A broadcaster is a PipBuck peripheral that can transmit and receive radio messages.
History[]
During the War[]
Accepted residents to Stable 1 were provided with broadcasters that would alert them when it is time to enter the Stable. Residents of the Stable were required to show these broadcasters upon entering as a proof of residency.
Post-War[]
Broadcasters in Canterlot became corrupted by the Pink Cloud so that whenever they are turned on, they only emit harsh static infused with necrotic magic which quickly kills living creatures that enter their kill zone. Symptoms of this necrotic noise include bleeding eyes, headaches, organ stress, and horn pressure in unicorns, leading to death if the victim remains in the vicinity. The noise also makes it difficult for victims to concentrate, and notably interferes with PipBuck users' abilities to use S.A.T.S.
These symptoms seem to only manifest within a limited radius of the broadcaster not dependent on its apparent volume. Notably, creatures can hear the static from the broadcasters well before they enter their kill zone, and the kill zone can still affect creatures even if they can't hear the noise, (i.e. if the broadcaster is underwater).
The noise produced by corrupted broadcasters need not be emitted by the broadcasters themselves to manifest their effects. The necrotic noise from a corrupted broadcaster and its effects can be re-emitted through any device with a speaker.
The speaker systems in Canterlot sprite-bots have been similarly corrupted to produce the same necrotic noise as corrupted broadcasters.
The Canterlot ghouls in Stable City used the corrupted broadcasters as a means of defense against alicorns and other non-ghoul creatures that might threaten their settlement.