Report on BES Expo 2010

The BES Expo 2010 - 16th International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting was organized at New Delhi from 29th to 31st Jan 2010at halls 8,9 & 11A of Pragati Maidan expo centre. 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 75 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 Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Govt of India, Prasar Bharati, The Society of Broadcast Engineers,USA & Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and endorsed by International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers.


The event was inaugrated by Ms. Ambika Soni, Hon'ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India on 29th Jan, 2010. Guest of honour were Mr.Raghu Menon, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting & Mr.B.S.Lalli, CEO,Prasar Bharati.The key note address was delivered by Mr.Sharad Sadhu, Director Technical, ABU.

A workshop on "Use of Innovative Technologies for coverage of games" was organized in which presentations were made by Mr. Peter Kepreotes, Vice-President Technology International, Broadcast Australia & Mr. Nicholas Bourdon, Director Marketing & Communications, EVS.

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 DRM Broadcast & comparision with AM
b) SMS Based Remote Monitoring System for Unmanned VLPTs.
c) Glimpse of forthcoming AIR Webcasting & Podcasting services
d) Coverage plans for Commonwealth Games 2010 by AIR/DD
e) Doordarshan's HDTV Plans

Screen shots of AIR Multichannel DRM txn on 6100 KHz

All India Radio Research Department conducted following studies during last year :

· NVIS Propagation measurements in day & night carried out at Delhi, Mathura, Gwalior, Karnal, Patna, Kurukshetra, Lucknow & Aligarh.
· Long distance SW measurements carried out at Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai etc.
· MW DRM simulcast measurements were carried out at Delhi & Moradabad.
· Details survey of DRM transmission in NVIS mode at 6 MHz in under progress.

DRM Future Plans :

All India Radio - Road to digitalization by 2017
http://alokeshgupta.blogspot.com/2010/01/all-india-radio-road-to-digitalization.html

During the BES Expo 2010, All India Radio DRM had test transmissions at 0330-1200 UTC for 3 days with multichannel DRM broadcast, 1st channel carried VBS & 2nd channel news/commentary on single freq 6100 kHz.

All India radio plans to introduce wescasting/podcasting services in future

26 MhHz DRM demo Txn by Digidia

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, Autodesk, BECIL(Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd.), Broadcast Electronics USA, Broadcast & Cablesat, CAT-5 Broadcast, CDG Broadcast, Digital Broadcast, Eiden Japan, Falcon Technologies, Harris, Masstech Canada, Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd., Radio Frequency System, Radio Systems Inc., Royal Broadcasting, Sennheiser India, Sony, Rohde & Schwarz, Shaf Broadcast & Winmedia,Singapore.

A conference was also held for which theme was "Broadcasters & New Media Technologies" at Pragati Maidan,New Delhi. Some of the prominent speakers were - Peter Kepreotes, Vice-President Technology International, Broadcast Australia, Nicholas Bourdon, Director Marketing & Communications, EVS, Philip Nottle, Sony, Nils Ahrens, Rohde & Schwartz, Martyn Horspool, Harris, S.R.Aggarwal, Engr-In-Chief, AIR, Vineeta Dwivedi,Project Director, DRM, Lindsay Cornell, Principal System Architect,BBC,Joseph Troxler, MD, Thomson,T.V.B.Subramanyam, Sr.Programme Manager, Analog Devices, John Abdnour,Nautel, Jean Frncois Kipp, Transradio. Vikas Singhal, Venera Technologies etc........

All India Radio - Road to digitalization by 2017

Objectives

- To improve quality of radio reception in AM (MW & SW) & FM bands.
- Multiple programme from same transmitter
- Digital programme production
- Revenue generation through
i) Value added services
ii) Leasing of spare channels

Road Map

Studio's
i) Digitalization of 98 studio's by 2012
ii) Digitalization of remaining studios by 2017

Transmitter

i) Digitalization of 76 MW transmitters by 2013 & remaining by 2017
ii) Digitalization of 9 SW transmitters by 2013 & remaining by 2017
iii) Digitalization of 64 FM transmitters by 2013 & remaining by 2017

Connectivity

i) All connectivity to be digitalized by 2012

11th Plan provisions

1. MW DRM Transmitters

Replacement - 36 Nos.
Upgradation - 4 Nos.
Conversion in DRM - 36 Nos.

