be - worldradiohistory.com...may 06, 1996 · by skip pizzi, editor for those interested in u.s....

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N AB Pick HitsRadio Montreuxpreview

8BUS SERIES

WHAT TO TELL YOUR GM WHEN YOU WANT A NEWPRODUCTION MIXER WITH MORE THAN FOUR FADERS.

First and foremost, tellthem that you can get astudio -quality 16010cons* for just $3199'.'3199 wodt buy an extra hard

disk for that digital cartdoofratutstor that keeps going

south dur ng morning drive.

Heck. go vhole hog and

request a superb 24 -channel

Mackie Designs 8Bus console

- the!'n. just '3999*

Second. tell 'em thatMackie 8Bus consolesare bui 1 like tanks.All three models feature solid

steel ct arsis. sealed rotarycontrols, double -sided thru-

hole plated fiberglass circuit

boards and special impact-resistaut iesign. Many 8Busconsoles save been in

continuot.s. 24 -hours -a -day.

hands -3r use for years in

high -pier sure production

facilities. Some have actually

survived in -air jocks forprolongec periods of time.

Third, t2I1 'em thestation's probablyalready playing musicrecorded on an 8Bus.That's fov good our consoles

sound foss of headroom.

Low no sr. And no coloration.It's no winder that the list of

platinum and gold albums

tracked aid mixed on 8Busboards gnws daily.Sure. arg sing sound quality

rarely swsys a GM. but it's

worth a try.

If necessary, call yourbroadcast supply house,or Mack le direct and request

our 48 -page 8Bus consolebrochure. It has a lot more

argument as to why ourconsoles ire the best value

around.

Finally. if all else fails. consider

begging.

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larger 24.8 aid 32.8 models.

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gold-plat2d ritelcoartetts. sealed oalay

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triple-retailied 200 -watt 2 -rack -space

ethrnal reran sup fly.

Selected highlights ofthe Mackie Designs8Bus console...

1 Studio -grade mic preamps on

every channel Discrete circuitry

with conjugate -pair. large -emitter -

geometry transistors contribute to

specs like -129.6 dBm E I N .

0.005. distortion and 10H2-300kHz

bandwidth Phantom power for

condenser mics switchable

banks of 8 channels

2 Monitor section with separate

Control Room and Studio stereo

level controls. Select any

combination of LT mix. Mix -B. 2-

rraci or External feeds Mono

.umming switch included at no

dra charge

3 tile headphone section lets

ease two different headphone

':eds with any combination of

Monitor Mix -B. Aux 3 8 4 or Au 5

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4 Separate Talkback section with

bait -in mic Selector switches let

YOU address any combination of

Aux 1. Aux 2 or TapeSubmasters

5 Six prepost-switchable aux

sends per channel Foxi available at

any one time

6 Big -console equalization 12kHz

Hi shelving. 80Hz Lo shelving.

swept Lo Mid 145H2-3kHzi and true

parametric Hi Mid ECI Band center

sweepable from 500H2 to 18kHz.

bandwidth is variable from 'I 2 -

octave to 3 octaves 15dB boost'

cut throughout PLUS an 18dBI

octave Lo Cut filter that cuts room

nimble and mic thumps

7 100mm faders with true.

logarithmic taper Gain is smooth

throughout the tader's travel

instead of erratic and unpredictable

like it is with cheap 0 -taper faders

8 In -line console design with

separate Mix-BIMondor section.

Doubles inputs dunng mixdowii or

create two different stereo feeds at

the same time.

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Circle (4) on Action Caid

Btizet4,0

26 NAB96Review

14 Pick Hits of NAB 96

48 Show Preview: Radio Montreux

ON THE COVER: (Right) Confused byall of the options shown at NAB 96?This issue explains it all. (Cover designby art director Stephanie Masterson.)

May/June 1996 Volume 2 Number 3

This month...

NAB 96 Review 26By the BE Radio staffHere's the scoop from the 1996 NAB Convention. as seen by our team of radio experts.

Pick Hits of NAB 96 44By Skip PizziBE Radio's panel of top-notch industry judges selects the top 10 new products atNAB 96.

Show Preview: Radio Montreux 48By Gerald WalkerThe European radio industry gears up for the 3rd Montrem International RadioSvmposium and Technical Exposition.

Departments...

Editorial 4By Skip PizziThe industry finds itself at a critical crossroad.

Contract Engineering 6By Chip MorganComputer software needs maintenance, too.

Managing Technology 10By William FawcettAs facilities grim; managers have to weigh the merits of arious expansion options.

RF Engineering 16By John BattisonDigital exciters complete the FM signal chain's digitization.

FCC Update 22By Harry C. Martin & Andrew S. Kersting.1/odilicatinns without ('Ps, expanded /1.11 allotnents and more.

EAS Update 24By Leonard Charlesla's time to start shopping for FAS equipment.

Reader Feedback 49

Business/People 51

Classified 51

Ad Index 52

2 BE RADIO, May/June 1996

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Circle (5) on Action Card

Editorial:

The upsand

downsof DAB

By Skip Pizzi,editor

For those interested in U.S. digital audio broadcasting (DAB), 1996 has already offeredsome interesting developments. First, is the decline in status of in -band DAB. Theinterference problems affecting all of the in -band formats are reportedly so bad that

without wholesale format revisions, no currently proposed system is likely to be usable - atleast not in major markets.

Meanwhile, the VOA is apparently rethinking its format's course. The proponent may soonrevise its system to be applied to terrestrial HF ("short wave") rather than satellitetransmission, based on the reception -reliability and building -penetration problems inherentin satellite DAB delivery.

That leaves Eureka 147 at L -band, which has performed well but cannot be implementeddue to lack of spectrum. Every path seems to lead to a dead end for US. DAB at present. Sohow to proceed?

Two possibilities were discussed at NAB 96. The first is an din-band/on-carrier" formatproposed by WCRB-FM and Sanders (a division of Lockheed/Martin) called FMDigital,which uses a single, 40kHz-wide FM subcarrier to broadcast about 160kb/s of data fordigital audio or other services. The second is a variation of the single -frequency network(SFN) application of Eureka 147 that uses time -domain multiple access (TDMA) tech-niques. This would allow the multiple stations grouped within a single Eureka 147 ensembleto be physically split among different transmitter sites instead of sharing a commontransmitter and antenna. (Given the current consolidation trend, just how big a problem isthe shared -site issue anymore?) Of course, these ideas still require significant developmentand raise many unanswered questions, both technical and economic.

On the policy front, Satellite DAB continues to move forward, although hounded by severalcritical contingencies. At press time, it was expected that the FCC will move to license halfof the 50MHz S -band allocation to the current applicants. (CD Radio will get a free ride witha Pioneer's Preference, and the other three applicants will battle it out at a spectrum auction.)What the other half of the band is being reserved for is unclear, but it could become theeventual home of U.S. terrestrial DAB. This would follow the Canadian model of splitting itsL -band DAB allocation between terrestrial and satellite uses.

CD Radio's plan also includes terrestrial gap -fillers for urban zones, which it proposescould carry local radio stations' DAB signals along with its repeated satellite channels. As theVOA and others have hinted, Satellite DAB may not be viable without these terrestrialcomponents. But whether CD Radio's pockets are deep enough to establish a massiveterrestrial network while also launching two satellites, remains to be seen.

Other alternatives? One is back to the drawing board with in -band DAB, but how muchmore are proponents willing to spend on R&D? Perhaps a "Grand Alliance" of in -bandproponents could be convened. In any case, as history has taught us, the quest for backwardcompatibility may be what ultimately limits (or even kills) a new format.

Finally, don't forget that we've been spoiled by the pace of progress in other fields of late.DAB seems to be going nowhere fast, but in fact, it's only been under development for eightyears at most. For in -band formats, it's only been about five years. Although this may seeman eternity in the computer industry, according to broadcast traditions, it's just a preliminarydiscussion period. DAB is probably going to take a while yet to settle. Broadcasters' best movein the meantime is to work on continuing the improvement of their production andadministrative facilities, including the accommodation of things like superduopolies and on-line radio -two areas where the pace of change seems more like the rest of the high-techworld today. Don't be fooled into believing the simplistic premise that terrestrial DAB isnecessary as a defense to Satellite DAB. It's really an apples -and -oranges (quality vs. quantity)comparison. Programming and marketing strength - not technology alone - will determinetomorrow's media winners and losers.

Nevertheless, broadcasters should hedge their bets and support reservation of some newspectrum for terrestrial DAB, S -band or otherwise. And watch Satellite DAB for someunexpected twists: It may not be as much of a threat as first thought or it could even turnout to be surprisingly beneficial to terrestrial broadcasters.

Whatever the outcome, trust BE Radio to stick with this story and keep you informed foras long as the road extends.

READERESPONSEE-mail: [email protected]

FAXback: 913/967-1905

4 . BE RADIO, May/June 1996

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Contract Engineering:

Maintainingcomputers,

part 2

By Chip Morgan

Editor's note: The March/Aprilissue's 'Contract Engineering"column covered the hardwareside of computer maintenance.This time, the subject is software.

Chip Morgan owns Chip Mor-gan Broadcast Enterprises(CMBE), a broadcast design,systems Integration and engi-neering firm based In Sacra-mento, CA.

ike a doctor examining a patient, yourfirst step in software maintenance

J should involve analysis of the symp-toms, so you can come up with a strategy tosolve the problem. Many times, the reportedsymptom is only a part of the problem, andyou need to ask more questions to determinethe true extent of the difficulty.

Because a substantial number of "softwareproblems" are actually caused by operatorerror, the best practice is to keep ahead of theusers by working with the system yourself andknowing the most common mistakes. Then,when a real problem arises, you'll have a goodidea of whether the trouble is caused by hard-ware or software. Start by asking the usualbasic questions: Has the system ever worked?Was anything changed right before it stoppedworking? Can the user make the problemoccur every time, or is it intermittent?

Then move on to standard divide -and -con-quer troubleshooting techniques. Ifyou remove cards or disable driv-ers, can you make it work? Are theredevice or memory conflicts? Is thereenough free disk space? Is the diskcorrupted? Is this a previously re-ported problem with the software?Eliminate as many variables as youcan, and run the software with basicresources. If it works in a basicconfiguration, try adding compo-nents until you see which one causesthe problem. Then it's time to lookfor a workaround.

No user is an islandOver time, you'll learn most of

the common problems and solu-tions of a given application. It's agood idea to post persistent prob-lems on your favorite on-line fo-rum. This helps other users identifyproblems and can often provideyou with answers from people whohave dealt with that particularproblem before.

If you run a complicated com-puter environment with many users and con-stant help needs, you may want to considerusing a help desk system. This is softwaredesigned for support professionals to docu-ment help calls, provide first- and second -level support assistance (often with built-inknowledge bases) and track the history andresolution of each problem that is reported.The better systems will auto -escalate prob-lems and provide reports, manage softwareand hardware inventory, analyze call trendsand support -response rates, improve problemdocumentation, expedite staff training andimprove resource allocation.

Beyond computer support, help desk sys-tems are also useful for handling generalengineering problems within a substantialgroup of users. They may also be set up fortemporary needs, such as when, a station groupor network first implements a new intercon-nection system.

When the workload is too great to handle(and whose isn't these days?), a resident net-

work remote management package helps withsystem administration, software distribution,license monitoring and management as wellas system utilities. You can coordinate E-mail,Internet access, file and printer sharing, hostconnectivity and work group management -all from a remote PC located anywhere youcan get dial -up access. This saves incredibleamounts of time. The best of these applica-tions have agents that monitor activities andsystem parameters, providing you with anearly warning of low disk space and networkproblem spots.

Finding solutionsOnce problems have been identified, the

faulty software may require reloadingg. A com-mon difficulty in these cases is finding theoriginal software. Some stations feel that theusers should be responsible for their ownapplications, but we learned in kindergartenthat we don't all have the same sense ofresponsibility. It's a good idea to keep at leastone copy of each software version locked upin the engineering shop. This copy should beused only in emergencies and must be tightlycontrolled.

Over time, you'll learnmost of the common

problems and solutions ofa given application.

Spealdng of controls, when each of theusers at a station has his or her own PC, itreally doesn't matter what kind of applica-tions they use. But as soon as you startnetworking those computers together, you'vegot compatibility problems. A well -managednetwork has specific versions and types ofsoftware that are supported. All other applica-tions are at the users' own risk, and may belocked out of the network itself. This simpli-fies support and keeps most files compatiblewith the rest of the net.

When it's time to introduce new versions ofold software or wholly new programs, youshould consider setting up a test group ofusers. Just as with hardware introduction, testthe software in a controlled environment be-fore sending it out to the masses. You can alsouse a small test group for fmal tweaks andcustomizations before rolling out the newprogram to the entire network. Once every-thing is working well, ay to use a networkinstallation rather than manually going toeach workstation to install the new software.This keeps all installations consistent andsaves a lot of time.

During training, explain the value of helpfiles. Some users really don't know aboutthem. They may not understand the value ofcontext -sensitive help, or they may be intimi-dated about the entire process. Explain that


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Contract Engineering:Maintaining computers, part 2

you can't break a computer by using itskeyboard or mouse (and if you haveappropriate security installed, this is re-ally true).

Just in case someone actually doesbreak a computer, keep records of theconfigurations of all machines, as well asfloppy copies of all system files including.ini and .bat files. It's also a good idea torun diagnostics religiously.

Teach people proper rebooting pro-

cedures for lockup problems, and re-peatedly explain that they should neverpower down a server without a propershutdown procedure. If you backup reli-giously and document the network to-pology in an up-to-date manner, thenno disaster should keep you from get-ting the systems up and running quickly(even if installing new PCs is the onlysolution).

To keep everybody happy, be sure toschedule downtime in advance beforedoing any major work on important PCs,especially servers. Remind those late us-ers that they can still work off-line when

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you take the network down.

Required resourcesEvery PC support person should have

a complete set of tools, including bootdisks; backup disks; utilities software,such as Norton Utilities; a Windows 95Resource Kit a Windows for WorkgroupsResource Kit a Windows NT ResourceKit and virus checkers. If you do regularwork at specific sites, it's a good idea tohave utility software installed right onthe users' PCs. For network support,there are many tools that are useful forauditing each user and the network con-figuration. These save many hours whenthere's trouble, because you can seewhat changes were made before thetrouble began.

Keep a computer library with as muchreference information as possible forsolving problems. This library shouldhave copies of all of the manuals for allof the programs in use, manuals for all ofthe operating systems, special cards andother hardware and the emergency cop-ies of software and configuration files.

