Comlabs released an HD Radio Active Alerts Interface for EMnet, its Emergency Management Network.
“This free upgrade allows EMnet-equipped radio stations to send Emergency Alert System notifications directly to radios via their HD Radio digital broadcast systems,” the company stated. When activated, HD Radio receivers will display emergency information and trigger wake-up/snooze capabilities on supported receivers automatically.
The interface and other new features are included in Comlabs’ EMnet v4.1 release. No new hardware is required for the upgrade; v4.1 is a free update for EMnet users. Comlabs has started a phased upgrade process to update EMnet clients.
VP of Engineering Bill Marriott said in the statement that Active Alerts, a technology from iBiquity Digital, are the next logical step in providing enhanced alert info to HD Radio receivers.
The company said lab testing for the software was completed in February, followed by live testing by Randy Woods, director of engineering for local LP1 station WPOZ(FM) in Orlando, Fla.
