In the studio there is a computer, two compact
disc (CD) players, two mini disc (MD) players, two record decks
and three microphones. These are all connected together using an
Alice Soundcraft Series "A" mixing desk, which allows the presenter to decide
what goes to air.
The output of the mixing desk is what the patients hear at their bedside.
The computer in the studio is the main source of our music. It
has songs, jingles and announcements loaded onto it. The software used on the
computer is called RadioActive and it allows our presenters to call up a song
or a jingle at the click of a button. It can even take control when there is nobody
sitting in front of it. This means we can stay on the air twenty
four hours a day 7 days a week.
The CD and record players are used to play requests,specialist music
and other songs in the which are in our library but are not on the computer.
The studio has the facility to allow guests to speak on air,
hence we have three microphones rather than just one for the presenter.
The output from the studio is fed via cable to the remaining wards that have the old
type headsets but as most of the hospital is now fitted with the Premierline system
there is a digital feed for this as well.
We hope that this has given you an insight on
how our programmes reach the bedside. If you would like to listen
to Torbay Hospital Radio whilst you're in hospital,
just switch to channel 8 on the bedside entertainment system.
