Radio World has been asking industry leaders and other readers about their experiences at the recently concluded NAB Show. Here we email with Roswell “Roz” Clark, director of technical operations, Cox Media Group Tampa/Orlando Radio.
What is your scope of responsibilities?
Cox Media Group’s Tampa and Orlando operations each have six radio stations with consolidated studio facilities in each market. I am responsible for all technical operations in each market including IT and digital. In addition to the local responsibilities, I represent CMG on industry activities for BTC, NRSC, NABRTC.
What did you hope to accomplish at NAB Show this year?
Meet with manufacturers to see their latest product developments and share our needs with them to, hopefully, help them develop solutions for us.
Any specific projects in the works?
We have several large projects going on in each market including a new studio SIP/VOIP implementation to replace aging analog POTS systems of varying age. A new performance studio just broke ground that will incorporate modern audio, video and lighting equipment to support digital production and multimedia content. We are also replacing our studio playout system with the latest WideOrbit product across all CMG markets along with Cisco VoIP phones for the business offices. Finally, we have a couple of new solid-state transmitter installations pending to round out the year.
What trends do you see as most notable, in the conversations and conferences you saw?
The trend for AoIP compatibility is important and since the AES67 standard has been released it will be interesting to see how the various vendors make that available. Monitoring and control continue to be more important and methods to precisely time-align HD Radio is key. Also, the latest in solid-state transmitter technology is showing some impressive gains in efficiency, size, and the ability to transmit more HD power from a single box.
Any booths or companies you particularly try to visit every year?
I always stop by Telos/Axia, GatesAir, WorldCast Systems, Nautel, ERI, Dielectric, Burk, BGS … The list is rather long.
What’s your favorite part of the NAB Show?
I enjoy the luncheons and the BEC training sessions and try to fit as many in as possible. I also make sure to visit the NAB Futures area.
Least favorite?
I don’t look forward to the amount of walking I tend to do between the massive halls in an attempt to capture as much of the experience as possible.
