World Radio Tv Handbook 2008 [antikvár]

FEATURES Editorial Editorial NEW WAVES Welcome to the 62nd edition of WRTH. Each year we receive plaudits for producing the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to global broadcasting, not only in comparison to previous editions of WRTH, but also (and perhaps more importantly) to any other guides. With the help of our team of dedicated contributors we are sure that this year's edition will be no exception. In addition to presenting the usual information about broadcasting stations and transmissions, we review a very fine semi-pro receiver from Icom, and an excellent SDR from FlexRadio, both of which have won IVRTH Awards for being best in their class. We have also reviewed two DRM receivers and considered whether they measure up to the weight of expectations about them. As an interesting contrast we have also taken a retrospective look at the Racal RAI 792 and considered some of the issues involved in persuading these classic receivers to perform to the best of their not inconsiderable ability. HF BROADCASTING At the end of another year we are delighted to find that HF broadcasting remains in good overall health despite relatively poor radio conditions. However, we have again been struck by the number of rumoured closures of international broadcasters. An alarming number of stories have also circulated about plans for the severe curtailment of schedules to a small range of languages, broadcast to a ever-declining number of countries. So far most of these rumours have remained conjecture, but despite this we are well aware that battles continue to take place between politicians and broadcasters worldwide over the costs of providing an HF service. These are, no doubt, connected with the fact that an increasing number of services from international broadcasters are now being delivered either via the internet or via satellite dowloads to local FM relays. To those who control the purse-strings, these options must look very attractive on account of their relatively low cost. And in an age of environmental sensitivities, the energy consumption and carbon footprint of a high-power HF transmitting station are legitimate causes for concern. What is all too easily forgotten, however, is that local FM stations can be closed down at will or forbidden to carry particular programming. FM transmitters carrying the BBC World Service in Russia and Pakistan have suffered both fates this year. Equally, as recent incidents in Burma and to a lesser extent in China have made plain, it is all too easy for a controlling regime to shut down internet access at will The answer is clear. In terms of politics and ideology our world remains highly uncertain and volatile. Any country wishing to broadcast its world view can only do so reliably by retaining an effective and up-to-date HF broadcast capability WEB UPDATE The updates we publish on the WRTH website are a very popular feature with our readers and we will be publishing updates to the B07 season in January 2008 and the full schedules for the AOS season in f\/Iay 2008. We will also continue to provide updates to the National Radio section on the WRTHmonitor page on the site We hope that 2008 will see the introduction of FMXtra to the website.This new feature will provide information on the large number of low-power FM stations for which there is no room in the printed book. We would be delighted to receive information from readers on any low-power or community stations which are not shown on the website pages. The website will also for the first time this year have links to our advertisers. This replaces the form on the Questionnaire. PRIZE DRAW RESULTS These winners were again drawn by members of the British DX Club. RESULTS OF THE WRTH 2007 PRIZE DRAW Rrst prize: the Icom IC-PCR1500 FIRST PRIZE K Vtllone, USA RUNNERS-UP PRIZES (Copies of WRTH 2008) S Dutta, India A Roscini, Italy T Saint-Amant, Iceland J Wiarda, The Netherlands F Woda, Zambia I hope you enjoy reading and using this edition of WRTH Nicholas Hardyman Publisher