In a strategic move to fortify its global presence, Voice of America (VOA) has commissioned a comprehensive broadcast facility at the VOA-Nairobi Bureau. Our team successfully delivered and implemented a cutting-edge infrastructure, featuring two radio studios, a voice-over booth, a TV studio, and a TV control room. This transformative initiative positions VOA to produce digital, TV, and radio content in 48 languages, catering to a diverse non-American audience.

Highlighting Remote Capabilities and Expanded Reach

The VOA Swahili service, with its weekly outreach to over fifteen million listeners across East and Central Africa, now boasts enhanced capabilities. The facility enables journalists to conduct interviews, record shows, and seamlessly transmit content to VOA’s headquarters in Washington DC. Notably, the TV studio is equipped with remote production capabilities, affording VOA-Nairobi the ability to control the studio remotely. This forward-thinking approach places VOA at the forefront of broadcasting technology, ensuring a dynamic and flexible platform for engaging with audiences across the African continent and beyond.

The requirements were met by having the following solution:

• Rodecaster Pro + 4 Shure SM 7B Microphones in each of the radio studios and Voice Over Booths: The choice for Rodecaster Mixer was due to the USB, Bluetooth, and Inbuilt Telephone Hybrid Capability which makes telephone interviews and recording on PC quite efficient. Audio recording and editing were done using Audacity software through a USB connection from the mixer

• A complete NDI video production workflow in the TV Studio: NDI was chosen to connect the studio cameras with the video switcher since a single CAT 6 cable would provide both the camera feed and control functionality over the LAN. In order to achieve this, a Gigabit Switch was used to interface the Video Switcher, Cameras, and Camera Controller after assigning IP addresses to all the devices.
• NDI, Robotic Camera System with Hardware Controller: NDI HX PTZ3 cameras were chosen due to their low latency and little bandwidth requirements needed for NDI Program, Tally feature, PTZ Control, and professional Audio Integration required for Audio Embedding on NDI.

• Teleprompter System: The Robo Prompter was deployed and integrated with NDI HX PTZ3 Cameras which completely enclosed the robotic camera for unhindered camera movement while providing easy access to camera controls. The 22” 16:9 LED LCD offered HDMI connectivity from the PC.

• Wireless Tally System: Cuebi Light was chosen due to its versatility in deployment with Video Switchers and its 100% IP-based connection over a standard WiFi network to a switcher, was a perfect choice in achieving an “All-IP” Workflow in video production.
• Wireless TalkBack and IFB System: MARS T1000 was a perfect choice for wireless talkback using a base station, four belt pack transceivers, and five headsets. The full-duplex feature allowed communication in both directions, which guaranteed efficient and agile team collaboration.

• Light Grid System: Manfrotto Rails were used in mounting the light panels using an a4-wheel sliding carriage with a brake and a 5/8″ mounting spigot. This made it possible to move the lights along the grid whilst ensuring safety by locking them to the desired position. The Rails were attached on 2” Round Tubes Pipes suspended below the studio concrete ceiling slab with a (2×2)” angle line welded onto a 6mm plate for base mounting.

Light Panel with Wireless DMX: 12xPL-E90 Lights were deployed each with an output of 90W power which provided a 2200Lux luminance at a 1-meter distance (center), much
brighter than other similar size LED panels. The DMX console adopts standard DMX512 protocol, 8 faders, and 7 groups switching by 7 colors indicator.

• LIVE Transmission: Teradek Cube was used for live transmission between Nairobi and Washington DC Studio. This was probably the only device on Baseband SDI from the Video Switcher outputs together with the Monitor screens which were connected using HDMI. The project was completed within 2 months including training and commissioning.

All the studios were equipped, users trained and operations commenced soon after the project closure. TV Studio was uniquely designed to allow both manual operation and 100% automation through remote production; for instance, a producer in Washington DC Studio could remotely produce a show in Nairobi Studio in real-time which enhances flexibility whilst saving costs. A journalist is able to go LIVE without an operator in the control room to switch the Cameras and Audio.

Remote LIVE Workflows are continuously providing solutions in broadcast through cloud integration.

