Types of Radio Broadcasting You Need To Know

How Do Radios Function

Before introducing the types of radio broadcasting, you should understand how radios work as well. In short, electromagnetic waves are being transmitted and received which move really fast (as fast as the speed of light). With a human’s eye, you will not be able to catch it. However, that is why humans are able to catch it through music or audio.

Analog Radio

Analog radio comprises two types: AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation).

AM (Amplitude Modulation)

AM is also known as one of the earliest types of wireless radio broadcasting. How the radio waves get emitted is through the amplitude of the signal in conjunction with the amplitude which is currently being transmitted at the same time.

What enables the radio waves to be transmitted to all over the world would be considered as the ‘medium-wave band’. However, certain countries use the ‘long-wave band’ for their radio broadcasting. The sound emitted from the AM radio can easily be detected.

FM (Frequency Modulation)

FM is the type of radio broadcasting that is used in cars. Unlike AM which relies heavily on signal strength, FM focuses more on interfering with the radio waves. In other words, FM also produces a much better sound quality with less electrical interference like how AM would.

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)

Digital Audio Broadcasting is actually a type of radio broadcasting technology which is currently being used in most broadcasting radio stations. The system works by broadcasting various signals in a digital format with the end goal of reaching CD quality. In comparison with FM, DAB has lesser multipath effects.

Through DAB, you can not only transmit audio, but also images and text as well. Therefore, when it comes to music, the image, title of the song as well as music are being transmitted.

Internet Radio

These days, most radio stations are making use of online streaming to broadcast their radio signals to users who are using a browser to listen to the radio. Although sometimes the online audio streams may not be real-time 100% as they may experience a delay.

Satellite Radio

Satellite radios is where radio broadcasting services are produced through the help of satellites. With satellites, the broadcasting service can reach a wide geographical area without compromising the quality of audio, which is why they are used in cars. However, this is only available based on subscription – so it is not free for all to use.

The satellite stations which have ground stations will send over signals to satellites and then it will be reflected back to the radio receivers found in homes or cars. The satellite radios are encrypted, meaning you need to have a special receiver in order to have access to it. Though you need to pay, it’s worth it because you will receive perfect audio quality while also preventing the ban of using profanity.

Now that you have a much better understanding of the types of radio broadcasting, if you’re looking for a company that builds or consults radio broadcasting services or facilities, you may contact us and receive a free consultation! Even if you are not exactly familiar with radio broadcasting, our team of experts at QES Malaysia will be able to guide you from A to Z.

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Multipurpose Studios, HD Playout, Branding, Archiving, Scheduling, Subtitling and News Production Facilities for Alhijrah Media Corporation (TV Alhijrah)

Client: Al Hijrah Media Corporation
Project Scope: New TV Station Set-Up

Project Background

Al Hijrah Media Corporation intends to go ON AIR in six months. Their allocated site for the new TV station is a repurposed 3-storey Library. Therefore, the work scope for this project includes not only the entire AV system setup but also some major renovation works.

Project Description

To design, supply and install a brand-new Single Channel HDTV Playout System with Full Redundancy, Multipurpose Production and Post-Production Facilities, Media Asset Management (MAM), Broadcast Management, Subtitling and an Archiving System.

Project Requirement

To have an integrated Production and Playout Infrastructure for their syndicated and in-house Programmes, such as News, Morning Shows and various Talk Shows.

Project Challenge

For such an extensive work scope, a mere six-month time frame tend to be less than feasible. Therefore, civil works and AV setup were carried out simultaneously to save time.

Not only have we accomplished the refurbishing of the old library into a TV station within a limited time, but we also managed to fit the Testing, Commissioning and Training activities in just one whole month prior to TV Al Hijrah going ON AIR

High-Definition TV Production Facilities with extensive Graphic, Virtual and Augmented Reality System for MEDIA CITY’s Auditorium Sri Angkasa and Studios M1,M2,M3 at Angkasapuri Media City

Client: Media City Development Sdn Bhd
Project Scope: HDTV Production Studios and Auditorium

Project Background

Media City Development (MCD) wishes to have the best, state-of-the-art TV production facilities for its new iconic building at Angkasapuri Media City. This project scope includes one Auditorium and three Large TV Studios.

