Radio Fórum de Mérida unveils a complete technical overhaul featuring state-of-the-art equipment from AEQ

Mérida's Radio Fórum unveils a complete technical overhaul featuring state-of-the-art equipment from AEQ

The City Council of Mérida has completed a comprehensive renovation of the studio at the municipal radio station Radio Fórum, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge professional infrastructure. The modernization includes the latest technology equipment supplied by AEQ.

Radio Fórum, located in the Alcazaba Cultural Center and operating as a public service for years, has undergone a complete transformation of its technical facilities. The new setup significantly improves production and broadcast capabilities, allowing the municipal station to offer more diverse and higher-quality programming to the citizens of Mérida.

Cutting-edge technical equipment

The technical heart of the new studios is the AEQ CAPITOL IP PLUS digital console, paired with the AEQ VisualRPlus visual radio platform, in a comprehensive “turnkey” solution that integrates all the features required for modern, professional broadcasting.

The AEQ CAPITOL IP PLUS is a 10-fader digital console with IP architecture. The console stands out for its extensive connectivity: 16 AoIP input channels and 16 output channels under the Dante-AES67 protocol, 4 mic/line inputs, 12 analog inputs, 4 AES/EBU (AES3) stereo digital inputs, 2 USB stereo digital inputs, 2 optional telephone lines, and optional digital multichannel audio links; in addition to 16 AoIP channels over two Ethernet ports. This flexible architecture allows the system to be adapted to different types of productions and future developments.

Two AoIP audio encoders were also supplied for outdoor broadcasts or connections with collaborators. A dual-channel stereo AEQ VENUS 4 audio encoder was installed in the studio, featuring all encoding algorithms, including SmartRTP. For outdoor use, the station was equipped with the AEQ ALIO IP audio encoder, which includes a 5-input mixer, the same encoding algorithms as the VENUS 4, and the option to expand to a second stereo channel.

Visual Radio's features and multi-platform compatibility

For its part, AEQ VisualRPlus incorporates the concept of visual radio by automatically generating audiovisual content associated with traditional broadcasts, using PTZ cameras. It features a mixer with up to 8 NDI-compatible inputs, unlimited transitions, programmable macros, and advanced functions such as Picture-in-Picture, DSK, and overlay graphics. In addition, it includes recording, playout, and a multi-format AV player, enabling streaming broadcasts and adaptation to multiple digital platforms.

This capability is particularly relevant in the current context, where the convergence of traditional radio and digital platforms is essential for reaching new audiences and maintaining the relevance of public media.

The studio’s equipment is rounded out by technical furniture custom-designed for Radio Forum, comprehensive cabling, monitors, microphones, professional-grade headphones, and ON AIR signage, all fully interconnected via multi-channel AoIP links that ensure maximum flexibility and operational reliability.

In addition, all high-frequency equipment was upgraded, including the antenna system and the radio link, which transmits audio from the studio to the broadcast center via an MPX generator with a 5-band processing system to improve the station’s audio quality.

Radio Fórum: A public service committed to the city

Radio Fórum is the municipal radio station of the City of Mérida, broadcasting on 107.4 FM. As a public service, it is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable information to all residents of Mérida, offering content on local news, culture, education, history, the economy, the environment, and much more.

Radio Fórum’s programming is characterized by its closeness to the community. It features four daily news broadcasts and hourly bulletins that keep the audience updated on city events. But beyond news, Radio Fórum is also a participatory radio station, with segments open to listeners where professionals and enthusiasts can share experiences and projects. The station actively listens to its listeners’ suggestions, complaints, and concerns, which are an integral part of its work in news reporting and public service.

Through its commitment to accurate and rigorous reporting, Radio Fórum aspires to be “everyone’s radio station”—a media outlet serving Mérida and its residents, accessible via 107.4 FM and through its online platform.

Modernization as a commitment to innovation

This upgrade represents a clear commitment by the City of Mérida to modernizing its communications infrastructure. The new equipment not only improves the technical quality of broadcasts but also paves the way for new production formats, better integration with digital platforms, and a greater ability to respond to the city’s news needs.

AEQ, the provider of this comprehensive solution, is a leader in the professional broadcasting sector, with decades of experience supplying state-of-the-art equipment to broadcasters around the world.

For more information about Radio Fórum, visit https://merida.es/tu-ayuntamiento/radio-forum