R A D I O A C T I V I T Y

Radio Patuljak, Pancevo, Serbia

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:30:00 +0000

Transmitter-photos from Serbia: Radio Patuljak from Pancevo (near Belgrade). This is an old pirate since the 70's. The operator built his first tx in the age of 12 and is still on this road !

Photo's & write up at Harri Kujala's homepage :

http://hkdx2.blogspot.in/2012/03/radio-patuljak-pancevo-serbia.html

Happy 71st birthday to FM radio

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:53:00 +0000

Say happy 71st birthday to FM radio. The very first commercial FM radio station was W47NV in Nashville, and it began broadcasting on March 1, 1941

More at : http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2012/03/05/happy-71st-birthday-to-fm-radio

MV Baltic Radio & R Gloria this Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:19:00 +0000

Dear Listeners, MV Baltic Radio and Radio Gloria are on the air this Sunday the 4th of March 2012

MVBR Schedule for 9480 KHz with 1 KW:

Station Name Time Slot Programmes MV Baltic Radio 10.00 to 1100 UTC The real music Station Radio Gloria 11.00 to 13.00 UTC (repeat from last month) MV Baltic Radio 13.00 to 1400 UTC (repeat from 1000 UTC)

Please send all M.V.B.R reception reports to: info@mvbalticradio.de Please send all R Gloria reception reports to: radiogloria@aol.com

Starting on the 25th of March MVBR will start there 6140 KHz transmissions again

Radio Gloria: 25th of March at 09.00 UTC on 6140 KHz with 100 KW MV Baltic Radio: 1st of April at 09.00 UTC on 6140 KHz with 100 KW

Good Listening

73s Tom Taylor

Community radio station launched in Mewat area of Haryana

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:02:00 +0000

A new community radio station '107.8 Alfaj-e-Mewat' has started broadcasting its programmes from Mewat district of Haryana. An official spokesman said on Wednesday that the radio station had been set up by Union agriculture ministry in collaboration with Institute of Rural Research and Development at Ghaghas village of Nagina block in Mewat district.

More at : http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Chandigarh/Community-radio-station-launched-in-Mewat-area-of-Haryana/SP-Article1-819172.aspx

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) - launches new multi-lingual web and social media services

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 06:23:00 +0000

MELBOURNE - Radio Australia - the international broadcasting service of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) - launches new multi-lingual web and social media services. Targeting audiences in Asia and the Pacific, the new digital services bring greater immediacy in coverage of breaking news, major stories, activities and events as they happen in and around Asia and the Pacific including Australia. New multi-lingual web sites featuring Burmese, French, Indonesian, Khmer, Mandarin, Tok Pisin and Vietnamese will be accompanied by three English language web sites, tailored for Asian, Pacific and the wider international audiences. As well as continuing to offer high quality news and current affairs radio programs in multiple languages, Radio Australia's new web services encourage the sharing, participation and collaboration of stories of interest and relevance among audiences in Asia and the Pacific. English language learning content is also available in five languages. Visitors to Radio Australia's new sites will experience more tailored and relevant content thanks to the latest technology that allows location detection enabling content to be delivered to and tailoredfor audiences on the basis of location and language. "Socially, politically, and economically, Australia continues to more closely embrace the people, nations and cultures of Asia and the Pacific. Our neighbours in this region are growing in wealth, education and confidence and we are interested in what matters to them, what they are doing and what they have to say. In addition to that, our neighbours are curious about us, as Australians, who we are and what we do, how we live our lives and why we think and perceive issues the way we do. Our new web and social media services provide the opportunity for thoughts, attitudes and opinions to be shared and exchanged," said Dr Mike McCluskey, CEO of Radio Australia. Radio Australia's new web site is located at www.radioaustralia.net.au and for Australian audiences Radio Australia's multi-lingual audio streams can be accessed through the ABC's mobile apps at: http://www.abc.net.au/services/mobile/

(Press Release)

Scandanavian Weekend Radio to hit the airwaves on 2nd & 3rd March 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 06:06:00 +0000

Scandanavian Weekend Radio will hit the airwaves on 2nd & 3rd March 2012

Schedule at : http://www.swradio.net/schedule.htm

Why Terrestrial Radio Will Never Be Great Again

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 04:35:00 +0000

By Rick Aristotle Munarriz, The Motley Fool Posted 3:00PM 03/01/12

There was a time when car radios cranked out the soundtrack of our lives. Before that, families would huddle around the radio at home to hear serialized presentations, sporting events, and the latest music hits.These days, radio is a bit of a forgotten toy.