Just as your clientsthink of you as a gum,

you should havesomeone to call when

you can't figuresomething out.

Just as your clients think of you as agum, you should have someone to callwhen you can't figure something out. Itcould be a friend, another engineer oreven someone you correspond with onan on-line service or the Internet. Re-member to treat your guru the way youexpect to be treated. Don't call untilyou've tried everything you know.

You should also subscribe to com-puter industry magazines, eVen if it'sjust to read the headlines and the ads.This is how you can sound intelligentwhen someone says, "now that Digitalhas adopted IP over ATM, how's thatgoing to affect the way Fast Ethernetintegrates with my WANT' Even if youdon't know the answer, you'll be able tosay something like, "Well, they justannounced it, and I'm looking into it.Right now I'm busy studying how Javamight help us get work done faster." Ifthey glance at your cup of coffee andthink you're joking, you know you'vescored.


8 1W RADIO, May/June 1996

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Managing Technology:

Expand,rebuild or

start over?

By William Fawcett

William Fawcett is president ofMountain Valley Broadcast Ser-vice, Inc., a broadcast engi-neering firm in Harrisonburg, VA.

Unlike the fast-food restaurant that re-models every few years, a broadcasterwho heaps change upon change will

seldom get past paying for capitalization. Yetbroadcasters need change, because like thefast-food customer, listeners are fickle. There-fore, long-term planning must allow for flex-ibility when considering facility improvements.Your goal should be to not have to repeat thesame process in four years.

The choices you have to accommodategrowth come down to three basic optionswith a few variants: 1) Expand the existingfacility with (contiguous, adjacent or whollyseparate) new space; 2) renovate the existingfacility into a more efficient configuration; or3) start from scratch with a new facility (eitherground -up construction or a renovation ofsomeone else's former space). The best choiceis always dictated by your specific situation.

A common ingredient to the current mix ofparameters that radio broadcast-ers face when making these deci-sions is the consolidation trend.This can multiply the problem byhaving to make the same decisionsfor several different existing facili-ties around town. Acquisitions ofnew stations can be complicated,but the complexities of an acquisi-tion pale in comparison to thechallenges of physical consolida-tion. Nevertheless, a carefullythought-out plan might well be thecatapult from malaise to success.

In radio, as with most any indus-try, the work force and facilities aredivided into three basic categories:management, sales and produc-tion. Determine first if your style ofbusiness leads to a consolidatedor discrete facility. Look at thephysical needs of each department,and remember to build flexibilityinto your plan.

Pay particular attention to theproduction area, because it is ex-periencing the greatest impact of

new technologies. Get away from obsoletedivisions like "news," "programming" and"music." Here's an industrial analogy: Themanufacturing facility that uses flexible tool-ing will surely outlive the facility that can onlyproduce one kind of widget Markets change.

All three divisions need to be physicallyable to react to and adapt to these changes.An aged facility might include interconnectedbuildings from several generations. Roomsizes were set by a previous paradigm. Trafficflow can be a real problem, infrastructure istaxed to the limit, and so on. Evaluate thechoke points to further growth, and worktoward a plan for the ideal future facility.Then you're ready to tackle the question athand: "Expand, rebuild or start over?"

A first step would be to list the advantagesof each of these options, and choose the mostattractive. Of course, it's not that simple; eachcircumstance presents different limitations.In the case of consolidated facilities, theselimitations can affect the whole. This may

actually lead you to maintain some separa-tion between functions, rather than take theintuitive approach of maximizing consolida-tion to maximize economies of scale. Con-sider the following issues.

Regulatory considerationsThe location(s) of your transmission facili-

ties are established by the regulations con-tained in 47 CFR Part 73. These restrictionsprobably won't affect your studio or officeconstruction plans, because most good trans-mission sites are not good studio or officelocations anyway.

FCC restrictions only enter the picture inthe case of consolidation, when you mustdetermine if it is possible, or even desirable,to co -locate several stations at one transmis-sion site. A good starting point is to have yourengineering consultant conduct an Area toLocate Study (ALS) for each facility and seeif the locations are congruent.

Your goal should be tonot have to repeat

the same process infour years.

Less obvious are the other restrictions thatmay preclude the installation of new towers.Environmental and zoning restrictions makethe placement of any new towers a majorchore. Don't assume anything - the con-struction of any new transmission facility willbe met with great resistance. This factoralone may significantly shape your strategy,especially because good will and positivepublic relations with your community (i.e.,your audience) may be involved.

Even replacing a rusty 50 -year -old towerwith a new tower may lead to permit prob-lems. Here, the regulatory agencies must beconvinced that this is a "repair," not a newproject. You may discover that yourgrandfathered special -use permit does notapply to such a rebuild.

Restrictions on RF power densities in ar-eas accessible to the public, or by your workforce, are also a major consideration. Acursory study is required at each licenserenewal, but do not assume that you can addstations to the same tower just because thepresent situation is acceptable. This is oftena problem even at remote antenna farms.Again, an engineering study is required. Miti-gation may require additional fencing, spe-cial half -wave -spaced antennas, and in manycases, a taller tower. Of course, the tallertower option puts you right back into thepermit process discussed in the precedingparagraphs.

PropagationJust because a transmitter site falls within

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Managing Technology:Expand, rebuild or start over?

the ALS region doesn't mean it is goodor even acceptable. Real thought shouldbe given to this "should -be -obvious -but-

often -isn't" kind of problem. For ex-ample, jacking up the power on an an-tenna that is 30 feet below averageterrain doesn't make much sense.

A split facility requires line -of -sightbetween the studios and each transmit-ter site if microwave STLs are used.Much flexibility can be gained by theuse of digital landlines, or microwave

repeater sites, but each circumstanceshould be evaluated for cost-effective-ness and reliability. If you need to erecta tower for your repeater site, you'reback in the permit process again.

Main studio locationIn most cases, FCC regulations

(73.1150) stipulate that a station's mainstudios be located within a certain prox-imity to the city of license. Creativeminds can usually find a way around thisproblem, but it may not be cheap oreffective. Regardless, this problem mustbe solved before an overall plan can bedevised. Furthermore, acceptable loca-

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tions of your transmitter and studiosites are co-dependent.

Possible solutions include the estab-lishment of a "shell studio" with a skel-eton staff (often a branch location forthe sales staff), a petition to the commis-sion for an exemption, or a petition tochange the table of allotments (in otherwords, a new city of license). In the caseof FCC petitions, don't look for coopera-tion from your competitors.

It's possible that these restrictionswill be eased sometime in the future,but that time may not come until broad-casters are faced with competition fromDBS radio. Consider also thenonregulatory aspect of this conundrum:Can you maintain an effective localpresence without actually having a lo-cal presence?

Good construction management andproper communications are essential to asuccessful project.

InfrastructureThe production facility of the future

will have inherent flexibility. Multiple,interchangeable studios will not onlyprovide for growth and changing condi-tions, but will offer benefits of redun-dancy. Audio distribution must rely oncentralized cross -connect capabilities,and generic - not specific - signal dis-tribution architecture.

Right now, it's likely that your facilityhas a hodgepodge of studios of varyingsizes and capabilities, with an evolution-ary wiring scheme. Compromises mayhave been made in acoustic isolationand traffic -flow schemes may be bizarre(you really shouldn't have to walk throughStudio A to get to Studio B). Sometimes,the most cost-effective way to put an endto this nonsense is to start over.

If your facility is more than 25 wars

12 RADIO, May/June 1996

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Managing Technology:Expand, rebuild or start over?

old, and especially if it's a multiple -station facility with transmission equip-ment on -site, chances are good thatyour electrical service is already taxed tothe limit. In such cases, renovation canbe complicated and disruptive. Wherepermitted by code, you might consideradding a second service (perhaps a single-phase service for office space and a 3 -phase service for broadcast equipment).

Planning for emergency power is also aconsideration. In any case, it is impor-tant to obtain complete, up-to-date draw-ings of the existing situation, as well as acurrent and projected load analysis.

Other areas to consider on the ques-tion of replacement vs. expansion: tele-phone systems (if your phone system isstill using 25 -pair cables from earliermechanical systems, you are way pastdue on a complete overhaul); computernetworking (cable conduits make muchmore sense than direct wiring, given thepace of change in this area); HVAC (low -noise requirements are a difficult fit in an

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"add-on" scheme); and other environ-mental issues like food service, rest rooms,potable water supplies and sewer dis-posal (if the existing facility was designedfor 20 people, it won't work well with 50).

The pitfalls of constructionIf you decide to expand or rebuild,

remember the inconveniences you willencounter during construction. Down-time is expensive, and you must deter-mine just what its costs will be. Analternative is to start over and have onefacility operational before the other isshut down. Look at all options andweigh the costs and benefits.

Also be aware that the location ofadditional building space may be lim-ited by the location of buried cables,grounding systems or satellite dishes.

The effects of dust, noise and mudmust also be considered. Delicate elec-tronic equipment and fan -cooled trans-mitters can be destroyed by concreteand drywall dust. Reasonable acousticisolation can be overwhelmed by power-

tool noise in adjacent areas. Good con-struction management is essential here.

Divide and conquerMassive, interrelated problems such

as these cannot be handled as a singleitem. They must be split into compo-nent parts, then attacked. Here's a sum-mary of one sensible approach:

Have a plan. If possible, get over anycapitalization hurdles early, so you canconcentrate on the effects that thischange will have on your true assets:your license, your staff and your airtime.

Consider the standard business fac-tors involved. Sound advice from a CPA/financial planner may be helpful.

Examine industry -specific issuesclosely. Commission any required engi-neering studies to gather reliable data.Consider each problem separately, mak-ing independent decisions whereverpossible, but always keeping the wholepicture in mind. Compromises are in-evitable, so be sure to have all of theinformation (including costs) of eachoption before you make decisions.

Finally, pull all of this informationtogether and determine what's best foryou. At this point it should be clear thatthe real issue is a lot bigger than simplydeciding whether you're expanding, re-building or starting over. Your construc-tion plans are only a single element, andthey must be integrated with the overalldirection of your business. Once you'vemade a plan, stick with it. If you try to "flyby the seat of your pants" on this one,you're courting disaster. A methodical,well thought-out business strategy isessential to effective operation and sol-vency in the next millennium. BS

14 1W RADIO, May/June 1996

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RF Engineering:

Digital FMexciters

By John Battison, P.E.

John Battison, BE Radio's con-sultant on antennas and radia-tion, owns John H. Battison andAssociates. a consulting engi-neering company in Loudonville,OH.

Although DAB is still a far -future prospectin the United States, in some ways"digital radio" is already here. The

digital FM transmission chain has beencompleted with the advent of the digitalexciter.

For some time, engineers have been able totransfer digital audio from studio to transmit-ter with the consistently high quality of digitalSlis, using either microwave or T-1 (telco)systems. (The latest codecs even allow POTScircuits to provide the audio quality requiredfor many broadcast applications and backupservices.) Meanwhile, broadcast audio proces-sors and stereo generators have also improvedtheir quality and control by using digital audioor digital control of extremely high -qualityanalog paths. The weakest link remaining inthe FM air chain was the exciter. Now, that too,has been perfected by at least two majorequipment manufacturers, and the 100%

digital FM transmission chain is areality.

One of the keys to putting such anair chain together in a non-propri-etary fashion is the AES/EBU (Au-dio Engineering Society/EuropeanBroadcast Union) digital audio in-terface standard. The inclusion ofthis standard digital VO on new airchain products allows broadcast-ers to assemble their chains withthe same off -the -shelf freedom andflexibility that they've become usedto in the analog world.

The AES/EBU standard accom-modates 16 -bit, 20 -bit or 24 -bitdigital audio signals, and supportsall of the standard sampling ratesof 481tHz, 44.1kHz or 321cHz. Digi-tal exciters equipped with AES/EBU inputs can be fed directly inthe digital domain by most digitalSTL receivers.

The first entrantsDigital FM exciters are now avail-

able from Harris Broadcast, Nauteland Continental Electronics. The

Harris exciter, called Digit, was mainly devel-oped by development engineer Ed Twitchell.Figure 1 is a block diagram showing its signalflow. Input can be either analog composite ordigital AES/EBU, plus analog subcarrier sig-nals.

The digital modulator uses a 32 -bit directdigital synthesis (DDS) device to digitallygenerate the FM carrier, including stereo

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and subcarrier information. The heart of thesystem is a numerically controlled oscillator(NCO) that is used as a digital modulator togenerate the complete modulated FMbaseband. The output frequency of the NCOis in the 5MHz to 6MHz range.

In the synthesized frequency source acrystal -controlled, phase -locked loop (PLL)oscillator generates a low -noise, steady-stateRF signal. This frequency is mixed in theupconverter with the digitally generatedbaseband signal from the NCO, thus pro-ducing the desired FM channel's modu-lated carrier. The frequency of the sourcecan be set internally or externally using a25 -bit parallel data interface for remotecontrol.

Better than 80dB of RF filtering is pro -

sided by the bandpass filter, which is de-signed to cause no changes in the FM side -band structure. The power amplifier sectionuses MOSFETs to provide an output of up to55W. With the addition of a harmonic filter,this exciter can be used as an emergency low -power transmitter.

Harris claims that more than 500 Digitunits have been delivered worldwide, abouthalf with AES/EBU inputs. Recent ordersshow that the majority of units are now beingordered with digital inputs. This seems like aharbinger of the digital world to come, wherethe only analog signals will be those acousti-cally generated by the talent.

Meanwhile, at the far eastern edge of NorthAmerica, in a small town not far from Halifax,Nova Scotia, another manufacturer of digitalFM exciters can be found. The NE50 digitalexciter comes from Nautel, probably bestknown to many engineers as a leader in solid-state RF power generation.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the NE50.The input section accepts analog composite,analog mono, subcarrier and AES/EBU digi-tal signals. Nautel employs high-speed digi-tal signal processing (DSP) for its analog -to-digital conversion, thus ensuring extremelylow distortion and intermodulation prod-ucts (a THD of <0.005% at 400Hz isclaimed). The mechanical design of the ex-citer allows for future system upgrades witha minimum of reworking.

The NE50's front-end employs 20 -bitdigital accuracy and it can generate a digitalcomposite baseband signal while simulta-neously digitizing analog subcarriers. Theupmixer/filter stage generates a frequency -agile, spectrally clean signal using PLL tech-niques. MOSFETs and a CA1V broadband

MODULATORUP -

CONVERTER

Figure 1. Block diagram of the Harris Digit digitalFM exciter.


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amplifier generate RF power at levels up to 50W, againadequate for emergency backup operation or for use in a low-power FM station.

