Planning aims for broadcasters' networks to optimise nonlinear production systems and equipment

The paper gives the broadcast user's view of developments in workstations and networking. It uses the example of audio systems and associated data systems in a "local radio type" environment to point to perceived difficulties and to make a plea for a more interoperable and systems-based approach to developments in future. Some emphasis is placed on the ever increasing workstation computing power and associated storage capacity and speed per dollar spent; and the need for it to be used to provide digital inter- and intra-studio systems which are easy to operate; concentrate on the "news and sport communication" rather than high functionality very high audio quality applications; and benefit the business aspects of radio production by demonstrably reducing overall system and operating costs. The paper closes with an account of current BBC activity to enhance wide area data network connectivity to allow workstation-based systems to interoperate without recourse to real time audio (and video) networks.