The spring NAB Show is approaching. Between now and then Radio World will conduct several short Q&As with manufacturers about their plans and offerings, to help you get the most out of the big annual trade show. Ken Frommert is general manager of ENCO Systems.
Radio World: How has business been for the company since last year’s NAB Show?
Ken Frommert: ENCO Systems is in its 33rd year of operation, and 2015 was a record year for us. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide our customers, which include some of the largest broadcasters in the world, with the most flexible and powerful solutions in the market. We are excited about the future of the broadcast industry and where we are headed.
RW: What are you hearing from your customers about their business outlook this year? In what areas should we expect growth or the most interesting projects?
Frommert: We are hearing confidence from broadcasters as they continue to invest in the software that sits at the core of their facility. Stations are demanding more from their automation system to improve their workflows and efficiency. Virtualization and the cloud will be growth areas as customers will continue to find ways to do more with less.
RW: ENCO has been active in the automation and broadcast software market for years. What’s the biggest problem or challenge facing users in this segment right now?
Frommert: One of the largest challenges facing broadcasters is trying to strike a good balance between versatility and simplicity, not only with their automation system, but with any equipment or software. At ENCO, we realize this challenge and have responded with a variety of new features and products which aim to simplify the workflow of users, as well as deliver improved performance and greater interoperability with third-party software and other studio equipment.
RW: The broadcast software market has seen tremendous growth and change over the last decade. Can it continue and if so, where does it go?
Frommert: Absolutely. Broadcasters face an increasingly competitive market, competing for listeners or viewers. To attract a larger audience, broadcasters are looking for new and exciting ways to offer more content and in doing so, rely upon us to give them the tools they need to do more with less.
RW: What new goodies will your company be showing? Why should attendees visit your booth?
Frommert: One of the exciting new products we will show this year is our Visual Radio solution. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the studio in our booth, N2518, and join us for a live visual radio show complete with camera switching, video playout and graphical overlays. Additionally, we will be showcasing our award-winning ENCO1ss virtualized automation system; and our new enCloud suite for mobile journalism, remote production and control.
RW: How has IP technology affected your company?
Frommert: One of the major revolutions in broadcast technology has been IP connectivity. ENCO has responded to the shift with direct integrations with a variety of broadcast equipment and software via IP. We have supported audio over IP since it started and continue to evolve our products into the future with products like ENCO1ss and enCloud — all based on IP connectivity.
RW: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trend at the 2016 NAB Show?
Frommert: One of the more significant trends will be virtualized and cloud-based solutions. Broadcasters are always looking to improve efficiency and have greater flexibility.
RW: Will you be attending any sessions or looking forward to any events?
Frommert: Paul Stewart of ENCO will contribute to a panel at the NABLive! sessions. He will be one of several panelists presenting on the topic of Mobile Journalism. The panel takes place from on Monday, April 18, at the Studio 1 production facility in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Paul will also present a paper on virtualization in the broadcast industry in room S227 on Sunday, April 17 at 4 p.m. At past speeches, the audience has always been very engaged and asked good questions. I am certainly looking forward to the presentation.
RW: You’re a show veteran, what’s your favorite thing about the show? Least favorite thing?
Frommert: My favorite thing about NAB is meeting face to face with all the people that are as passionate about this industry as we are. We love hearing about new projects and challenges and how existing or potential clients can benefit from our solutions. It’s really an exciting time for us. You can feel the energy in our booth all week long. My least favorite thing is never having enough time to spend with everyone as I’d like.
NAB Show Booth: N2518
Info: www.enco.com
Radio World invites you to register for a free NAB Show Exhibits-Only pass using our VIP code: LV9443.
To see more show Q&As visit our NAB Show 2016 web page.
