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NAB Insider – March 23, 2004

NAB Insider – March 23, 2004

Mar 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Index:

  • Broadcast Electronics and E-radio Announce Partnership
  • How is Your Knowledge of the Region?
  • Prophet Systems Pocketgen
  • D.A.V.I.D. Digasystem Latitude Edition
  • Neutrik USA AA series
  • Dalet Digital Media Systems DaletPlus Radio Suite
  • Moseley Associates Starlink 9003T1
  • OMT Technologies Imediatouch
  • Logitek Digital console enhancements
  • DRS Broadcast Technology Continental 815D5 and 815HD5
  • APT Worldnet Oslo and Worldnet Ohio
  • Aphex Systems1100 MKII
  • Digital Radio Transition Worldwide
  • IBOC and Digital Facilities Implementation
  • Congressional Breakfast
  • DG Systems to Hold Radio Breakfast
  • Looking for Something to do After the Convention?
  • Download the FASTtrack for your PDA
  • Test Your Knowledge of the Region

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News from the Convention

Broadcast Electronics and E-radioAnnounce Partnership

Quincy, IL, and Toronto � Mar 18, 2004 – Broadcast Electronics and E-radio have entered into a partnership to develop RBDS and IBOC data applications. The applications will transmit a variety of additional information on display screens such as song titles, artist names, traffic updates, weather forecasts and sports scores. The partnership joins Broadcast Electronics’ experience in RF and content management with E-Radio’s text service and media delivery applications.

The result of the companies’ efforts is Broadcast Electronics’ Radio Data Dimensions, a data management software suite to be unveiled at the NAB 2004 convention. In addition to RBDS eight-character identifiers and 64-character text of title/artists, promotional messages, advertiser IDs, traffic bulletins, and AMBER alerts, the software suite includes support for IBOC’s secondary program channel services such as Tomorrow Radio. Radio Data Dimensions also provides bandwidth provisions for navigational system data downloads to tuners. All functions and user controls for the software suite are accessible from a Web-browser content management tool.

Do you know…?

How is Your Knowledge of the Region?

Almost everyone knows that the name Las Vegas means “the meadows” in Spanish, but do you know what Nevada means? While we’re looking at the Battle Born State, how does the state rank in geographic size and population compared to other states?

Las Vegas is in Clark County, which was created in 1908. For whom was the county named and who was he?

New Products from the Floor

Prophet Systems Pocketgen

Booth #N3312

This software allows the transfer of digital files from a remote location back to the station. The system provides recording to hand-held devices that interface to most automation systems. Record the audio and press the transfer button. Other features include seamless integration of transfer software and audio recorder; record, insert, append and re-record options; the ability to transfer files individually or in a batch; and it interfaces to most automation systems.

D.A.V.I.D. Digasystem LatitudeEdition

Booth #SL2477

The Latitude Edition is a scalable platform with network capabilities designed specifically for the demands of small to medium-size broadcasters. The basic version consists of three complete preconfigured workstations and a server with all of the software modules required for editing, organizing, scheduling and playing out programming. Latitude can be upgraded by 20 different options to add and customize additional features such as Web applications, automation, file transfer or import modules for a wide range of applications. Expansion with additional workstations or an update to the full version of a Digasystem installation is possible at any time.

Neutrik USA AA series

Booth #C5842

Available only in female versions, these receptacles are compatible with the A series. The AA series features a larger surface contact and gold plating at the contact mating area, and will be a drop-in replacement for comparable A series part numbers. Compatibility includes panel cutout and PCB layout. Its low-contact resistance ensures high-contact pressure for added durability. The push lever now comes pre-assembled and is flammability-rated UL94HB. The series will be available in 12 standard three-pin female horizontal and vertical PC mount versions only. A retention spring instead of a latch is offered on most versions and the PCB contacts on the connector are partially plated with silver for increased solderability.

Dalet Digital Media SystemsDaletPlus Radio Suite

Booth #SL3842

DaletPlus Radio Suite is a media management system that enables radio broadcasters to reliably produce and deliver news and music programming. DaletPlus Radio Suite incorporates a set of easy-to-use production tools as well as a comprehensive workflow management module that facilitates every step of the process: audio and wires acquisition, search and retrieval, production, script editing with embedded audio, planning, scheduling, broadcast, and archiving.

