The internet has aged to the point where it is easy to fall into a rabbit hole, reminiscing about websites from decades past.

The site that fuels those scrolling endeavors is the Internet Archive — a nonprofit that hosts a digital library of internet sites and other artifacts in digital form. The project began in 1996 to archive the web.

Today, it contains one trillion web pages through its “Wayback Machine,” as well as 56 million books and texts. It also works with approximately 1,400 libraries through its Archive-It program to identify and preserve important digital history.

Kay Savetz (K6KJN) freely admits to having been an Internet Archive power user. Savetz used not just the archive.org website, but also its command line interface to upload many documents. 

A licensed amateur radio operator since 1989, Savetz’s own interviews with Atari 8-bit computer pioneers are among those early uploads.

So when the Amateur Radio Digital Communications foundation provided a significant grant to the Internet Archive to form a collection of the history of amateur radio and adjacent endeavors, the archive sought a lead curator. Savetz was a natural fit. 

The project was funded in 2022 and titled the Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications. Today, DLARC has approximately 225,000 items, spanning magazines, newsletters and call books.

In computing terms, that’s about 26 terabytes of storage space, Savetz told us.

Savetz took us inside DLARC’s impressive array of content, and we’ve added links to the featured offerings throughout our story.

All you need is time

Click this link to peruse the collection — and you’ll probably all of a sudden wonder where an hour of your day went. From QSL cards to logbooks to newsletters to even lectures on DX and related topics.

DLARC is a haven for radio amateurs, but also shortwave enthusiasts, long-distance radio reception clubs, early communication pioneers and more recently, college and community radio. 

Full runs of 73 Magazine are available, as well as early public-domain QST issues. There are also Aviation and Wireless magazines that date back to the early 1900s.

“We have Radio News from the early part of the 1900s, from back in the day when the hot new things were airplanes and radios,” Savetz said.

The items go beyond paper, as Savetz has helped digitize 35mm slides, reel-to-reel tapes, 16mm film, U-matic, Beta and various floppy disk formats. 

And the beauty of a digital collection is that, all of a sudden, the best features of the internet are available to peruse through documents that were produced a century ago.

Place a call sign into the text search field on the Internet Archive, Savetz suggested, and every instance of those calls in DLARC will appear.

Audio and video recordings, such as DLARC’s extensive collection of ham radio conference recordings, are automatically transcribed so they become full-text searchable.

Savetz keeps an active “want list” of missing materials. You can view it here. But a radio club, no matter the size, is suitable for DLARC if it has published newsletters. 

The search for lost material has been a central theme of the rabbit holes Savetz has experienced. In many cases, a club might grant permission to access documents from the past, but the physical copies remain elusive or are in such poor condition they barely survive the trip to the scanner.

Some documents simply weren’t meant to be saved. “They were meant to be used once and tossed — and they were printed on one-ply toilet paper,” Savetz said of some early newsletters.

But there are just as many success stories. The Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin, for instance, was successfully recovered thanks to publisher Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW).

The first approximately 230 issues had never been on the internet. Mirgliotta was able to successfully boot up a computer in his attic that was still running a weather station on a vintage operating system to retrieve the files and send them to Savetz.

College and community collections 

For Jennifer Waits, preserving the history of college radio has always been a top-flight passion. Waits has toured hundreds of universities across the U.S., not only to get a glimpse of campus radio operations but also to instill the importance of archiving what might otherwise be left behind.

Waits joined Savetz two years ago to lead DLARC’s college and community radio sub-collections. 

College radio, Waits observed, has its roots in the early amateur radio clubs of the 1920s. “That’s part of the origin story,” Waits explained, “college radio didn’t just suddenly appear in the ’80s.”

DLARC has since collaborated with numerous radio stations and college and university archives for the project. Such collections include Haverford College Radio Club and Stations, Smith College Radio Club and Stations and WYBC Yale Broadcasting Company.

Whether it is carrier-current era publications from the ‘40s and ‘50s, or forgotten websites from MySpace or Tumblr — which could now go back two decades — Waits said they are of equal importance, and she uses the chance as an opportunity to remind outlets that even material of today should be archived. 

The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System green-lighted Waits permission to digitize its history, as its own central archive had been lost over the years due to fires or misplacement. 

DLARC recently received a large collection of digitized paper radio station playlists representing college, community, high school and public stations in the 1980s, which it released on this past World College Radio Day. 

