What is a multiplex?
A multiplex or ensemble can be thought of as simply a number of stations that are grouped together, to make it efficient for them to be transmitted digitally. However, there is a practical limit to the size of this group – and this is important as it means one DAB digital radio multiplex cannot carry more than about ten radio stations in total (although there is capacity for data services and such like, which take up much less room on a multiplex).
In the earlier days of movie-going, audiences were accustomed to sitting in lavish “movie palaces,” complete with velvet plush chairs and an in-house organist. In the late 1970s, the multiplex concept came into being. Theater owners realized they could reap more profit from a single building showing several movies at one time than from one building showing one movie. Also, movies were not released as often as in previous decades, so showing several different movies kept audiences from becoming bored. The first multiplexes showed perhaps four movies at once, and were considered quite innovative. Then, the six, eight and ten-theater businesses became more common. The single-movie theaters were often forced to close, or reinvent themselves as performing arts centers or classic/independent movie houses. This did have the added benefit of making independent movies more widely available, but was still hard on the proprietors, since their profit margins are smaller. As time went on, the multi