Moseley Associates Starlink9003T1

Booth #N1907

This digital STL/TSL system for T1 circuits features new LAN connectivity for transmitting Ethernet to and from the transmitter site to support datacasting for HD Radio� and RDS song title and artist data. A new six-port multiplexer and built-in CSU allows combining of these data channels with the program audio for direct connection to a T1 circuit making, external interfacing equipment unnecessary. This system now allows stations to easily transition the STL portion of their air chains to digital for HD Radio. The T1 unit transports linear uncompressed stereo program channels at either 44.1 or 32kHz digital sample rates. Both AES/EBU digital and analog inputs and outputs and a serial data channel are built into the system. The SL9003T1 combines program audio with voice channels for telephones and data channels for communications and control for bidirectional transport over a single digital T1/E1 line, microwave radio or license-free 5.8GHz link.

OMT Technologies Imediatouch

Booth #N709

New innovative live-assist features, satellite interfacing and non-proprietary architecture, give this on-air system its ability to run without constant engineering supervision or IT management. The system integrates with most third party music scheduling, commercial scheduling, a company website, multi-track recording software solutions and dedicated broadcast hardware such as touch screens, consoles or satellite receivers in the environment. The digital system is technology-based using the company’s audio codec player, recorder and transcoder.

Logitek Digital consoleenhancements

Booth #N3307

Several enhancements have been introduced for the Logitek digital consoles including a two-stage talk show delay, silence-sense capability, EQ and dynamics processing, input metering on every fader and compression metering on faders where activated. The Optical STL is available as part of the Logitek Audio Engine and offersas many as 64 channels of bidirectional audio to be sent as far as 10 miles without data loss or compression. In addition, the system provides intercom functionality that can operate as a stand-alone system or as part of a Logitek digital console. The enhancements to the Audio Engine include a full X-Y router, mixed analog and digital I/O, multiple mix-minus buses, IP and multisite operation, and physical and virtual controllers.

DRS Broadcast Technology Continental815D5 and 815HD5

Booth #N2402

The new line of FM solid-state transmitters, beginning with the 815D5 and the 815HD5, is a 5kW solid state FM line with an RF combining and splitting system designed and tested to withstand as much as three times it’s operating RF requirements to ensure long term reliable service in harsh and often time abusive loads. This transmitter line wields a unique combiner system that ensures that the most RF possible gets to the output in the event of single or multiple amplifier module failure. The 815 Series includes 24.5″ (12 rack units) of user available 19″ wide rack space and built in ancillary equipment power outlets. This area is located in a non-interlocked area and accessible from the front or rear.

APT Worldnet Oslo and Worldnet Ohio

Booth #N902

These codecs deliver low delay audio over T1, E1, TCP/IP and ISDN networks. Unique to the WorldNet Oslo is the ability to network WAN/LANs over synchronous circuits, in addition to simultaneously sending audio over the same circuit. This feature will help broadcasters who are attempting to network remote stations within a radio group.

Aphex Systems1100 MKII

Booth #N1009

This preamp offers a wider feature set and an even lower noise floor than its predecessor, the Model 1100. The preamp is a wide dynamic range microphone preamplifier, featuring a discrete Class-A Tube design with a 24-bit 192kHz A/D Converter. This unit is even quieter than its predecessor, with an EIN of better than 135dBu and also features a stereo, optical S/PDIF and a full-featured AES/EBU digital audio output. Separate 1/4� jacks (in and out) are also provided for insert points.

Session Highlights

Digital Radio TransitionWorldwide

April 19, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, room N110

This session has three elements, each focusing on different aspects of the worldwide transition to digital radio.