Project Description

To design, supply and install a complete HDTV Production Facilities with Complex Graphics, Slomo Replay, Immersive Audio, Live Sound and a Virtual Reality (VR) System with integration to other areas such as Technical Operation Centre, Graphics Operation Centre, Music Studios and Radio System

Project Requirements

This project involves a large built-up area and an extensive list of facilities and infrastructure. Among others, the facilities that Media City Development needs are Studio Camera Lineups, Video Switchers, Digital Audio Mixers, Multiviewers, Slomo Replay Servers, Character Generators, Virtual Systems with 3D trackers, Live and Immersive Sound System, Broadcast Lenses, Heavy Duty Pedestals and Tripods, Teleprompters and Quality Control Systems.

Project Challenge

Due to the large area involved, QES had to build an extensive fibre optic backbone to cater to various signal routings within the production control rooms, studio floors, as well as internal and external wall boxes all over the vicinity.

Disaster Recovery Center for TV1, TV2 and BERITA Channel for Malaysia’s National Broadcaster (RTM) which includes Ingest, Media Asset Management, Branding, Playout, Contribution and Distribution Network

Client: Jabatan Penyiaran Malaysia (RTM), Seksyen Penyiaran Multichannel
Project Scope: Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Project Background

RTM needs an active Disaster Recovery (DR) system at a location which is more than 50km away from their HQ in Kuala Lumpur to keep the station on air during an event of disasters, such as catastrophic failures, natural disasters and even significant cybersecurity attacks.

Project Description

To design, supply and install a Disaster Recovery (DR) System for three HDTV Channels and one Radio Channel, with end-to-end integration between Angkasapuri and MYTV Cyberjaya. This DR system will replicate daily programme schedules and contents from their existing playout infrastructure at RTM’s HQ and will automatically playout and distribute three HD Channels to MYTV Cyberjaya for nationwide TV coverage.

Project Requirements

The DR system needs to be integrated with the main Playout and Media Asset Management System at RTM’s HQ. The programme playlist should be synchronised five days in advance and the contents are to be transferred automatically to the DR Site via a contribution network. Moreover, this DR system should be fully automated with minimal human intervention throughout its everyday operations.

Project Challenge

Besides making sure each channel can be fully synchronised with HQ’s main systems without a hitch and that contents are continuously updated as scheduled, QES must also ensure that the contribution and distribution networks are designed with a security-driven networking approach which encompasses security considerations and architecture.

We managed to deliver this criterion through proper workflow planning and conducting proof-of-concepts according to international broadcast principles.

Managed Services Provider for Transcoding, Cloud Hosting and Content Delivery Network Services of RTM’s Live TV and Radio Channels via OTT to Mobile Devices, Web Portal and Smart TVs Applications

Client: Jabatan Penyiaran Malaysia (RTM), Seksyen Media Teknologi Aplikasi
Project Scope: Over-The-Top (OTT) Platform

Project Background

In this new age of broadcast, multimedia and telecommunication, RTM wishes to publish the entirety of their TV and Radio Channels LIVE on the internet which includes Video-On-Demand (VOD) services and private web hosting of their related government websites.

Project Description

QES provides a managed services contract to RTM which involves the end-to-end delivery of eight live TV and thirty two radio channels, as well as Video-On-Demand (VOD) services to IOS, Android and Hwa Wei mobile devices, Web portals, Smart TVs and Android TVs. These services include on the Cloud and on-Premise tools for real-time Viewers Analytics Reporting and Quality Control Monitoring.

Project Requirements

The list of facilities RTM requires consists of Multichannel TV and Radio Encoders, Content Delivery Network Providers, Cloud Hosting Services, Leased Line Services, a Content Management System, Viewer and Content Analytics System, Transcoders, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) System and an extensive Network and Firewall System.

