeovil is later on in the roll out of the Somerset Mux for areas which have intermittent signal from Mendip
Only “intermittent” reception ?
What about the rest of the time ?
I believe Coker Hill is a possible launch site in the future, perhaps next year – I know reception both DAB and FM is poor in Yeovil, especially in and around the town itself.
Hi
Will there be more stations added?
There are no plans to add any additional stations at the moment.
Thanks Matt
I thought that Triple Hits is due to launch?
It will be – Triple Hits launches 1st of October, this probably goes down an initial launch station for the mux so won’t count as an additional
Rob – Good to hear that there will be a transmitter for Yeovil, but I find it surprising that the second largest town in Somerset isn’t properly served from the start. Also concerned about the lack of a precise date for the Yeovil transmitter, given Muxco’s unconvincing track record of delivering on time.
I’d hope that a rough date will come up next year. A Transmitter for Yeovil would be a definite boost for BBC Somerset where 95.5 struggles to reach Yeovil fully.
is there plans for any community stations in somerset to go on the dab?
Totally agree, Rob!
It’s all down to costs of being on the multiplex, it’s not cheap and with community radio stations being on FM and the costs that involves makes it harder, but it would be great to have stations like Tone FM and Pulse 104.4 given a bigger platform.
Mendip is now live broadcasting test transmissions
Test transmissions are as follows:
MuxCo 3 = Smooth (pty: Easy listening 112kbps Joint Stereo)
MuxCo 1 = Heart (pty: Pop Music 112 kbps Joint Stereo)
MuxCo 4 = BBC Somerset (pty: Varied Speech 128 kbps Joint Stereo) MuxCo 2 = Capital FM (pty: Pop Music 96 kbps Mono)
Triple Hits will be here later.
I think these stations will in the similar order on the multiplex as Gloucestershire
Hi,
I can currently get good tv and fm signal from mendip – in fact i can see it from here – but will i be able to at least get this in my car here in Westbury, Wiltshire?
I can receive the tests here in cwmbran NP44 8 area indoors with full signal please can we have a full list of channels that will broadcast, Many Thanks,
All services have now got labels and audio