According to Gary Manteuffel, Nautel's manager of broad-cast sales, two of the company's 20kW solid-state transmit-ters equipped with NE50 exciters recently arrived onColorado's Lookout Mountain, where they completed a100% digital broadcast FM transmission path for two ofTribune Broadcasting's Denver stations. The STL for the pairuses a Moseley DSP6000 across a 25 -mile hop, exemplifyingthe off -the -shelf interface capability of these systems.

The latest entrant is the 802D from Continental's newBytecast series. It is a PC -based unit (but packaged in a rack-mounted box) using floating-point DSP. A direct -conversionprocess takes the signal from the DSP chips to the operatingfrequency without an IF or heterodyne system. (See the"NAB 96 Review," p. 26, for more details on this brand newdevice.)

All of these exciters feature a full complement of program-mable parameters and remote -control functions, as well as acomprehensive display of operating conditions.

Cold -war trickle -downThe DDS technology used in these devices is a good

example of peacetime uses of once -secret techniques devel-oped for military communications. Many veteran engineerswill remember back to about 35 years ago, when spread-vectrum was a term that was never used outside secureinstallations. Now hams are using DDS and related systemsfor spread -spectrum operation routinely, and broadcastersare beginning to use it for remote backhaul via unlicensedPCS and similar services. DDS can be used to create literallyany RF waveform, using amplitude, frequency or phasemodulation. It, therefore, makes sense to use DDS forgenerating an FM carrier, with its multiple components ofvarying nature.

The block diagrams of these digital FM exciters lookdeceptively simple. Yet, when you consider the complexdevelopment work performed by engineers in bringing thesedevices to fruition, broadcasters are a fortunate group indeed.The design requirements of these units' A/D converters,summing amplifiers or digital input modules alone aredaunting tasks, but here are complete digital exciter systems- including easy interfacing for the transitional analog broad-caster - at affordable prices.

Looking back to the early days of modulated arcs,Alexanderson alternators operating at 30kHz, modulatedoscillators used as AM transmitters, simple frequency modu-lation obtained by "brute force" on an oscillator and MajorArmstrong's pioneering work in FM, the broadcast engineercan certainly say, "We've come a long way, Virginia)"

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FCC Update:

Minormodifications

withouta CP

By Harry C. Martin andAndrew S. Kersting

Harry C. Martin and Andrew S.Kersting are attorneys withFletcher, Heald & Hildreth,P.L.C., Rosslyn, VA.

The FCC is proposing to modify its rulesto permit stations to implement cer-tain types of minor modifications of

their facilities without first obtaining a construc-tion permit (CP) authorizing the modifications.

The rules generally require that modifica-tions of broadcast licensees and permits maybe accomplished through a 2 -step process:1. The station files an application for a CP;2. After the facilities are modified, the stationfiles an application for a license for the modi-fied facilities.

However, because certain types of minormodifications are unlikely to have any impacton other stations, the requirements of priorreview and authorization of the change areunneces ry and causes needless delay.

The FCC proposes that the following typesof minor license and permit modificationscould be implemented without the FCC'sprior review and authorization, provided the

licensee or perrnittee files a modi-fication of license application, us-ing FCC Form 302, within 10 daysafter implementing the change:

Commercial FM stations wouldbe permitted to increase effectiveradiated power up to the maximumlevel for the class of station. FM and TV stations would bepermitted to replace one directionalantenna with another of the samepattern. FM stations would be permittedto delete contour protection statusunder Section 73.215 of the rules,where the stations to which they areproviding contour protection moveto fully spaced locations. FM stations would be permittedto use formerly licensed main trans-mission facilities as auxiliary broad-cast facilities. FM and TV stations would bepermitted to change vertically po-larized effective radiated power(ERP). FM and TV stations would be

permitted to make slight changes in antennaradiation center height.

In addition, the FCC is proposing that re-quests for waiver of the main studio locationrule be made by letter with supporting docu-mentation rather than by filing a CP applica-tion. Commercial stations seeking to changeto noncommercial status must file a 1 -stepmodification of license application rather thana CP application followed by a license applica-tion. In both of these cases, prior commissionapproval would still be required before theproposed change could be implemented. Inaddition, the FCC proposes that directionalFM stations would be allowed to commenceautomatic program tests at reduced powerupon completion of construction without theprior approval of the commission.

These changes, which implement a sectionof the Telecom Act allowing some types ofmodifications without the need for a CP, will

not become effective until public commentis received and evaluated.

Expanded AM bandallotment plan

On March 22, the FCC's Mass Media Bu-reau issued a public notice identifying the 87AM radio stations that have been tentativelyselected for migration into the AM expandedband (1,605kHz-1,705kHz). After the allot-ment plan becomes final, the FCC will issue afurther public notice announcing that eachlicensee that has been allotted a frequencywill be afforded 60 days within which to file anapplication for CP authority on the newlyallotted channeL Applications will be subjectto petitions to deny, but not to competingapplications.

Once CPs are issued, they will be subject tothe standard 18 -month expiration period.After completion of construction of an ex-panded band station, the licensee will bepermitted to continue operating its standardAM station on a side -by -side basis for up tofive years, after which the original frequencywould have to be abandoned.

It may take some time before the newlyreleased AM expanded band allotment planbecomes final. Stations that were excludedam eligible to appeal the commission's deci-sion and the criteria used in selecting the 87"winners." Appeals of the FCC's first AMexpanded band allotment plan resulted in itsrecision on Sept. 1, 1995, and the reorderingthat is reflected in the current plan.

Fines assessedIn a recent decision, the FCC targeted a

single broadcaster for fines totaling $38,000.The violations included: operating from anunauthorized site (including use of a studio-transmitter link prior to obtaining FCC autho-rization); sponsorship identification violations,including failure to properly identify recordcompany sponsors of concert trip promo-tions; violations of licensee -conducted con-test rules in which the station failed to awardall of the prizes advertised or gave stationemployees tickets that were advertised asprizes; violation of the lowest unit charge(LUC) political advertising rules; violation ofstation identification rules by statingthe wrongcommunity of license (thereby identifyingmore closely with a nearby large market, in theFCC's view); broadcast of telephone conversa-tions without prior authorization; and forrebroadcast of materials obtained from othersources without authorization.

Strict adherence to the regulations contin-ues to be the only safe course.

Dateline: Commercial stations inthe following states must file theirannual ownership reports or reportcertifications by Aug. 1: California,Illinois, North Carolina, South Caro-lina and Wisconsin. Radio stations inIllinois and Wisconsin must file their1996 renewal applications by Aug. 1.


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Os.Purchasing

EAS

equipment

By Leonard Charles

ow that vendors' submitted equipmentdesigns have been certified, the FCC'sEmergency Alert System (EAS) imple-

mentation deadline ofJan. 1, 1997 looks likeit will stick. The time has come to purchasethe equipment necessary to bring your facilityinto compliance by those deadlines.

Unlike the one -size -fits -all EmergencyBroadcast System (EBS) equipment thatbroadcasters are familiar with, the new EAShardware includes a range of different fea-tures, from which each station can chooseand configure its system. Some features willbe appropriate for your operation and somewill not. So before you call your distributorwith PO in hand, you should make a list ofwhat you need.

Equipment requirementsfor stations

A suggested basic EAS package includesfour monitoring inputs (two mandated, plustwo for a local plan), an internal printer,internal digital audio recording and audioprogram loop -through interrupt. With thesebasic items, plus the appropriate receivers,you are ready for compliance of a singlestation having its EAS equipment installed atthe control point. This package will alsosuffice for unattended or automated opera-tion. What, if anything, you need to add tothese basic features is dictated by yourstation's unique situation.

First, find out what your monitoring as -

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signments will be from the chair of yourState Emergency Communications Com-mittee (SECC). The FCC's EAS office at202-418-1220 has a list of SECC chairsor, for the Internet user, the SBE WWW siteincludes a complete list at www.sbe.orgunder the EAS Committee link

Once you know your monitoring assign-ments, determine whether you have appro-priate receivers on hand, or whether youneed to purchase new receiver moduleswith your new EAS equipment. In the lattercase, be sure to add the receivers to yourEAS shopping list. Don't forget adequateantennae, as well.

For multistation facilities with co -locatedstudios, you must decide whether you willoperate all stations with a single EAS en-coder/decoder. This is permitted by therules, but raises some logistical challengesyou must overcome. If you choose to pur-chase a separate encoder/decoder for eachstation, add that number to your list. (Someor all receivers may still be shared.) If youchoose to operate some or all stations froma single encoder/decoder, you will need tospecify how many stations will share andhow many will require their own equipmentto determine overall cost. Then, unless youintend to simulcast all tests and activations,you must equip your individual studios withremote -control access to the shared en-coder/decoder and coordinate its use. De-termine the number of remote -control podsyou need and add them to your list.

The specific hardware features you needwill be included as standard equipment onsome packages, and may be options onothers. You will want to shop carefully to getthe most for your EAS dollar.

Programming flexibilityBeyond the hardware issues, as you com-

parison shop for EAS equipment, spendsome time discovering how each differentmodel is programmed. You will have to doa fair amount of that before the system goeson-line. If your station has a history of beingproactive in local emergency alerting, con-sider additional monitoring inputs.

Also, find out if the equipment you arecontemplating will allow the subsequentaddition of custom header codes as theybecome available from your local officials.Remember, local alert systems will evolveand grow over many years. If your goal is toparticipate in that evolution, you will wantto purchase equipment that accommodatesexpansion with a minimum of additionalcost. SI

Leonard Charles is an engineer at WISC-TV inMadison, WI, and chairs the SBE National EASCommittee.

[Vr For more information on EASequipment, circle (101) on

Action Card.


24 111.1 RADIO, May/June 1996

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Our roving band of radio experts reports from Las Vegas.

Radio automation systemsBy Garrett Wood

Garrett Wood is chief engineer at WUKY-FM , Lexington, KY.

The first question a radio veteranmight have asked when towing the NAB96 show floor was, "Where arc all of theanalog tape machines?' Make no mis-take, digital audio storage systems areassuming the major role of audio man-agement for radio stations. More thantwo dozen vendors exhibited radio au-tomation systems, and each had its owndistinct approach.

dbm Systems showed the capabilitiesof CartWorks for Windows 95. Applyingthe platform's new 32 -bit operating sys-tem makes a number of advanced fea-tures possible. Emergency, traffic andweather information can be distributedamong studios by using the pop-up mes-sage feature. CartWorks can also handlethe recording of satellite -deliv-ered programs for delayedbroadcast while simultaneouslyplaying audio files on -air.

Prophet Systems introducedversion 5 of its Audio Wizardfor Windows system. The Au-dio Wizard CFS allows for agroup of up to 14 radio sta-tions to share audio and datafrom one system. The live showinterface (LSI) allows audioevents to be moved aroundeasily by providing drag -and -drop editing. A quick recordfeature can be used to capturephone caller audio, modify thecontent on a waveform editorand then place the finished fileon the log for playback.

ENCO Systems has changed the nameof its DAD486x product to the DADmdigital audio delivery system, represent-ing support of the latest Pentium/PCIcomputer hardware. DADmr is a satel-lite -based store -and -forward manage-ment system intended for satellite up-link master control facilities. Also intro-duced was DAD R, a lower -cost worksta-tion for unattended downlink sites. EncoSystems announced support of RAID

By the BE Radio staff

TABLE OF CONTENTSRadio automation systems 2 6Digital audio workstationsand hard -disk recorders 2 7Microphones and mixers .. 2 8Awl() 3 0processors and recorders ---Audio backhaul, program distribution,monitoring and accessories...... 3 4Intercoms, audio distribution and test equipment.... 39RF transmission equipment _ 41RF support products 4 2

level 5 and 7 disk arrays featuring hot-swappable drives. Just released are op-tional software drivers that provide sig-nificant gains in file server performance,allowing network operation of up to 20linear PCM (uncompressed) stereo au-dio channels.

The Amin) \ AL LT digital storage sys-tem from Broadcast Electronics fea-tur2d a new 32 -bit version functioningunder the Windows 95 platform. AV -Schedule is one of the new 32 -bitAudioVAULT software applications dem-()nitrated. This feature was developed toimport traffic and music data from mostbelt -selling schedulers, perform a mergeof the two and permit the producedplaylist to be modified in many ways.

The DigiCenterversion 2.0 showcasedInternational Tapetronics Corporation's(ITC) digital audio efforts. DigiCenteremploys proprietary hardware and soft-ware developed by ITC to perform itstasks in the PC environment at real-timespeed. By using a digital audio bus, the

DigiCenter bypasses DOS andprovides a path for data to flowdirectly from the DSP boardto the SCSI drive. Version 2.0also allows the Central AudioLibrary to integrate MPEGLayer II cuts with DigiCenter'snoncompressed file format

Maestro is the latest prod-uct to be exhibited by Com-puter Concepts Corporation.Featured as the hub of a to-tally digital station, Maestrois designed for on -air audioand information control. Itcombines music, commer-cials and copy allowing fullintegration with other radiofacility operations. Featuresinclude interfacing to most

music -scheduling systems, the audi-tioning of music by intro, hookline oroutro, and the playback of three audiofiles simultaneously. Audio searchescan be sorted by type, length, title orartist.

Dalet Digital Media displayed its lat-est Windows -based system and high-lighted its new PowerSat downlink con-trol system, which enables stations toreceive documents and other commu-


nication via a satellite data channel.Dalet systems offer an open -architec-ture design and can operate as a stand-alone workstation or it can be intercon-nected via Ethernet IAN. Networkedaudio files are centrally stored, provid-ing multiple -user access to all recordedmaterials. Current applications includecart machine replacement, live assistor walkaway broadcast automation,multitrack audio production and news-room activities. Three sound files canbe overlapped, allowing voice-overs tobe positioned anywhere within acrossfade region.

LPB upgraded to 486 -based systemsfor operation of the Satellite Automa-tion Live Studio Assistant (SALSA). Theopen architecture allows for future sys-tem upgrades. Up to 21 user -definedformat clocks can be pro-grammed with an unlimitednumber of events per hour.making interfacing to satellitenetworks an easy task. Up to15 stereo satellite feeds canbe accommodated. A power-ful search engine allows spotsand music to be located bytitle, artist, theme, album ortime. Most popular traffic- andmusic -scheduling systems canbe downloaded into theSALSA.

The Scott Studios digital au-dio and automation systemuses touchscreen technologyto provide virtual instant ac-cess to stored audio files. Thesystem is capable of spottingobstacles in upcoming playlistevents and warning operatorsof imminent problems. Twelveaudio events are tested in ad-vance, and the user is notified of missingor damaged files. Missed events areflagged via the make -good button andcan be inserted later.


