RadioSTAR centers on the MediaTouch System, which is a specialized Radio Automation Software running on the Pentium Server and Pentium Workstation platform, with high quality broadcast standard digital processing and compression cards from Antex.
The MediaTouch System provides not only unsurpassed digital audio quality but efficient management functions for the radio station.
The MediaTouch System consists of a central mirrored file server with the latest hard disk storage technology supplying audio materials and information to a network of workstations operating under different functional requirements such as in the On-Air Studios, Production Studios, Scheduling Offices and Editing Suites.
RadioSTAR
The Total Digital Radio System
RadioSTAR is the epitome of the latest state-of-the-art digital system for the management and operation of a modern cost effective radio station. From source equipment to computerized hard disk storage and delivery,RadioSTAR is a complete TURNKEY system.
RadioSTAR offers flexibility to the users by recommending reputable and proven on-air mixers from a big selection of well known manufacturers. These manufactures work closely with Transtel to ensure that full technical support is given to their respective equipment within the RadiaSTAR system. The audio mixers may be Analogue or Digital.
Other essential equipment manufacturers are selected on the same basis and these are for:-
a) Source Equipment
b) Profanity Delay
c) Amplifiers
d) Speakers
e) Microphones and Headphones
f) Telephone Hybrid
g) Processors
h) Equalizers
i) Routing Switches
Individual brochures and specification sheet are available on request for these equipment.
Design, Installation, Training and Service
An experienced team of engineers from Transtel Technology based in Malaysia, and the marketing office in Singapore can assist users to design a comprehensive system and provide full turnkey installation, factory and site training as well as service and maintenance. Transtel has a high level of in-house software, networking and repair expertise.
Current Brands & Models
Typical comments from producers and announcers:-
" At first everyone here thinks that it is going to be difficult to operate because it is something new and appears complicated. After listening to the instructions and carrying out practicals on it, it is actually very easy to understand. For a basic understanding, 2 or 3 hours are sufficient. After that, by exploring the various functions on the TouchScreen Control Panel, we quickly build up our in-depth knowledge of the operation.
I find the with the system, I can prepare my programme in advance without having to use paper. Time is saved just picking songs from the computer and inserting them into my on-screen programme schedule. Previously, I have to write or type out every song title and evey line of my program. In addition, those constantly used materials such as Station Identity, Theme Songs, etc., are stored On-Line and I can access them directly from the TouchScreen, without having to worry that I have forgotten to take these materials into the Studio or miss them in my programs line-up.
Every component in the system is modular in nature, starting with the hard disk storage capacity. This can be configured to the customer's immediate requirements with provision for easy future addition. Storage capacity can be as low as 1 stereo hour to several thousand hours. Workstations can be added to the network according to the growth of the station.
The distinct advantage of the MEdiaTouch System is the easy and fast access to audio materials electronically rather than physically. This eliminates completely all the costs and time associated with the physical task of administrating CDs, Records, and Tapes. At the same time, a database of useful information is also immediately available at the announcer's disposal.
A visual quick search index and category system also enables the announcer to pick spots, commercials, jingles, station I.Ds, special promos, etc., easily and efficiently. Due to the ability of the system to play back the same audio material simultaneously at different workstations, duplication of source materials is also reduced.
The MediaTouch System handles a wide range of compression formats such as MPEG Layer II, Dolby AC2, ADPCM and has selectable compression ratios of 4:1, 6:1 to 8:1. Sampling rates are from 32kHz to 48kHz in stereo or mono giving full CD quality.
High speed network topology distributes the audio material from the central storage unit to the on-Air Scheduling Workstations, Production Workstations and Scheduling Terminals. The number of workstations can be customized to the special needs of each radio station. The system is so flexible that it allows workstations equipped with the respective audio and network cards, to be linked or added anytime.
The On-Air Workstation is capable of having its own local storage with its own Pick n' Play software, enabling it to be even an entry level stand- alone system for a small radio station. When the station grows, the central storage network can be added on later.
For Live Assist and Automation at the On-Air Workstation. TouchScreen Control Panel is installed. The TouchScreen provides a very friendly use interface, giving confidence to announcers and operators. All the common use functions are clearly labelled on the screen and to access a function, the operator just need to touch the screen to activate it. This means operation is fast and simple.
On the TouchScreen, the daily programme is also clearly laid out in a sequential manner. Known as the PLAY LIST, the audio events are listed out line with information on the type of events (for eg. commercial, news, spots, jingles, announcements, songs, etc.), the title, the artist, the duration, time elapsed, next cue, on-air, etc., all serving to assist
the announcer to deliver his or her programme smoothly. An index is also available for the announcer to search easily through the Central Server Music Library for songs that the announcer wish to play on an ad- hoc basis.
The PLAY LIST can be prepared a few days in advance according to the programme schedule at the Scheduling Terminals. The RAS also supports other well known Traffic and Music Scheduling Softwares using the merge facility incorporated.
The Scheduling Programme allows paperless procedures from the producers to the editors to the announcers. These are carried out at the Scheduling Terminals where the producers type in their programme contents, select music cuts, insert spots, etc. With the many word processor features, the process becomes very fast and amendments are easy.
For administrative purposes, logs are available to reconcile with the original schedule. These logs can also be printed out.
Networked to the Central Server, local productions such as talkshows, interviews, can be recorded at the Production Workstation and given cut and paste editing programme.
More sophisticated post production work for effects and multi- tracking can be carried out non- destructively with more powerful optional softwares such as SAW. This can layer up to 24 internal tracks. Where dedicated specialised Hard Disk Workstations are required, these are also available as further options.
