104.1 Power FM Becomes King in Kigali With Lawo’s Virtualization

104.1 Power FM, a brand-new radio station taking over the streets with a wide range of engaging music, is amongst the first radio stations in Rwanda to adopt IP broadcast infrastructure and virtualize its radio studios using Lawo RƎLAY virtual radio software. This standards-based AES67 IP infrastructure not only gives operators fast, efficient, and flexible workflows, it requires little traditional hardware. Using only a few components and a small UPS, it also saves space and power by eliminating the need for a technical room.

In this new technological environment, a big touchscreen for the DJ is the heart of all action, taking the place of traditional broadcast mixers. Using only a standard PC, Lawo RƎLAY VRX virtual radio mixer software, coupled with VSC virtual sound card drivers, provide a complete radio broadcast studio solution.

Best of all, this new Lawo RƎLAY installation enables remote-controlled radio production and broadcasts originating off-site. By leveraging the cost-efficiency of off-the-shelf COTS PCs, Ethernet switches and CAT-5 cabling, the new station is independent of specialized hardware — all the components can all be acquired locally. This setup even makes it possible to remotely-control the complete Power FM radio station using only a smartphone.

Ken Kayima, CEO of 104.1 Power FM, is enthusiastic about his station’s new technology: “Creating a radio station was never this easy before! And RƎLAY controls are so simple that presenters can focus solely on their programs and listeners. Expansion for inputs or streaming is just plug and play; we can connect smartphones as hybrids and integrate any radio playout system.”

Ralf Schimmel, Lawo’s Senior Sales Director Africa, Italy & Balkans, notes “The creativity that Lawo customers display in using our products to solve problems never fails to delight me! Ken and his team instantly grasped the possibilities that RƎLAY offers, and the benefits of an IP-based virtual radio infrastructure. With these they developed a custom workflow concept that
makes Power FM really stand out.”