12 English and 2 Chinese programmes were relayed from Radio Vila Verde during the period of the Macau Grand Prix.
110. Between October and February direct reception of B.B.C. services in the 11.5 metre band gave good quality and the great majority of relays were taken by this direct route, made possible by high sunspot activity.
When direct reception from England was poor, use was made of the relayed B.B.C. services from the B.B.C. Far Eastern Station, which showed an overall improvement after some reorganization of frequencies in March. The relay service was particularly useful in giving better reception of the 1100 GMT news bulletins from the General Overseas Service.
111. Certain difficulties were experienced during the year in receiving programmes on the 14 and 11 metre bands owing to an increase in the use of certain types of industrial equipment in factories in the Colony. Although the interference caused by this equipment was of a sporadic nature, it was very disturbing to listeners.
OUTSIDE BROADCASTS
112. The network of outside broadcast lines was used during the year for 278 broadcasts from sports stadia, churches, night clubs, etc. Another 109 outside broadcasts were recorded on location.
113. Although the V.H.F. transmitter links, which enable the out- side broadcast vans to function as mobile broadcasting studios independently of outside power or line connexions, had only just arrived at the end of the year, the vans demonstrated their great useful- ness on many occasions when fitted up as mobile control points for outside broadcasts. When completely fitted out, the vans will carry the necessary control equipment for multi-microphone outside broadcasts, in addition to transmitters and recorders.
114. The Victoria Park Swimming Pool, opened in October, has a permanent outside broadcast platform for commentators and engineers, giving a commanding view over the whole pool.
115. Permanent equipment was installed in the V.I.P. room at Kai Tak Airport in order to make possible the recording of interviews with visiting personalities and to cover press conferences.
22