Technical Program Highlights Texas Convention

Broadcast engineers who are in or plan to be in Texas in mid-August might want to consider setting aside two days (Aug. 11 – 12) for the Texas Association of Broadcasters and Society of Broadcast Engineers Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Austin.
A free event at this year’s convention involves a tour of Active Power’s Austin facility that includes a BBQ dinner. Active Power makes flywheel UPS systems used for conditioning and maintaining AC power at high-power transmission facilities.
The technical sessions include topics such as “Affordable UPS Strategies,” “RF Safety and Compliance for the Workplace” presented by Steven Walz with Radiofrequency Safety International; “RF System Analysis and Preventive Maintenance,” by Peter Eckmann and Chuck Cluck with Eckmann Broadcast Consultants; and “Safety Protocols for Live Shots and Remotes,” by Keith Land, Jim Thompson and Jennifer Cavazos.
TAB has an active Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program; a session will be devoted to new ABIP policies and procedures. An inspection under the ABIP can provide protection against surprise FCC inspections. David Layer, NAB director of Advanced Engineering, and David Oxenford will present a “Technical and Regulatory Update” that will cover issues such as interference from Mexican stations, the proliferation of translators, the DTV transition and “satellite issues.”
The fee to attend all engineering sessions and the trade show is only $35, including a lunch on Thursday, or $25 without the lunch.
Info: www.tab.org.