Radio Botswana Transitions to IP Technology with Calrec’s Type R

Radio Botswana has upgraded from its traditional analogue system to an advanced IP-based infrastructure with Calrec’s Type R mixing system. This modern upgrade enhances flexibility, reduces costs, and improves workflow efficiency across its studios. Project Manager Rex Mogotsi highlights the impact of this transition on the station’s operational capabilities and future expansion plans.

Radio Botswana has transitioned from its outdated 60-year-old analogue system to a modern, IP-based setup using Calrec’s Type R mixing system throughout its 14-studio facility in Gaborone. This upgrade enhances operational flexibility, fosters growth, and modernizes its broadcasting operations. The implementation, in collaboration with Dega Broadcast Systems, introduces modular and customizable solutions that streamline workflows and accommodate future scalability.

Project Manager Rex Mogotsi highlighted that the primary motivation for adopting IP technology was the increased flexibility it offers. “IP simplifies connectivity, reduces the physical footprint of the equipment, and enables remote capabilities, all of which streamline our workflows,” Mogotsi noted. The new system allows Radio Botswana to reduce costs associated with cabling and maintenance while boosting collaboration and production efficiency.

The studio setup caters to diverse production demands, featuring control surfaces in live broadcast studios with up to 16 faders, and editing studios equipped with smaller configurations of six or eight faders. News and specialty programming studios have control surfaces with 8-12 faders, ensuring versatility in meeting various program formats. The audio infrastructure utilizes three DSP cores overseeing all 14 studios for effective resource sharing and routing.

This upgraded infrastructure enhances operational resilience, enabling simultaneous live broadcasts and recordings across different studios. Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec, mentioned that Radio Botswana plans to introduce a new channel and examine options for distributed production, thereby maximizing operational flexibility. “The station already has plans to launch a new channel and explore distributed production for even greater flexibility.”

With the integration of Calrec’s Type R system, Radio Botswana is poised to become a frontrunner in Botswana’s evolving digital broadcast landscape. Mogotsi stressed their commitment to innovation, stating, “We chose Calrec for its reputation for high-quality sound and scalable solutions. Type R aligns perfectly with our goals for quality and adaptability, ensuring we can serve wider audiences both locally and internationally.

Radio Botswana’s transition to IP technology with the Calrec Type R system reflects a broader trend of modernization within broadcasting. As the media landscape evolves, organizations are compelled to upgrade outdated infrastructure to keep pace with technological advancements. The move from analogue to digital serves not only operational needs but also positions organizations competitively in the digital audio space.

Radio Botswana’s upgrade to Calrec’s Type R system marks a significant advancement in its broadcasting capabilities. This transition enhances flexibility, reduces costs, and facilitates future expansions, thereby serving both local and international audiences more effectively. With modern solutions and a commitment to high-quality sound, Radio Botswana is setting a benchmark in Botswana’s broadcasting industry.

Original Source: www.broadcastprome.com