Radio Currents Online – Jul 28 – Aug 10, 2003
Aug 1, 2003 12:00 PM
Radio technology news updated as it happens.
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FCC Ownership Rules Take Effect Sept.4
Washington – Aug 4, 2003 – The FCC posted the new ownership rules in the Federal Register on Aug. 4, making Sept. 4 the date the new rules take effect. Filing merger applications are still on hold, pending approval from Office of Management and Budget of the new forms for the deals. This approval is expected to come in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, Congress is still working to overturn the rules. In addition, now that the rules are published, they can be challenged in the courts.
FCC Goes Wifi
Washington – Aug 4, 2003 – The FCC will provide free wireless Internet access to visitors at its Washington office. FCC Chairman Powell stated that the agency is embracing “the power of Wifi and the freedom and convenience of wireless Internet access it gives to consumers.”
Last year, Powell directed his staff to take the steps needed to make the FCC one of the first federal agencies to provide public Wifi access. Visitors bringing their own hardware and software can use the service on the 12th Street, Courtyard and 8th floor levels of the headquarters located at 445 12th Street, SW in Washington.
The Commission will be unable to provide technical support, and all transactions using this service are the responsibility of the visitor. At present, the FCC will not request personal identifying information prior to allowing access to the wireless network. If requested by outside authorities, however, the FCC will provide data from system audit logs to support external investigations of improper Internet use.
SBE Announces Broadcast EngineeringAwards
Indianapolis – Aug 6, 2003 – The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) has released the complete list of 2002 award recipients of its annual awards program, which will be presented during the SBE National Awards Dinner, held during the SBE National Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003, in Madison, WI.
Douglas W. Garlinger, CPBE CBNT, of Noblesville, IN, has been named SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year by the Society. Garlinger has been employed by LeSea Broadcasting Corporation as Director of Engineering since 1980. LeSea operates the World Harvest Television Network on Galaxy IV Trl5, eight full power television stations, four LPTVs, two FM stations and three international short wave stations, WHRI, WHRA and KWHR. LeSea also operates two satellite uplink networks overseas: Middle East TV (METV) and Far East Television (FETV).
Author of SBE�s Introduction to DTV-RF, Garlinger also co-wrote SBE�s Television Operator�s Certification Handbook. He was named SBE Educator of the Year in 1994 and was elected a Fellow of SBE in 1999.
Terrence M. Baun, CPBE CBNT, of Westfield, IN, has been named SBE Educator of the Year. Baun is president of Criterion Broadcast Services, which provides consulting and contracting services to many broadcast stations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
Baun has a long history of involvement in the Society of Broadcast Engineers, including activities with an educational mission. He was instrumental in the formation of the Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist certification level by the Society. He later developed a tutorial which he has presented more than 30 times across the United States, helping broadcast engineers better understand computer networks as used in broadcast stations.
Baun has served as national SBE President from 1995 to 1997. He was named SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year in 1991 and was elected a Fellow of SBE in 1998.
Recipient of the SBE Technology Award is Thales Broadcast & Multimedia, Southwick, MA, for its DCX Paragon MSDC-IOT high-power digital transmitter. The DCX Paragon is the first high power MSDC IOT transmitter to be installed and placed into operation. It incorporates several technical innovations and patent-pending technologies. Designed with a simple linear HVPS, the DCX Paragon uses Soft Arc Technology (patent pending) that eliminates the need for a crowbar system and increases the reliability of the transmitter. It also features an internal oil cooling system that also increases reliability, as well as longevity of the transmitter. In addition, it was designed to ensure compatibility with all major MSDC IOT tube manufacturers.
John H. Battison, P.E., CPBE, of Loudonville, OH, is the recipient of the award for the Best Technical Article, Book or Program by an SBE Member. His article, New Tower Standards, appeared in the April 2002 issue of Radio magazine. Battison founded SBE in the early 1960�s and is a past NAB Engineering Award for Radio winner.