A representative of the defunct Cleveland College Radio Coalition also recently donated a collection of digitized copies of playlists, program guides and more.

AI-based transcription tools, meanwhile, have made it easier to read transcripts from past shows, such as a Ramones’ interview on WUSB(FM) from 1981. 

Community radio stations are being represented in DLARC also. There are surveys, scheduling grids, playlists and other promotional materials that are digitized from the likes of WFMU(FM), WAIF(FM), KPFK(FM) and others, and Waits hopes to grow the collection further. 

The collection is also interested in adding more items for collegiate amateur radio stations. 

From pallets to terabytes

The preservation also goes for groups dealing with radio propagation that are not necessarily involved in amateur radio. Bob Cooper, for instance, was a pioneer in VHF DXing and satellite television. 

Radio World wrote about him in a recent E-Skip propagation primer. DLARC recently rescued some seven pallets of material from a warehouse belonging to Cooper, who passed away in 2022. 

“We got basically his entire life, every magazine, every video he made,” Savetz said. “It was seven pallets of stuff and it was just like, ‘Okay, go in there, take what you want, decide what is worthy of digitizing and preserving online.’”

Perhaps we need to propose a new mathematical formula — as seven pallets has resulted in 3.3 TB worth of material from Cooper.

No matter how large, ultimately, the goal is to make these records accessible for future generations, Savetz said. ARDC specifically wanted its grant to go to ensure the materials are hosted forever without the burden of ongoing costs.

“There’s a thousand research papers and dissertations buried in here,” Savetz said. “Mostly, use the library. Know it exists. It’s there for you.”

Savetz encourages radio amateurs or hobbyists to either write to DLARC directly or upload their material to the archives. For college radio items, Waits invites those contributors to contact her.

Together, it will fuel many future adventures down a rabbit hole. 

“If it’s related to amateur radio or digital communications, send it right to me or you can upload it yourself,” Savetz said. “I don’t care how it gets done as long as the information gets in the archive.”

Comment on this or any article. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post DLARC: The Radio Geek’s Doomscrolling Antidote appeared first on Radio World.

 

This is one in a series about trends in codecs. Dr. Deepen Sinha is CEO of ATC Labs. Steve Uckerman is assistant director of engineering for New York Public Radio.

Audio codecs play a crucial role in modern radio broadcasting, be it FM, satellite, digital HD or streaming. Codecs are used to bring live content from remote contributors, to provide connectivity to field reporters and to distribute real-time studio content from a central location to remote broadcast infrastructures and transmitters.

With the improved reliability of IP networks, including 5G mobile data connections, broadcasters are increasingly relying on IP connectivity between their codecs.

Once favored for its predictable traffic behavior and carrier-enforced QoS mechanisms, MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) networks were historically deployed by larger broadcasters for STL and wide-area content distribution.

However, declining costs, increased availability of high-capacity public internet services and the maturation of SD-WAN and point-to-point Ethernet technologies have driven a measurable shift away from MPLS.

These developments now allow smaller broadcasters to leverage many of the same network architectures and resiliency strategies previously available only to large operators, while benefiting from faster deployment, significantly lower recurring costs and greater flexibility for remote contribution, redundancy and geographically diverse connectivity.

In the same spirit of improving broadcast flexibility, software codecs now play an increasingly vital role for broadcasters.

Broadcast IP codecs generally fall into three categories: hardware codecs, app-based codecs and software-based IP codecs, commonly referred to as SoftCodecs.

Several compelling use-case scenarios exist for SoftCodecs. For example, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, broadcast workflows changed almost overnight as operational needs drove the adoption of remote contribution solutions for call screeners, content editors, producers and on-air hosts. Many of these contributors now operate from home-based studios or distributed production environments.

In this context, SoftCodecs capable of being deployed instantaneously to remote contributors across the country (or even across the globe) via downloadable email or web links have emerged as a highly attractive option.

There is now no shortage of talent in far-flung locations, and access to a larger pool of distributed and emerging contributors (worldwide) is inherently attractive to broadcasters. This is particularly true for smaller broadcasters, as it helps level the playing field when confronted with challenges related to providing new, engaging talent and content to their listeners.

SoftCodecs can also significantly improve flexibility in audio distribution. This flexibility includes simplified maintenance and repairs, where recovery simply means nothing more than reinstalling the SoftCodec on a new PC, workstation or tablet.

