Generate and manage your live DAB multiplex without operating a dedicated multiplexer server of your own.
RadioContent Hosted DAB Multiplexing provides the infrastructure required to generate a live DAB or DAB+ multiplex and deliver it to your existing transmitter system.
The multiplex runs on managed, high-availability infrastructure and is controlled through a secure web-based interface. Services can be added, amended and reconfigured remotely without manually editing configuration files or maintaining a local multiplexing server.
A complete hosted multiplexing service
This is more than a web-based configuration editor.
RadioContent hosts the multiplexing infrastructure itself. Individual programme services contribute their encoded audio to the platform, the live ensemble is generated within our hosted infrastructure, and the resulting multiplex output is delivered to the operator’s transmitter system.
The service is suitable for small-scale DAB multiplex operators, trial multiplexes, institutional networks and other operators that want the flexibility of ODR-based multiplexing without maintaining the core server infrastructure themselves.
Secure browser-based management
The multiplex can be managed securely from any suitable computer or tablet using a modern web browser.
The management interface allows authorised operators to make routine configuration changes without direct access to the underlying server or configuration files.
Depending on the configuration, operators can manage:
- DAB and DAB+ programme services
- Service labels and short labels
- Service identifiers
- Audio bitrates
- Protection levels
- Programme types
- Input addresses
- Ensemble capacity allocation
- Service additions and removals
- Configuration updates
- Multiplexer operational state
Changes are validated before being applied to the active multiplex configuration.
Ensemble capacity management
The platform helps operators understand how the available ensemble capacity is being used.
Capacity allocation can be reviewed while services are being configured, helping to reduce the risk of creating a configuration that exceeds the available capacity of the ensemble.
This makes it easier to assess the effect of:
- Adding a new service
- Increasing or reducing a service bitrate
- Changing protection levels
- Reallocating capacity between services
- Reserving capacity for future services
Programme service contribution
Stations can contribute encoded audio directly to secure input ports provided for their service.
This allows stations with their own suitable encoding equipment or software to connect directly to the hosted multiplex.
Where a station cannot provide a compatible encoded contribution, the multiplex operator may:
- Operate its own web-stream transcoding system
- Use RadioContent’s hosted stream transcoding facilities
- Arrange a separate contribution method where technically appropriate
Hosted web-stream transcoding is available as an additional service and may require a one-off setup charge.
Output to your transmitter system
The generated multiplex is delivered using output methods supported by ODR-DabMux, allowing it to connect to compatible transmitter and modulator infrastructure.
The exact delivery arrangement is agreed during onboarding and configured to suit the operator’s existing transmission system.
Operational visibility
The web interface provides basic visibility of the running multiplex.
Operators can review:
- Current multiplexer operational state
- Active configuration
- Multiplexer log output
- Relevant configuration and deployment information
This provides a straightforward way to confirm that the hosted multiplexer is operating and to review recent system activity.
High-availability infrastructure
The multiplexing service runs on a high-availability hosted cluster rather than depending on a single standalone server.
This infrastructure is designed to reduce the risk associated with individual server failures and to provide a more resilient foundation for continuous multiplex generation.
The service does not remove the need for appropriate resilience within the operator’s wider transmission chain, including contribution links, internet connectivity, transmitter distribution and transmission-site equipment.
Trusted by multiplex operators
RadioContent Hosted DAB Multiplexing is already supporting real small-scale DAB operations and new multiplex launches.
Solent Wireless — Portsmouth
Solent Wireless uses the platform for its Portsmouth multiplex, providing a proven operational deployment of our hosted multiplexing infrastructure and secure browser-based management system.
The platform allows authorised users to manage services, review ensemble capacity and apply configuration changes remotely, without maintaining a dedicated local multiplexing server.
West Sussex Digital Radio Ltd — South West Sussex
West Sussex Digital Radio Ltd has selected the platform for its forthcoming South West Sussex small-scale DAB multiplex.
The system is being used to prepare and manage the ensemble configuration ahead of launch and will provide the hosted multiplexing infrastructure once the service becomes operational.
Built from practical multiplex experience
The platform has been developed around the requirements of real small-scale DAB operators rather than as a generic configuration tool.
That means the service is designed to address the practical work involved in launching and operating a multiplex: managing programme services, allocating capacity, accepting station contributions, applying configuration changes and delivering a continuous multiplex output to the transmission system.
Standard onboarding
Standard initial onboarding is included as part of the 12-month service contract.
This normally includes:
- Creation of the hosted multiplex instance
- Initial ensemble configuration
- Setup of programme service inputs
- Configuration of the standard multiplex output
- Connection testing with the operator’s transmitter system
- Access to the secure management interface
Additional integration, unusual delivery requirements or hosted stream transcoding may be quoted separately.
Suitable for
- Small-scale DAB multiplex operators
- New DAB multiplex launches
- Trial and demonstration multiplexes
- Institutional or private DAB networks
- Operators replacing a locally maintained multiplexing server
- Organisations that need remote access to multiplex configuration
- Operators that want managed infrastructure without losing control of routine service changes
Pricing
£120 + VAT per month, per multiplex
The service is billed quarterly in advance.
£360 + VAT per quarter
The service is supplied on a minimum 12-month contract.
The first quarterly payment is required before the hosted multiplex is commissioned. Subsequent quarterly payments must be received before the start of each service period.
Standard onboarding is included.
Additional charges may apply for:
- Hosted web-stream transcoding
- Bespoke contribution arrangements
- Additional integration work
- Non-standard output or delivery requirements
Enquire
Tell us about your multiplex, transmitter infrastructure, proposed services and current contribution arrangements.