Through a series of lengthy conference calls, meetings, and E-mails, the networks focused on one thing: building a system that would allow a radio station to receive dozens of satellite channels on a single receiver for most stations.
"Our goal was to set standards for the Christian radio industry so a transition into new technology would be as smooth as possible."The group is known as the Christian Radio Consortium (CRC). A careful study of network, station and program producer needs resulted in an outline for a new technology platform. The conclusion was unanimous: a migration was in order to a DVB-compliant system using the Wegener Communications UNITYTM4000 receiver.
| Input Frequency Range | 950 to 2150 MHz |
| Carrier Lock Range | +/- 1.0 MHz |
| Input Level Range | -20 dBm to -135 dBm/Hz |
| Input Impedance | 75 Ohms |
| LNB Power | 18 VDC polarity switching @ 200 mA max. |
| Tuning Resolution | 1 kHz |
| Modulation | QPSK |
| FEC Coding | Concatenated Reed-Solomon/convolutional [DVB] |
| Compression Type | MPEG Layer II |
| Data Rate | 64 - 384 kpbs |
| Output Modes Supported | Mono Dual Mono Joint Stereo |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Output Level @ max PPL | +18.0dbm |
| Impedance | Balanced <50 Ohms |
| Harmonic Distortion | <0.1% |
| S/N Ratio | >80 dB |
| Audio | <50 Ohms via screw terminals |
| MPEG Transport Stream | DVB Parallel LVDS |
| Alarm | Relay closure via removable screw terminals |
| TTLs | Closure via removable screw terminals |
| Data Port One | 9.6 kb RS232 via DB9 connector |
| Data Port Two | 38.4 kb R5232 via DB9 connector |
| Power | Universal switching power supply |
| Size | Rack mount: 1.75" x 19" x 13.5" |
| Operating Temperature | 10° to 40° C |
An informal group of Christian radio satellite program distributors who've come together to solve a technical problem the industry faces: the end of our current technology called FM2. The group includes Ambassador Inspirational Radio, Focus Satellite Network, Moody Broadcasting Network, Salem Radio Network, SkyLight Satellite Network, USA Radio Network and VCY America Network.
2. How did this consortium form?
It came together as a result of being told at the 1998 NRB convention our current technology would no longer be offered after February 29, 2000. The group agreed it would be best to work together to find a common solution while minimizing the impact on radio stations. The CRC held a common dream to provide dozens of satellite services through a single receiver for most stations.
3. Is this a "formal" organization, like NRB?
It's informal by design but serious in intent and work. The CRC technical module, once a transition has been completed, will pursue other industry issues such as store-forward technology, DAB (digital audio broadcasting) and an examination of Web-castings impact on the industry, for example.4. The current system seems to be working fine. Why make this change now?
The choice was not the CRC's. The current system (FM2) is inefficient with satellite space. The rising costs of construction, launch and maintenance forced satellite providers to be more productive in the use of their resources.5. What is the timeline of the system?
The headends will be tested in early 1999. Stations should order their receiver directly from Wegener in the spring of 1999. Installation and transition must be completed by September 6, 1999. (Plan on 6-8 weeks for receiver delivery.)
6. Will there be a change in the audio quality?
For those who are currently operating analog, yes--as much as you'd expect from any transition from analog to digital--with all the inherent advantages. For Moody, Salem and SkyLight affiliates, any change will he nominal.7. What will a receiver cost?
A standard receiver, which provides two stereo audio outputs is estimated to cost $2625. The receiver can be configured with a 14-position relay card and additional two stereo audio outputs which is estimated to cost $29258. How and when can I purchase a receiver?
Receivers will be purchased directly from Wegener. However the receivers will not be shipped until after the system has been thoroughly tested by the CRC technical group. We estimate this to be in April of 1999.9. Will I need any other new equipment?
Each receiver will be shipped with a new LNB In some cases, depending upon antenna size, a station may need to install a new antenna. This is a result of antenna gain and 2° spacing of satellites. Satellite dishes which are not 2° compliant may encounter adjacent satellite interference. Antennas which are not large enough (minimum 2.8 meters) may not have enough signal gain to function without periodic interruption.10. Can stations use their existing receivers?
The system will require a new DVB compliant receiver. The CRC has decided to standardize on Wegener's UNITY4000 receiver which meets or exceeds the specifications of any receiver currently in use.11. Is that different from the group of Focus Satellite Network ministries?
The Focus group is part of the CRC. Several ministries have joined Focus in an effort to share satellite time just as each of the seven networks also represents a broad range of radio broadcasts being distributed via satellite.12. What's your view of these various ministry organizations working together?
To say that it is historic in an understatement. Never have such a broad range of ministry organizations gathered with the primary objective of standardizing a transmission scheme. The group has been of one accord on every significant issue down the line--a real indication of God's hand--with a sense of unanimity and a spirit of genuine cooperation. As a result, stations will have a greater variety than ever--hundreds of programs--received through seven or more satellite distributors from one single receiver.
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