Local SBE chapters have also earned national awards. They include:
- Best Regional Convention or Conference: Chapter 22, Central New York � 30th Annual SBE Chapter 22 Convention; Conference Coordinator: Thomas C. McNicholl, CBTE
- Best Chapter Newsletter (Class B): Chapter 24, Madison, Wis. � Editor: Michael J. Norton, CSTE, CBNT
- Most Interactive Chapter: Chapter 73, HAMnet �Chapter of the Air� � Chapter Chairman: Hal H. Hostetler, CPBE
- Best Chapter Frequency Coordination Effort (Class B): Chapter 9, Phoenix, Ariz. � Frequency Coordinators: Arizona Frequency Coordination Committee, chaired by Karl Voss
- Best Chapter Website: Chapter 53, South Florida � Webmaster: Douglas L. Barkley, CBTE, CBNT
- Most Certified Chapter (Class A): Chapter 117, Palouse/Clearwater, Idaho � Chapter Chairman: Ralph R. Hogan, CPBE, CBNT; Certification Chairman: Dave Brawdy, CPBE
- Most Certified Chapter (Class B): Chapter 118, Montgomery, Ala. � Chapter Chairman: Larry J. Wilkins, CPBE, CBNT; Certification Chairman: Charles L. Grider, CBRE, CBNT
- Highest Member Attendance Percentage at Chapter Meetings (Class A): Chapter 136, Rio Grande Valley, Texas � Chapter Chairman: Jaime Rodriguez, CBT
- Highest Member Attendance Percentage at Chapter Meetings (Class B)M: Chapter 113, Knoxville, Tenn. � Chapter Chairman in 2002: Charles �Doug� Stallard, CPBE, CBNT
- Greatest Growth in New Members (Class A): Chapter 133, Buffalo, N.Y. � Chapter Chairman: John L. Merrill
- Greatest Growth in New Members (Class B): Chapter 56, Tulsa, Okla. � Chapter Chairman: George Chambers
Note: Class A � less than the median chapter size; Class B � more than the median chapter size.
CEA Survey Reveals That Consumers AreInterested in Satellite Radio Features
Arlington, VA – Aug 4, 2003 – New research from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) shows that consumers are eager to use the benefits that satellite radio has to offer. CEA’s survey found that most consumers (94 percent) listen to the radio in their cars, and the majority of those (67 percent) believe the sound quality of their radios is not as good as that of CDs. According results of the March 2003 survey, consumers also are attracted to the ability of digital and satellite radio to display a variety of data such as song title and artist, traffic reports and especially weather updates.
The study found that while gender has no effect on one’s interest in digital radio, age has a significant impact. Consumers in the 18 to 34 year-old age group show a greater interest in digital radio than those 35 and older (69 percent vs. 56 percent). Forty-nine percent of consumers reported that they are somewhat or very interested in satellite radio that could provide CD quality sound. Women show more interest in satellite radio then men (51 percent vs. 46 percent). As with digital radio, interest in satellite radio declines with age. Interest level among 18-34 year olds outpaced that of 55+ year olds (63 percent vs. 38 percent).
The study found that in addition to improved sound quality, consumers also are somewhat or very interested in the technology’s ability to display information, including weather reports (62 percent), traffic updates (51 percent), and song title and artist (50 percent).
The CEA admits that changing consumer habits to accept paying for radio will be a struggle. Many consumers (51 percent) from the survey said that they would not be willing to pay the extra fee for satellite radio service. However, history has shown through the launch of cable TV in the 60’s, consumers will pay more to receive access to higher quality and greater choice.
Data cited in this release came from reports designed and formulated by Ebrain Market Research, a market research consulting firm. The quantitative study for Digital and Satellite Radio Mini Study was administered via Internet form to a representative online sample of 1,160 U.S. adults during March 2003.
Weather Radio Updates Voice Again
Silver Spring, MD – Aug 5, 2003 – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Radio (NWR) has once again upgraded the synthesized voice used to broadcast weather announcements. On July 1, 2003, the Blacksburg, VA, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) debuted the latest concatenated speech upgrade. The new voice, nicknamed Tom, is an improvement to the previous speech software of Craig and Donna.
