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Engineering Extra
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Issue: Aug. 19, 2008
Top News
FM Radio Protest Airs in Beijing Prior to Olympics Opening
Members of Reporters Sans Frontičres (RSF) launched Radio Without Borders right before the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics, calling upon the Chinese government to respect free speech.
"The Chinese authorities refused to issue visas to 10 of our members, but this has not stopped us from making ourselves heard in Beijing by means of a clandestine radio broadcast using miniaturized FM transmitters and antennas.
RSF devised and carried out this protest in a spirit of resistance against state control of the media," said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard.
The press freedom organization added, "This is the first non-state radio station to have broadcast in China since the Communist Party took power in 1949. Only international Chinese-language radio stations broadcasting on the short wave would be able to break this news and information monopoly, but they are jammed by the authorities."
Ménard described the broadcast as a "gesture of defiance towards the Chinese authorities, who are still keeping dozens and dozens of journalists and Internet users in prison. Despite everything, there are people who are going to be able to speak out about things you don't want the public to hear, in the very heart of Beijing. Regardless of the measures you take, you will not get rid of free speech," he said
Ménard then urged the Chinese authorities to release prisoners of conscience and stop jamming the frequencies used by international radio stations broadcasting in Chinese. "You banned us from going to Beijing, you expelled us from China. But despite all that, we are here, making our voice heard peacefully, in a completely non-violent fashion. It is a way of saying censorship just won't work."
The broadcast included interviews with Chinese human rights activists who have found refuge abroad. A former journalist talked about the censorship and self-censorship imposed on her colleagues still in China. A human rights activist described the crackdown on Chinese activists in the run-up to the Olympics.
A former political prisoner described the conditions during his capture. "External pressure is essential to improve the situation of political prisoners," Yang Jianli said.
Finally, the director of Boxun/博讯, a U.S.-based, Chinese-language Web site that is still blocked in China, talked about what motivates the site's volunteer contributors inside China who, despite the risks, post reports on the social and political situation.
Europe Allocates Single Radio Frequency to Roadside Safety
In an effort to combat road accidents and traffic jams, the European Unions's Intelligent Car Initiative program has dedicated a single radio frequency to smart vehicle communication systems.
The system is based on a wireless communication technology and allows cars to "talk" to each other, to warn of slippery conditions or accidents. The decision is also to encourage public funding for roadside assistance and overall infrastructure
"Today's Commission decision is a decisive step towards meeting the European goal of reducing road accidents. Getting critical messages through quickly and accurately is a must for road safety," said E.U. Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding. "We should also keep in mind that with 24 percent of Europeans' driving time spent in traffic jams the costs caused by congestion could reach €80 billion by 2010. So clearly, saving time through smart vehicles communications systems means saving money."
The system relies on a single Europe-wide frequency band that is 30 MHz of spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band. It will be rolled out within the next six months and will not hinder existing roadside services.
Is Cuba Interfering With U.S. Broadcasts?
From last week's "The Leslie Report" —
WOR's Tom Ray says a Cuban station on 710 kHz is shooting a powerful nighttime signal up the eastern seaboard and interfering with his New York AM station and possibly others.
The Cuban station is broadcasting American music, with a Spanish-speaking DJ and no ID, says Tom, who is also a Radio World contributor.
How does he know where the signal originates? The FCC used monitoring stations around the country, and located the source of the transmitter in Cuba, according to Ray. In Utica, N.Y., this Cuban station had a local-grade signal. An FCC source told Tom he estimated the station is pushing at least 500,000 watts (and possibly up to a million) up the coast. Ray also believes the agency's hands are tied on this one by the State Department.
We recently reported that the State Department had purchased time on Miami's WQAM(AM) to air American propaganda, in Spanish. "The majority of WQAM's 50 kW at night goes directly toward Cuba. So this 710 signal is in retaliation for the propaganda being sent towards Cuba on 710 from Miami — in my humble opinion — being paid for by my tax dollars and causing grief for my employer and bad will for our listeners," said Ray, who works for Buckley Broadcasting.
WOR is looking to hear from stations that may be similarly affected so they can combine efforts to talk to regulators and possibly get some relief from the interference.
Sneak Peeks
IBC2008: Sodielec SDVB 200 DVB-T/H Receiver
The Sodielec SDVB 200 DVB-T/H receiver is able to scan up to 10 RF channels and supply audio and video programs via rear panel and IP interfaces.
Sodielec developed the DVB-T/H receiver as a cost-effective solution for the quality-of-service monitoring of digital networks.
The unit also performs RF measurements and in-depth TS analysis.