More at : http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/03/01/why-terrestrial-radio-will-never-be-great-again/

Radio Free Asia QSL commemorates 25th Annual SWL Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:13:00 +0000

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of 44th QSL card. This QSL commemorates the 25th annual SWL Fest, March 1-3, in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. The SWL Fest is a premier DX'er event in the USA attracting hundreds of attendees. It is sponsored by the North American Shortwave Association (NASWA) and covers shortwave, mediumwave (AM), scanning, satellite TV, pirate broadcasting and more. This QSL card will be used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports for March 2012. RFA's new QSL card commemorates the 25th annual SWL Fest.

RFA is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a 'surrogate' broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at http://www.rfa.org/.

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at http://www.techweb.rfa.org/ (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX'ers, but also from its general listening audience. The free mobile app for your smartphone is available at http://gettag.mobi/. Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to: Reception Reports Radio Free Asia 2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300 Washington DC 20036 United States of America. Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.

(Radio Free Asia)

Beyond the Radio Days

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Some view Voice of America as "stuck in the 1950s with short-wave radios," as one of the agency's Washington-based Africa TV hosts recently phrased it. But the onslaught of 21st century communications has outfitted the one-time Cold War broadcasters with a wider global reach via the Web and social media. And the demands of digital have forced some new thinking on old rules.

More at : http://news.gnom.es/public-policy/beyond-the-radio-days

RRI Contest: Targu Mures in History and In Our Times

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:56:00 +0000

Dear friends of Radio Romania International, you are invited once again to take part in a competition called "Targu Mures in History and In Our Times", with some exciting prizes on offer. The competition is dedicated to a very interesting area in the center of Romania, Mures County, and especially to its main city, Targu Mures. Situated in the middle of the Transylvanian highlands, the county covers the Caliman Mountains (over 2,000 meters high), the Gurghiu Mountains, to the Tarnave Highland and the Transylvanian Plain. The Mures River basin and its tributaries cover the county's entire watershed. Targu Mures is not the only attraction, however. Sighisoara in particular stands out with its exceptional medieval fortress, which is still inhabited, as well as Reghin, which has been a major center for musical instrument making for centuries. Targu Mures is notable as an important medical center, with its extraordinary achievements in cardiovascular medicine and urology. It is also a center of culture, with its libraries, museums, theaters, and with its special musical institutions. It is home to the National Theater of Targu Mures, the State Philharmonic of Targu Mures, as well as the 'Teleki-Bolyai' County Library, boasting one of the richest old book collections in Transylvania and the County Museum, with its many sections. Targu Mures is a scholarly city, and has been famous as such since the Middle Ages, with its many schools and universities. In addition, it boasts many architecturally important buildings, such as the Administration Palace and the Palace of Culture, both in Secession style, the Orthodox Cathedral, the Flower Park, and the Targu Mures Zoo, to name just a few of the attractions in the city. You are invited to follow our broadcasts, our website and our profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr for this contest and answer a number of questions in writing. The contest closes on March 15th 2012, which is the mailing date for your answers. Our two Grand Prizes are two trips for one, for seven nights, with full board at the Targu Mures City Hall Guesthouse, in the 'Muresul' Sports and Entertainment Complex. Radio Romania International's partners in this contest are the Targu Mures City Hall, the Mures Association of Fine Artists, and Mures City Council. As usual, you'll need to arrange your own transport to Romania and obtain a travel visa, if necessary. For listeners who don't win the Grand Prize, there are other prizes and honorable mentions on offer, including a number of gifts relating to Targu Mures and Mures County, provided by our partners and sponsors. The county has numerous historical and architectural attractions, buildings dating back to the 14th to 18th centuries, bearing the influence of various European styles. The attractions include the Saschiz fortified medieval church, the medieval fortifications of Sighisoara (from the 14th century) and of Targu Mures (from the 17th century), and the Iernut fortified castle. We should also mention the spa resort of Sovata, which dates back at least a century. There's plenty for nature lovers too, since the county boasts a number of beautiful nature reserves where rare species of plants can be found, such as Zau de Campie with its steppe peony, Poiana Narciselor, the ancient forest of Mociar, and the Gurghiu Tree Park.