“At Jamiro Broadcast, we have cloud-based solution technology and vendor partners required to set up an entire broadcast workflow in the cloud including Ingest, Playout, Live Production, Multiviewer, Monitoring, and Content Distribution. VOA Project was made possible by NDI™ technology partner,” says Conchitah Lilian-Head of Marketing & PR.

Established in 1982, Internews is a global nonprofit organization with a widespread presence, boasting 30 offices worldwide. Its headquarters are strategically located in California, Washington DC, London, and Paris, complemented by regional hubs in Bangkok, Kyiv, and Nairobi. At its core, Internews is driven by the conviction that everyone deserves access to trustworthy news and information, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their lives and fostering transparency to hold those in power accountable. With a commitment to facilitating the flow of reliable information, Internews plays a vital role in building resilient communities and promoting a free and informed media landscape on a global scale.

Jamiro Broadcast supplied low power FM transmission system for 11 sites comprising:

1. 11x 500W DS500 RFE FM transmitters
2. 11x 2-Dipole Antenna System (2KW, 5dBd)
3. 11x 40 Metres ½ inch Feeder Cables

Prior to packaging at Internews’ regional office in Nairobi, the transmitters underwent preconfiguration, aligning them with the necessary audio and RF settings. This meticulous process was followed by final verification before the equipment was dispatched to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To facilitate smooth installations, feeder cables were precisely cut, and connectors were terminated to the exact required lengths.

To ensure optimal coverage, a sophisticated 2-Dipole Antenna system was readied for deployment across 11 remote sites. Positioned 30 meters above ground level, this strategic arrangement aimed to achieve a substantial coverage radius of 60 km, boasting a combined power output of 2593W Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) through the integration of both the transmitter and the Antenna system.

In configuring the transmitters for seamless functionality, the primary audio connection adopted Analog L+R, interfacing with the inbuilt stereo coder of the DS500. As a contingency measure, the backup audio input was set to the inbuilt IPA200, an optional IP audio Card. This configuration allowed for Full Duplex/Bidirectional Audio Connection via UMTS Modem or LAN, ensuring compatibility with popular platforms such as Icecast 1.x, Icecast 2.x, and Shoutcast. The transmitter web configuration was intelligently programmed for automatic switchover between primary and backup audio, enhancing operational reliability.

In addition to the primary installation contracts, Jamiro broadcast provides an FM signal propagation prediction pattern map before the installation and a final signal coverage map (from the measured RF signal) after installation using professional software and hardware probes for simulation and FM signal measurements respectively.

Jamiro Power also provides turnkey power requirements to the FM remote sites using both green elements and grid supply depending on the customers’ requirements. Our own Solar-Fm package is a good example of an integrated low-power transmission system set up for transmission coverage below 50 Kms radius.

We integrate grid and generator power in big installations using our own JBoards panels which provide a manual or automatic change-over between the 2 sources whilst interfacing the UPS and AVR for clean and regulated power supply to transmitters. JBoards are custom built to fit the load requirements for every installation.

“Our FM transmitters range stands at the perfect intersection among performance, energy-saving, flexibility, reduced initial investment, and maintenance together with the best possible audio and components quality. Jamiro Power has developed products that can help achieve the World Economies requirement that all industries adopt green sources of energy to be able to avoid 2 degrees Celsius of warming which otherwise would be catastrophic, we invested time and resources to develop Solar powered systems that can sustain household and commercial operations with a high return of investment” says Head of Marketing.

In 2019, JamiroBroadcast embarked on a transformative journey by introducing the innovative “MCRPack,” a Master Control Room Solution built on the virtualization concept. This groundbreaking approach, aligned with the modern cloud utility model, has redefined broadcasting as a software-driven business. As exclusive “CINEGY Gold Partners” for the Africa region, JamiroBroadcast, under the guidance of Technical Director Benson Nyaga, has spearheaded the integration of cutting-edge TV Newsroom and MCR solutions, catering to the dynamic needs of customers across the continent.