  • The session DRM in the AM band will be presented by H. Donald Messer, director, Spectrum Management Division, of the International Broadcasting Bureau/VOA. He will discuss Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), a digital radio system for use in bands below 30MHz. The non-proprietary standard is currently in use by more than 50 broadcasters. This presentation focuses on the medium-wave band (AM) performance and compatibility results-to-date for the all-digital mode in a 9kHz or 10kHz channel, digital/amplitude modulation simulcast in a 9kHz or 10kHz channel and digital/analog simulcast covering two adjacent 9kHz or 10kHz channels.
  • Philip Laven, technical director, European Broadcasting Union, will present Digital Radio Broadcasting in Europe. This session will highlight the current status of the Eureka-147 rollout in Europe.
  • Finally, Shigeru Aoki of TokyoFM Broadcasting will present Metadata for Radio Broadcasting. A typical instance of metadata is SI/EPG data, commonly known as PSI/SI in the MPEG2 system. This session wil detail how TokyoFM Broadcasting made a metadata profile for exchange between the studio system and digital broadcasting system. The representation format for this profile is XML which is widely used in any industry. Our metadata model is the practical model in the real world of broadcasting industry and shall be a good example to other broadcasting company in the world.

IBOC and DigitalFacilities Implementation

April 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., room N110

This afternoon session has eight elements, mostly relating to IBOC. Several presentations include the words “real-world” in their titles, which, besides being unoriginal and superfluous, should offer some practical insight into the current state of IBOC.

  • Paul Shulins, director of technical operations for Greater Media Boston presents Real-world IBOC Installations, which will highlight the installation on the company’s five FM stations.
  • Thomas Ray, corporate director of engineering for Buckley Broadcasting and WOR Radio will present Real-world AM IBOC Coverage Using a Consumer IBOC Radio. Ray has made tests on the WOR-AM IBOC signal using a commercially available Kenwood IBOC radio. He will also present data on multipath between the analog and IBOC signals of WNEW-FM.
  • IBOC – The Real Worldwill be presented by John Kennedy, director of engineering, Entercom Boston. WQSX and WAAF began planning for IBOC in December 2002.
  • Herb Squire, vice president of engineering and operations for DSI RF Systems, has been a long-time advocate of the dangers of cascading algorithms. His presentation, Dueling Algorithms Meet IBOC (Can Audio Survive?), will replicate some typical broadcast audio scenarios to demonstrate the possible effects of audio passing through the Ibiquity HDC encoder.
  • Enhancing the Digital Path: Digital Multiplex (D-MPX) Connectivity, presented by Frank Foti, president of Omnia Audio, and R. Scott Martin, principle research engineer for Nautel, will describe a method to interface the audio processor and stereo generator directly to a composite multiplex signal fed directly to the modulator stage of the exciter.
  • Eric Wandel, director of product development for ERI, will discuss the latest generation of combining technique for simultaneous transmission of FM analog with digital IBOC content through a dual-input, sidemount antenna in a presentation called Test Results of Dual Input Sidemount FM Antenna.
  • Nicolas Hans, product director of Dalet Digital Media Systems will offer insight on implementing program-associated data. His presentation is titled HD Radio: A Cost-effective Approach to Producing Enhanced Radio Programming for a Digital Audience.
  • In HD Radio Receiver Updates, Bill Whikehart, senior technical specialist of Visteon, will look at the potential sale market for consumer IBOC radio receivers.

Convention Events

Congressional Breakfast

On April 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in the LV Hilton Ballroom A, The Congressional Breakfast will feature members of Congress who are engaged in telecommunications and broadcast regulation. Representatives and Senators who serve on the Congressional committees with jurisdiction over broadcasting have a frank and open discussion about how Washington perceives local broadcasters and legislation affecting them. Previous breakfasts have covered such wide ranging policy areas as free airtime legislation, broadcast ownership regulation, satellite radio, Internet streaming and the transition of digital television.

Scheduled to attend this year’s breakfast are Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT); Joe Barton (R-TX), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL); Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee; Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI); Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR); and NAB Joint Board Chairman Phil Lombardo.

DG Systems to Hold Radio Breakfast

DG Systems will host a radio station breakfast at the company’s hospitality suite at the Venetian on Monday, April 19 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. During the breakfast, the company will show its new audio and video servers and seek feedback from the stations.

To attend, RSVP to [email protected].

Out and About in Las Vegas

Looking for Something to do After the Convention?

