MALAYSIA: Uniting the linguistic and multicultural diversity across the East Malaysian state of Sarawak, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has served as the region’s public broadcaster since 1946, with content tailored for listeners living within numerous isolated communities.
To amplify Sarawak’s distinctive cultural and linguistic heritage, RTM Sarawak boasts a curated selection of radio stations. The division caters to the state’s multifaceted demographics with broadcast information, education and entertainment aired in various languages and dialects. Stations like Sarawak FM and Red FM cater to Malay, Melanau, English and Chinese-speaking audiences, mirroring the region’s linguistic plurality. Simultaneously, Wai FM Iban and Wai FM Bidayuh are dedicated to championing the Iban and Bidayuh cultures, respectively.
RTM Sarawak’s main control room
Demanding future-proofed, high-fidelity audio broadcasting, RTM Sarawak committed to a thorough upgrade of its Kuching facilities in 2023. In collaboration with Asiana Sdn Bhd, Stagetec Asia was commissioned to design and install a Dante audio-over-IP (AoIP) network solution. Stagetec Asia’s proven track record in executing complex audio infrastructure projects was instrumental in being awarded the RTM Sarawak project. “We have partnered with RTM for almost 20 years and our relationship was recently enhanced during the extensive Media City project at Angkasapuri Kota Media in the capital,” comments Stagetec Asia managing director, Advon Tan.
Central to the daily operations of RedFM, Wai FM (Iban), Sarawak FM, Wai FM (Bidayuh), a Standby OnAir Studio, a VIP Talk Studio and the main control room (MCR), broadcasts are aired from DHD SX2 Smart IP modular on-air consoles. Equipped with motorised faders, triple 10.1-inch multi-touch displays and a central control and monitoring area, ease-of-use operations are conducted from a single GUI touchscreen.
The studio at Wai FM Iban
Enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the broadcasts, a DHD router network management system, implemented by Stagetec Asia, connects each DHD console. The dual main and backup XC Series Core radio routers promote hybrid interface capabilities for connecting both analogue AES/ EBU and Dante/AES67 AoIP digital audio inputs. Independent from PC-based systems, the XC2 Series Core radio routers eliminate the requirement for hard disks or batteries leading to a reduction of studio noise.
Complementing the inclusion of DHD console technology, Stagetec has integrated a collective suite of Yellowtec m!ka microphone arms, Zenon Media All in One radio automation, AVT Magic telephone hybrid and phoner sets and Sonifex peripherals into each studio. “The Zenon Media All in One radio automation system offers a complete solution for managing and automating radio station operations, including audio and metadata management,” adds Stagetec Asia’s senior project manager, Yap Wei Keong. “By enabling bidirectional transfers of content both within RTM Sarawak and other regional stations, the system streamlines the scheduling and playout of broadcasts while facilitating the integration of detailed metadata.”
Standby OnAir Studio
The inclusion of Focusrite Pro AoIP RedNet PCIe soundcards and Dante Domain Manager software ensures that security of the low-latency audio-over-IP network is enhanced with user authentication, role-based access control and encryption. Specified for its high-quality audio output and adherence to broadcasting standards, the MCR setup also boasts an RTW TM7 Dante loudness meter and an Omnia 9 multi-band FM broadcast transmission processor.
“The RTM Sarawak project extends the successful partnership between RTM and Stagetec Asia,” extends Tan. “Driven by our client’s visionary outlook, we continuously pursue innovation on their behalf. As a result, the bespoke automation, AoIP networking and visual enhancement turnkey solution we have designed extends their broadcasting capabilities. Having adopted this design, RTM Sarawak can evolve its broadcasting services over many years to come. The RTM Sarawak project is not merely an upgrade – it secures RTM’s status at the zenith of the sector.”