Now here are the questions:

1. What is the name of the most important mountain chain in Mures county?

2. Please tell us at least 3 cultural or tourist attractions in Targu Mures.

3. What is the name of the city in Mures County whose medieval center is a UNESCO cultural heritage site?

4. When was the Targu Mures Palace of Culture built?

Please fill in the competition form on our website, http://www.rri.ro/, or mail, fax or e-mail your answers. Please also make sure to mention what motivated you to take part in the contest, and, if you wish, mention what sources of information you used other than our broadcasts, the RRI website and our social network profiles (Facebook / Twitter). Our address is: 60-64, G-ral Berthelot street, sector 1, Bucharest, PO BOX 111, zip code 010165, Fax: 00.40.21.319.05.62, E-mail: engl at rri dot ro

We are eagerly waiting for your answers by March 15, 2012, mailing date. The winners will be announced right after April 1, 2012, allowing them time to prepare for the journey. Good luck!

(Source : Radio Romania International)

The slow death of shortwave radio

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:42:00 +0000

With the advent of the Internet, Digital Audio Broadcasting and satellite transmission, shortwave radio is in decline. Even the BBC World Service, which once covered the entire globe, has cut back on its services. But the demise of shortwave will be missed by many millions who regularly tune in from remote locations.

More at : http://tvnewswatch.blogspot.in/2012/02/slow-death-of-shortwave-radio.html

BBC World Service celebrates 80th Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:29:00 +0000

Global audience gets unique behind the scenes access as move from iconic London home begins. Audiences are to be given unprecedented behind the scenes access as part of a special day of live programming on February 29, to mark the BBC World Service's 80th birthday. Highlights from the day will include a special global audience with Sir David Attenborough and The Strand - the WS global arts programme - will be edited by guest artist and music producer William Orbit. Audiences will be able to join a special debate about what they want from the World Service, both on air, online and across social media forums. (#bbcws80) The day will give audiences around the world a unique insight into production of their favourite programmes and multilingual videos will be produced of all the broadcasts throughout the day online at bbc.co.uk/worldservice.For the first time audiences will be invited to watch and participate in over 12 hours of programmes in English and across more than 12 different languages. The day will be hosted by BBC Persian's Pooneh Ghoddoosi and BBC World Service presenter Ros Atkins. BBC World Service's daily morning editorial meeting, which normally takes place behind the doors of Bush House, will be opened up and broadcast live for the first time. In this meeting - a daily part of life in the building - the newsroom's editors discuss and agree the big stories and developments and decide on which stories will shape the day's news agenda. The open courtyard of Bush House will host many of the programmes that day. Flagship programmes such as Newshour and World Have Your Say will invite audiences to join a conversation about international broadcasting and the future priorities of the BBC World Service. Listeners around the world - and the audience at Bush House - will have the chance to shape the news agenda and debate by making suggestions from the floor, or through Twitter, Facebook and Skype. Peter Horrocks, Director of BBC Global News, said: "The 80th birthday and departure from Bush House means these are historic and changing times for the BBC World Service. We want our audiences to be at the heart of both the commemoration of the past and conversation about the future." BBC World Service Commissioning Editor, Steve Titherington, said: "We are turning Bush House inside out showing who we are and what we do to our audiences and asking what the world wants next from the BBC World Service." On February 29, BBC World Service is also launching a new series of programmes on the human body. Linked to the Olympics, The Human Race will invite the public to take part in a 'healthcheck special' featuring leading international scientists and sportspeople. Not only celebrating 80 years of broadcasting, this special day of programming marks the start of the BBC World Service's move from Bush House, its iconic London home for over 70 years, to a new state of the art broadcasting centre in Oxford Circus. The move will see all of the BBC's news services - UK and international - based together for the first time. The aim is to create 'the world's newsroom' - enhancing the BBC's global newsgathering and creating a forum for the best journalism in the world.