NWR has already received praise of the new voice. One feature of the new voice is the ability to vary the speed and intensity to better match the severity of the weather report. Weather warnings can convey the sense of urgency that they deserve and not sound like daily forecasts.
The new voice was developed by Boston-based Speechworks International, which also created Craig and Donna. According to an article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the new voice is named after the Boston-area singer who recorded the base sounds, who is also named Tom. The exact identity of the singer has not been disclosed.
The weather service’s first automated voice, called Paul, began broadcasting in 1997. It was a parametric voice, meaning its words were entirely computer-generated. While this was an improvement over some of the live voices used by local Weather Radio stations, it was mechanical and was sometimes described as sounding like a drunken German sailor.
Speechworks also creates the voices used for America Online, Yahoo and Onstar.
Ibiquity Working on Audio Quality
Washington – Aug 1, 2003 – According to a report posted to the Public Radio E-mail Technical Forum, three National Pulblic Radio engineers visited Ibiquity at the end of July to witness the revised audio codec used for Ibiquity’s HD Radio. The report stated that the three observers were pleasntly surprised by the sound quality Ibiquity had achieved at the AM (36kb/s), FM (96kb/s) and potential NPR Tomorrow Radio Main Audio Program (64kb/s) data rates.
An opinion was stated that if the demonstrated improvement in audio quality is achievable in actual use that there will be “compelling audio quality incentives for stations to adopt HD Radio.”
The report also stated that NPR has been asked to provide the venue for another radio industry audio demonstration in August.
BMI and RMLC Reach Agreement
New York – Jul 31, 2003 – The Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) and Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) have reached an agreement on new commercial radio station blanket and per program licenses for the musical works in BMI’s repertoire. The agreement settles a rate proceeding commenced in 1999 by the RMLC in the Federal District Court in New York.
The agreement covers the 10-year period from 1997 through 2006. Details of the agreements for both blanket and per program licenses, which have been submitted to the BMI rate court, are being mailed to radio stations throughout the industry this week.
BMI and the RMLC have agreed that the interim license fees due for the period 1997 through 2002 will remain unchanged and will be the final fees due for this period. Fees for the period 2003 through 2006 are on the basis of a new formula developed during the negotiations that offers the benefits of stability, simplified administration, and set fee levels to BMI and radio stations alike. The agreement also includes a separate fee for the right for RMLC radio stations to simultaneously stream their over-the-air signals on their Internet websites.
The RMLC represents, directly or indirectly, all commercial U.S. radio stations with the exception of those stations represented by the National Religious Broadcasters Music License Committee.
Sen. McCain Intros ‘Our Democracy,Our Airwaves’ Act
Washington – July 30, 2003 – Sen. John McCain introduced the Our Democracy, Our Airwaves Act to the Senate Commerce Committee, which will require broadcasters to air a minimum of two hours per week of candidate-centered or issue-centered programming before a primary or general federal election. The proposed legislation would also require broadcasters to provide candidates and parties with non-preemptable advertising time at the lowest rate offered. In addition, McCain’s bill asks that candidates and national committees of political parties be provided with vouchers that could be used to run political ads on radio and television stations. To fund these vouchers, broadcasters would be charged an annual spectrum use to fund the voucher system.
“This legislation is designed to increase the flow of political information in broadcast media and to reduce the cost to candidates of educating the electorate on their candidacy,” McCain says. McCain introduced a similar bill during the last Congressional session that did not pass.
The minimum time requirements for candidate and issue programming section states that stations, as a part of their public interest obligation, must air a minimum of two hours per week of candidate-centered or issue-centered programming for a total of six weeks preceding a primary or general federal election. At least four of these weeks must immediately precede the general election. Half of the segments must air between 5 p.m. and 11:35 p.m. Any segment that airs between midnight to 6 a.m. will not count toward meeting this requirement.
“Candidate-centered programming” means programs that provide debates, interviews, candidates statements and other news or public affairs formats that provide for a discussion of issues by candidates. “Issue-centered programming” means programs such as debates, interviews and other formats that provide for a discussion of ballot measures on the ballot in the forthcoming election. Neither includes any political ads.