Project Challenge

To maintain the Quality of Service, we utilised Multiple Content Delivery Networks (Multi CDN) providers on various occasions particularly when the viewer traffic is high, for instance, during the Olympics thereby providing the best possible viewing experience in terms of performance and availability.

We are the first to have successfully launch RTMKLIK applications on various Smart TVs such as LG (webOS) and Samsung (Tizen), and also Android TVs in Malaysia.

Archiving broadcasting: facts you should know

Let’s talk further about archiving broadcasts below!

Why do you need to archive broadcasts?

For auditing purposes

In some countries, it is a requirement to record all broadcasting files for audit purposes. This is so that the respective people in charge are able to detect any fraud or suspicious activity throughout the broadcasting service.

For re-using the same content

Certain broadcasting channels have the common perspective that most viewers do not want to see the same content over and over again. However, it’s fine for broadcasting networks to recycle the content and stream them again as some viewers do appreciate this type of content. In fact, that’s the main purpose of archiving files – to re-use them in the future.

For reaching a wider audience

Not all broadcasting channels are accessible from every country. By archiving the broadcasts, people from all over the world are able to watch them.

For preserving history

It’s also interesting to view old TV series back in the olden days as they are produced differently than the recent years.

How to store archive files?

Store them digitally

You can simply save the broadcast files online. Be sure to store them in universal format and in the best quality. The reason being archive files tend to degrade overtime. In order to preserve them, the quality at the start upon storing has to be top-notch.

Store them physically

If you plan on archiving your files physically, be sure to tape media instead of hard disks. This is because hard disks tend to seize-up when not currently being in use. Besides that, DVD disks would work just as well too.

The downsides of archiving files

One of the major downsides of achieving broadcasting files would be the requirements. For instance, archiving files takes a whole lot of storage. Can you imagine the amount of data collected over the course of 20 years? Besides that, not all media functions the same. Hence, even if you were to archive it, perhaps it can’t be retrieved in the later years due to incompatibility.

In addition, sometimes what gets archived is not both the audio and video. There are certain cases whereby only the audio gets archived.

Another downside would be the time taken to maintain the archive files. Some of the archive files will decay, hence if you were to ever use it in the future, it has to be well kept. The equipment used to replay the archive files needs to be properly taken care of too.

Archiving broadcasting files does have more benefits than cons, so it would be the best practice to start doing them if you haven’t already. Just be sure to use the right equipment to store the archive files. Otherwise, you may contact QES Malaysia to group together the appropriate equipment and tools to safely archive your broadcasting files with ease.

Disaster recovery centre: what is it & do you need it?

If you’re looking for ways to backup your data, a disaster recovery centre would be the way to go. Not sure what it is about? Read on to learn more.

What is a disaster recovery centre?

A disaster recovery centre is basically a facility that companies or businesses can make use of when their main data centre is unavailable to restore the operations or technology infrastructure.

You can either set up disaster recovery centres internally, which is within your company location itself, or externally, which is managed by a third-party provider.

What can you find in a disaster recovery centre?

Generally, a disaster recovery centre consists of:

Telecommunication links built with top speed
Computing centre located away from the client’s current location
Up-to-date, top quality servers that are designed to withstand failures
Modern backup devices stored on their own servers
Tight security measures surrounding the network to prevent malicious attacks, viruses, hackers, and so on

Why do you need a disaster recovery centre?

Now, if you’re not sure whether there’s even a need to engage with a disaster recovery centre, here are some of the top benefits as to why it could help your company:

Limit the losses

The losses a company makes when all of the data disappears is too huge. It’ll be expensive trying to spend money by retrieving the data back (if it can even be retrieved at all). With proper backup stored in a disaster recovery centre, you won’t have to spend more money recovering the lost data as you can just get it easily from the centre.

Maintain the success of your company

Companies will be at risk of failure if any disaster were to happen as the daily operations will be affected. Therefore, with a disaster recovery centre, you’re able to retain and still keep the daily operations up and running.