Digital audio workstationsand hard -disk recordersBy Brian SandersBrian Sanders is senior producer at KNPR,Nevada Public Radio, Las Vegas.

Digital audio workstations are hardlythe novelty they were when introduced afew years ago, but they still are respon-sible for many clogged convention aisles.Portability, pricing and power were thethemes in this spring's DAW wars. Hard -disk audio recorders, another means toa similar end, also drew crowds.

DAW platformsOne of the more popular DAWs is

Orban's DSE 7000, which premieredsome long-awaited hardware and soft-ware upgrades. Today's DSE ships witha 24 -bit internal DSP board and version

6.0 software, including Orban paramet-ric equalization, Optimod compressionand Lexicon reverberation. Eight differ-ent digital effects modules - 16 addi-tional with the optional daughterboard- may be inserted at any of 12 patchpoints in the DSE Factory presets aredesigned with the broadcaster in mind:standard production EQs (telephonesound, for example) are included. Pa-rameters are all adjustable and storable.Time -Fit will expand or compress audioup to 25% without pitch shift. The newsoftware is automatically distributed toall prior DSE users; the new hardware isavailable as a retrofit.

Orban also announced that the DSE7000 is fully compatible with the ENCODAD system through a combination ofsoftware and a network card. A network

adapter card is added to the DSE 7000,which makes it appear to the IAN asanother DAD workstation.

SADiE has a big sister (and a fewyoung cousins). New from the UK's Stu-dio Audio is Octavia, a modu_ar, ex-pandable editor with six times the powerof her older sibling. Using the newSADiE3 software, up to 10 8 -trackSADiE modules can be chained togetherfor significant increases in processingpower and storage capability.

Also making its debut is SASCiA, abridge to a real-time network capable oftransferring multiple channels of digitalaudio between SADiE and Octavia work-stations via ATM. Meanwhile, for engi-neers, reporters and producers on therun, the new SADiE Mobile stores fieldrecordings in SADiE format on a por-table, removable (or SCSI -interfaced)hard disk, thus eliminating the time-consuming uploading step of the edit-ing process.

Roland introduced the VS -880, anintegrated 1428 mixer/recorder. Eachprimary track offers eight virtual tracks,

for a total of 64 tracks per project.Storage is a built-in 540MB hard diskor optional 1GB removable Jaz drivefrom Iomega. Two studio -quality effectsprocessors can be added using theonboard expansion slot. Roland alsoshowed the DM -800, calling it theindustry's only truly portable worksta-tion. Much attention was directed to-ward Roland's new PMA-5 PersonalMusic Assistant, a pocket -sized unit withsampled instrument sounds, digital re -verb and chorus, 8 -track sequencer and100 preset styles - basically a musicbed in a box.

DAW functions forradio automation systems

Broadcast Electronics (BE) presentedAudioVAULT for Windows 95 and also

several other innovations.NewsBoss provides full copy -management capabilities andcan also merge news audioclips with copy. Users can pre-view stereo actualities, down-load feeds or pull library clips.The system is compatible withBE's AudioVAULT or can op-erate as a freestanding sys-tem.

The current version 6.3 soft-ware of ENCO Systems'DADrsc digital audio deliverysystem, now includes ES -EDITgraphic waveform cut -and -paste assembly editor and ES -2C multiple DSP board sup-port, previously available onlyas options. The company alsoreleased software drivers andarchitecture that substantiallyboost network performance forcompressed and non -com-

pressed audio file transfer.

Hard -disk audio recorders360 Systems has added another hard -

disk recorder to its product line, thisonz designed to allow fast, simple edit -it*. The Shortcut is a 2 -track recorderthat can cut, paste, insert and scrubaudio for phoners, interviews, news clipsand promos, using dedicated controlsand an LCD screen. (See "Pick Hits ofNAB 96,' p. 44.)

The Fcstex D-80 records onto a re-movable 3.5 -inch 850MB IDE harddisk, resulting in 18 minutes ofuncompressed track time (16 -bit,44.11(1-14. An optional plug-in 1.3GBdrive raises that to 30 minutes. A pro-gram change function allows the harddrive to be divided into five indepen-dently recordable segments. Copy/movefunctions are allowed across differenttracks and the D-80 can be cascaded toother D -80s (or the previously releasedDMT-8 hard -disk recorder/mixer) forup to 24 -track recording.


BE RADIO, May/June 1996 27

Microphones and mixersBy Terry Skelton

Terry Skelton is an audio consultant andtrainer based in Bucks County, PA.

This year saw the introduction of sev-eral microphones and many wirelessproducts, along with a number of mix-ing console innovations. Many of thesenew items are particularly applicable forfield operations.

MicrophonesSennheiser introduced "the world's

smallest" cardioid lavalier mic, theMKE104, which is interchangeable withthe MKE102 omni on various cablesand clips. The MKE104 is highly im-mune to moisture and perspiration andthe frequency response hasbeen optimized for voice witha rise at 8kHz. Also shownwere the HMD25, a light-weight combination headsetwith a supercardioid dynamicmic and the NB2, a clever,plastic -covered wire headbandfor all of the company's smalllavalier mics. In new wirelesssystems, Sennheiser offeredan entry-level UHF system, theSET 1081-U (hand-held) andSET 1083-U (lavalier), with16 switchable frequencies ina diversity receiver. Anothernew diversity UHF receiver isthe EM2004, which is tunable acrossup to 24MHz. This allows it to be usedanywhere in the world.

The Neumann U47 microphone wasa legend, and after years of requestsfrom customers, Neumann is offeringthe M149 large -diaphragm, tube -pow-ered mic to fill that demand. Using theU47 capsule and a new tube, the com-pany has created a sound it `eels issimilar to the original. In the process italso made the world's firsttransformerless tube mir. The M149has nine polar patterns and a 9 -positionhigh-pass filter.

Shure Brothers' Beta microphone linehas been expanded and enhanced. TheBeta 52 and the Beta 56 have beenadded and the Beta 57A and 58A havehad their frequency responses improved(along with some mounting improve-ments and a new hardened grill on the57A). The Beta line now totals five mi-crophones, including the Beta 87 con-denser. Shure also introduced its newUHF diversity wireless mic system, avail-able as either a single or double receiverin one rack space. The system is fre-

quency -agile through 191 frequencies.Two alkaline AA batteries provide 12hours of transmitter operation.

The unique look of the Stedman N90studio dynamic mic is now available inthe SC3 studio condenser version. Of-fering a published frequency responseof 25Hz to 20kHz and a noise level of13dB, this mic also includes a 2 -posi-tion attenuator and three choices ofresponse curves. The mics are beinghandled by LPB.

Electro-Voice (EV) introduced threemics. The CO2 mini-lavalier is designedto be painted any color with acryliclacquers. EV also showed the RE1000"true" condenser studio supercardioidwith transformerless output and a lownoise level of 14dB. This mic lookssomewhat like the company's top -of -the -line RE2000 and is intended toprovide many of the 2000's strengths ata lower price. Also new is the RE200, anexternally biased cardioid condenserintended for home/project studios andinstrument use in tight spaces. EV alsodisplayed its classic 635A with a new

long handle called the 6354 availablein fawn, beige or black

Beyerdynamic had two new hand-heldtransmitters to go with the NE 600 UHFdiversity wireless receiver. the S 600and SEM 600. A low -profile series ofannouncer headset/mic combinations,such as the DT 250, are now availablew:th a choice of omni-electret orst percardioid dynamic boom mics. Alsosl- own was the MCE 84 electret con-denser cardioid mic, which will run offof phantom power or an internal AAbattery. The company also introducedtwo moderately priced microphonefishpoles, the MZA 717 (5.5 foot) andMZA 718 (10 foot), made of lightweighta uminum with felt -covered handles.

MixersIntended for mid -market TV stations,

Wheatstone's SP -8 incorporates manycf the features of its higher -end con-Koles. The console includes four mix-riinus buses, two mute masters, full EQaid eight submasters. All indicators onthe board are LEDs. Wheatstone alsohad its new digital radio console, the D-

500, which looks and acts like a high-end analog broadcast board, but ac-commodates analog or digital inputsand outputs. It includes on -board tele-phone processing, separate mix busesfor speech and music to allow differentprocessing and machine -sequencingfunctions.

Harris demonstrated the DRC-1000,an all -digital radio broadcast consolethat is easily expandable from its nomi-nal 10 -input channels. Up to four ana-log inputs can be digitally convertedinternally and/or more A/D converterscan be added externally. AGC, compres-sion/limiting EQ, gating and panningare standard, with delay and noise re-duction as options. These can all beassigned channel by channel as desired.The console is a joint venture withZaxcom Audio.

Mackie introduced its version of the1604, the CR1604-VL7. and kept theprice close to the original. Now you getfour submaster buses, 16 mic pre -amps,a swept mid -frequency EQ and longerfaders. The MS I 402VLZ and MS1202-

VIZ are also updates that in-clude the very low impedance(VIZ) circuitry, which report-edly helps keep noise andcrosstalk down. Ultramix uni-versal automation has beenadded to Mackie's line of au-dio consoles, although it willwork on just about anythingthat has insert points. The newSR40-8 console is designedfor sound reinforcement witha nod toward broadcastingfunctions like sports remotes.Among its features are 40mono inputs, four stereo re-

turns, eight submasters, full mute auto-mation, an 11x4 matrix and an optionalredundant power supply.

Ward -Beck introduced a line of audioproblem -solvers called PODS with sevenhalf -rack boxes designed to answer au-dio needs from headphone amplifiersto stereo peak/vu level indicators. Thecompany also showed its Renaissanceaudio mixer for television. Available withmono input modules with mic pre -ampsand stereo line input modules, the con-sole incorporates VCA faders on eachmodule and eight VCA submaster out-put channels with assignment to stereomaster output channels.

For those who need to combine up toeight line -level sources into a stereo ormono mix, Henry Engineering offers itsStereoMixer. A level control for eachinput provides adjustment from up to+10dB of gain, and there is a separatemono output that is a sum of left andright. It can also operate as four stereochannels, and it's packaged in the famil-iar Henry "for factor."

Alongside its many ISDN codecs,Comrex displayed its Codec Buddy


TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF DIGITAL AUDIO SYSTEMS?

way!It's not easy trying to understand the conflicting claims madeby different manufacturers when you're buying a Digital AudioOn -Air & Production System, whether a single, multipurposeWorkstation or an integrated, multiple studio setup. At one endof the spectrum, you're faced with a wide variety of simple "CartMachine Replacements," and on the other, produc-s whosecomplexity confounds even the most seasoned broad-

cast engineer.

The ENCO DAD486x Digital AudioDelivery System solves the problem!DAD is simply the most powerful On -Air& Production system available, yet itsuncomplicated approach and inherent easeof operation makes immediate sense to anyuser.

Intuitive On -Screen displays that are imme-diately familiar to operators. OptionalTouchscreen makes operation quick and easy.

Complete On -Air flexibility with various "VirtualMachines" for Live Assist, Automation, orSatellite Programmed operations. Interface toother equipment plus scheduling and billing pack-ages. Seamless segue and voiceover transitionssound "Live" in all modes. Script capabilities canbe included.

Full production capabilities, including Graphic Cut & PasteAssembly Editing. Includes analog and digital inputs/outputs.Interfaces with most multichannel editing packages.

Runs on DOS for proven speed, reliability, and compatibility'th other equipment; not an operating system original-ly intended for multimedia applications. This is a pro-

fessional tool meant to produce efficiency and profits,not entertain the staff!

Operates on common off the shelf computers andnetwork architecture. You won't be locked into

proprietary hardware that may not be availablewhenever you need service.

No monthly licensing fees, DAD is an out-right purchase. Software upgrades are freefor the first year.

DAD is proving itself everyday in radioand TV facilities worldwide.

Call Your DAD486x Dealer or ENCOFor Complete Information

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mixer. It includes a 4 -channel mixer,four headphone outputs, a PA feed, aPOTS telephone interface, DTMF dialpad and a POTS -line frequency extender.

A couple of tiny but tough metal boxesfrom JK Audio might solve some of youraudio mixing and interfacing problems.The RemoteMix C+ is a portable 3 -inputmixer with built-in DTMF dial pad andhybrid that runs a claimed 36 hours ontwo 9V batteries. The QuickTap plugsin between a telephone handset andinstrument and provides a solid audiooutput connection. The Pureformer isa 2 -channel isolation transformer withRCA jacks used to cure ground loopsand DC paths that cause audio prob-lems, especially with computer soundcards.

Shure has improved its portable stereofield mixer, now the FP33, by addinghigh -precision input pots, internal head-phone level adjustments for externalprogram and seamless switching to bat-tery backup. Price has been kept thesame as the FP32A.

Logitek introduced Serial Sound, a32 -bit digital on -air console. It includesrate conversion on digital inputs, 20 -bitconversion, assignable channels and 16 -character LCD displays for identifyingeach input and monitor channel.

Auditronics debuted NuStar, a fullymodular digital mixer for on -air use.The 22 universal positions on its con-trol surface mainframe allow any mod-ule to be placed anywhere. The controlsurface frame is connected to a rack -mounted DSP frame and numerous stan-dard and optional modules are avail-able for both frames. Sample -rate con-version is standard on the console'sdigital inputs and optional on its digitaloutputs.

Tascam showed its new 1600 series8 -bus mixers, available in 16- and 24 -channel configurations, with a full set offeatures, including direct and group out-puts on each channel and eight XLR micinputs. Tascam also had an 8 -inputmicrophone mixer, the MA -8, designedto support its DA -88 digital audio re-corder or for expanding the number ofmic inputs on another console.

The model 750 audio mixer fromStudio Technologies Inc. is an extremelyflexible and well-equipped rack -mountremote mixer. This stereo 2RU deviceseems to have every feature everdreamed of by an engineer, including adigital ID recorder that can trigger a setof spot frequency tones, an AFL bus,dual analog meters illuminated by rowsof white LEDs and three isolated line -

level stereo outputs.Circle (127) on Action Card

Audio processors andrecordersBy Christopher H. Scherer, CBRE

Chriss Scherer is chief engineer of WMMS-FM/WHK-AM, Cleveland.

Audio processing developments atNAB 96 ran the gamut from tubes toDSP, while advances in removable -me-dia recording seemed to favor opticaltechnologies.

On -air audio processingOrban's news included the introduc-

tion of the OPTIMOD-FM 2200 pro-cessor. It is based on the ideas in thepopular OPTIMOD 8200, but with re-duced control capabilities and a signifi-candy lower price. (See "Pick Hits ofNAB 96," p. 44.)

