In an internet powered generation, online radio stations have not had a fantastic airplay in sourcing for bulk listeners. We can only hope this will change with the launch of NXT Radio.
NXT Radio is the first ever Audio Visual/ digital radio station in Uganda meaning you can decide to listen or watch it live as you please provided you have the means to. It broadcasts over the former Jazz FM frequency if your picking up your signal over an analog receiver after it bought out the latter. Others can pick it up online so long as you have a stable internet connection for what it truly stands for, that being Audio and visuals.
However, if the above is puzzling you or If you don’t know what a digital radio like NXT is all about, worry not, as we are breaking it down for you through 5 things you really need to know about an Audio Visual radio station.
Internet powered
In this digital age, we shall all reach a time when the Internet Of Things (IOT) is finally a dream come true. 5G powered driveless cars are making their way, home automation etc. It’s a clear clue of what’s coming next and in the same fashion, online radios are fully powered by the internet and with 4G LTE networks on the line, 5G may boost up an extra spice into the online streaming/listening era.
As a matter of fact, audio-visual stations like the newly unveiled NXT radio are fully powered by the internet. In addition, such stations are always online 24/7 in a bid to serve a wider population off the internet.
Virtual frequency
A few years ago after the digital TV migration streak took effect in Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission hatched a plan a digitize radios as well. Just in case you didn’t pick UCC’s take on this, online radio is the perfect slice of the commission’s digital goals. In addition, these radios only broadcast through the internet and can never be accessed through the MHZ or FM bands on an analog receiver.
We shall however excuse NXT Radio since it has an analog frequency to accommodate conventional radio listeners as it tries to assimilate them to its new broadcasting medium.
Cross-continent broadcasts
In the glory days of the 19th generations where the internet came to life with minimal tech advancements, radio stations were only accessed through stereo receivers. However, the story is far different to date as many smartphones like the latest Pixel 3 or Huawei Mate 20 come with pre-installed FM radio tuners.
The story with online radio is quite different as you can easily access a station from anywhere around the world at any time with a live link. Henceforth, as long you have access to the internet, it becomes the clear gateway to your favorite location right by your side since online radios are powered by the worldwide network.
High definition (HD) Audio beats per minute
Unlike analog signal jams that provoke a depreciation in the quality by a radio station. An online radio station emits the same audio quality as reflected on the receiver end. While signal jams are never witnessed on the internet except through botnet attacks. The exact HD audio produced at a station is what’s received on the recipient end transmitted over the internet.
Only available on smartphones & internet-powered devices
Although NXT radio is a Ugandan based digital radio, It’s analog signal broadcasting at 106.1 is for those still locked in the analog era. However, the digital version of the radio is only available on smartphones and internet powered devices like computers or tablets. More so, the initial cryptography behind online radios is accessibility over the internet proving the online direction over station broadcasts.
As much as these online stations can be accessed through direct portals or joint apps like the Tune in App. Each and every radio stations has its respective app in the Google or Apple store. Henceforth, you should not ponder much into what internet/online radio might be, It’s simply the digital revolution pushing radio bands to the next limit.