Reduce human errors

Humans are bound to make mistakes. At the very least, with a disaster recovery centre, you can quickly retrieve back your data and go back to its original state before the mistake was made.

Prevent your data from getting breached

Unless your company already has a well-built security system in place, the risk of getting your data leaked is high. Usually, a disaster recovery centre will include security checks as part of their service. Hence, just leave it to them to spot any areas prone to security issues.

All in all, when you’re running certain types of businesses such as a broadcasting company or news anchor, you definitely need to engage with a disaster recovery centre. Why? The risk is simply too high as you will have a large amount of important data. If you need additional assistance, QES Malaysia is equipped with the right tools and knowledge to build a disaster recovery centre.

Over the top broadcasting: Everything you need to know

With traditional media like TV cable services such as Astro, you don’t get a choice to choose the particular TV show or movie you want to watch. If you didn’t know already, online streaming or basically any form of media service that uses the Internet is called Over The Top (OTT). Below, we go into detail on what it’s all about:

What is Over the Top(OTT) Broadcasting?

Over the Top (OTT) broadcasting stands is actually a form of media service that streams media as its own product. In simpler terms, it’s a type of media which is created to suit the needs of a specific targeted audience. It’s about providing the type of content that the viewers want to see.

For example, some of the popular OTT broadcasting streaming services would be Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Viewers are not required to use a cable in order to stream the content.

Why do we need OTT Broadcasting?

These days, modern media are gearing towards providing a wide variety of content to reach a large volume of consumers. OTT broadcasting services also offer better, wider opportunities for the advertising space.

It’s also much easier for consumers to switch across multiple platforms, enabling them to have better control on the kind of content they’d like to consume as compared to traditional media where consumers can’t choose what to watch freely.

What are the benefits of OTT Broadcasting?

100% original content

Rest assured, most of the content is produced by the OTT providers itself. Hence, you won’t be able to watch some of them unless you’re subscribed to that particular OTT provider.

High quality content for a cheaper cost

In comparison with traditional media, OTT broadcasting services are much cheaper based on the content offered.

Able to use across multiple devices

Traditional media requires you to watch content through a television. These days, you can watch OTT content on various devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.

What types of content can be displayed through OTT Broadcasting?

VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) stands for the voice calling platforms that use the internet protocols such as Skype.

Video

Video streaming involves popular streaming subscription platforms such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix and ad-based OTT broadcasting services such as Youtube.

Audio

As for audio OTT broadcasting services, some examples would be podcasts and internet radio stations.

Messaging

OTT messaging services usually enable users to communicate with one another through the Internet. For example, Facebook, Skype, WeChat, to name a few.

Would OTT be replacing traditional advertising?

It’s safe to say many are changing their ways to OTT services as they are more interested in subscribing to online streaming channels. Although the percentage of those who are keen on OTT broadcasting services, those who prefer the traditional media ways would still use cable services for their entertainment.

SmartTv vs AndroidTv: What’s the main difference?

If you’re wondering what are the main differences between the two, below is a brief overview to help make your decision making easier:

What is SmartTV?

A SmartTV is basically a TV that plays any sort of programs and channels by connecting to the Internet. In other words, it’s similar to using a computer, except it’s through a TV. Unlike regular normal TVs, it doesn’t connect to a satellite. Furthermore, you’ll get to enjoy more than just TV series or movies.

With a Smart TV, you can access a wide variety of services such as games, apps, internet browsing, social media platforms and so on.

What is AndroidTV?

An AndroidTV is similar to a SmartTV, except it runs on the Android operating system. It’s the same as using your Android smartphone, except you’re displaying via the TV. You can also access the Google Playstore via your TV.

That means you can access and download any games, streaming platforms, social media platforms, and so on.

The Main Differences between SmartTV and AndroidTV

The available app options

SmartTV runs on either WebOS or Tizen OS whereas an AndroidTV runs on Android. Therefore, as we all know, the Google PlayStore has a wide range of applications. For instance, the games, music, social media platforms, to name a few. In comparison with SmartTV, you’ll only be able to find the common ones such as Netflix, Youtube and Prime Video.