(Press Release)

BBC World Service at 80: A lifetime of shortwave

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:09:00 +0000

The BBC World Service - which marks its 80th birthday today on Wednesday -was broadcast only on shortwave back in 1932. Today, audiences on FM, digital radio and the internet are growing fast while shortwave is in decline, but for millions it remains a lifeline.

More at : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17155441

Samsung launches Android based media player with Digital Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digitalmedia and digital convergence technologies, and International DMB Advancement Group(IDAG) has announced the launch of digital radio, mobile TV and internet services with theSamsung GALAXY S WiFi 5.0. The device will be available from April, 2012 in Germany, theNetherlands, UK, Switzerland, Norway and South Africa.Samsung and IDAG see big opportunities in an environment where consumers are spendingmore time on mobile entertainment and news. - "Samsung believes that such functionalities will take GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 to a newlevel. Built-in DMB/DAB+ provides excellent radio and TV experiences on the go,"said Byung Joon Jang, Director of MID Sales & Marketing at Samsung Electronics. Combining broadcasting and the internet in the same product introduces a range of newpossibilities that can strengthen radio and TV programs and widen their appeal amongaudiences. Digital radio via DAB/DAB+ or Mobile TV via DMB is currently available in morethan 40 countries globally, and expects to extend to other countries.- "The functionalities of the Samsung GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 stand out. We expect thatSamsung's entry into this area will inspire new fans of digital radio and mobile TV,"said Gunnar Garfors, president of IDAG.European governments are responding positively to the replacement of FM with DMB/DAB+,the de facto standard for digital radio. This creates a huge demand as hundreds of millions oftraditional FM radios will be replaced or upgraded to DMB/DAB+ which is a flexibletechnology, allowing for mobile TV services together with radio.The GALAXY S WiFi 5.0 will be exhibited with the demonstration of mobile TV and digitalradio services at Hall 8, Mobile World Congress 2012.

Samsung Galaxy S WiFi Photo's

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-20032221-78.html

KBC Radio going daily !

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

KBC Radio on 6095 kHz is planning to broadcast daily for a couple of hours with effect from April 2012. More details will be posted soon on KBC website. (Source : KBC Radio)

WRMI to Debut Irish Soccer Reports

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:18:00 +0000

MIAMI, USA - The U.S. shortwave radio station WRMI will carry weekly updates of Irish pro soccer football beginning St. Patrick's Day Week. Radio Miami International - WRMI - will debut "Football Made in Ireland" on Monday, March 12 at 2 PM Eastern Time (1800 GMT/UTC). The two-minute feature is slated to be carried Mondays through Fridays at the end of RTE Ireland's "Drivetime" program at 2 PM, 5 PM and 9 PM ET (or 1800, 2100 and 0100 GMT). This will not be the first foray into sports programming for WRMI, which has also carried such weekly sports-related features as "World Cricket Today," "World Baseball Today" and "Baseball Mexico" in recent years.

More at : http://www.facebook.com/notes/national-association-of-shortwave-broadcasters/wrmi-to-debut-irish-soccer-reports/383883891641396

(Source : NASB Facebook Page)

RIP Stanley Leinwoll

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:50:00 +0000

Dan Elyea of WYFR informs us that renowned shortwave engineer and frequency planner Stanley Leinwoll passed away on February 21, 2012. During his long career in international broadcasting, Stanley worked as frequency manager for the Voice of America, director of engineering for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and as an independent shortwave frequency consultant based in New York. He did frequency planning for at least two members of the NASB - WEWN and WYFR. He wrote a well-known book titled "From Spark to Satellite: A History of Radio Communication." Stanley was a strong supporter of the idea of holding an HFCC (High Frequency Coordination Conference) in the United States -- a goal that was finally realized by the NASB in 2011.

(Source : National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters Facebook Page)

PRIMER ON UTILITY DXING

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:13:00 +0000

UTILITY DXING : A PRIMER BY DK8OK

http://www.globaltuners.com/forum/thread.php?tid=1154

e-qsl for Radio Oomrang

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Received this e-qsl for an e-mailed RR in 2 days for annual "Radio Oomrang" broadcast via MB.....time on the qsl is misleading as it was heard only after AWR Guam went off air at 1629 UTC. Radio Oomrang broadcasts once in a year on shortwave in lower German language via facilities of Media Broadcast in Germany. Radio Oomrang announces as "The Free Voice of Frisian People from Amrum island in Germany". Station ID is in english.

