As radio developed in the early 1920s, the focus for most people was the AM band and stations such as KDKA, the first broadcast station. There was, however, another broadcast method that was popular among many early enthusiasts--shortwave radio. As is true today, the transmission of news and entertainment programs over shortwave frequencies permitted reception over great distances. For many in America and beyond, shortwave was an exciting aspect of the new medium. Some still tune the shortwave bands to enjoy the programming. Others pursue broadcasts for the thrill of the hunt. This book fully covers shortwave broadcasting from its beginning through World War II. A technical history examining the medium's development and use tells the story of a listener community that spanned the globe. Included are overviews of the primary shortwave stations operating worldwide in the 1930s, along with clubs and competitions, publications and prizes. A rich collection of illustrations includes many QSLs, the cards that stations sent to acknowledge receipt of their transmissions and that are much prized by long-distance collectors.

The NAB Engineering Handbook is the definitive resource for broadcast engineers. It provides in-depth information about each aspect of the broadcast chain from audio and video contribution through an entire broadcast facility all the way to the antenna. New topics include Ultra High Definition Television, Internet Radio Interfacing and Streaming, ATSC 3.0, Digital Audio Compression Techniques, Digital Television Audio Loudness Management, and Video Format and Standards Conversion. Important updates have been made to incumbent topics such as AM, Shortwave, FM and Television Transmitting Systems, Studio Lighting, Cameras, and Principles of Acoustics. The big-picture, comprehensive nature of the NAB Engineering Handbook will appeal to all broadcast engineers—everyone from broadcast chief engineers, who need expanded knowledge of all the specialized areas they encounter in the field, to technologists in specialized fields like IT and RF who are interested in learning about unfamiliar topics. Chapters are written to be accessible and easy to understand by all levels of engineers and technicians. A wide range of related topics that engineers and technical managers need to understand are covered, including broadcast documentation, FCC practices, technical standards, security, safety, disaster planning, facility planning, project management, and engineering management.