The Political Advertisement Voucher Program creates a system for candidates and parties to purchase paid political advertising on broadcast stations. The total cost of the voucher program is set at $750 million in the 2004 election year, and will be indexed to rise with inflation in ensuing federal election years. The vouchers will be financed by a spectrum use fee of not less than 0.5 percent and not more than one percent on the gross annual revenues of broadcast license holders.
The bill includes verbiage that covers the dollar amount of the vouchers for various candidate positions and established eligibility requirements.
It is likely that all broadcast stations will vigorously oppose this bill because of the demand for prime-time programming and the additional fees that will be imposed to stations.
Division of FCC’s Enforcement BureauGets New Name
Washington, DC – July 16, 2003 – The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has changed the name of its Technical and Public Safety Division to the Spectrum Enforcement Division. The new name is intended to better reflect the functions and responsibilities of the division.
The renamed Spectrum Enforcement Division will continue to carry out its existing functions, which include enforcement (and support for enforcement by the bureau’s field offices) in such areas as unauthorized construction and operation, interference, equipment requirements, 911 and E-911, and radio tower lighting. The division’s responsibilities also include the provision of engineering technology support to the bureau’s field offices and the operation of the bureau’s high frequency direction-finding facilities.
Joseph P. Casey is the chief of the spectrum enforcement division. Ricardo Durham and Kathy Berthot are deputy division chiefs.
The name change took effect immediately.
Safety Cast STA Dismissed
Washington – July 29, 2003 – On April 18, 2003, Safety Cast filed an application for Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC in the Experimental Radio Service. By its experimentation, Safety Cast sought to test its technology that, it states, uses “an extremely low power, non-commercial, mobile transmitter that will broadcast ‘All Hazard’ alerts, AMBER Alerts and/or emergency ‘alert’ messages from authorized public entity vehicles (Police, Fire/Rescue, etc.).” By public notice, DA 03-2109, released June 30, 2003, this application was given “permit-but-disclose” status under the Commission’s ex parte rules, and comment was sought with initial comments due July 30, 2003.
This application caused concern by many broadcasters, who saw a flaw in the proposed system’s ability to override radio receivers in a local area to transmit emergency messages. The technology would not be able to discriminate between regular broadcasts and emergency messages that were already being transmitted on the originating station. Likewise, the override capability would likely exceed any proposed coverage zone and could cause unintentional interference to other RF users.
By a letter dated July 29, 2003, the Chief of the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) dismissed the Safety Cast application without prejudice to the applicant’s right to file an application (Form 309) with the Media Bureau pursuant to Part 74 of the Commission’s rules. As a result, comment is no longer being sought on this application. By the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology
FCC’s Powell Defends New MediaRules
Washington – July 23, 2003 – FCC Chairman Michael Powell is defending the broadcast media ownership rules that the Commission adopted on June 2.
“We are confident in our decision” said Powell. “We created enforceable rules that reflect the realities of today�s media marketplace. The rules will benefit Americans by protecting localism, competition and diversity.” He added, “The FCC based its judgments on evidence that the new rules would benefit Americans.”
The FCC rules adopted on June 2 also tightened radio ownership rules, maintained the prohibition on a merger between the big four TV networks and revamped the newspaper-television cross ownership rules.
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Business
Sony Pictures Acquires Sonic FoundryAssets
Culver City, CA, and Madison, WI – July 31, 2003 – Sony Pictures Digital has acquired all of Sonic Foundry’s desktop software products and related assets for $19 million cash. Certain other consideration and assumption of certain trade payables, accrued liabilities and capital leases associated with the desktop software business were also acquired. The closing of the transaction follows approval from Sonic Foundry stockholders at the company’s annual meeting on July 30.
Sony Pictures Digital plans to maintain the desktop software products business in Madison with about 70 former Sonic Foundry employees in the Sherman Ave. facility. Sonic Foundry will continue to operate its media communications business with about 30 employees in downtown Madison.
Sonic Foundry is based in Madison, WI, with offices in Santa Monica, CA, Toronto and Pittsburgh.