Among many other devices at its stand,Inovonics presented the model 716,also called David II -a cost-effective FMprocessor and stereo generator.

Cutting Edge Technologies showedthe Unity series of processors for FMand AM that are now available withAES/EBU inputs.

Eventide has released its latest pro-fanity delay, the BD500. This 1RU de-vice is a stereo unit, and has the abilityto divide its delay time into severalsegments Hitsof NAB 96," p. 44.)

Symetrix showed its 610 profanitydelay. It can split its delay time into twosegments allowing for successivememory dumps.

CRL has begun shipping its DP -100digital processor. The all -in -one proces-sor has a touchscreen display for con-trol of its parameters.

Studio audio processingAphex continues to implement its

new tube technology called Tubessencewith the introduction of the 109 Equal-izer and 661 Expressor. The 109 is a 2 -channel 2 -band or 1 -channel 4 -bandequalizer, and the 661 is a compres-sor/limiter that can be operated inmanual (Expressor) or automatic(Easyrider) mode. The 108 AutomaticCompressor was also shown. It is asolid-state unit that uses the sameEasyrider circuit found in the 661.

Superscope displayed the IS5022 andIS5021 A/D-D/A processors. Both ofthe units have 20 -bit performance andanalog and S/PDIF inputs and outputs.The IS5022 also has AES/EBU ins andouts. They include sample -rate conver-sion, jitter removal, varispeed, digitallevel indication and control, plus a vari-ety of audio processes, such as de -nois-ing, de -clicking, stereo image adjust-ment, compression/expansion andtonal adjustments.



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Roland had the SN-700 noise/humeliminator, a stereo noise eliminatordesigned to identify, analyze, isolateand remove specific frequencies andnoise. Also shown was the BOSS VT -1voice transformer, an inexpensive yetpowerful device for altering and effect-ing the human voice. (See "Pick Hits ofNAB 96," p. 44.)

Dolby Labs presented the DP503, afonnat converter that can handle ana-log, AC -2, AC -3 and MPEG Layer II. TheDP56 1 A is an AC -3 encoder capable ofconverting up to three stereo inputssimultaneously.

Eventide has added a member to theUltra -Harmonizer family with theDSP4000B multi -effects processor. Avariety of presets and effect storage loca-tions allow extreme flexibility.

Lexicon announced the inclusion ofits reverb circuitry in the OrbanDSE7000 workstation platform. Thecompany also released the PC M90 digi-tal reverb and several upgrades for the

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PCM80 multi -effects processor, includ-ing pitch shift and a series of new effects.

Symetrix has made a small change tothe 421 processor, now calling it the421m. The ACC /leveler now has a built-in mic pre -amp. New to the line is the422, a stereo version of the original421, as well as the 620 A/D converter,capable of 20 -bit performance.

Audio recorders andplayers (removable media)

Pioneer unveiled the CAC -V5000, a500 -disc, dual transport CD jukeboxcontrollable through RS -422. Alsoshown was the CDJ500II DJ CD playerand the PDR-99 CD recorder.

Fidelipac continues its support of theDYNAMAX DCR1000, and now offerstwo drive options: the already populartriple -density (13MB) floppy, and now a230MB MO drive to allow up to almosttwo hours of stereo FM -quality audio.

Fostex showed its C'X-8, an ADAT-compatible modular digital multitrack,along with the company's wide range ofDAT recorders.

Studer was busy with several new items.The D741 is a second -generation CDrecorder. The company also showed theD424-2 MO recorder.

DENON is continuing its support ofthe MiniDisc format with two new en-tries: the D -045R (a MiniDisc duplica-tor that copies audio up to 3.5x realtime) and the DN-1100R (a MiniDiscrecorder that features hot -start buttonsfor instant access to any 10 cuts on adisc). Also shown was the DN-1400Fand DRD-1400, both 2(X) -disc CD juke-boxes, for audio CDs and CD-ROMsrespectively.

Marantz has added several new prod-ucts. The PMD-820 and PMD-850,both of which are pre -amp selectorswith an AM/FM tuner and a CD player.The PMD-350 boasts a CD player andcassette deck in one unit. Both of theomponents can be operated sepa-

rately. The CDR -615 and CDR -620are CD recorders, designed to allow aninexpensive means of recording com-pact discs.

Nagra is shipping the ARES-C digitalsolid-state field recorder. This recorderhas the similar size of the analog Nagramachines, but records on PCMCIA


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memory cards. It also can perform basic editing and canconnect directly to an ISDN line for transmission.

Panasonic has added the S'V-3800 DAT recorder to its line.It is based on the SV-3700, but adds some improvements.The company also presented the MDA-1, an ADAT-formatmodular digital multitrack machine with XLR and RCA I/Oon the back panel.

If you could get through the crowds at the Sony stand, you'dhave seen the MZ-B3 portable MiniDisc recorder/player,which is about the size of a Walkman cassette deck. The CDP-13 CD player is a consumer -style unit, but it includesbalanced inputs and outputs.

Tascam has continued its additions to the digital recorderline with the MD801-P and MD -801R MiniDisc player andrecorder. The DA -60 MkII DAT has time -code capabilities,while the DA -20 DAT offers many features at an economicalprice. The Portastudio line adds the 564, a digital mixer/recorder allowing 4 -track recording on a MiniDisc. It employsthe MD data format, providing 37 minutes of 4 -track record-ing per disc. The 302 is a dual cassette deck with auto-reverse.


Audio backhaul, program distribution,monitoring and accessoriesBy Kevin McNamara

Kevin McNamara is president of Exegesis Technologies, a devel-oper of applications for computer/telephone integration andcomputer -based mapping in New Market, MD.

Certain analog technologies will still have a place in broad-cast facilities for awhile, but face it, digital audio and video iseverywhere. Most of the digital -based equipment found onthe floor of NAB 96 has evolved from the user -defiant bitboxes of the past to far more elegant, solution -based prod-ucts. Many take full advantage of ISDN, which is available inmost locations for a fraction of the cost of Switched -56 ordedicated digital circuits.

Audio backhaul and STL equipmentThe Comrex NEXUS ISDN audio codec is a small package

that incorporates a bidirectional G.722 codec, a BONDING-equipped terminal adapter (TA) and an NT -1. It accepts micor line -level inputs and a mixer is provided to balance thesend and return signals for monitoring at the remote site.Setup and dialing is accomplished with a front -panel keypadand backlit LCD display. A 10 -number auto -dial feature isincluded. The unit will provide 7.5kHz audio at 56kb/s or64kb/s and 15kHz audio (using Comrex's unique TurboG.722 algorithm) at 112kb/s or 128kb/s. Comrex alsoshowed its wide, established range of MPEG Layer 2, G.722and apt -X codecs.

Intraplex is shipping its model 4464, a small, lightweightpackage that includes bidirectional MPEG I audio Layer 2 orG.722 coding, an ISDN TA with BONDING and S/T or Uinterface. It can be operated as mono or stereo, with setupaccomplished through a modem, local PC or optional hand-held terminal. Setup parameters are stored in flash memory.The unit will store up to 10 configurations that can beaccessed through a one -touch call setup. Auxiliary RS -232data at rates up to 9,600b/s can be carried along with audio.The company has recently reduced the price of the 4464,

Circle (41) on Action Card34 BE RADIO, May/June 1996

making it even more attractive to broad-cast users. Intraplex also introducedAES/EBU audio interfaces for its Tiand E 1 audio multiplexers.

Telos introduced the ZephyrExpress,which takes the features of the company'srack -mount Zephyr codec/TA and com-bines them with a mixer and audiolimiter into a rugged field package. Theunit boasts compatibility with MPEGaudio Layers 2 and 3 plus G.722 cod-ing. It can deliver up to 20kHz stereousing Layer 3 (in joint stereo mode).(See "Pick Hits of NAB 96," p. 44.)

QEI has revised its earlier 902MHz-928N111z unlicensed spread -spectrumQuick -Link system and introducedQuick -Link II. This time it's using the2,400MHz-2,485MHz band (still nolicense required) for its direct -sequencespread -spectrum transmission ofuncompressed digital stereo audio. Thesystem consists of two terminals, anoptional antenna and optional PC con-trol software. A well -written manual ac-companies the system.

POTS hardwareIn the "how many bits can we push

through a POTS line" department, thereare several offerings of remote broad-cast solutions that use standard analogdial -up lines. These products each in-clude an audio mixer, a low bit -ratecodes and a V.34 modem.

The Scoop Reporter from AETA (mar-keted by Harris Broadcast) can provideup to 8.4kHz of audio with a 28.8kb/sconnection, although the companyclaims a more conservative estimate of7kHz based on a more typical connec-tion rate of 24kb/s (especially for long-distance calls). The unit accepts two micand one line input and provides outputto headphones and a line feed. It em-ploys a special algorithm optimized forspeech called Code -Excited Linear Pre-diction (CELP) that offers low delay andfew artifacts at these very low bit rates.(See "Pick Hits of NAB 96," p. 44.)

The FieldFone from Musicam USA(formerly CCS Audio Products), intro-duced last year, can provide 6.5kHz ofaudio in both directions using an en-hanced version of the MUSICAM corn-prer.sion algorithm. New features incor-porated into the FieldFone since itsintroduction allow it to work with con-nection rates as low as 14.4kb/s. An-other new device from the company isthe StudioFone, a rack -mount mate tothe FieldFone for the studio end of thebackhaul path.

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SMART! codec, also intended for POTS -line usage. It can operate in one of threemodes: 7.5kHz audio, reduced fre-quency response with reduced delayand as a standard analog POTS hybrid.It provides a 4 -input mixer (each mic/line switchable), a 10 -number memory,plus two relay closures for remote de-vice control. A handy LCD up -timer isincluded to assist the remote operatoror talent in timing breaks and feeds.

Going mobile or need a simple solu-tion for remote broadcasts or remotenewsgathering? The Cellcast RBS400integrates a 4 -channel audio mixer, fre-

quency extender and a 3W cellular trans-ceiver into a neat package. The unit canprovide a frequency response of 300Hzto 3kHz or 50Hz to 2,750Hz withfrequency extension from a cellular orlandline connection.

Gentner has enhanced its line of tele-phone interfaces. The TeleHybrid is now( apable of creating its own mix -minus,and the TS612 is able to connect toadditional units for greater line ac PCC

Telos Systems introduced a client/server component to its Call ScreenManager talk -show software for Win-dows (3.x, 95, NT), and also presentedits Internet Audio Suite. The latter is asystem designed for high -quality stream-ing audio playback (full-time or on -demand) on the World Wide Web.

Digital distribution servicesE-mail is becoming a popular alterna-

tive to slow and expensive hand -deliv-ered mail for exchanging text and data.It was only a matter of time beforesomeone applied this concept to thespeedy delivery of information (i.e., spots,audio clips, music, etc.) to broadcaststations. These "store -and -forward" sys-tems allow audio files to be transmittedto a central server by a production stu-

dio and then sent to single or multipledestinations (stations) as appropriate,using nonreal-time transmission onISDN or digital satellite delivery paths.

About two years ago, Digital Genera-tion (DG) Systems was the first companyto provide such service to selected adagencies and radio stations. Now itsnetwork links nearly 4,500 stations inthe United States and Canada with hun-dreds of programming and advertisingsuppliers. At NAB 96, DG Systems un-veiled the ADvantage Audio Communi-cations Server (ACS), which it calls"radio's first intranet." It combines cli-ent/server architecture with NetscapeNavigator software, allowing multipleusers around a radio station to accessaudio and data files from their desktops.DG also announced work in progress onintegration with radio automation sys-tems from ENCO Systems, Media Touchand Register Data Systems.

Meanwhile, the Canadian -based Digi-tal Courier International (DCI), whichclaims to be the world's only 2 -wayaudio and data distribution networkserving the broadcast industry, also brokesome important news at the show. DCIand Arbitron announced the formationof The Radio Exchange, which takesadvantage of DCI's data communica-tions capabilities and is intended tofacilitate the communication of ratingsand other sales -related information be-tween stations and their respective ex-ternal marketing agencies. This includesratings, avails, traffic instructions, con-firmations, audio and more. These ser-vices may be useful to the many fast-growing station groups in the UnitedStates in maintaining or improving theirinterstation communications.

A third entrant to this field is MusicamExpress from Virtual Express Commu-nications LLC. (Virtex). Its subscriberscan receive data either by ISDN or fromthe company's StarGuide II addressabledigital satellite receiver. The system canstore spots, traffic information or evenentire network shows. Virtex offers twointeresting features, the Windax PDControl and theJockbox. Windax allowsyou to dynamically preview the variousaudio sources and sequence thosesources as needed. The JockBox is adevice that would typically be located ina studio and allows the operator/airtalent to play selected audio cuts (asprogrammed by WinDax) at the touchof a button.

In a more generic context, NSN Net-work Services introduced Spotboxx, a"black box" solution that stores selectedaudio sources (spots, news, short pro-grams) and can replay them when re-quired. It works in conjunction with anysatellite audio delivery system.

NPR Satellite Services offered hard-ware (manufactured by ComStre,am) anddigital audio SCPC connectivity via C-



band satellite transmission. Both tempo-rary and full-time services are available.

Audio monitoring and accessoriesLPB announced that it will distribute

the Australia -based Hayes line of near -field monitor speakers. They feature aunique fractal spatial system that pro-vides stable stereo imaging at a price thatis affordable for the typical radio station.

Studer presented an upgrade for theD827-MCH DASH recorders with a20 -bit A/D converter. Its D19 series ofpre -amps includes the MicValve, a tubemic pre -amp with two channels that hasa variety of controls for affecting thesound of the pre -amp and the MicAD,which has eight solid-state inputs. Bothhave 20 -bit A/D converters.

Whirlwind introduced The Brick, acompact, battery -powered mic-to-line-level pre -amp with an independent head-phone output. Housed in a rugged ex-truded aluminum chassis, the unit's in-put is adjustable over a 60dB range andit provides 18V phantom power. Theheadphone output has its own levelcontrol, and the unit is powered by two9V batteries.

Benchmark Media Systems showed anew, high -quality A/D converter, as wellas the AD2004. It provides four chan-nels of 20 -bit conversion with meteringin a one-third rack -unit space. The

AD2004 has low THD+N and ultralowjitter.

If you have a master clock system,ESE has introduced a new "self -setting"analog clock. It can use SMPTE/EBU,ASCII or ESE time -code inputs.


Intercoms, audio distributionand test equipmentBy Andrew McHaddad

Andrew McHaddad is an audio mainte-nance engineer at The Nashville Network(INN), Nashville, TN.