Screencasting

AndroidTV comes with a built-in screencasting system, also known as ChromeCast. Hence, you can stream your content from your Android smartphone to your AndroidTV directly. SmartTV requires you to use a third party device that needs to be manually paired. Thus, resulting in extra costs when you own a SmartTV.

Can be operated hands-free

AndroidTV allows you to operate and navigate via Google Assistant. That means you don’t need to type anything on the screen, all you have to do is speak your instructions out while maintaining your comfortable position on the couch.

SmartTVs generally do not come with a built-in voice assistant so you’ll have to type with the on-screen keyboard while searching for your content.

Consistent updates

SmartTV doesn’t have regular updates as compared to AndroidTV. Hence, you will enjoy the latest, modern apps and media streaming sources. At the very least, SmartTVs can easily be switched to an AndroidTV by simply getting an AndroidTV set-top box so you can stream it over to your SmartTV.

The Key Takeaway

Although the differences between the SmartTV and AndroidTV are quite minor, ultimately it boils down to your needs and requirements. You should identify what is your overall budget and in the long run, which works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-it-all solution, so either one would be a good choice.

What is Broadcast Media?

Don’t be confused with print media though because it is simply a form of media but doesn’t fall under the broadcast media umbrella.

What exactly is Broadcast Media?

Broadcast media, in simpler terms, are a way of broadcasting, transmitting or communicating with the public through various audio and visual methods to spread information, news, entertainment and many more. Broadcasting media, in general, is a way of communicating or broadcasting content to the public.

There are many media channels to broadcast all this content such as through the Internet, televisions, video, audio podcasts, to name a few.

Take the news as an example – the world needs to know what’s going on in other countries, and with the help of broadcasting media, everyone is able to know about the latest happenings in various countries. News is being broadcast through television, radio and the Internet.

Why do we need Broadcasting Media?

These days, broadcasting media is essential in our daily lives because that is the only primary way of reaching the public on a wider scale. The public can only receive the latest news, updates and information when it is being broadcast through the media channels.

Plus, broadcasting media is also one of the major options when it comes to advertising. Most companies and businesses these days make use of various media to promote their product or service.

The Different Types of Broadcasting Media

The ultimate purpose of broadcasting media is to reach the audience through various media channels and convey messages or information.

Broadcast Television

Known as one of the oldest forms of broadcasting media, televisions are used to offer colorful, visual content together with motion and audio signals. There are also various channels broadcast on televisions, so you have a channel for literally every category such as sports, drama, news, travel and so on.

Hence, it is one of the popular ways for broadcasting media thanks to the wide reach that can be shown to the targeted audience catered to specific interests or niches.

Radio Production

Radio broadcasting has been used for many years. It is where an announcer (or more) will pre-record some content including playing music based on a particular niche or interest.

Aside from broadcasting various types of content, there are also advertisements included during the radio program. Most people tend to listen to the radio while commuting or to get to know the weather reports.

Video Advertising

Videos can be broadcast almost anywhere and any way – such as through movie theatres or screenplays. Movies, or videos in general, tend to play a vital role in the entertainment field, which is why it is one of the best ways to promote any product or service.

Internet Media

You won’t find a single soul in the world that doesn’t use the Internet on a daily basis. The Internet itself consists of various media channels such as podcasts, blogs, websites, and social media.

Many people these days turn to the Internet to receive the latest updates, information and news in the form of text, audio or video because it is fast and easy.

Live streaming is one of the media channels that uses the Internet to broadcast a video in real time. This means the video is not being pre-recorded – it is showing live just as it is. There are various websites that offer live streaming such as Twitch, Younow and Periscope. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram offer the live streaming feature too.

If you’re looking for broadcast facilities, you can contact QES Malaysia as they have years of experience to provide you top-notch broadcast equipment alongside consultation too.