Thomson M2W Transmitter used by All India Radio for Broadcast of First Local Radio Programs to Lakshadweep

 

Las Vegas (National Association of Broadcasters Convention — Booths SL106/SL2120) April 12, 2008 — All India Radio (AIR) has selected Thomson's (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) M2W medium-wave transmitters for the launch of the first local radio channels to India's Lakshadweep Islands. The new service will go on air during 2008. Thomson's M2W 10kW medium-wave transmitters, already in use at AIR stations all over India, will now be used to broadcast the first local content from Kavarati radio station throughout the Lakshadweep Islands.

AIR is India's national broadcaster and has one of the largest radio networks in the world, covering over 99% of the Indian population. The Lakshadweep project falls under a special program driven by the Government of India for the development of the North Eastern region. The economy and infrastructure of the entire North East region is lagging far behind the rest of the country and the government is providing a booster for this.

The Lakshadweep medium-wave project marks a new milestone in the successful cooperation between Thomson and Broadcast Engineering Corporation India Limited (BECIL), who are supplying the auxiliary items for the transmitter.

In spite of recent penetration by other media such as cable TV, radio remains the most common means of gaining access to information and entertainment in India, as radio receivers are relatively cheap and affordable.

"Local public service broadcasting is an important cornerstone in our mandate to educate, inform and entertain. The ability to generate local programs will encourage the people on the islands to participate. The broadcast scenario has undergone revolutionary changes in the last few years. Medium wave broadcasting is an important platform for media distribution in India, and we are following the progress of the digitalization of the AM bands with great interest," said a senior spokesperson from AIR.

"Medium wave broadcasting is a cost-efficient alternative for local, regional or even national coverage. Thomson M2W transmitters reflect a through-and-through perfect combination of innovative technology and dedicated craftsmanship. Thanks to their high overall efficiency, this transmitter line makes a comprehensive contribution to cost-effective media implementation" said Patrick Montliaud, Senior Vice President of Thomson's Integration and Networks Solutions business unit, within the Systems division.

About M2W

The M2W transmitter line is Thomson's answer to the needs of high quality analog and DRM performance from 10 kW to 250 kW. Built exclusively on digital processing techniques, the M2W is equipped with the advanced modulation technology and intrinsic flexibility needed for the complex modulation schemes of digital modulation techniques.

Factory equipped for digital AM, the M2W line allows broadcasters to switch modes with a simple push of a button. The compact, all-in-one modular design of the M2W line with its low life-cycle costs meets today's standards for cost-effective transmission with high reliability and availability of service. M2W transmitters come equipped with a Web interface for remote control.

About All India Radio

AIR is India's national broadcaster and has one of the largest radio networks in the world ing service planned, developed and operated by the Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation of India and is one of the largest radio networks in the world. With a network of 229 broadcasting centers, AIR covers 91.79% of the entire Indian area and 99.14% of the population.

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