SoftCodecs also enable faster provisioning of connectivity to new sites and support opportunistic sharing of content with other groups and broadcasters. Additionally, there are potential cost advantages when same content must be distributed to multiple remote sites, as existing computer and audio hardware already deployed at transmitter sites can often be reused.

Finally, SoftCodecs can serve as effective backup STLs in audio distribution scenarios.

Key questions

Given the attractiveness of SoftCodecs, three obvious questions often come to a broadcaster’s mind before taking the plunge: Is the audio quality good enough for my broadcast? Is the connectivity reliable? And is the latency low enough to support two-way communication in a remote contribution scenario?

Fortunately, the answer to all these three questions is in the affirmative with the latest products available in the marketplace, which include ATC Labs’ ALCO Professional SoftCodec, successfully deployed by New York Public Radio, among other broadcasters.

If we examine the performance criteria noted above one by one, audio quality is an area where a properly engineered SoftCodec begins to stand out. By leveraging the latest audio compression technologies and continuously updating the underlying algorithms with current know-how, SoftCodecs can avoid obsolescence in terms of available algorithmic options.

Looking next at connection reliability, modern SoftCodecs such as ALCO Professional employ advanced error concealment techniques, redundant transport technologies and auto-re-connect, to offer connection reliability on par with hardware codecs.

End-to-end audio latency was once an area where hardware codecs had the clear advantage. As SoftCodecs have evolved and matured, this gap has substantially narrowed. Modern SoftCodecs are perfectly suited for real-time applications such as remote-hosted talk show mix-minus, DAW audio for real-time content editing, and producer IFB/direction between geographically separated hosts, contributors and control rooms.

Some of the due diligence that a broadcaster should employ when choosing a SoftCodec includes verifying that the codec incorporates a broadcast-grade audio compression algorithm, such as fully quality optimized Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) algorithm.

Codecs that offer direct peer-to-peer connectivity are desirable as they typically exhibit lower latency and greater robustness against potential security breaches associated with centralized servers. Reliable connectivity using SIP protocols and effective NAT traversal are also important to ensure smooth operation with both existing and newly configured remote sites.

The SoftCodec vendor should provide clear instructions regarding any firewall port configurations required at the broadcaster’s site to ensure connectivity. Available two-way connectivity can facilitate live on-air interactions and is also convenient for monitoring and control.

Licensing models are another important aspect of SoftCodec deployments. To ensure maximum flexibility, remote contributors and sites should be able to quickly download and install the SoftCodec using FTP access or download links forwarded to them; it then becomes important that the broadcast group can flexibly assign licenses or user IDs from its purchased pool.

Further, all licenses belonging to a broadcast group should reside within a sandboxed, privacy-preserving enclave so that their availability and status are visible only to the group and not to thousands of other users of shared connectivity servers. In this context, it is also desirable that short-term, opportunistic license assignments are supported, for example through an email-based invitation. A central monitoring capability for designated administrators of the broadcast group, such as through secure monitoring web pages, could be considered the icing on the cake.

In conclusion, in the informed view of the authors, SoftCodecs will play an increasingly important and exciting role in making the radio broadcast space broader, more flexible, more accessible and more diverse, and therefore more compelling for listeners.

Info: www.atc-labs.com

Read more on this topic in the free ebook “Trends in Codecs 2026.”

[Check Out More of Radio World’s Ebooks Here]

The post SoftCodecs Will Play an Increasingly Exciting Role appeared first on Radio World.

A new Radio World ebook explores trends in remote control and facility management; read it here.

One of the experts quoted is Jim DeChant, director of operations for Transmission Services Group LLC. Here he responds in more depth.

Radio World: What do you consider the most important trend in how radio broadcasters control and monitor their transmission facilities?

Jim DeChant: The shift from “reactive polling” to “agentic, IP-native observability.”

While traditional remote control relied on simple status checks (SNMP polling) to tell an engineer if a transmitter was off, modern systems are moving toward intelligent, software-defined environments where the monitoring system acts as an autonomous “copilot.”

RW: To what extent have radio broadcasters created centralized infrastructures for the monitoring and control of their sites?

DeChant: Radio broadcast monitoring is undergoing a significant centralization into Network Operations Centers utilized by major groups like SBG, Nexstar and iHeartMedia. 

This consolidation is driven by efficiency and advanced technology across three primary levels. 

First, the regional/national NOC model employs a hub-and-spoke system where small, specialized teams use sophisticated dashboards to monitor and remotely troubleshoot hundreds of sites 24/7. 

