Radio Botswana has upgraded to Calrec’s Type R IP technology across its 14 studios, replacing a 60-year-old analogue system. This transition enhances operational flexibility and efficiency while facilitating future growth. The modular design allows for easier scalability and optimized production workflows, positioning the station as a leader in the evolving digital audio landscape.
Radio Botswana has successfully transitioned its entire broadcasting infrastructure to IP technology by installing a Calrec Type R mixing system across its 14-studio facility in Gaborone. This initiative replaces a 60-year-old analogue system with modern technology aimed at improving operational flexibility and enabling future growth. Dega Broadcast Systems, a UK-based systems integrator, collaborated in this comprehensive upgrade, introducing modular and customizable solutions that enhance workflow efficiency.
Project Manager Rex Mogotsi highlighted the benefits of this transition, stating that the shift to IP technology was motivated by the need for increased operational flexibility. “IP simplifies connectivity, reduces the physical footprint of the equipment, and enables remote capabilities, all of which streamline our workflows,” he expressed. The installation aims to lower costs by minimizing cabling and maintenance, thanks to the versatility of Type R’s design.
The new Type R system allows Radio Botswana to cater to diverse production needs efficiently. The live broadcast studios, designated as Studios 1 to 6, are equipped with control surfaces featuring up to 16 faders, while editing and post-production studios have smaller configurations with six or eight faders. News and special programming studios range from 8 to 12 fader control surfaces, facilitating varied program formats effectively.
Mogotsi elaborated on the system’s modularity, which enables the optimization of each studio according to specific production requirements, ensuring smooth transitions between them. The infrastructure is powered by three DSP cores across six studios, with a total of just eleven cores supporting all fourteen studios to ensure efficient resource sharing and collaboration.
This advanced setup enhances operational resilience, facilitating concurrent tasks such as live broadcasts alongside backup recordings in different studios. It also sets the groundwork for future expansions, with plans already in place for launching a new channel and exploring distributed production approaches, as noted by Graham Murray, Calrec’s International Sales Manager.
By embracing Calrec’s Type R system, Radio Botswana is establishing itself as a leader within Botswana’s evolving digital audio landscape. Mogotsi affirmed the station’s commitment to innovation: “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 is a significant advancement in the broadcasting sector, particularly as the industry shifts towards more modern infrastructure solutions. The introduction of the Calrec Type R mixing system provides enhanced flexibility and efficiency, which are essential for meeting the demands of contemporary audio production. This upgrade not only modernizes the operational framework of the station but also positions it favorably in a competitive digital audio market.
In conclusion, Radio Botswana’s upgrade to Calrec’s Type R IP technology marks a pivotal enhancement in its operational capabilities and efficiency. The station has successfully modernized its infrastructure, allowing for improved production and flexibility. With plans for further growth and innovation, Radio Botswana is poised to become a leading entity in Botswana’s digital audio landscape.
Original Source: www.broadcastprome.com