Shure Reorganizes Sales,Marketing
Niles, IL – July 18, 2003 – Shure�s sales and marketing functions have been reorganized into five distinct business units. The five new business units are based on regional and market divisions, and are responsible for assessing market needs, developing marketing programs and working with the sales channel to bring products to market. They include: Shure U.S., headed by Vice President Al Hershner; Shure Europe, overseen by Managing Director Markus Winkler; Shure Asia, managed by Rob Ascough, managing director; Shure International Americas, Middle East and Africa, directed by General Manager Jane Wilke; and Shure Communications, Shure’s mobile communications subsidiary, run by Shawn Stahmer, managing director.
In addition to the business units, a global marketing team representing product development, directed by Mark Brunner, market integration, managed by Kimberley Britton, market research, overseen by Jim Santilli, and global support services, headed up by Jim Furst, have been constructed.
KOHM-FM Adds Six Neumanns
Lubbock, TX – Aug 4, 2003 – Public radio station KOHM-FM has purchased three Neumann Solution-D variable pattern digital microphone systems and three Neumann M 150 Tube small-diaphragm microphones as part of an upgrade at the facility, which is licensed to Texas Tech University. The upgrade was made possible through local grants made jointly to the school and the station to enhance its marketing efforts to national and international audiences of events both on and off campus.
Neumann’s DMI-2 Digital Microphone Interface and RCS Remote Control Software provide remote control of the Solution-D, which permits the user to create an adjustable polar pattern. Instead of providing only an omni, caridiod and figure-eight pattern, the Solution-D can create patterns that are between the classic pickup patterns.
Signal Media Selects CSS forStudio Install
Denver – Aug 6, 2003 – Creative Studio Solutions (CSS) has been selected by Signal Media to design, engineer, build and install a new production studio in Little Rock, AR. The studio will be fitted with a Wheatstone D-8000 console with full DSP control. Vision Quest Consoles will supply the custom-designed studio furniture. CSS will design and manufacture a console interconnect XLR patchbay for Signal Media�s production studio. CSS will use Stardraw documentation software.
CSS will pre-assemble, test and document the entire production studio at its facility in Colorado before disassembly, shipping and re-assembly at Signal Media�s facility in Arkansas.
All Comedy Radio Launches
Hollywood, CA – Aug 6, 2003 – All Comedy Radio has signed its first three affiliates. The stations are KXL-AM, Portland, OR; WTTB-AM, Vero Beach, FL; and KLFJ-AM, Springfield, MO.
All Comedy Radio will provide a continuous stream of comedy radio programming, mixing recorded stand-up routines, interview segments with professional comedians, morning show-type radio comedy bits and comedy jock personality hosts.
More Staff Cuts at Ibiquity
Columbia, MD – Aug 5, 2003 – Earlier, Radio magazine reported that three managers, including Glynn Walden, had left Ibiquity. The cuts have continued, and the count now exceeds 30 people, including more key technology developers.
One source cited that Ibiquity made the cuts for budgetary reasons to continue operating through the end of 2003. Speculation is that the delay in a nationwide rollout, most recently stalled by the audio quality problems and the night-time service issues with the AM system, are to blame. These delays were not anticipated by Ibiquity.
Orban/CRL Joins WebcasterAlliance
Las Vegas – Aug 5, 2003 – Orban/CRL Systems has become the newest member of the Webcaster Alliance. A complete list of corporate members was not available from the Webcasters Alliance.
SPL Moves to New Facility
Thousand Oak, CA – Aug 6, 2003 – Sound Performance Lab (SPL) has relocated its office to Thousand Oaks, CA. The new address and phone numbers are:
331 W Columbia Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-3214
Tel: 805-497-8182
Fax: 805-435-7455
The company’s website is unchanged at www.spl-usa.com.
Orban/CRL Moves To LargerFacility
Tempe, AZ – July 1, 2003 – Orban/CRL’s Arizona operations have moved to new facilities in Tempe, AZ. Circuit Research Labs has been based in Tempe for two decades. After the recent sale of CRL’s old facilities, Orban/CRL moved into the new, 30,500 square-foot facility at 1330 West Auto Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284. The phone number remains the same at 602-438-0888; the fax number has changed to 480-785-1031.