As broadcast facilities grow, routingaudio and communications around theshop become increasingly important.Maintaining the larger facility with ap-propriate test equipment also becomescritical. It's, therefore, no surprise thatNAB 96 presented numerous advancesin these areas, typically based on digitaland computerized systems.

Routing/distributionITC showed WIN-ARM2, a Windows

software package allowing for almostunlimited control of its well -establishedanalog audio switcher. Placing the con-trol architecture in the computer allowsfor standard PC hardware to be imple-mented in the control system, such asmodems, parallel control and timed

operation with unlimited file quantity.This is an improvement over the 99maximum files available with the em-bedded controller.

Sierra Audio Systems showed its16000 and 32000 audio routingswitchers, designed to provide small tomoderately sized facilities with cost-effective, high -quality routing systems.(See "Pick Hits of NAB 96," p. 44.)

Audio Technology Incorporated (All)had a prototype of the newest of theNano -Amp series, which is a stereo ver-sion of its 3x1 one-third rack -spacemixer. Besides a headphone output andstereo metering, the mixer also has in-put -channel high-pass filters and a toneoscillator.

Opamp Labs, long known for pressaudio and video distribution systems,displayed an improved battery life unitfor audio -only and audio/video mixeddevices. The future may bring color LCDvideo monitoring as an option and built-in audio monitoring, as well.

Leitch showed a variety of digital au-dio routing switches and routers. The

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VIA32 series of routing switchers givesthe user several input and output optionsto provide a flexible method for switch-ing the analog and digital signals in yourfacility (up to 32x64). Leitchalso showed modular con-verters and distribution ampsfor AES/EBU audio. Leitch'sline of AES Glue distributionamplifiers feature automaticcable equalization, datareclocking, jitter reductionand error correction.

Otari introduced theLightwinder, a multichanneldigital link that carries up to64 channels of audio on afiber-optic cable. Each inputhas a mic pre -amp, phantompower and mic gain -trim pot.

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master reference. This is important ifthe switched output will feed a live des-tination as it is being switched.

W1rC and cableNew from Gepco is a superlow-tem-

perature outer jacket material calledGEP-FLEX that can maintain flexibilityto -60°C.

Audio Accessories showed its line ofvalue-added wire assemblies. There are

tOtMI CO' Me.kormeos

with large-scale AES/EBUrouters, has developed a smaller routerfor nonlinear production bays andsmaller pre -production rooms. Theserouters are synchronous, allowing theindividual signals to be clocked to a

tecture prior to installation.Switchcraft provided a sample of a

PU '/4 -inch TRS patchfield connectorthat uses the same common and effi-cient connector scheme as the standardTRS connector that has long been thestandard for in -line connections. Pro-duction should begin in late 1996.

Canare introduced a line of constant-impedance 11011cable for the distribu-tion of AES/EBU signals. The cable is

sold in larger gauges (forlonger runs), smaller con-ductors (for punchdown), inmulticonductor forms andwith a foil shield.

signs of heavy commitment to the areaof patchfield pre -assembly with theProject Patch studio wiring and patch-ing system. Audio Accessories can pro-duce an entire facility's patching archi-

Test and measurementAudio Precision (AP) had

on display the full range oftest equipment, includingthe PC -based System Twohardware and software. AP'smultitone test signal is idealfor on -air audio path test-ing. This test allows the Au-dio Precision unit to be atthe receive end of a chain asa recording of the Audio

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the results remaining in the test set atthe receive site. If the PC is equippedwith a fax/modem, the results can beautomatically faxed to the remote play-back site for analysis.

Neutrik had a brand new device calledthe Rapid -Test RT-1M. The 1 RU chassisand attending Windows software can pro-vide multitesting using a short burst of acalibrated test signal. Tests include level,frequency response, distortion, noise andS/N ratio. One unique feature is itsability to interface with third -party indus-trial control software, allowing the opera-tor a great measure of creativity in design-ing the most efficient front end.

Tektronix presented the 764 digitalaudio test set, which allows the monitor-ing of two AES/EBU signals plus phasedisplay and bar graph metering. Alsofrom Tektronix was a color LCD screenfor its AM700 audio test set, along withits upgrade to 20 -bit A -D convertersand a redesigned power supply.


RF transmission equipmentBy Mike Tosch

Mike Tosch is chief engineer at KPBS-FM.San Diego.

The NAB show has consistently beenthe premier showcase for the introduc-tion of new broadcast transmission

equipment. NAB 96 was no exception.

Broadcast transmittersand accessories

The BYI'ECAST Series 802D, a PC -based 50W digital FM exciter with so-phisticated DSP technology, was shownby Continental Electronics. Using Su-per Harvard Architecture Computer(SHARC) technology, the 802D digi-tally generates pre -emphasis, audio pro-cessing, composite baseband process-ing, stereo and subcarriers. Using directconversion from the DSPs, an on -fre-quency FM RF signal is generated. Afront -panel LCD display provides theuser interface for the exciter. (See "PickHits of NAB 96," p. 44.) In addition toupgraded versions of its proven AM andFM transmitters, Continental also dis-played an L -band DAB transmittermanufactured by newly acquiredTelefunken Sendertechnik of Germany.This 2.304Mb/s transmitter is currentlyin use at nine sites in Germany.

Harris Corporation introduced a 5kWsolid-state FM transmitter as part of itsPlatinum Z series. The transmitter in-cludes the Harris Digit digital exciter,and its broadband design and internalharmonic filter make it ideal for quickfrequency switching when used as a com-mon standby at combined sites. A I OkWversion should be available soon. A new

low-cost FM exciter, the SuperCiter, wasalso on display. For the European mar-ket, Harris introduced a line ofVHF DABtransmitters in the 300W to 2kW range.

The Lynx, a DSP-based digital audiostereo generator, was introduced byBroadcast Electronics (BE). It featuresAES/EBU inputs and is ideal when adigital audio link is employed from thestudio to transmitter site for conven-tional analog transmission. Two out-puts are available to feed the main andalternate transmitters. The PowerMizerfrom BE is a new solid-state I kW AMtransmitter designed for low -power sta-tions on a budget. It is highly efficient(73%) and features a built-in AM stereogenerator.

New from LPB is a type -accepted Part15 FM stereo transmitter. The transmit-ter is ideal for use in auditoriums andother small venues. In addition to thislow -power transmitter, LPB introduceda new leaky RF cable designed to radiatea VHF FM signal up to 250 feet from thecable location. Applications include dis-tribution of a college radio through a

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dormitory or other campus buildings.The new SST- 150 FM exciter from

Energy-Onix may be used as a low-

power transmitter or translator station.The 150W exciter includes an internalharmonic filter and has been designedto drive its new single tube, groundedgrid, 2kW transmitter. In the high powerarena, Big Bertha is a compact(2 -cabinet) 50kW FM transmit-ter featuring dual output triodeswith a 4kW solid-state driver. Inthe event of a failure of one of thetubes, the transmitter will con-tinue to operate at 50% power.

The model 630 is a precisionFM receiver for use in translatoror off -air demod applicationsfrom Inovonics. It features twocomposite outputs, selectable IFbandwidth and a multipath indi-cator. Inovonics was also busyshowing the model 710 RBDSencoder and model 510 RBDSdecoder (which connects to acomposite output from anymodulation monitor), along withthe model 708 stereo generator.

The Italian manufacturer ITELCO isnow distributing its line of FM equip-ment in the United States. FM transmit-ters in the 2kW to 12kW power rangefeaturing a 3 -phase switching power sup-ply were shown. Also on display was anL -band DAB transmitter suitable for

use in Europe and Canada.Russian tube manufacturer Svetlana's

inventory of tubes is now quite exten-sive, covering audio, RF and microwaveapplications. The 100+ year -old com-pany traces its roots to St. Petersburg,Russia, although it now operates officesin Alabama and California. It was one of

the first large Russian firms to beprivatized, and it has since become apart of one of the first Russian-U.S.partnerships, employing about 3,000people in both countries.

In the subcarrier marketplace, SCAData Systems continues to break newground with its NT series of high-speed,

http://www.broadcast.net

high-performance datacasting systems.The company also presented its RD -57RBDS generator.

Dielectric Communications intro-duced an FM Interdigital bandpass fil-ter for low -power FM transmitters. It isphysically smaller than a conventionalbandpass filter and each filter is custom

designed.

Antennas and accessoriesA new "rototillee antenna from

Jampro Antennas was introducedthis year. The antenna is capableof medium powers and is fedusing 1 3/8 -inch transmissionline. A new line of tapered RFline reducers were shown, in-cluding one which converted 6'/Ii -inch line to an N -style con-nector.

The FMU high -power FM an-tenna bay is new from SWR, Inc.Each circular polarized bayhandles up to 80kW with 4 -inchtransmission line. With a brassand copper construction, long

dependable service is assured. SWR alsodisplayed a new 2.5GHz MMDS an-tenna designed to handle 500W. Mod-els are available beginning at four baysand may be vertically or horizontallypolarized.

A commercial -grade telescopic mastwas introduced by Will -Burt. The de-sign, similar to the military version, usesa stainless steel foil column, that willraise 200 pounds up to 38 feet.


RF support producesBy Marvin Born

Marvin Born is vice president, engineeringfor the Dispatch Broadcast Group, Co-lumbus, OH.

There were a surprising number ofdevelopments in the area of RF supportproducts at NAB 96. These advancesspanned a broad spectrum, ranging fromRF combiners and dummy loads tocomputer -based remote controls.

RF transmission lineand components

Altronic Research showed an impres-sive array of dummy loads, both air -andwater-cooled, ranging from small (5kW)to large (300kW MW). Also on handwas the 3500 Digital Calorimeuy unitthat monitors rms power fed to a dummyload by measuring the energy turnedinto heat. The 3500 is available for air-and water-cooled loads.

Kin tronic Labs had a wide variety ofhandy RF components on display. Theywere selected from the company'slegendary inventory of devices forAM radio transmission systems, whichincludes ATUs, diplexers and triplexers,phasors, inductors, RF contactors and


42 BE I )10, May/June 1996

dummy loads.MYAT of Norwood, NU, has developed

an interesting method of combiningmultiple high -power transmitters inphase. Its E -Star system can combinebetween 3- and 8- input ports in a muchmore efficient manner than the conven-tional hybrid system used today. Thesystem operates on VHF, UHF and FM,and it is smaller than a conventionalcombiner. There are no movingparts and temperature changesdo not affect performance. Thebig news is that there are no ad-justments, period. MYAT claimsan efficiency of 99.3%. Efficiencyis so good for an E -StarVHF system that it provides asmuch power as a conventional 5 -way system.

Remote site controlBurk Technology showed its

BDT-115 RF data link, a spread -spectrum wireless control link(902MHz-928MHz) to its ARC -16 transmitter control system.No license is required and a fre-quency -hopping spreading codeensures robust operation. Thesystem provides a 115.2kb/s bi-directional link across paths of up to 20miles. Also on hand was Burk's BTU -4,a temperature and line -voltage moni-toring system with a variety of sensors

tailored for broadcast transmission sites.Enhancements to the ARC -16 were alsopresented, including multisite control,speech interface and control/display/logging software.

Gentner introduced a number of newproducts. The largest crowd magnet wasthe GSC-3000, which is a Windows -based remote -control system. It doeslogging, time -of -day clock, plus the nor -

Once connected to the desired site, upto 256 parameters can be monitored,with point -and -click commands used to

make adjustments. (See "PickHits of NAB 96," p.44.)

EAS 911ENCODER/DECOD

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mal remote -control functions. The op-erator can dial up any one of 256remote sites, with phone numbers andaccess codes stored within the program.

EAS equipmentThe new EAS 911 Emergency

Alert System encoder/decoderwas presented by TFT. The unit iscompatible with the NOAAWeather System SAME codes.Options include a printer, mul-let -module receiver chassis andaudio program interrupt mod-ule. Control and status signalsfrom the EAS 911 may be re-mote controlled and an LEDmessage screen may be inter-faced to provide visual informa-tion. (See "Pick Hits of NAB 96,"p. 44.)

Sage Alerting Systems also pre-sented its ENDEC line of EAS

equipment. The products are beingmarketed I n l larris Broadcast. (See "PickHits of N I I p. 44.)

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Pick Hitsof NAB 96The top 10 - or make that 11 - new productsat NAB 96, as seen by our panel of judges.

1:11k414,

NAB1996 PICK HIT

Like every year since its birth (and like its forbear, Broadcast Engineering has done every year since1985), BE Radio has once again selected a panel of eminent practitioners in the radio broadcastingindustry and commissioned them to choose the top 10 new products unveiled at the NAB Convention.The competition was tough, as always, and many worthy new products were considered. Ultimately, thewinning products were determined, and they are presented here.

11610ANAB1996 PICK HIT

Orban: OPTIMOD-FM 2200digital audio processor

The 5 -figure price floor has been significantly undercutby this 1RU device, making digital on -air processingaccessible to a wider range of users. While its feature setand size are smaller, its audio performance rivals that ofits big brother, the OPTIMOD 8200. The 2200 offerseight factory and eight (non-volatile) programmable pre-sets for its 2 -band processing, and includes high -fre-

quency enhancement, bass EQ, gated independentprotection -limiting section and a digital stereo generator. AES/EBU VO isoptionally available, complementing its standard analog audio VO and twocomposite outputs. Eight opto-isolated remote -control inputs are also provided.


360 Systems: Shortcut personal audio editorThis nicely designed unit is a self-contained, hard -disk stereo

audio recorder with simple editing features. Intended for jocksor news reporters where fast turnaround is essential, it featuresno -compromise audio quality, storing 1.5 hours of 16 -bituncompressed 20kHz stereo (expandable to three hours). Amic pre -amp, built-in stereo speakers and a headphoneoutput are included, and it's small and lightweight enough forportable use. Real-time waveform editing employs dedicatedbuttons, plus an integrated high -resolution LCD screen, a scrubwheel and QWERTY keyboard (for titling). Edited cuts can beloaded to 10 "hot keys" for instant playback Judges liked theunit's price, too.


N A B1996 PICK HIT

.. -9 - ,Z Telos Systems: ZephyrExpress

portable ISDN audio transceiverIlliA new level of integration is achieved by this combination mixer/codec/

ISDN terminal adapter/monitor. It provides three different coding algo-rithms (NIPEG-1 Audio Layers II and III, G.722) along with a 3 -input (2 -mono mic, one stereo line) mixer, plus two independent stereo monitoroutputs - all in a single, road -worthy chassis. Send and receive level metersare included, and an LCD panel monitors call status or displays built-inhelp screens and advanced features. Up to 40 set-up modes and phonenumbers can be stored. Bidirectional RS -232 data at 9,600b/s plus fourparallel "closure" commands can travel along with audio data.



