Ottawa-based Novra Technologies Inc., publicly traded on the TSX index, and subsidiary International Datacasting Corporation have been selected by a non-denominational international religious radio network to provide “the next-generation broadcast infrastructure” for its radio network refresh.
The network will be operated by LinkUp Communications from its Denver teleport.
IDC will provide audio encoders and next-generation MAP receivers as well as the IDC MISTiQ cloud distribution platform to Your Network of Praise (YNOP).
The MAP Pro Audio receives and distributes for broadcast “state-of-the-art audio signals” via satellite and/or internet empowering redundancy and high-availability requirements.
MISTiQ will be used for contribution links, while distribution will take place via satellite—all managed by LinkUp Communications.
LinkUp’s selection of IDC as one of its technology partners will enable it to provide a range of solutions, including receivers, uplinks, hosted satellite channels, internet distribution, and event affiliate and network administration, the company says. “LinkUp’s prime directive is to manage all aspects of their clients’ technical details, leaving programming companies empowered to create the very best in audio content.”
This network upgrade replaces the previous ABR network.
YNOP, based in Montana, is a non-secular entity led by Roger Lonquist. It was founded in 1979, following a lunch meeting to discuss insurance between oil executive Wayland Elenburg and insurance agent Marvin Calahan. Realizing that they were both Christians, the conversation soon turned to their faith and their belief that a Christian radio station to serve Havre and the hi-line region of Montana was needed. On July 28, 1983, their dream became a reality as KXEI-FM 95.1 in Havre, Mont., signed-on as “Your Channel of Praise.” In 1991, KVCM-FM was added, starting the creation of a network of stations across the Mountain West.
LinkUp Communications President Mark Johnson commented, “This is an important project for us as we expand our hybrid delivery services. As a longtime leader in rock solid satellite distribution, the IDC platform provides a strong future of distribution solutions for our customers. We are pleased to add reliable, versatile MISTiQ to the services we provide our user community.”
Gary Carter, VP Business Development and Products for Novra Group/IDC, added, “Our MISTiQ platform is now in its second generation, and MAP Pro Audio in its third. It is exciting to see these products mature and add features and functionalities based on real life deployments and the feedback of our customers. Our industry is on the verge of a tipping point for internet distribution and we are at the front of this evolution.”
The Novra Group of companies includes Novra Technologies, International Datacasting Corporation and Wegener Communications.
Founded in 2016, LinkUp offers an array of services including FCC licensing, design, integration, installation, space segment, internet distribution, managed services and ongoing support.