2. SW DRM Transmitters

Replacement - 5 Nos.
Conversion in DRM - 4 Nos.

3. FM DRM+ Compatible Transmitters

New Procurement - 24 Nos.
Replacement - 33 Nos.
Replacement of MW by FM - 6 Nos.
Upgradation - 1 Nos.

4. Digitalization of 98 existing studios & its networking.

5. Digitalization of Archival Material

- Regional srchive (new) at Hyderabad, CBS Mumbai, Chennai & Kolkata.
- Upgradation of central archive at Delhi.

6. RNU (regional News Unit)

Automation of RNU - 44 Places
New RNU - 7 Places
New news on phone facilities - 16 Places
Upgradation of news on phone facilities - 11 Places

7. Digital Connectivity

Replacement of existing STL - 115 Places
New LES - 3 Places
L-Band RNT - 44 Places

8. Strengthening of Research & development activities

(Alokesh Gupta)

AIR multichannel DRM test for BES Expo 2010

All India Radio DRM test transmission for BES Expo 2010. 0330-1200 UTC for 3 days.... 29-31 Jan 2010, multichannel DRM broadcast. 1st channel carrying VBS & 2nd channel news/commentary on single freq 6100 kHz. Another innovation from AIR Research & Development.

AIR upgrades its MW network

On Dec 3rd, 2009 AIR has placed contract for 2 x 1000 kW MW transmitters to BECIL (Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd). BECIL & Thomspn were awarded to supply the 2 x 1000 kW MW transmitters including auxiliaries, commissioning & testing.

The new 1000 kW transmitters will replace old existing transmitters of same capacity at Chinsurah & Rajkot. The Rajkot transmitter is located about 450 km north-west of Mumbai. The transmitter at Chinsurah, 35 kms north of Kolkata will be a dual frequency transmitter with automatic frequency change. Both transmitters are equipped with DRM & can operate on analog, on simulcast or on full power digital with automatic change over between the 3 operation modes.

Details of S7HP LW/MW (300 kW to 1200 kW) Radio Transmitters
http://www.grassvalley.com/products/s7hp

Data Sheet
http://www.grassvalley.com/assets/media/2092/DRM-S7HP_V3.pdf

BES Expo 2010 inaugrated at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

BES Expo 2010, 16th International Conference & Exhibition on Terrestrial & Satellite Broadcasting started at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on Friday 29th Jan,2010. Organised by Broadcast Engineering Society (India), the theme thie year is ‘Broadcasters & New Media Technologies’. This 3 day exhibition being India’s biggest Broadcasting Technology show will continue till 31st of this month. The exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Ambika Soni, Minister of Information and Broadcasting India as a Chief Guest. Whereas other respected guests were B.S. Lalli, CEO Prasar Bharati, Uday Varma, Special Secretary (I&B). Director of Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), Mr. Sharad Sadhu delivered his lecture concentrating on different issues of broadcasting as the keynote speaker of the programme.

Related links :

BES Expo 2010 starting in Delhi from today

http://tinyurl.com/yzjudyv

BES Expo 2010 on the rolls at Pragati Maidan

http://tinyurl.com/yepn6wc

Ambika Soni urges broadcasters to pass benefits of technology to consumers

http://tinyurl.com/ydpfopa

MHz to demonstrate its latest integrated turnkey solutions at BES Expo 2010

http://www.mediamughals.com/Print/News/4602/

Shortwave radio group holds seminar

A shortwave radio might appear to be old fashioned to some, but its use is still very important at critical times.The Inland Empire's Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is a group of 90-100 amateur/shortwave radio operators & they will be holding its 14th annual Introduction Seminar on Saturdayat the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps.

More at :
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_N_nsatern29.44c9f1a.html

CVC Darwin ceases Shortwave Broadcasting

CVC Darwin site will end its shortwave transmissions on 31st Jan, 2010 and will be dismantled, their lease expires in June 2010.

