Brenda Ann wrote:

HFCC discussions on future of DRM

"From both formal and informal discussions among participants at the
HFCC, it is now clear that the proposed DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale)
system, that would have converted analogue Shortwave to digital, FM
like quality reception would hardly be implemented if ever on a large
scale, beyond the current experimental stage........there are no plans
from any large manufacturer to produce such (DRM) receivers now."

The problem with shortwave in general is the good hardware is very expensive
when compared to cost of home satellite receiver. Any cheap and simple STB
box receives all digital world TV and radio in top quality.
Also for broadcasters satellite transmissions are cheaper (less cost of
license and less transmission power wasted, more audience).
Good hardware for SWL also need big space to setup good aerial.
Satellite dish is smaller.
That is why BBC turned off SW transmitter for Eastern Europe.
But I understand them. I have bought very cheap digital satellite equipment
and the quality of radio is even better than local FM stations. And I have
not only radio but also TV. Another option is the Internet which gives
global access to any station like SW but with much better quality.

Sangean said there will be no new SW radios from them. Recently there was
50% decline in SW radios sale and this decline continues since a long time.
Also most home radios nowadays (hifi/tabletop/portable) lacks SW not to
mention that LW and MW are also less visible in new radios.
Broadcasters also do not like AM due to big energy bills for AM trasmitters
and higher noise which is increasing especially on LW every year.



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