The MCRPack streamlines the traditional MCR setup, condensing complex and expensive hardware like routers, switchers, and multiviewers into a single, powerful custom-built server with zero SDI interface cards for inputs and outputs. This innovative workflow is adaptable to both new and existing channels, providing a scalable and cost-effective solution. The migration from SDI to IP-based infrastructure is executed gradually, achieving a 100% IP streams registry for MPEG-TS. At the registry server, the management of both Single Program Transport Streams (SPTS) and Multiple Program Transport Streams (MPTS) is seamlessly orchestrated, delivering streams to Multiviewers, Switchers, Routers, and Decoders at the Head-Ends.

Central to this success story is the integration of Cinegy ProCinegy Air PRO, representing the next evolution in broadcast automation and video servers. Departing from traditional monolithic black boxes, Cinegy Air PRO leverages TCP/IP network-attached real-time service appliances, providing a broadcast automation front-end and real-time video server for SD, HD, and/or Ultra HD (4K) playout within an integrated software suite. The collaborative synergy between JamiroBroadcast and CINEGY marks a significant milestone, propelling broadcasting technology forward and ensuring a dynamic, efficient, and future-ready solution for African customers

The installation was conducted at JCC Studio in Bamburi, Mombasa in February 2022 and commissioned after 2 weeks of user training marked with the features below:

1. Playout Module: CinegyAir PRO supports multi-channel playout, including simultaneous playout of several playout channels which can be controlled by a single Cinegy Air PRO control application. A client-Server architecture was deployed to allow playlist creation and control from workstations in the newsroom to the Playout Engine housed in the server room.
2. Graphics Module: Cinegy Titler is the dedicated software-based CG and branding option available for extending Cinegy Air. Cinegy Titler allows the addition of multiple layers of automation-controlled, template-based titles, logos, animated graphics, and more. From simple ticker tapes and lower thirds to multi-layer character animations, Cinegy Titler includes a whole range of advanced effects and features. This module addresses simple requirements such as logo insertion right through to complex branding with templated information and animated video plates.
3. Signal Contribution to Head-End: Cinegy Playout Engine was configured to contribute a MPEG Stream Using SRT protocol to the Head-end in Nairobi using public internet. Cinegy playout supports RTP/UDP and SRT inputs and outputs, which could be configured on unicast or multicast stream depending on the protocol chosen. The solution provides a major saving on 3rdparty encoders required in signal contribution.
4. Outside Broadcast (O.B): Jamiro Broadcast, own streaming Encoder was configured for O.B use by using SRT protocol in live signal contribution from location back to the studio on the public internet. The Encoder Supports up to 4x channels HD encoding using Multiple video resolutions including 2160p, 2160i, 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 720i, 480p, and 480i on Baseband SDI using 3G/HD/SD-SDI with the following supported protocols: UDP, RTP/UDP, Multicast/Unicast, HLS, RTMP, SRT streaming, IGMPv2,

Our success story with the CINEGY brand was launched in 2019 by innovating our own “MCRPack” This is Master Control Room Solution that is built on the virtualization concept. With the modern cloud utility model, virtualization turns broadcasting into a software-driven business.

In any standard MCR, you’ll expect to find Hardware Routers, Hardware Switchers, Hardware Multiviewers, etc. All these complex, expensive and sophisticated gear can be reduced into a single box of powerful custom-built servers with zero SDI interface cards for Inputs and outputs. Our Workflow fits both new and existing channels.

We start with migration from SDI to IP-based infrastructure in a gradual, step-by-step manner until we are able to achieve a 100% IP streams registry for MPEG-TS. At the registry server, we are able to manage both SPTS and MPTS and can deliver the streams to Multiviewers, Switchers, Routers, and Decoders at the Head-Ends.

About Cinegy ProCinegy Air PRO is the logical next step in the evolution of broadcast automation and video servers. Gone are the monolithic black boxes, replaced by TCP/IP network-attached real-time service appliances. Cinegy Air PRO provides a broadcast automation front-end and a real-time video server for SD, HD, and/or Ultra HD (4K) playout, in an integrated software suite.

