SABC radio goes digital

Johannesburg, 25 Aug 2009

The SABC and Siemens claim to have broadcast the first live radio transmission with IP over WiMax.

In a statement, the companies explain the pilot broadcast of the Kaizer Chiefs vs Manchester City football game, held at Absa Stadium, in Durban, on 31 July was to see if a live broadcast using this technology was possible.

Johannes von Weyssenhoff, Siemens' programme portfolio manager for radio, says the SABC has decided to upgrade the equipment in its radio broadcast vehicles from analogue to digital. “At present, a broadcast crew runs large, heavy, copper analogue cables from the stadium to the vehicle positioned outside. This enables the commentator, who sits inside the venue, to transmit back to the SABC for broadcasting.”

He says the SABC did consider using fibre, but settled on wireless. “WiMax technology is robust and fast. It works in a similar fashion to a wireless LAN, but is capable of extending over far greater distances,” says Von Weyssenhoff.

The SABC is using the public frequency of 5.475GHz, although it says licensed spectrum would be better and “yield better results”.

According to Siemens, the equipment was not installed permanently since the project was run on a trial basis. The SABC-Siemens team will conduct further investigations into the technology and run more trials. “However, if the success demonstrated at the Absa Stadium continues, the intention is to make the installation permanent,” notes Von Weyssenhoff.

He says after the successful pilot, the companies are going to engage the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) to see if protected spectrum can be used in the next trial.

“Now that this technology has been proven so successfully, we have initiated further trials and will be involving ICASA in our preparations. During the current phase of trials, we will test different frequencies, venues and events, such as concerts,” Von Weyssenhoff explains.