The company stated that the new facilities will allow for the expansion in production that is anticipated. Orban/CRL’s Arizona location will eventually include full broadcast studios for radio production and Internet streaming and will garage the 33-foot long Orban/CRL Mobile Broadcast Laboratory.
All Orban/CRL upper management personnel retain offices in the new building and Orban/CRL’s Marketing Department is now based at the Arizona location.
The new building in Tempe.
New Address for TielineTechnology
Indianapolis – July 28, 2003 – Tieline Technology, manufacturer of POTS and ISDN codecs, has relocated to new offices in Indianapolis. The new address and contact information is:
7202 E 87 Street, Ste 116
Indianapolis, IN 46256phone 317-845-8000
toll-free 888-211-6989 (unchanged)
fax 317-845-9606
The company’s website URL is also unchanged at www.tieline.com.
Clear Channel LA Taps Harris forBurbank Facility
Cincinnati and Burbank, CA – July 29, 2003 – The Harris Broadcast Communications Division has been chosen as the facility integrator and equipment supplier for Clear Channel Los Angeles’ new broadcast complex in the Warner Music Building in Burbank, CA. The turnkey facility, when completed, will feature 55 studios equipped with Harris’ BMX Digital on-air consoles, Vistamax router and Harris Pacific studio furniture.
The new broadcast complex will consolidate the operations for Clear Channel’s Los Angeles area radio stations, talk radio KFI-AM, soft rock KOST-FM, KBIG-FM, hit music station KIIS-FM, KHHT-FM, KYSR-FM, sports KXTA-AM and KLAC-AM.
Look for a Facility Showcase on the new facility on its completion in an upcoming issue of Radio magazine.
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People
Orban/CRL Appoints Claybornto Customer Service Position
Tempe, AZ – July 31, 2003 – Kevin Clayborn, 10-year Orban/CRL veteran, has been appointed to the position of Orban/CRL Customer Service. Clayborn now provides telephone support to users of all Orban and CRL products, issues service reports for equipment needing repair, sends parts and provides warranty service. He is experienced and knowledgeable in the audio processing business and can assist any and all Orban/CRL customers needing parts, repair and other service. He replaces Paul Black who is pursuing a private business venture.
Having worked within the organization in a variety of key positions for the past several years, including most recently worldwide sales manager for TV products, Clayborn can be contacted at 602-438-0888, fax 480-785-1031, [email protected] or [email protected].
With his new position, Clayborn joins Orban/CRL’s Marty Acuff, Gareth Paredes, Keith Cheathem, Joey Cunanan and Signerot Smith to complete the Orban/CRL Customer Service Team.
TM Century Adds ProductManager
Dallas – July 31, 2003 – Amy Wilken will join TM Century as Praise Disc Manager on August 4, 2003. Wilken will manage the Praise Disc project, which delivers Christian new releases every other week to more than 1,800 radio stations in the United States. Wilken�s background includes a Bachelor�s degree from Milliken University in commercial music, years of experience in Nashville with Christian record labels, a promotions position in Dallas with Sony,and most recently as the national promotions director for Christian independent label Razed Records.
RIAA Names Bainwol as Chairmanand CEO
Washington, DC – July 28, 2003 � Mitch Bainwol, former chief of staff to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), was named as Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America by the RIAA Board of Directors.
“Mitch brings to the RIAA the consummate insider’s understanding of political nuance in Washington,” stated Roger Ames, CEO, Warner Music Group.
Bainwol, who currently runs the lobbying firm The Bainwol Group, was previously executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), and before that, chief of staff to U.S. Senator Connie Mack (R-FL) for nine years.
Bainwol will start at the RIAA on Sept. 1.