“JamiroBroadcast is an exclusive “CINEGY Gold Partners” for Africa region, providing our customers with cutting edge TV Newsroom and MCR solutions which we integrate to our customers in Africa.” Says Benson Nyaga –Technical Director

Established in 2005 by the community members and residents of Wajir County, Wajir Community Radio (WCR) embarked on a transformative journey, with the station’s construction beginning in October 2007 and officially launching in May 2010. The Arid Lands Resource Management Project (ALRMP), funded by the World Bank through Arid Lands Resource Management, played a pivotal role in supporting the community’s vision for a local radio station.

WCR sought the expertise of Jamiro Broadcast to upgrade its entire FM transmission chain, expanding its reach to a broader audience in the Northern Eastern Province, covering six constituencies: Eldas, Tarbaj, Wajir North, West, East, and South. With a transmission radius of 140km, WCR now reaches an estimated audience of 270,000 people. This collaboration underscores the commitment of WCR and Jamiro Broadcast to empower communities through enhanced communication, making a lasting impact in the region.

RF signal Coverage transmission simulation was carried out and a suitable Antenna and Transmission configuration was designed using:

• 3KW FM Transmitter
• 6-Bay -Circular antenna system
• IP-STL Signal Contribution

We chose RFE Broadcast’s (DS3000) transmitter which provided the required RF power with its innovative RF design and efficiency (>85%) which means strong reliability, simple control, and easy maintenance which made it perfect for WCR applications using solar power.

The station RF Site is built with solar power which yields a daily average of 22 Kilo Watt Hour (kWh) sufficient to operate the transmitter on full power for 8 hours during the day and automatically the Transmitter is programmed to reduce the power by 70% at night to save on energy.

The DS3000 provides unrivaled audio modulation with an AoIP interface which eliminated the baseband audio connections thus providing uncompressed audio from the studio through an IP STL Link.

Jamiro Broadcast aimed at providing a modern, innovative, and cost-effective solution to WCR which can serve the present and future needs in FM transmission.

Tune in to 90.9 FM.

Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government’s international radio broadcaster, stands as the largest and longest-standing U.S.-funded international broadcaster. Operating in 47 languages, VOA produces digital, TV, and radio content distributed to affiliate stations globally, with a primary focus on a non-American audience.

Within the diverse VOA offerings, the Swahili Service plays a vital role, broadcasting to East and Central African nations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Swahili-speaking communities across West and Southern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The service reaches an impressive fifteen million listeners weekly through mediumwave and various FM affiliates in the region.

To enhance its capabilities, VOA enlisted the expertise of Jamiro Broadcast for the supply and installation of three audio recording studios. The 1st Studio accommodates up to 4 guests, the 2nd Studio accommodates 2 guests, and the 3rd Studio serves as a dedicated voice-over booth for their TV studio. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing VOA’s capacity to deliver high-quality content to its extensive Swahili-speaking audience, reaffirming its commitment to global communication and information dissemination.

All the Studios were equipped with:

• Rodecaster Pro mixer, Shure SM7B Microphones
• Sony MDR 7506 Headphones
• A 24” iMac with Audacity Audio Editing software.

The journalists are able to conduct live interviews from studio 1 by having guests come in the studio and recording multi-track audio from each guest for further mixing and editing later the audio is packaged into MP3 format and that is then sent to Washington, DC for transmission.

Our team during the installation stage

The installation was carried out in the last quarter of 2021 and user training was offered in January 2022 to eight (8) journalists on the use of Audacity software and Rodecaster mixer for professional audio recording and editing.

Audio production being the key deliverable for this project, training requirement was the major success factor in instilling knowledge requirements to the journalists. Jamiro Academy was able to deliver true mastery skills in audio production.

Jamiro Academy is a new subsidiary for Jamiro Broadcast established in 2022 to offer professional training skills requirements in the Broadcast and Media Industry with a focus on Audio, Video, and Data. Different modules are available for different users including Journalists, Technical Operators, Engineers, and Producers working in broadcast facilities or production companies.

“With the motto of “Spirit of Innovation”, the academy is set to bring forth innovative and revolutionary technologies in broadcast and media business, Says Benson Nyaga-Technical Director, Jamiro Broadcast.”

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