(click thumbnail)John GeorgeQ. What products or services does your company offer for radio broadcasters?
LBA Technology offers a complete line of antenna phasing systems, ATUs, Diplexers, Triplexers and components for all power levels. In addition we provide services and equipment for co-location of cellular antenna systems on “hot” AM towers.
Q. What should a radio engineer expect to see that’s new from LBA at the 2008 NAB Show?
We will have our new CAMI isolation coil on display. The CAMI provides an economical way of placing an FM translator antenna as well as STL and RPU antennas on a “hot” AM tower without requiring major changes in the antenna system. We will also have examples of our high power antenna equipment for international and domestic broadcasters
Q. How has HD Radio affected LBA’s business? And what’s your take on the criticism that’s been leveled at AM IBOC in particular?
Most AM broadcasters are very concerned about preparing their facility for HD Radio. Most of the new and replacement equipment being ordered is manufactured with HD Radio in mind. The biggest criticism that we hear concerns the conversion cost compared to return on investment and issues with nighttime interference.
Q. What’s the most exciting or unusual project you’ve been involved with lately?
Providing antenna systems for the US Marine Corp in Afghanistan and the British military for deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Q: What concerns about the industry do your clients express to you?
Industry concerns mostly involve competition from other media technologies such as the Web and Ipod type devices. Advertising dollars and finding good staff is always an issue. Many of the small markets have a strong loyalty factor that keep them somewhat immune from some of the economic issues that face larger markets and groups but today’s economy has created issues for all broadcasters.
Q. Where are you based, and how many employees do you have? Anything else we should know about your company?
LBA Technology, Inc is located in Greenville, North Carolina. We have 25+ employees that include sales, engineering, manufacturing and support staff. LBA Technology has been in business for over 40 years serving the broadcasting community.