About Oomrang : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96%C3%B6mrang

Window to the world wasn't always wide open

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:45:00 +0000

I went through a phase where the world band was one of my fondest possessions. But I haven't used it for its intended purpose in several years; most recently, it was sitting on my desk here at work, serving as an AM radio. (We don't get FM signals very well inside the building.)

More at : http://www.t-g.com/story/1818330.html

New Station from Myanmar "Thazin Broadcasting Station"

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Yesterday 21st Feb 2012, I was listening to new Myanmar station on 7110 kHz and heard the sign off announcement in Burmese given as " We like to wish our listeners of Thazin Broadcasting Station a happy and peaceful life. Dear listeners you have just heard our Thazin Broadcasting Station evening transmission from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm on MW 639 kHz and 7.11 MHz. Our Thazin Broadcasting Station broadcast in the morning from 6.00 am to 8.00 am, in the afternoon 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and in the evening 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm on MW 639 kHz, beside this we are also broadcasting once at 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and at 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm on MW 639 kHz. Also we are broadcasting three times daily in the morning at 6.00 am to 8.00 am on SW 6.03 MHz, in the afternoon at 11.00 am to 1.00 pm on SW 9.4 MHz and in the evening 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm on SW 7.11 MHz. We are thankful to all listeners for listening to this broadcast and wish them a happy and peaceful life "

According to above announcement the schedule will be as follows:

Morning transmission : 2330 to 0130 hrs UTC on 639 kHz 2330 to 0130 hrs UTC on 6030 kHz

Afternoon transmission : O430 to 0630 hrs UTC on 639 kHz O430 to 0630 hrs UTC on 9400 kHz

Evening transmission : 1030 to 1430 hrs UTC on 639 kHz 1030 to 1430 hrs UTC on 7110 kHz

Here's the audio file of announcement ... http://www.box.com/files#/files/0/f/0/1/f_1623080622/0/comment

This recording was done this morning between two frequency first was 7110 kHz and the second was 639 kHz : http://www.box.com/files#/files/0/f/0/1/f_1623084440/0/comment

Babul Gupta babulgupta@gmail.com www.babulgupta.com

Via Indian DX Club International FB group http://www.facebook.com/groups/idxci/

Google Doodle pays tribute to Heinrich Rudolf Hertz

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:28:00 +0000

Wondering what is that electromagnetic wave that greets you on opening the Google home page? It is Google's Doodle marking 155th birth anniversary of German physicist Heinrich Rudolf Hertz. Read the TOI Newsreport here

New Pressure On Jammers Of International Broadcasts

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:17:00 +0000

Monday, February 20, 2012

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has called upon the world's nations to take "necessary actions" to stop intentional interference with satellite transmissions. The change in ITU regulations, which was approved at the just-concluded World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) in Geneva, Switzerland, came after numerous complaints that international satellite TV programs in Persian and Arabic were suffering from deliberate interference, known as "jamming". Two satellite operators that have been targeted, Eutelsat and Arabsat, said the interfering signals originated from Iran and Syria. "We are gratified to see the World Radiocommunication Conference take a position on this vital issue," said Richard M. Lobo, Director of the United States International Broadcasting Bureau. "Of course, it remains to be seen whether Iran, Syria and other countries which interfere with international satellite communications will change their practices. Jamming is a fundamental violation, not only of international regulations and norms, but of the right of people everywhere to receive and impart information," Lobo said. The interference, which has increased since September, 2011, affected broadcasts of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting Board of Governors , Audiovisuel extérieur de la France RFI and France 24 TV, Deutsche Welle, and RFE/RL, Inc.'s Radio Farda. Joining in backing the ITW rule change were Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the European Broadcasting Union. The change in the regulation came after hours of discussion and debate, both in small groups and on the floor of the WRC. A report by the ITU's Radio Regulations Board noted "the persistent character of the harmful interference" and the fact that "in some cases, the administrations involved have not responded … and appear to take no action to resolve the interference." The revised language says administrations "shall ascertain the facts and take the necessary actions" when they encounter jamming. Prior to the WRC action, the Directors-General of five major international broadcasters charged that jamming is a violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Reporters Without Borders called for nations to "firmly condemn countries that do not respect the fundamental principles of the free flow of information," adding, "the ITU must not be the accomplice of regimes that obstruct the flow of news and information on their telecommunications networks." The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran termed satellite jamming part of a broader effort. "The Iranian government is also engaged in comprehensive attempts to take complete control of online access to the internet as well as restricting mobile voice and data communications," the group said in a statement urging the WRC to address the jamming issue. (BBG Press Release)

