EAS equipment maker Digital Alert Systems has announced that its DASDEC-II hardware works with WideOrbit’s WO Automation for Radio automation system, which is the former Google Radio Automation.
One goal of this integration is to prevent emergency alert “step-on” insertion over advertiser material.
Calling it a “refined integration,” Development Manager for Digital Alert Systems Bill Robertson said, “The negative and often costly consequences of forced switching and advertising step-ons are eliminated. We’re able to ensure a better on-air product for the broadcaster.”
Eric R. Mathewson, founder and CEO of WideOrbit said the arrangement assures that spots and content air without interruption while observing FCC regulations.
The functionality can be unlocked in installed systems through a license key obtained from DAS.
“The GUI is a browser-based user interface that enables interaction on any standard Web browser and anywhere on an IP-based network,” DAS spokesman Michael Kroll told RW. “This means you can use PCs, Macs, even Smartphones, to view, change or activate DASDEC functions.”
We asked him to explain further what kind of management is involved. “When to air an alert is determined by the broadcaster,” he wrote in an e-mail.
“For example, the government will specify a time window for each alert, a range for when it’s valid (this could be the next 15 minutes, the next few hours, etc.). Therefore, the broadcaster determines when to broadcast that message within the time window. Additionally, the broadcaster could choose to preempt programming/advertising immediately if the message warrants such an interruption.
“A place where this solution really shines is in relation to mandatory weekly and monthly tests … that don’t have immediate criticality,” Kroll said.
