Classes and Time Limits

In line with the International Contest the maximum time limit for any class is 8 minutes. Lower limits apply in some classes.

The presentations (multimedia) class replaces Diaporama (tape-slide). Entries must use still images, which may be zoomed, scanned, faded, etc., and sound. Entries may also be created using computer software (e.g. PowerPoint) but should be submitted on video media (DVD or DV cassette). Computer files on data CDs will be accepted subject to the agreement of the organisers and only if suitable playback facilities are available.

Please check this information against the official rules and entry form before submitting your entries.

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Class		Max. time	Trophy
1	Speech and Drama	8 minutes
2	Documentary	8 minutes
3a	Music - live, acoustic	5 minutes
3b	Music - electronic, multi-track Revox Trophy	5 minutes
4	Reportage	4 minutes
5	Technical Experiment	3 minutes
6	Sounds from Nature BBC Wildlife Trophy	2 minutes
7	Set Subject (see above)	8 minutes
8	Other Audio Recordings	3 minutes
9	Video (free choice *)	8 minutes
10	Multimedia (free choice *)	8 minutes
Special Awards
Recording of the Year Sennheiser Golden Microphone
Most Humorous Recording
Best entry from a disabled person
Best entry from a school (made principally by pupils)
Best entry from a Talking Newspaper, Tapes for the Handicapped or Hospital Broadcasting Organisation
Best Entry for Radio

The time limit includes any spoken introduction and/or credits.
* the set subject may also be used for video and multimedia entries.

Awards

From 2010 the class winners and the “Recording of the Year” winner will receive a trophy to keep. The remaining perpetual trophies (as shown above) will be engraved with the winner’s name but will be retained by BSRA.

Certificates are presented for the first, second and third entries in each class if selected for the final.

In addition, if we are fortunate enough to have prizes donated by the industry, these are distributed to the winning entrants according to availability.

Formats (subject to Rules)

Audio:

• CD-R (preferred)
• DAT
• Mini Disc
• Open Reel - half or quarter track 3.75, 7.5 or 15 i.p.s.
• Compact Cassette - normal speed, type I or II, Dolby B or C or no n/r.

Video:

• DVD (preferred)
• Digital Video (DV cassette)
• VHS or S-VHS (not VHS-C)

Multimedia:

• DVD
• Microsoft Windows™ executable files on CD-R.

Adjudication

A specialist judge is appointed for each class or group of similar classes. Up to three tapes from each class may be selected to go forward to the final judging. Additional tapes may go forward if they qualify for special awards or if there is a tie for third place.

The final judging is carried out by the available class judges and other invited judges. Entries are marked out of 100 for the idea, the realisation of the idea and for technical excellence. Video entries are marked out of 100 for the idea, sound quality and picture quality. The specialist judge's comments may be taken into account. The entries are then ranked by class and overall.