Here's the current schedule for CVC Darwin for those who want to tune in for the elusive "last day" QSL card.

CVC Australia via Darwin site :

Chinese to China
0400-0600 15250 DRW 250 kW/340 deg
0600-1200 17635 DRW 250 kW/340 deg
1200-1800 13685 DRW 250 kW/340 deg
2200-2300 9585 DRW 250 kW/340 deg
2300-0200 15170 DRW 250 kW/340 deg

English to India
0930-1230 15535 DRW 250 kW/303 deg
1230-1830 13635 DRW 250 kW/303 deg

Indonesian to Indonesia
2300-0200 15250 DRW 250 kW/290 deg
0400-1000 17820 DRW 250 kW/290 deg
1000-1300 9890 DRW 250 kW/290 deg
1300-1700 11925 DRW 250 kW/290 deg

0700-0800 17755 DRW 125 kW/317 deg DRM of TDP Music Belgium.

U.S.-funded Pashto radio a new weapon in war against Taliban

Read the story here : http://tinyurl.com/yk9lzry

Arbitron and Etón Donate 1,000 Radios to Haitians

Read at :
http://www.rwonline.com/article/93890

Community Radio Station to start at Ghaziabad, U.P.

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at Hint Institute of Mass Communication. Letter of Intent had been issued to the Institute after recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC). The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 64 in the country.

Hint Institute of Mass Communication is a project of the "Hint Group of Publication and Electronic Media", located in Ghaziabad, U.P. The main objectives of the CRS is to focus on health, education, agriculture & agriculture related education & information, sports & entertainment and debates on related issues.

The Ministry encourages setting up of the Community Radio Stations so as to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly help empower women, youth and the marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio, economic and cultural development in the area.

Station was noted on air during 1st week of May 2010 & id's itself as "Radio Hint - Its all about Ghaziabad".

Here's the website of HINT group :
http://www.hintgroup.org/index1.html

Audio file of Statio ID : http://tinyurl.com/334mmkz

Liberty Satellite Radio wraps up Worldspace purchase

Read at :

http://www.techwatch.co.uk/2010/01/27/liberty-satellite-radio-wraps-up-worldspace-purchase/

Related news :
Liberty closing in on Worldspace http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/201001275692/liberty-closing-in-on-worldspace.html

Broadcasting Innovative Programmes through KVK Pravara Community Radio

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Babhaleshwar which is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra State is one of the leading KVK in the country due to implementation of various innovative concepts and models. This KVK started in 1992 and received National Best KVK Award during the year 1998-99. The major mandate of the KVK is technology, assessment, refinement and dissemination as per location specific situation in the district. KVK is having very limited infrastructure and manpower with which it is working in different Agro Ecological Situation (AES) and Agriculture Farming Systems (AFS) of the district.

KVK, Babhaleshwar has adopted different concepts like use of applied biotechnology in agriculture to reduce agro chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. Use of group dynamics for faster technology assessment, refinement and dissemination by involving rural youths and farmwomen which are mostly neglected by the system. This KVK is the working on use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for development of agriculture from last ten years. Video conferencing, online advisory services, market information, weather information, events in agriculture, different schemes of Government are some of the important services provided through the ICT. Similarly from last five years, this KVK has initiated mobile alert system on daily basis to give the messages to farmers about the weather, market and practices to do in his farm. All these concepts and models have been appreciated by the community.Knowledge is the power without which development will not achieve. It is observed that knowledgeable community has achieved the progress. However, this knowledge has to be provided through different channels and media. Therefore, KVK, Babhaleshwar has also started own radio station i.e. 90.8 FM KVK PRAVARA Community Radio (CRS) on 2nd October 2009.