BES Expo 2012 : Report

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:08:00 +0000

The BES Expo 2012 - 18th International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting was organized at New Delhi from 11th to 13th Feb 2012 at hall 12 & 12A of Pragati Maidan expo centre.---------------------------------------- View of Pragati Maidan, New Delhi Broadcast Engineering Society (India), the society of broadcast professionals organises this International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite broadcasting every year. All the previous expo's had a large participation of major broadcast equipment manufacturers and service providers.

Over 100 highly reputed organizations, service providers and major broadcast equipment manufacturers from all over the world displayed their latest state-of-art technologies and services. The event is approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India & India Trade Promotion Organisation and supported by Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Govt of India, Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union & The Society of Broadcast Engineers, USA and endorsed by International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers. This year's theme was "Broadcasting through multiple platforms". The event was inaugrated by Dr. S.Jagathrakshakan, Hon'ble Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India on 11th Feb, 2012. Guest of honour & keynote speaker was Mr.Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India. Inaugurating the event Dr. S.Jagathrakshakan, Hon'ble Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India said "Broadcasting is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy over the last few decades. Forecasts point out that with a huge potential this sector will continue to grow further. This growth has been possible thanks to the liberal & progressive policies of the Govt.of India, which has encouraged investments, promoted entrepreneurship & attracted innovation. Today, India's broadcasting industry is one of the largest in the world". He also emphasised that "Digitalization promises to ensure attainment of the full potential of the broadcast sector and is expected to bring in major gains to all stake-holders". A workshop on "Connecting in Crisis - Role of Radio in Natural Disasters & Emergency warning and alert using DRM system " was organized on day one in which presentations were made by Mr. Anthony Frangi, University of Queensland, Australia & Mr. Alexander Zink, Fraunhofer IIS, Germany. International players showcased their products, facilities and services. On display were whole range of products like Amplifiers, Antenna Systems(Broadcast, FM & TV), Attenuators, conductors, Antenna testers, Audio measuring & test equipments, Audio mixers, Audio processors, Automation systems & softwares, Broadcast equipments & softwares, Broadband access products, Cables & accessories, Channel automation systems, Compact & digital disc production systems, DTH Systems, DAB Systems, Digital Audio & Video recording systems, Digital storage,archival & retrieval systems, DVB-T Transmitters, Earth stations/systems, Fibre optic solutions/services, Filters & splitters, Frequency monitoring systems, FM Exciters, HD Radio, HDTV, Headphones, Microphones, Mixers, Network management systems, Radio data systems, Radio automation softwares, Scheduling softwares, Satellite receivers, Switchers, Transmitters (AM,FM,TV), Test & Measuring equipments, Virtual Studio, VSAT systems, Wireless systems. Prasar Bharati ( Broadcasting Corp. of India ) put up a huge stall (1-4) in which latest technical innovations from All India radio & Doordarshan were exhibited. Among the systems displayed by AIR & DD were : a) Multichannel MW DRM Broadcast b) SMS based status monitoring of 100 watts FM tranmitters c) Glimpse of forthcoming AIR Webcasting & Podcasting services d) Remote monitoring & control system for FM transmitters e) Doordarshan's HDTV Plans -------------------Screen shots of AIR Multichannel DRM txn on MW 1017 kHz During the BES Expo 2012, All India Radio had test transmissions at 0330-1200 UTC with multichannel DRM broadcast on MW, 1st channel carrying music & 2nd channel talk program on a single freq 1017 kHz from a new Riz mobile transmitter with power output of 3 kW in DRM mode. DRM Future Plans : 1) Replacement of two 1000 kW MW transmitters by new DRM compatible transmitters ( expected by 31st March 2012) 2) Replacement of 34 old MW transmitters by new DRM transmitters. 3) Replacement of 6, 10 kW mobile transmitters by mobile DRM transmitters. 4) Conversion of 36 compatible MW transmitters into DRM transmitters. 5) Replacement of five SW transmitters by DRM transmitters. 6) Implementation of pilot project of DRM+ txers at major cities. 7) New DRM+ transmittesr at 24 places ( DRM compatible FM txers) 8) Setting up 100 watt FM DRM+ compatible transmitters at 100 locations. 9) Replacement of existing MW/FM transmitters by high power DRM+ FM transmitters.

