Radio N.Z. tests AM stereo

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 10

Radio N.Z. tests AM stereo

PA Hamilton Radio New Zealand will definitely provide its listeners with AM stereo sound. It is now mainly a matter of deciding which system is best. Broadcasting Corporation engineers, representatives of the electronics manufacturing industry, and Radio New Zealand executives spent a recent afternoon at Radio New Zealand’s Hamilton premises listening to AM stereo testing tapes. The station manager in Hamilton, Mr Stuart Stubbs, said corporation engineers were very happy with the AM stereo tests. “But we have to decide which type of AM stereo system we want,” he said. “There are about five different brands to choose from and they are all slightly different. Even the

Americans cannot decide ; which they think is best. ' “But once we choose, it is ■ just a matter of going to the . corporation board with our - plans.” ‘ Mr Stubbs said AM stereo •■ was not as good as FM ! stereo, but it was better for car radios. “FM stereo tends to dis- ‘ integrate when played in • built-up areas,” he said. “The AM stereo would be • the answer to mobile lis- ; teners because having buildings all round will not affect ; the quality.” He said that at this stage ' of testing, the stereo transmission system seemed to be fully compatible with . existing mono equipment ’ and it would not be an ’ expensive exercise for - Radio New Zealand to provide AM stereo. When the tests in Hamil- ; ton are completed, further • testing will be carried out ' at Auckland’s IZM.