Tuesday, March 01, 2011

World Radio TV Handbook 2011 Review

The 2011 World Radio TV Handbook, the quintessential reference book for broadcast radio hobbyists, is now available from Grove Enterprises and other Monitoring Times advertisers.
This year’s 65th edition begins with receiver reviews for the AOR ARD5001 and the Winradio G31DDC Excalibur; and the Tecsun PL-310/PL-380, Kchibo KK-D6110, and Degen DE-1103/Kaito KA-1103 ultra light portable radios. Two software defined receivers are also reviewed: Medav LR2 and the Flexradio FLEX-1500. There is also a one-page guide to HF radios currently available in the marketplace that gives an objective comparison for each receiver based on size, selectivity, dynamic range and overall value.
Vintage collectors will enjoy the feature on 80s and 90s Classic Receivers, which includes one of my favorites – the Watkins-Johnson 8711A. Other classics mentioned include the AEG-Telefunken E1700/E1800, Plessey PRS2282A, and the Racal RA3701 high end receivers.
Another feature is entitled QSLing Then and Now, in which author Jerry Berg takes a look at the long-standing fascination in collecting verification cards from shortwave and medium wave stations. The art of receiving station verifications via the postal system is alive and well, even in this new age of electronic QSLing.
Freelance writer Hans Johnson has a feature on the Armed Forces Network station on Saddlebunch Key in the Florida Keys. The Digital Update feature summarizes the latest news from the world of digital radio and TV over the past year. Two features of special interest to shortwave broadcast DXers are a profile of Radio St Helena and an article on the Ears To Our World charitable group.
As in past editions of the WRTH, George Jacobs analyzes likely listening conditions for the new year in the HF Broadcast Reception Conditions During 2011 feature. He delves into how Solar Cycle 24 will affect your listening habits.
The national radio section of the WRTH covers worldwide domestic radio services. Listings in this section are arranged by-country and include stations broadcasting to a national listening audience on medium wave, shortwave, and FM, and include contact information and a website (if known) for each station.
The international radio section contains listings of stations broadcasting to an international audience in the shortwave and medium wave bands. Information on each station includes station name, contact information, broadcast schedules, and website, if available.
The clandestine and other target broadcast section includes stations broadcasting politically motivated programming or those targeted at zones of regional or local conflict.
The by-frequency section of the WRTH cover medium wave and shortwave frequencies in this year’s list, plus by-hour listings for transmissions in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish.
For the Digital Radio Mondiale monitoring enthusiasts, the DRM International Broadcast section provides by-hour schedules of stations broadcasting in this digital broadcast mode.
The by-country terrestrial television section brings readers up to date on terrestrial TV stations and accompanying radio programs also broadcast on those systems.
Finally, there is an extensive reference section that includes global transmitting sites, radio clubs, and standard time and frequency transmission schedules.
The World Radio TV Handbook has consistently set the gold standard in broadcast reference information and it remains the very best, most authoritative, and comprehensive reference book in the broadcast world. Quite simply, it is an exceptional annual guide that should be in every radio hobbyist listening post.
The 2011 World Radio and TV Handbook (BOK03-11) is available from Grove Enterprises http://www.grove-ent.com/ for $29.95 plus S/H. To place an order, call 1-800-438-8155, email order@grove-ent.com, or mail Grove Enterprises, 7540 Highway 64 West, Brasstown, NC 28902 USA.
Review by Gayle Van Horn/ Monitoring Times, March 2011