DRM Consortium was part of a large booth of Nautel/Comcon this year, a DRM+ surround sound demo was available at booth. Many DRM receivers were displayed at the booth. The newer version of DRM receiver DR111 from Chengdu Newstar Electronics Co.Ltd was on display at Digidia booth which was part of French Pavillion. Many officials from DRM Consortium attended the expo including DRM Project Director, Vineeta Dwivedi, Alexander Zink & Ludo Maes both Vice Chairman of DRM Consortium.

Transmitter manufacturer & provider of technology, services & systems, Thomson also participated in this years expo like last year, they displayed their latest DRM solution equipments. Among some of the prominent exhibitors were AGIV, Adobe, Autodesk, BECIL(Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd.), Broadcast Electronics USA, Broadcast & Cablesat, CAT-5 Broadcast, CDG Broadcast, Dalet, Digidia, Dolby, Electro Dynamics, Falcon Technologies, Grass Valley, Harr-Ban, Harris, Hitachi, Ideal Broadcasting, Mediaguru, Orban, R & S, Radio Frequency System, Radio Systems Inc., Sennheiser India, Sony, Rohde & Schwarz, Shaf Broadcast, Technomedia, Tektronix & Winmedia, Singapore. A two day conference was also scheduled to be held at Pragati Maidan,New Delhi in which some of the prominent speakers are, Makoto Taguchi, NHK, Japan, Gerard Faria, Teamcast, France, Peter Busch, R&S, Germany, Brad Redwood, Masstech Group, Australia, Fabio Gattari, Etere, Italy, Mustapha Rezzoug, Netia, France, Ian Trow, Harmonic Inc, USA, Muzaffar Fakhruddin, Sony, Malaysia, Danny Wilson, Pixelmetrix, Singapore, Gunnar Garfos, MMTV, Norway, Trevor Francis, Broadcast, Quantel Ltd, UK, Dr.P.K.Jain, ISRO, Pradeep Asthana, Newtec,UAE, Hermann Zensen,Digidia, France, Chirag Dadia,ATDI,India, Chris Grey,Sony,Hongkong, Jason Power,Dolby,UK, Ludo Maes, TDP, Belgium, Yogendra Pal, AIR, India, R.Sreedhar, CEMCA, India, Dr.H.O.Srivastava,WDF,India & Barsha Chabaria, Salaam Namaste CRS,India.

Ludo Maes, Vice Chairman, DRM Consortium during a presentation on DRM receivers

R.K.Jain, Engineer-in-chief, All India Radio presented momento to speakers

Shri.C.M.Jatua,Hon'ble Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India was the chief guest at the valedictory & awards function.

Sustainability of terrestrial broadcasting in India

noreply@blogger.com (Alokesh Gupta) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:21:00 +0000

As far as terretrial radio broadcasting is concerned, it is gong to be mainstay. Certainly, it would be supplemented by satellite broadcasting, internet, telephone etc so that listeners have wide choice. For atleast next ten to fifteen years AIR intends to extend its reach through digital AM, AM and on alternate emerging platforms. Reception through satellite channels provides access in remote, hilly & inaccessible area's. In the field of ever changing technologies, it is better to review the stratergy periodically to fulfill the needs of people as public broadcaster.

(Shri.R.K.Jain, Engineer-in-chief, All India Radio in an interview to Devesh Kumar of BES, published in BES Expo 2012 Day 1 Bulletin)