NAB1996 PICK HIT

AEA: Scoop Reporter POTS codecProviding the same full -duplex, 7kHz mono audio quality

that a G.722 codec does on SW -56 or ISDN circuits, thisportable unit requires only the "plain old telephone service"(POTS) of the standard analog public switched phone net-work. It combines a V.34 modem, a 3 -input (two mic, one line)mono mixer with headphone and line -level monitor outputs,

and a codec employing the Code -Excited Linear Prediction(CELP) algorithm (optimized for speech). Power is provided byfive D cells or 100-240VAC. Its 7kHz audio performance onlyrequires 24kb/s connectivity. Should a full 28.8kb/s path be

available, audio performance extends to 8.41cliz.Circle (113) on Action Card

Gentner: GSC 3000 site control systemCalling this a product born for the times, our judges

appreciated the usefulness of this Windows -based, multisiteremote -control system. Its 1RU I/O units are available in 8 -or 16 -channel versions, which can be networked via RS -485for expandable control of up to 256 channels per site. TheI/Os connect via POTS lines and modems to a PC. Multiplecontrol points are possible, and each control point's PC canoperate up to 256 sites. Tolerance limits and automaticcommands (both event -driven and time -based) can be pro-grammed, and macros of up to 32 steps can be built Avoice/DTMF option is available.


NAB1996 PICK HIT

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Eventide: BD500 digital broadcast delaySmaller, better, less expensive -a familiar refrain, this time applied to profanity

delay. This 1RU device comes with 8.5 seconds of stereo delay, and more can beadded in the field. Its delay buffercan be broken into two or threesegments, with only the last de-

leted upon a "dump" com-mand. This keeps some delayon-line until the unit "catchesup" to a full buffer. The input to

the buffer can also be muted for areal-time "edit," allowing talent to coigh or comment off the air without noticeablepause. An improved delay algorithm allows fast catch-up without artifacts. Controland status can be remoted.


Sierra Automated Systems:SAS 16000 audio routing system

This low-cost, high -quality router may be just what a lot ofstations need. It offers up to 32x32 routing in a 2RU chassis(which includes a monitor speaker). with numerous 1RUand console drop -in control panels available. Alphanu-meric display is included, and addingor changing sources on the system isa snap. PC software is provided forprogramming alphanumerics or num-bered push -buttons. The system inte-grates stereo and mono sources, andhandles maximum I/O levels of+28dBu. Salvo sequences can be in-terfaced to automation systems, andmultipoint RS -422 and RS -232 in-terfaces are included. The judges wereespecially impressed by this product'scost-effectiveness.


N A B1996 PICK HIT

AB1996 PICK HIT

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NAB1996 PICK HIT

Continental Electronics:BYTECAST 802D digital FM exciter

A 50W digital FM exciter with a twist - it's PC -based, buthoused in a 3RU chassis with a front -panel LCD display.While the PC controls the system, four floating-point DSPsperform the actual signal processing. A unique direct-conversion board talcces the digital output from the DSPstight to the operating frequency without any IF or hetero-dyning steps. Front -panel test jacks allow the user to moni-

tor internal signals or inject test signals. The LCD display and its associated soft keys providemonitoring and adjustment of operating parameters. Spare slots are available for future hardware,and software upgrades are uploaded from an external PC.


Roland: BOSS VT -1 voice transformerThis inexpensive audio processor allows a wide range of voice

alteration, and includes some unique capabilities. A voices pitch canbe varied independently from its "formants" (the harmonics of speechthat provide intelligibility and voice character), allowing pitch to bechanged without creating unnatural "chipmunk" or "munchkin" ef-fects. A wet/dry balance control allows the original voice to be mixedin for "duets," and adjustable stereo revert) is included- A "robot"feature adds vocoder effects. Up to eight setups can be stored, andrecall of stored settings is instantaneous. Although widely useful forproduction, judges noted that the device could be employed by newsoperations to protect a source's anonymity.


Trn 4

N AB1996 PICK HIT

-1111111111 MENNAB

1996 PICK HIT

TFT: EAS 911EAS encoder/decoder

Sage Alerting Systems:ENDEC EAS encoder/decoder

Acknowledging the input of both of these companies inthveloping the new Emergency Alerting System, our judgesb-oke with tradition to offer a "shared" Pick Hit for 1996- the year of EAS implementation. While both systemsp -ovide the same basic EAS functions, each offers differentconfiguration and interfacing options. (See "EAS Update,"p 24, for why this is important.) For example, the ENDECbases its system's control on the "ATM" model, using four

soft keys under its LCD display foruser interface, while the EAS 911takes a dedicated -button approach.INTRODUCIN

ToneHz -29,999 (1 Hz steps)

Sine and Square wave outputs RS -232 controllable Store and Recall 10 user frequencies Uses 9 V battery or external power Log sweep from 50 Hz to 20 kHz Level control from 0 to 6.3 V P -P Compact (5"W x 1.5"H x 3"D overall)

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The number of sources that can bemonitored simultaneously without op-tional hardware also varies betweensystems, as do the systems' operatingmodes, multistation configurabilityand remote -control options. Both sys-tems were deemed flexible and suc-cessful in their respective implemen-tations by ( )ti r judges.

For Sage Alerting Systems,Circle (119) on Action Card

For TFT,Circle (120) on Action Card


46 111.: RADIO, May/June 1996

CI 0 0 Inla I&JUDGES

Margaret BryantDirector of EngineeringABC Radio NetworksDallas, TX

Andy LairdVice President, EngineeringRadio GroupHeritage MediaSanta Clarita, CA

Chip MorganPresident, CMBEEl Dorado Hills, CA

Richard RudmanDirector of BroadcastOperations & EngineeringCBS RadioLos Angeles, CA

Chriss SchererEngineering Manager &Chief OperatorWMMS-FMCleveland. OH

Milford SmithVice PresidentRadio EngineeringGreater MediaEast Brunswick, NJ

Mike StarlingDirector of EngineeringNational Public RadioWashington, DC

Ellis Terry, Jr.

Director of Engineering& OperationsPersonal Achievement RadioWest Hollywood, CA

Andy VallonManager Technical ServicesCBS Radio NetworksNew York, NY

Barry VictorPresidentThe Victor GroupWesthills, CA

4

The judges found these newproducts also worthy of

Model 66 I Expressoriliasyriderwith Tubessence tube

pressor/limite,B IC

A 00 antenna toiler

DPI high-speed data recck

1)-8( 8 -track hard-dis'1(

Starlink l.)0( II SS dispread-sptcinun RPL

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S SYSTEMSet Audio Suite

ne radio system

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PICK HITS RULESBE Radio's Pick Hits judges operate independently andanonymously. They look for new products that meet thefollowing criteria:

1. Products must be new, and not shown at a previousNAB Convention (Spring stow). In some cases, distin-guishing a new procuct from a modified older one isdifficult. For Pick Hits purposes, a new product is one witha new model number or designation.2. Products must have some positive impact on theintended user's everyday work. Judges search for equip-ment to be used on a regular basis. Products shouldprovide new solutions to common problems.

3. Products must offer substantial improvement over pre-vious technology. Unique circuit architecture need notbe included, but some new approach or applicationmust be involved in the product's design.

4. The a -ices of the products must be within reach of their1tended users. The judges seek products appropriate to

a wide -ange of faciities.5. The p-oducts must oe avc liable for purchase within thecalendar year. Equipment must be on display on theshow floor and currently (or imminently) in production.Judges take the exhibitor's word on availability dates.Produces demonstrated in private showings do not qualify.

FM Value Leaders...at NAB '96

"DAVID -II"Processor / Generator

$1985 !-k_. 3 4.

The "DAVID" tradition conttues. A hot new feedforward-PWM processingsection is coupled with flawless Digital Synthesis of the multiplex signal.Add the built-in, adjustable Composite Processor, and "DAVID -II" deliversthe density you demand, and a sound that keeps listeners tuned -in.

FM Mod -MonitorOff -Air / Tunable

$2200Accurate and afford-able. Fully featuredmonitor displays total modulation, demodulated program audio, pilot andsubcarrier injections. Remotable Peak Flasher, plus alarms for loss of car-rier and loss of program audio. Carrier level and multipath readouts.

s MPITIVIR" 4

' GP

FM "Relay" ReceiverSingle Channel / Tunable

$1100

1111- iLsts_etIP!

. :

1111111jk.

P.111111111111111,A professional receiver for translator service. Composite and stereo audiooutputs. Selectable IF bandwidth, carrier -loss and program -loss alarms.Front -panel metering and unique auto -mute and auto-br1 functions.

Inovonics, Inc.1305 Fair Ave. Santa Cruz. CA 95060 U.S.A.TEL: (408) 458-0552 FAX: (408) 458-0554 it


111 RADIO, May/June 1996 . 47

Third MontreuxInternational

RadioSymposium

B. waft Aim

0 nce again, radio around the worldis re -inventing itself - this timeto join the transition to digital

and to remain competitive into the 21stcentury. Clearly, this implies digital au-dio broadcasting (DAB), and the ThirdMontreux Radio Symposium and Tech-nical Exhibition (June 6-9, 1996,Montreux Convention and ExhibitionCentre, Montreux, Switzerland) empha-sizes the importance of this developingtechnology from beginning to end.

The chairman of the UK's Radio Au-thority, Sir Peter Gibbings, will presentthe keynote lecture, "21st CenturyLifestyle and Radio's Place In It," inwhich he points to the first DAB broad-casts in Great Britain as a sign of thefuture. Last September, the BBC beganDAB broadcasts using the Eureka 147system. Private stations in the UK willbegin DAB transmissions soon, whichshould hasten consumer interest in pur-chasing new digital receivers for homeand auto, Gibbings suggests.

After its conspicuously low profile atthe last Montreux Radio Symposium in1994, the NAB returns this year with astronger presence, starting with an open-ing address by Eddie Fritts, NAB chair-man and CEO.

A tale of two DABSPrior to the start of Radio Montreux,

Sounds Digital, the Third InternationalSymposium on DAB, will take place onJune 4-5, 1996. Organized and coordi-nated by the European Broadcast Union(EBU), in cooperation with the Interna-tional Academy of Broadcasting (IAB)and the EuroDAB Forum, the sympo-sium will focus on developments in theEureka 147 system and its early appli-cations around the world.

For Radio Montreux delegates unableto attend the DAB Symposium, a reviewof its results will be presented on June 6by the EBU. This summary will coverbroadcast and receiver developments.

The NAB has also organized two engi-neering sessions. The first takes placeon June 6, in which attendees will learn

about the contrast-ing standards forDAB in the UnitedStates and Europe. Lynn Claudy, Sci-ence & Technology vice president forNAB, will chair the session on DAB inthe United States, which looks quitedifferent from that being proposed forEurope. Al Resnick of Capital Cities/ABC will review the results of DAB test-ing in the United States, which is aboutto move to its field-testing stage. CharlesMorgan of Susquehanna Radio will thendescribe DAB from a US. broadcaster'sperspective.

Make room for dataOn June 8, the second NAB session

examines practical implementation ofdata broadcasting in the United States.Chaired by NAB technical conferencesdirector John Marino, the session willdescribe how stations transmit digitaldata along with their regular program-ming and give an overview of the databroadcasting business opportunities."Data Broadcasting Systems: Tests andApplications" will be presented by DavidLayer of the NAB Office of Science andTechnology. "The Economics of DataBroadcasting Technologies" will be de-scribed by Skip Pizzi, editor of BE Radio.

A complementary EBU session looksat the possibilities offered by data broad-casting for additional services to audi-ences from radio networks and stations.

Other technical sessions will coverRF transmission, system integration, re-cording media and production equip-ment/technique and on-line radio.

For the technologicallychallenged

Digital radio and data broadcastingalso permeate the sessions for manage-ment and non -engineering delegates.George Waters, technical director of theEBU, chairs two sessions, "Is DigitalRadio the Future?" and "Regulation forAdditional Radio Services."

In another session, David Witherow,DAB project director for the BBC and

president of the EuroDAB Forum, willhead the panel discussion, "Getting theBest out of Digits: Production and Dis-tribution." Speakers from the UnitedStates, Europe and Australia will take upthe impact of digital radio on stationmanagers and program makers, includ-ing the effects on work practices andcompany structures.

Will radio have a place in the multi-media future? "New Age Radio," a panelchaired by David Wood of the EBU, willexplore how radio must prepare for thefuture. Other nontechnical sessions willconsider sales and marketing growth,audience research, copyright issues,competitive positioning, merchandis-ing/promotion and on -air personalitydevelopment.

Cirque du MontreuxTwo other conferences and a techni-

cal exhibition called "Innovation Fo-rum" will all cross paths at the Montreuxvenue. The list of radio equipment ven-dors at the exhibition is expected toexceed 100. Not surprisingly, the com-panies are mostly European, but a fairnumber of US. manufacturers will alsobe on hand.

Meanwhile, the third edition ofDigiMedia, a new -media conference cov-ering multimedia, 3-D animation andvirtual reality development, will runalongside Radio Montreux, as will abrand new conference, Montreux Inter-active Media Services (MIMS). WhileDigiMedia trends toward the creative/content side of multimedia, MIMS willstress the delivery side. Presenters willcome from Europe and the United States.

The common ground of all of theseevents is digital technology. RadioMontreux should, therefore, provide itsattendees with a well-rounded look atthe future of broadcasting. 111

Gerald Walker Is editor ofBE Radio'sseterpublication, World Broadcast News.


Gearing up for EAS in Wisconsin

Dear Editor.Radio stations in northeast Wiscon-

sin have begun putting plans in motionto switch from EBS to EAS.

Emergency alerting systems are es-pecially important in ManitowocCounty, which is located in anarea known as "Tornado Alley"and is one of Wisconsin's monfrequent alert areas.

The stations are currentlalerted by the primary EBS out-let, a 100kW commercial FM inGreen Bay that operates 24hours a day, and by a pagingsystem operated by theManitowoc County Sheriff's De-partment.

With the proposed EAS, theprimary alert will change to a publicradio station in Green Bay, which signsoff at midnight, then as a second source,the commercial 100kW FM in GreenBay. A third audio input will be wired tothe NOAH Weather Radio service fromGreen Bay (35 miles away) and the

fourth input will be from the locallyoperated paging system staffed by theSheriff's Department

By using creative ways to find outsidehelp, we came up with financial assis-tance for our county's broadcasters. Forinstance, a small grant was requested

from the county

emergency government office locally, aswell as from the utilities that own thenuclear power plants. The county hasdeveloped a relationship with the nuclearpower plants over the years, and werecognized that the nuclear plants would

Reader Feedback:

benefit by the more efficient alertingsystem. There are also plans to purchaseseveral EAS units from the same pro-dder in order to qualify for a quantitydiscount. By using creative strategies tolocate funds, we hope to keep the costsof implementing the new system to lessthan $1,000 net for each station.