Logitek Adds Grundstein to Sales Staff
Houston – July 22, 2003 – Logitek Electronic Systems has appointed Frank Grundstein, a 30-year veteran of the broadcast industry, as the company�s North American sales manager. Grundstein�s prior experience includes sales for Lightner Electronics, Radio Systems and Harris Broadcast, where he worked for six years and piloted Harris’ National Account Program for Radio. He has also worked in broadcasting and production, including positions at Malrite as the chief engineer of Eagle 106 in Philadelphia, director of A/V Facilities for DDB Needham WW in New York and for Bonneville at WRFM in New York. Grundstein is certified by the SBE as a Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE). He also holds an FCC General Radiotelephone License. He has a Master�s Degree in Communications Systems from NYU.
As Logitek�s North American sales manager, Grundstein will represent the Logitek Numix and Remora, router-based distributed console systems, in the United States and Canada. He will be based outside Philadelphia and can be reached at 610-642-2487 or [email protected].
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Internet Watch
Electronics Research LaunchesRedesigned Website
Chandler, IN � July 30, 2003 � Electronics Research Inc. (ERI) has redesigned its website at www.eriinc.com. The redesign is intended to provide a more functional site to visitors. According to ERI, the new design is part of the company’s ongoing effort to ensure that ERI customers receive the best possible service. ERI plans to add other features in the future.
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Products
Telos Releases ProfilerVersion 2.0
Cleveland – Aug 4, 2003 – Telos Systems is now shipping its Profiler Version 2.0 Automated Program Archiving software, a new version of the logging software. The new features of the software include:
- Support for recording of multiple simultaneous program streams.
- The ability to record simultaneous mono streams using a single stereo audio card.
- Multiple simultaneous bit-rate recordings for short- and long-term storage.
- An integrated logging scheduler.
- Expanded GPI/O support.
- An integrated recorder and server application.
For more information go to www.telos-systems.com.
Audio Science Adds MP3 Low Sample RateSupport
Newcastle, DE – Aug 4, 2003 – Audio Science has added low sample-rate format (LSF) MP3 support to its range of ASI6000 audio adapters. The LSF formats support MP3 encoding and decoding at sample rates of 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.050 and 24kHz and bit rates of 8k/s to 160k/s. All signal processing is done on the adapter�s DSP, reducing dependence on the host PC processor.
These low sampling rates are commonly used for logging applications. The new MP3 formats will be supported on the following Audio Science adapters: ASI6012, ASI6122, ASI6114, ASI6118, ASI6244 and ASI2214 Soundslice. Low sample rate MP3 is available free of charge through driver update v2.82, available from the Audio Science website at www.audioscience.com.
Digigram Adds Upgrade Option forSound Cards
Montbonnot, France – July 31, 2003 � Digigram has released a new optional MP3 codec for its PCX and LCM card range. PC Codec MP3 improves the performance of MP3 playback using Digigram PCX/LCM cards by adding the ability to directly record in the MP3 format and increase the number of MP3 files played simultaneously.
Available only through Digigram OEM development partners, PC Codec MP3 launches an MP3 codec that runs on the host computer’s processor, which handles the MP3 encoding and decoding. Mixing is done on the sound card. One single codec can manage MP3 coding and decoding for multiple sound cards installed in the same PC.
PC Codec MP3 will work with the following Digigram sound cards: PCX22v2, PCX442, PCX822v2, PCX924v2, PCX924-Mic, PCXpocketv3, PCXpocket440, PCXpocket240 and LCM440v2, as well as with the discontinued models PCX22, PCX440np, PCX821np, PCX822np, PCX924 and LCM440.
A separate PC codec with MPEG Layers I, II and MP3 features for Digigram’s Mixart 8 range is also available. PC Codec MP3 will not work with Digigram�s VX-range of sound cards.
Pogo Products Releases RadioRecorder
Brea, CA – July 30, 2003 – Touted as the first solid-state AM/FM radio recorder, the Radio Your Way provides listeners with a compact radio tuner and recorder. It is being marketed as a way to capture favorite programs for later playback. Users can also download files through the USB port.
The idea is not really that new, but true to current consumer marketing, this will be milked for all it’s worth. Radio magazine wonders when the RIAA will get involved with this as a violation of copyright laws.
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