The mission of integrated rural development by empowering the rural masses by providing the information through radio and developing the strong relation with the soul of the soil has been started through this radio.KVK has developed the on air studio, production studio, RJ room, transmitter room as well as administration office. Facilities are developed for production and online relay of more interaction and live programmes for which advanced equipments and machineries are purchased. For the development of the content as well as daily relay of the programme, local rural youths were identified and conducted one month training programme for 44 youths. From these youths, 8 to 9 youths were selected to run the activities of CRS. These youths are developing the content as well as broadcasting the programmes. Daily four hour programme is being broadcasted through CRS of which evening (18.00 to 20.00 hrs) programme is regular programme and next day morning programme is rebroadcast. Out of two hours, one hour programme is on agriculture and one hour programme is equally distributed for health, education, rural development and local culture. While designing the format of the programme all the class and members of the rural community is considered so that the programme will be benefiting to maximum rural population. While development of the programme, need assessment survey was conducted. Similarly, regular feedback of the community is also taken so that the programme will be developed based on their needs. As this CRS is run by KVK, more focus is given on agriculture programme. Out of 60 min. programme, 30 min. programme is Krishi Vani programme where agriculture technology and success stories developed by KVK and other line departments are the focus area. Another 30 min. programme is reserved for live interactive and dramatic programme on agriculture. Special programme of 30 min is being developed like Hallo Yashwant (successful farmers), Hallo Scientist, serial discussion on particular theme/concepts; give correct answers to test their agriculture knowledge, panel discussion on recent / current burning issues, weekly review of the agriculture activities and agriculture technology dissemination through local culture. All these formats help to develop the programme more interesting and the listeners are giving very good response to these programmes.

The CRS is covering about 214 villages from 5 tehsils in the district. Total 8.56 lakh population is covered in the radius of 20-25 km. from KVK. It is expected that at least 10 to 15 per cent population are the listeners of CRS programmes through which KVK is reaching more than one lakh population directly. CRS helped to disseminate the technology, inputs and services like weather information, market information, disease forecasting and other advanced services among the community. KVK PRAVARA Community Radio has become the important tool and media to serve for the people. In all the process, KVK is doing the role of catalyst. The actual programme development and broadcast is being done by separate human resource development from the local community. The actual concept of CRS i.e. development of the local programmes by the local people for the local community by involving and increasing the participation of the local people is being achieved. Slowly this CRS is being owned by the local people. This CRS will help to develop the rural community by sharing their knowledge and information among themselves and will help to self sustain for their livelihood security. There is need to develop more CRS and interlink these CRS for development of the nation which will be bottom up and sustainable development.

(Dr.Bhaskar Gaikwad, Chief Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Babhaleshwar, Tal. Rahata, Dist. Ahmednagar gaikwadbh@yahoo.com )

What does the iPad mean for radio?

http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2010/01/27/what-does-the-ipad-mean-for-radio/

Live VOA creole call-in show links Haitians with medical professionals

Washington, D.C., January 27, 2010 – Haitians questioned medical professionals today in a live Voice of America (VOA) Creole Service program that was anchored from outside the ruined presidential palace in Port-au-Prince and heard by millions of people. Jean Robert Philippe, a VOA broadcaster, was surrounded by Haitians in the capital city seeking to pose questions to the medical team after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake. Callers from across Haiti dialed into the program from cell phones.
Mode Silver, a psychologist based in Miami, Fla., told callers the effects of the earthquake will be felt for generations of Haitians. Also participating was Dr. Marie-Josee Fransoi, a specialist in community and public health from Orlando, Florida.
"Our goal was to give listeners a chance to get answers directly from medical professionals," said Ronald Cesar, chief of VOA's Creole Service. "Living through the earthquake has left many of them both physically and emotionally scarred, and we want to try to ease their suffering any way that we can."
VOA Creole-language broadcasts have expanded to 10.5 hours a day on weekdays, and 9.5 hours on weekends since the Jan. 12 earthquake. VOA's Creole Service reaches more than 50 percent of adult Haitians on a weekly basis. Up-to-date information is also available around the clock on www.VOANews.com/creole.
The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. Government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts more than 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 125 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages and are intended exclusively for audiences outside of the United States.

(VOA Press Release)

Radio gives airtime to N. Koreans

By Kim So-hyun
A Seoul-based internet radio station that broadcasts to North Korea said it will air actual voices of North Korean residents for the first time in a feature program this week. The Free North Korea Radio, run by North Korean defectors, began shortwave broadcasts across the border in 2004 and now transmits programs for five hours a day.

More at :
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/01/28/201001280034.asp