To alert listeners of the upcomingchanges, a local billboard companywas contracted for space. The bill-boards were placed in eight locations

near the community sirens. The$3,000 price tag for the month-long display was shared by the

nuclear power plants and localemergency government.Also, the local emergency government

office purchased the SBE Primer on theEAS and is sharing the book with thecounty's broadcasters.Mark Heller, president1VTRW-AMTwo Rivers, WI

74e GALLERYBESCOINTERNACIONAL

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for "unlimited replacement protectors"

"Our FM site went off the air during a heavy electricalstorm. Further investigation revealed the HP 'Protector'had been destroyed, evidenced by its charred appearance(see photo or left)/ sincerely believe, without the protector,

we probably would have sustained major equipmentdamage, and been off the air for a considerable length oftime.. As it Waled out, the only thing damaged was the'Protector' itelf. The time we were off the air was minimal."

- KRKZAWKW Radio, Oklahoma

HP -3Y 3 phase WYE or HP -3D 3 phase DELTA $1,54522

HP -1S single phase 120/240 S1,095 clQ

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Circle (42) on Action Card Circle (43) on Action Card

RADIO, May/June 1996 49

GALLERYAdvertiseIn The Gallery

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Dateline El Paso, Texas - Peter Dahl Co.,the transformer guys, are also providingtransient suppressors, custom rectifierassemblies, three phase to single phaseconversion kits, DC filter capacitors, TVbeam power supplies, and 24 -hour techsupport. Is there anything these guys won'tdo to make a sale? Call now for a freecatalog. or better yet, call to order.

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POWERFUL DIAL -UP CONTROLLER

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The new CircuitWerkes DR -10 Dial -up remotecontrol is perfect for studio & automation control.With features not found anywhere else, you might beamazed at the DR -10's list price of only $439.00.

12 Dry relay contacts out (10 for DTMF, 2 auxiliaries).Auto -answers on user selectable ring number andauto -disconnects at call's endEach relay can be independently set to function as amomentary closure, latching closure with distincton/off codes, or interlocked latching with other relays.Up to 8 digit user set password prevents pirating.Any relay can be assigned to any tone(s).Each relay is programmable to beep when activated.Two-tone & detection delay modes eliminate falsing.4 Status inpLts can dial 4 numbers and control relays.A simple, built-in audio hybrid lets yori controlequipment wiile monitoring a local audio source.Provides an active, balanced phone line audio output.All outputs appear on easy to use screw terminalsProgram it with a any DTMF phoneRemembers its settings after a power failure.

CircuitVVerkes(352) 335-6555 / Fax 331-6999

3716 SW 3rd Place, Gainesville, FL 32607Circle (14) on Action Card

50 BE RADIO, May/June 1996Circle (13) on Action Card

BUSINESS

Wheatstone, Syracuse, NY, sold sev-eral audio consoles to WSIX, Nashville.

Harris Broadcast, Quincy, IL, soldthe first Sage Alerting System ENDEC(EAS encoder/decoder) to WVXU-FM,Cincinnati. ENDEC was the first EASproduct to be authorized by the FCC.

The Harris Corporation also receiveda contract valued at more than $20million to provide radio and TV broad-cast and production systems for SpeerCommunications Ltd, Nashville, TN.

On the international scene, the Har-ris Corporation supplied NationalTranscommunications, Ltd. (NTL)with a digital audio broadcast (DAB)transmitter system for NTL's new DABtrial service for greater London.

Orban sold DSE 7000 digital audioworkstations to Bonneville BroadcastCenter, Kansas City, and ABC O&OKQRS/KEGE, Minneapolis.

TFT, Santa Clara, CA, formed alli-ances with Continental Electronics,Dallas, and CUE Network Corpora-tion, San Jose, CA, to provide Emer-gency Alert system (EAS) equipment.The Broadcast Supply Division of Con-tinental Electronics will provide EASequipment to the broadcast market. The

CUE Network Corporation will distrib-ute the EAS system under the tradename EmergencyAlert.

Digital Courier International (DCI),Vancouver, Canada, announced a re-verse takeover agreement between DCIand Kwikstar Communications,Vancouver, Canada. The commonshares of Kwikstar will be exchanged for100% of the common shares of DCI,and the shares will be traded on theAlberta Stock Exchange.

Audio Processing Technology (API),Belfast, Ireland, won the Daily MailBusiness of the Year Award. APT wasrecognized for its commercial success,as well as the contribution of API'seffective training and staff development.

Wegener Corporation, Duluth, GA,was selected by the South CarolinaNetwork to supply digital audio receiv-ers to completely upgrade the networkto digital.

Also, Wegener delivered digital audioreceivers to Network Indiana, Indianapo-lis, a network owned by Wabash ValleyBroadcasting Corporation.

International Datacasting, Ottawa,Ontario, Canada, provided Clear Chan-nel Communications, Inc., San Anto-nio, with satellite digital audio sys-

Business/People:

terns for all of Clear Channel's stateradio networks. The contract includesmore than 300 satellite receivers andredundant uplink systems in fourstates.

PEOPLE

Howard Mullinack was promoted tovice president, sales and strategic plan-ning for Orban, San Leandro, CA.

Richard Rudman and MichaelSmith were named directors of broad-cast operations and engineering forCBS Radio.

Ed Longcrier joined the radio fieldsales team of the Harris Broadcast Divi-sion that covers the Southwest UnitedStates.

Doug MacCallum was appointed vicepresident, marketing and sales, for AKGUnited States.

rim Schaeffer was named director,sales and marketing, for the Otari Cor-poration.

CLASSIFIEDADVERTISINGRATES

Advertising rates in BE Radio Classi-fied Section are $45 per column inch,per insertion. There is a one inch mini-mum.

Ads may also be purchased By -The -Word for $1.75 per word, per insertion.Initials and abbreviations count as fullwords. Minimum charge is $30 per In-sertion.

ContactMatt Tusken at 1-800-896-9939

or fax (913) 967-1735to advertise in BE Radio

Classifieds.

"Great article!Can we getcopies for ourclients andsales force?"For a free reprintsprice quote, contactChris Lotesto, toll -free at800-458-0479 or 312-435-2359.

SERVICES

HEHAMME1T & EDISON, INC.CONSULTING ENGINEERSRADIO AND 1UEVISION

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FM STATION OPTIMIZATIONFM SEARC9ES / SHADOW AND INTERFERENCE STUDIES

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FAx: (714) 578-0284PAGER: (714) 506-1367

May/June 1996,11': RADIO. 51

AD INDEX SALES OFFICES

Page NumberReaderService Number

AdvertiserHotline

Altronic Research Inc 38 24 501-4494093Audio Precision 5 15 800-231-7350Besco Internacional 49 42 214-630-36(X)Broadcast Electronics. Inc. 41 9 217-224-9600Broadcastnet 42 12 713-926-2209Cellcast 50 45 501-750-0277CircuitWerkes 50 13 904-331-5999Computer Concepts Corp 9 6 913-541-o90)Comrex Corp. 21 30 508-263-1800Cones Electra Systems 46 28 360-734-4323Continental Electronics IBC 2 214-381-7161Dalet Digital Media Systems 12 8 +140-380-139DBM Systems Inc. 39 23 601-857-8573DHK Group - Audisk 32 39 800-501-9662Digital Courier Intl. (DC( 15 20 800958-0066Enco Systems Inc. 29 36 810-476-5711Energy Control Systems 49 43 800-383-6956Energy-Onix 24 34 518-828-1690Fidelioac Corporation 8 18 609-235-3900Harris Corp./Broadcast Div. 1 4 217-222-8200Henry Engineering 20 32 818-355-3656Inovonics 47 27 800-733-0552ITC -International Tapetronic Corp. 37 21 800-447-0414Itelco 23 33 305-715-9410Jampro Antennas. Inc 34 41 916-383-1177Kintronic Labs Inc. 20 31 423-878-3141Learfield Communciatlons Inc. 50 14 573-893-7200LPB Inc. 25 35 610-644-1123Mackie Designs Inc IFC 1 803-258-6883Murphy Studio Furniture 43 11 619-698-4658Musicam 19 29 908-739-5600NPR Satellite Services 33 40 202-414-2613Orban 3 5 510-297-2774Peter W. Dahl 50 44 915-751-2300Philips Sound & Vision 40 25 +31-40-2732080Radio Wolf International 31 37 +394-210-122Sennheiser Electronics Corp. 30 38 203-434-9190Shure Brothers Inc. 11 7 800-25-SHURESpacewise Broadcast Furniture 45 26 800-7753660Studer International Ag 7 16 411-870-7511S.W.R. Inc. 37 22 814-472-5436TFT 13 17 800-347-3383Ward -Beck Systems Ltd. 14 19 416-438-6550Wheatstone Corporation BC 3 315-452-5000

EDITORIALBrad Dick, EditorSkip Pizzi, Radio EditorDawn Hightower, Senior Associate EditorDeanna litxxl. Associate EditorCarrie Poland. Associate EditorTom Cook. Senior Managing EditorCarl Bentz, Directories ManagerARTStephanie L Masterson. Associate Art Director

BUSINESSRaymond E. Maloney. PresidentCameron Bishop, Senior Vice PresidentDennis Triola, PublisherJudson Alford. Marketing DirectorStephanie Hanaway.GroupDirector.Special ProjectsDee Unger, Director Athertising SenicesNancy Hupp,Advertising Production ManagerAnnette Hulsey, Classified Athertising CoordinatorPat Eisenman. Production SupervisorSusan Jones, Advertising CoordinatorDoug Coonnxi. Corporate Art DirectorBarbara Kummer, Circulation DirectorMeghan Wright. Circulation ManagerCustomerSenice: 9 13-967-1 7 1 1 or 800-441-0294

TECHNICAL CONSULTANTSJerry Whitaker, Contributing EditorRichard Dean. European CorrespondentEric Neil Angevin, Broadcast AcousticsJohn H. Battison. Antennas/RadiationDennis Ciapura, Radio TechnologyDane F.. Ericksen. P.E. Systems Design

John Kean. Subcarner TechnologyDonald L Marldey, Transmission FacilitiesHarry C. Martin, Legal

MEMBER ORGANIZATIONSSustainingXembers of

Acoustical Society of AmericaAudio Erigineering SocietySticiety of Broadcast Engineers

Merinba American Business PressMember, BPA Intematiohal

BPA,

BE RADIO (ISSN 1081-3357) is published bi-monthly (except an additional issue in August) andmailed free to qualified recipients by Intertec Pub-lishing Corporation, 9800 Metcalf. Overland Park,KS 662 12-22 15. Non -qualified persons may sub-scribe at the following rates: USA and Canada. oneyear, $30.00; all other countries, one year, $35.00(surface mail). $70.00 (air mail). Second-class post-age paid at Shawnee Mission. KS. and additionalmailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BE Radio.P.O. Box 12937, Overland Park, KS 66282-2937.BE Radio is edited for corporate management.technical management/engineering and operationsand station management at radio stations and re-cording studios. Qualified persons also include con-sultants, contract engineers and dealer/distributorsof radio broadcast equipment.SUBSCRIPTIONSAuthorization to photocopy items for internal orpersonal use, or the internal or personal use ofspecific clients, is granted by Intertec Publishingprovided that the base fee of US. $2.25 per copy.plus U.S. $00.00 per page is paid to CopyrightClearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers.MA 01923. The fee code for users of the Transac-tional Reporting Service is ISSN 1 08 1-3357/ 1996$2.25+00.00.For those organizations that have been granted aphotocopy license by CCC, a separate system ofpayment has been arranged. Prior to photocopyingitems for educational classroom use, contact CCCat 508-750-8400.Organizations or individuals with large quantityphotocopy or reprint requirements should contactChris Lotesto, 3 1 2-435-2359. Microfilm copiesof BE Radio are available by calling/writing UMI,300 North Zeeb Rd. P.O. Box 1346. Ann Arbor,MI 48106-1346. Phone:3 1 3-761-4700 or 8(x)-521-0600.CORRESPONDENCEEditorial and Advertising: 9800 Metcalf OverlandPark, KS 66212-2215. Phone: 913-341-1300; Edit.Fax: 913-967-1905. Advt. Fax: 9 1 3-967-1904.C 1996 by Intertec Publishing. All rights reserved.

WIJKLLIWIDE SALESOVERLAND PARK, KANSASSteven Bell9800 MetcalfOverland Park, KS 66212-2215Telephone: (913) 967-1848FAX (913) 967-1900

NEW YORK, NEW YORKJosh Gordon335 Court Street, Suite *9Brooklyn, NY 11231Telephone: (718) 802-0488FAX (718) 522-4751

Joanne Melton1775 Broadway, Suite 730New York, NY 10019Telephone: (212) 641-5270FAX (212) 459-0395

CHICAGO, ILLINOISBill Wendling55 East Jackson, Suite 1100Chicago, IL 60604Telephone: (312) 435-2361FAX (312) 922-1408

AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIADuane HefnerLianne Fairchild5236 Colodny Ave., Suite 108Agoura Hills, CA 91301Telephone: (818) 707-6476FAX (818) 707-2313E -Mail address: dnhefner@aoLcom

SANTA MONICA. CALIFORNIAJason Perlman501 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 401Santa Monica, CA 90401Telephone: (310) 458-9987FAX (310) 393-2381

OXFORD, ENGLANDRichard WoolleyKerr DullyIntenec Publishing CorporationUnit 3, Farm Business CentreClifton Road, Deddington,Oxford OX15 4TP EnglandTelephone: +44 186 933 8794 'FAX +44 186 933 8040Telex: 837469 BFS G

TOKYO, JAPANMask YoshikawaOrient Echo, Inc.1101 Grand MaisonShimomiyabi-Cho 2-18Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162, JapanTelephone: (3) 3235-5961FAX (3) 3235-5852TelexJ-33376 MYORIENT

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGMatt TuskenTelephone: (913) 967-1732FAX (913) 967-1735

LIST RENTAL SERVICESLori ChristieTelephone: (913) 967-1875FAX: (913) 967-1897

'INTERTECPUBLISHINGA III MEDIA COMPANY

52 BE. RADIO, May/June 1996

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be - worldradiohistory.com...may 06, 1996 · by skip pizzi, editor for those interested in u.s....

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