World Radio TV Handbook 2014
Review by Gayle Van Horn, Teak Publishing
The 2014 World Radio TV Handbook, the most comprehensive reference book for global broadcasting, have recently released their 68th edition.
This year, as in past editions, begins with receiver reviews including the CommRadio CR-1, an impressive table top receiver that offers a good deal of functionality in a small, light and portable package, as well as remarkably good performance. Additional reviews include the AOR AR6000. Noted as a “super wide-band multimode receiver,” it is observed as having the widest frequency coverage of any previously reviewed receiver by WRTH. An overview of the WinRadio Excalibur Ultra software defined radio, concludes it is the best SDR radio, and ultimately the best receiver, presently on the market. Additional reviews focus on the AOR AR8200D, Youkits FG-01 Mk II and the FunCube Dongle Pro.+
Jerry Berg follows the rise and fall of the first global medium in his feature, The History of Shortwave Broadcasting in a Nutshell. Radio nostalgia fans will bask in the early years of shortwave in it’s heyday.
Well-known DXer and broadcaster Victor Goonetilleke reflects on names that resonate with listeners and DXers worldwide, and the changes in the broadcasting scene. Broadcasting in Sri Lanka, is a well-written feature beginning with the early years of Radio Ceylon. Sri Lanka occupies a unique place in the history of international broadcasting.
Freelance writer, traveler and Dxer, Hans Johnson, reprises his features role with an interesting story, Voice of Vietnam. Hans takes the reader behind the scenes of the Voice of Vietnam’s history from Ho Chi Minh’s inaugural transmission in 1945, to today’s large external service and relay broadcast. Broadcasting is alive and well from the Voice of Vietnam.
Digital Future, delves into what hobbyist might see in the digital future. High goals, big plans and many elements that have yet to be achieved. Does the world need a digital radio broadcasting standard ? The writer will tell you “we do not envisage the wholesale replacement by digital technology for many years.” However, the dust of digital electronic revolution has yet to settle.
HF Broadcasting Reception Conditions Expected During 2014, begins with the Cycle 24 Reaches Its Peak. This year’s predictions are for a low interference between stations, and an improved reception on the HF broadcasting bands. Most Suitable Frequencies 2014, can assist in your monitoring sessions.
The National Radio section, list domestic radio stations which broadcast to a national listening audience on medium wave, shortwave and FM. Listings are arranged by country and include frequencies, transmitter locations, kW, station contact information and website/email information if applicable.
International Radio, contains stations broadcasting to an international audience. Similar to the latter, this section includes frequencies, transmitter locations, kW, contact information and website/email contacts.
Politically-motivated broadcast are covered in the eight page section, Clandestine and Other Target Broadcast. Programs are produced by groups opposed to the government of the target country, while the Other Target Broadcast, are produced by non-government or perhaps a government organization, that target broadcast to regions of conflict. A one-page listing of Religious Broadcasts Cross Reference Table closes this section.
The Frequency List covers a by-frequency of LW and medium for Europe, Africa and Middle East, and a by-frequency medium wave listings for Asia and Pacific (excluding the Middle East), Central America, Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and South America (excluding Brazil).
Shortwave Stations of the World are listed by-frequency from 2325 kHz - 26060 kHz. The International Broadcast section list by-hour listings in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, followed by a one-page DRM Broadcast, and Terrestrial Television.
Closing on this year’s edition is an extensive reference section of country indexes and codes, world transmitting sites, radio clubs, book abbreviations, and domestic SW transmitter sites.
Standard Time & Frequency Transmissions contains schedules and contact information for worldwide time/frequency stations including WWV, WWVH, CHU and more.
The World Radio TV Handbook 2014, as in previous editions, sets the gold-standard in radio reference for the global radio audience. It remains the very best and authoritative annual guide, and should compliment every listening post.
For ordering information, please consult: http://www.wrth.com/