Second, the industry is adopting cloud-native management, shifting monitoring infrastructure to hybrid cloud solutions and utilizing Monitoring-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms such as Kybio and Skyline DataMiner for secure, web-accessible monitoring. 

Finally, centralization now encompasses integrated asset and logistics management, linking technical health with financial data through tools like EZO AssetSonar. Automated systems instantly generate service tickets (Zendesk/ServiceNow) with diagnostic logs and dispatch contract engineers upon system failure, streamlining the entire operational lifecycle.

RW: What kind of customization is available now in remote control and monitoring solutions?

DeChant: In 2026, remote monitoring customization for broadcasters has evolved significantly, moving beyond simple control mapping to deep UI/UX tailoring and workflow automation. 

The core areas of this evolution include “No-Code” Dashboard Orchestration, which allows engineers to build persona-based, dynamic interfaces using widgets — from complex RF spectrum views for chief engineers to simple “green/red” status displays for program directors. 

Furthermore, customization now includes programmable logic and “agentic” automation, enabling broadcasters to define conditional macros and self-healing routines for tasks like switching transmitters. 

The API-First Integration approach, often called the “Lego” approach, permits the seamless overlay of critical external data, such as live weather or power status, with alerts directed to unified communications tools. 

Finally, virtual hardware and “soft” control surfaces are replacing physical panels, allowing users to build custom mixing consoles or controllers on touchscreens with physical controls that utilize re-legendable LCDs to adapt their function and appearance based on the station’s operational state.

RW: What kind of connectivity is best suited to supporting today’s needs to control and monitor sites?

DeChant: In 2026, multi-bearer bonding is considered the necessary standard for reliable, mission-critical radio broadcast connectivity, especially at remote sites, making reliance on a single internet service provider unacceptable. 

The essential “always-on” hybrid strategy uses a combination of four components. The primary link is fiber (dedicated internet access), chosen for its symmetrical speed and ultra-low latency, and is now deployed with a 99.99% SLA. The secondary link, Starlink (LEO Satellite), has replaced traditional GEO satellites, providing consistently low latency that acts as a critical, air-gapped backup. 

The mobility link leverages 5G and Private LTE, with 5G serving as the out-of-band management standard, using network slicing to guarantee critical data transmission. Finally, the crucial component is SD-WAN and bonding, where a router (like Peplink or Cradlepoint) bonds the fiber, Starlink and 5G into a single virtual pipe. 

This ensures unbreakable connectivity, as data packets instantly shift to active links if one fails, without dropping the session. The router also enables cost management by routing heavy data over fiber and duplicating critical light data across all links.

RW: What should users and shoppers know about the role of SNMP today?

DeChant: While Simple Network Management Protocol remains the mandatory foundation for radio transmission control in 2026, its role has narrowed. Every modern transmitter must support SNMP, making it a prerequisite rather than an advanced feature. 

Buyers must insist on the highly secure SNMP v3, which utilizes AES encryption and SHA-256 authentication to protect public infrastructure, as older versions transmit passwords in plain text. Additionally, the MIB (Management Information Base) file is essential, acting as the device’s dictionary for remote control systems. 

For complex, real-time control and high-speed data, manufacturers are increasingly relying on faster REST APIs. The industry is also pivoting from constant bandwidth-heavy “polling” toward efficient Traps (alerts only on issues) and high-speed Streaming Telemetry for sub-second updates.

RW: What questions should an engineer be asking when considering solutions for large-scale control and management?

DeChant: In 2026, the shift in large-scale broadcast control is toward “agentic observability” rather than simple “reactive alerts.” 

Modern solutions must first address security and access, which mandates support for SNMPv3 and SAML/SSO to integrate with central identity managers like Azure AD for robust role-based access. Zero-Trust readiness is also key, allowing secure, temporary tokens for remote contractors without persistent VPN risks. 

For integration and scalability, solutions need a “Northbound” API to push data to high-level IT tools like DataMiner or Grafana, and must support mass-configuration via “Golden Images” to rapidly deploy new sites. the intelligence and automation pillar demands “agentic” capabilities, such as executing complex logic like automatic signal re-routing, alongside predictive analytics using machine learning to preemptively identify failing hardware. 

Finally, resilience is critical, requiring native out-of-band management via a separate path (like 5G) for remote hardware reboots, and log aggregation integration with systems like ELK or Splunk for simplified cross-site troubleshooting.

Read more on this topic in the new ebook.

The post Remote Control Gets More Intelligent appeared first on Radio World.