There’s more to do than gamble or see a show. We found this list of ghost towns that surround Las Vegas and can be seen during a day trip.

  • Chloride Mining TownLocated just south of the Hoover Dam off US 93 is the town of Chloride, named for the ore in which many miners found deposits of silver, gold, lead, zinc and turquoise. Chloride began its boom in the late 1860’s when silver was found on Silver Hill. When the cost of mining materials and labor escalated in the mid 1940’s, the mines were shut down. Today Chloride supports a small community. Gunfighters provide an Old West show on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
  • Goldfield Ghost TownNevada’s largest city after gold was discovered in 1902, Goldfield was known for its opulence and luxury. Goldfield had more than 20,000 residents at its peak. Goldfield gained national recognition when it held a prize fight to bolster mining investments. The fight went 42 rounds between Joe Gans and Battling Nelson. A flood in 1913 and a fire in 1923 destroyed much of Goldfield’s past but there is still history to see today. The Tex Rickard house still stands, as well as the courthouse that was built in 1907.
  • Oatman, AZAbout 20 miles East of Laughlin, this once-thriving mining town during the gold rush now has wild burros wandering the streets of this TV and movie western backdrop. The Oatman Hotel is the home of Oatie the Ghost. Oatie, whose real name was William Ray Flour, came to Oatman from Ireland to work as a gold miner and lived in the hotel. It is told that he sent for his family to join him but neither his wife nor two children survived the trip. He died in 1930 behind the hotel after drinking himself to death. Cowboy gunfights and showdowns on main street take place on weekends.
  • Pioneer Saloon; Goodsprings, NVA hot spot for Hollywood movie making, the Pioneer Saloon was built in 1913. Bullet holes through the wall tell a story of lively poker games years ago. A small room at the side of the saloon offers artifacts and newspapers from the height of Goodsprings’ success in the mining industry.
  • Potosi Ghost TownNevada’s first ghost town was settled by Mormon pioneers. was abandoned in 1857. In 1861 California mining interests reopened the mine. A smelter and rock cabins of 100 miners made up the camp of Potosi. More extensive mining operations resulted after the transcontinental Salt Lake and San Pedro Rail Road (now the Union Pacific) was built through the area in 1905. During World War I, Potosi was an important source of zinc.
  • Rhyolite Ghost TownRhyolite was once a bustling metropolis. In 1904 gold was discovered in the area and the towns of Rhyolite and Bullfrog were born. At its peak, the town housed almost 10,000 people. Due to a loss of financial backing it became a ghost town by 1911. The three-story stone frame of the Cook Bank Building, a two-story concrete school building, and the train depot still stand. An interesting feature is a house made entirely of bottles (51,000 of them) was built in 1905.
  • SearchlightG.F. Colton first laid claim to this area when he discovered gold ore on May 6, 1897. A 16 mile narrow-guage railroad was constructed to carry the ore from the hillside down to the mill located on the Colorado River. Searchlight began to boom in 1902 and reached its peak in 1907 when a railroad connected the town with the main Santa Fe Line. On September 23, 1923 a desert storm washed the tracks out. This halted traffic completely and the train service was never restored.

More from Radio magazine

Download the FASTtrack for your PDA

Want to speed your way through the NAB2004 convention exhibit floor? Then download the exclusive NAB2004 FASTtrack and Exhibitor Directory from Radio magazine. This application runs on your PDA so you have all the booth listings with when you need them.

The listings are arranged in five ways. An overall alphabetical search lists every exhibitor. Categorical listings for radio and TV are then sorted alphabetically and in the exclusive Radio magazine FASTtrack, which sorts them by booth number, making it easy to plot your course to the next exhibitor.

Download your copy now.

Did you know…?

Test Your Knowledge of the Region

Nevada means “snowcapped” in Spanish, it was admitted to the union in 1864, its nickname is the “Battle Born State,” it is the seventh largest state in terms of square miles and ranks 38th in population.

Clark County was created Feb. 5, 1908. Its name honors William A. Clark, a U.S. senator from Montana who built the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. The county covers 7,881 square miles, which is comparable to the area of Massachusetts.

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