Review - World Radio TV Handbook 2008

The 2008 edition of World Radio TV Handbook, has recently released their 62st edition, for the worldwide listening audience.

This years edition begins with WRTH Receiver Reviews that include semi-pro receivers from ICOM, Flex Radio, and DRM receivers. Readers will enjoy features taking a closer look at broadcasting from the Falklands Radio and a Digital Update.
In recent months Radio Voice of the People, a Zimbabwean clandestine station has been a focus in the hobby press. This year's WRTH feature delves into the station's past and plans for the future.
George Jacobs features the HF Broadcast Reception and conditions to expect during 2008 with Most Suitable Frequencies to compliment your bandscanning for the year. From active monitoring, the National and International radio sections, as the previous year, appear to be as accurate as possible, thanks to an international contributing staff. Information on seasonal frequency adjustments may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.wrth.com . The station frequency updating information, posted between the annual issue, continues to be a successful solution for hobbyists seeking current frequencies as they become available

National Radio and International Radio provide detailed listings that include station name, leading personnel, postal addresses, and website URLs. AM/FM/SW frequencies, power, and programming complete each country listings. Clandestine and other target Broadcast have station listings for stations politically motivated from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
The Frequency List, contains world medium wave listings, followed by the by-frequency
Shortwave Stations of the World, Broadcast in English, DRM International Broadcasters and world television. An extensive Reference section will assist the radio listener through many hours of listening and viewing periods.

WRTH 2008 continues to set radio hobby standards. It remains the most respected and authorative radio reference book in the world, and should be in every hobbyist listening post. Mr Hardyman and his dedicated staff have once again provided the radio listener with the ultimate guide.

WRTH 2008 (BOK-03-08) is available from Grove Enterprises http://www.grove-ent.com for $ 26.95 plus S/H, at: 1-800-438-8155; 7540 Hwy 64 West, Brasstown, NC 28902..
Review by Gayle Van Horn/Monitoirng Times

Review - Klingenfuss 2008 Shortwave Frequency Guide

The 12th Edition, 2008 Klingenfuss Shortwave Guide, has been released to the world listening hobby, in the midst of this years DX season. The latest edition, as with last years volume, has combined worldwide broadcast and utility stations in one edition, to comprise two reference aids in one book.

The 474 page , 12th Edition, begins with Monitoring Utility Stations, a how-to guide of features and a by-frequency utility radio station arranged with call signs, station name, mode and details.
Frequency list of broadcast radio stations introduce the worldwide broadcast scene, DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) and a start/end DRM schedule.

The broadcast radio stations is listed by frequency (2310-26045 kHz), station name, country, start/end times, language, target areas and remarks.

DXers who would rather focus on a particular county, will find the same frequency listing and easy to follow format in the by-country section, Alphabetical List of Broadcast Radio Stations.

Frequency information, as well as parallel frequencies appear to be as accurate as possible considering seasonal frequency adjustments. As with other hobby publications, the Shortwave Frequency Guide, uses a respected staff of leading radio cntributors, providing the latest in information on the broadcast scene.

The Klingenfuss Shortwave Guide, remains a favorite reference aid in the Van Horn DX Cabin. The modern layout for quick information access is easy to use. Whether monitoring a utility or broadcast station, this basic, no frills method of radio reference remains an asset to every listener.

For ordering information on the 2008 Klingenfuss Shortwave Frequency Guide book, refer to: http://www.klingenfuss.org/ or Universal Radio http://www.universal-radio.com/ Book # 5055, $ 39.95 + S/H. Phone: 1-800-431-3939; FAX 1 614 866-2339. Universal Radio, Inc., 6830 Americana Parkway, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-4113 USA.
Review by Gayle Van Horn/Monitoring Times

Passport to World Band Radio 2008 - Review

The New York Times has called Passport to World Band Radio the "TV Guide for world band radio" - and rightly so. This years 2008 edition is now available as a companion reference guide for the novice and seasoned hobbyist.

Features highlighted include Casbah Radio, an in depth focus on broadcasting from Tangiers, by hobbyist Henrik Klemetz. Global religious broadcaster Trans World Radio, continues their world mission through the mass media. Jock Elliott delves into the TWR broadcasting with a goal to advance their missionary presence.

Getting Started will guide the newcomer through the basics of world band including Time/Day, Finding Stations and The Right Radio. Ten of the Best: 2008's Top Shows may have you scurrying to the receiver to enjoy the best of the best in shortwave programming, and What‛s On Tonight features an hour-by-hour guide to programming..

Shortwave radios can vary greatly depending on your budget and space limitations. Passport updates the hobbyists in How to Choose a World Band Radio, Portables for 2008 and Professional Receivers for 2008. Reviews are presented in a clear and concise style which include pro and con observations. Whether using a portable or outside wire antenna - you needs and space restrictions are addressed in two antenna features, Wire Antennas and Compact Antennas for 2008.

Addresses Plus contains a by-country guide of station addresses, who‛s who, websites, items for sale and more, followed by Worldwide Broadcast in English-2008. Find out what shows are on, and a by-country/by-hour schedule.

Passport‛s Blue Pages covers a by-frequency guide to world band frequencies, from 2,310-21,840 kHz The Blue Pages assist the listener to narrow their search by consulting the listed country, station, broadcast hours, language and targeted areas.

Passport to World Band Radio is a very good reference aid for any Dxer. For advise in receivers, antennas, frequencies and features, this years edition will aid in your shortwave radio journey.

Passport to World Band Radio 2007 (BK-18-08) is available through Grove Enterprises http://www.grove-ent.comn/ (or) 1-800-438-8155 for $ 22.95 + 3.00 P/H.
Reviewed by Gayle Van Horn
(What's New/Monitoring Times, Jan. 2008)