Malaysia:
In a move to advance regional broadcasting in Malaysia, RTM’s Sabah regional radio stations – which consist of RTM Keningau, RTM Sandakan and RTM Tawau – have been fully upgraded with an IP-based broadcast infrastructure, their first major system overhaul in over two decades. The transformation was led by Medialab Alliance as the main contractor, with JAA Systems providing the system design and solution integration.
At the core of the update is Calrec’s Type R digital audio mixing system, deployed across four studios per station with a Master Control Room (MCR), with a mix of 12-fader and 18-fader control surfaces. Each studio is now fully IP-enabled, operating under AES67-compliant architecture, with a Type R Core system centrally handling all audio routing and mixing functions.
“For more than 20 years, these regional stations have operated on ageing analogue and digital systems,” said Ts. Azhar Abdul Latiff, managing director of Medialab Alliance. “This upgrade catapults them into a full-IP environment, drastically improving reliability, operational flexibility and future scalability.”
The deployment includes a redundant Artel IP switch network, enabling mission-critical IP workflows with high availability and full fault tolerance. This backbone allows enhanced audio and control data distribution across studios and the MCR, ensuring no single point of failure.
Beyond the mixing infrastructure, the project also integrates RCS Zetta, a radio automation platform that enables multistation scheduling, playout and voice tracking with IP audio integration; LaON’s Genie IP wired and 5G wireless Intercom System which provides scalable and low-latency communications across control rooms and studios with full IP interfacing; and Prodys Quantum IP Codecs have been deployed for real-time, low-latency remote contribution and outside broadcast integration via managed IP networks. Orban Optimod Audio Processors have been installed to ensure broadcast-quality ITU-R BS.1770-4 compliance loudness control and ITU BS.412 Multiplex Power Controller compliance and spectral consistency before transmission, while Tascam solid-state recorders provide high-quality audio recording for postproduction in WAV/BWF formats.
“Calrec’s Type R offers unparalleled interoperability with our selected ecosystem. This, combined with Artel, RCS, Orban, LaON, Prodys and Tascam, gives RTM an end-to-end IP audio solution that is modular, resilient and operator-friendly,” said David Chan, CEO of JAA Systems. “We’re proud to have delivered one of the most complete and forward-looking radio infrastructure upgrades for RTM. This upgrade isn’t just about better sound – it’s about a better workflow. The system is designed for today’s hybrid production environment, where studio, remote and automated elements must coexist seamlessly. By implementing Calrec’s Type R within a comprehensive IP backbone, we ensure operational continuity and flexibility that will serve RTM Sabah for many years to come. With the new IP infrastructure, we’re now capable of remote diagnostics, centralised control and rapid deployment of future services. It’s a game-changer for our regional operations.”
The modernisation positions RTM Sabah among the most technologically advanced regional broadcasters in Malaysia, reaffirming the public broadcaster’s commitment to high-quality, community-focused radio in East Malaysia.
Tags: #calrecaudio, #jaasystems