IBC2008: Ecreso Next FM
Audemat group company Ecreso offers its Next FM exciter solution in standard, high-quality or rebroadcasting packages and in seven different versions.
Available at powers of 1, 20 or 100 W, the Next FM has a built-in audio backup system and optional two- or four-band digital audio processor.
In addition to standard broadcasting functions, Next FM has peripheral features including stereo encoding, FM/HD/DAB processing, RDS encoding, audio backup and the capability to manage a 1+1 installation and perform preventive maintenance with embedded broadcast test equipment.
Packaged with RF amplifiers, the Next FM constitutes an all-in-one transmitter rated between 250 W and 10 kW.
IBC2008: Sonifex Redbox RB-TGHD
At its IBC2008 stand, Sonifex will show the latest addition to its Redbox range, the RB-TGHD multichannel HD tone generator.
The eight-channel RB-TGHD provides line identification, including BLITS 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, using a wide range of industry standard tone sequences. It is possible to either automatically cycle through all the available audio tone sequences for each channel configuration or select them manually. A loop mode allows the repetition of tone patterns.
"We have had a number of requests for tone generators at previous IBC exhibitions and the BLITS specification is being widely adopted by many broadcasters worldwide, so it means that it is a good time to release such a product," said Sonifex managing director Marcus Brooke.
Two variations are available. The RB-TGHDX offers balanced AES/EBU outputs on three-pin XLR connectors and the RB-TGHDB has unbalanced digital outputs on BNC connectors. Both provide eight balanced analog outputs on three-pin XLR connectors.
Sonifex will also show its RM reference monitor range, the DHY-03 digital telephone hybrid, the S2 analog/digital mixer and TB talkback intercoms.
In addition, there will be demonstrations of V2.0 D:Scribe transcription software with the Net-Log audio logger, which records four channels of audio to an internal hard disk for playback across a network.
IBC2008: Stagetec MADI, Sync Boards
Stagetec has developed two new component boards for its Nexus Star audio routing system: the RMF 02 MADI board and the RSYNC synchronization board.
The standard version of the RMF 02 features BNC connectors and receptacles for SFP optical modules, thus allowing conversion between optical and copper-based I/Os on a single board.
SFP modules available include multimode, single-mode and CWDM. The input circuits automatically detect the channel count and formats within the incoming signal. It is possible to set the outputs to the channel count required and switch the 96-kHz output format between legacy and double-frequency formats.
Stagetec designed the RSYNC for users running Nexus Star with RCX CPU/multiplexer boards incorporated. RSYNC enables the synchronization of the overall audio network to a wide variety of sources and integrates the most common sync tasks.
In addition, the new board incorporates both AES and word clock outputs and distributes the clock to the overall network. It can thus perform word clock conversion and distribution simultaneously.
IBC2008: Netia Radio-Assist 7.5 Enhancements
New Web-based capabilities boost the functionality of Radio-Assist 7.5 digital audio software from Netia.
The enhancements allow journalists to seamlessly browse, access and edit audio clips directly from the station database.
Netia will demonstrate at IBC2008 a new Radio-Assist audio signal switcher able to manage all switching from national to regional broadcasting. The switcher features both an audio input for national program content and an internal soundcard that allows the insertion of regional commercials into the national program.
Another demonstration will involve the U-Share network management system, which Netia has integrated into Radio-Assist 7.5 to simplify the distribution of audio content to multiple destination sites. The system is part of the Netia OpenNet range.
Another OpenNet solution is the full-featured NodalMaster software, which controls all of the routing and processing equipment in a nodal suite.
Also on show at IBC2008 will be the Media Logging range and the IP Feed-in solution for the day-to-day scheduling of all automatic recordings of external programs. It allows Radio-Assist users to record continuous RTP inputs or scheduled programs without the need for a soundcard.
IBC 2008: DAVID Content Distribution and Media Production Products
DAVID Systems is rolling out a hose of new products and enhancements at this year's IBC.
New is a preview of Database Manager version 4 — featuring enhanced multimedia and customization functionality, CartWall support, collection element, enhanced metadata handling, improved newsroom integration. Also new is Collection Element, which helps track large numbers of elements stored in the various database tables. It has its own database ID and its own set of metadata so it can be used like a normal entry.
In the content distribution area, the company's Moves Media applications include a new DigtaTransfter system (version 2) that features speaking file names and upgraded import routines for third party systems. DigaMailbox IP version 2 features networked, bi-directional file exchange, enhanced download functionality including download from depot or from other clients, and the integration of Media Component Library to transcode video files on-the-fly.
Other products include the new Hydrogen Lifecycle Management that combines all the components of modern media workflows including most different third party systems and environments, pairing them as one. The new Hydrogen-DigaSystem bundles include Hydrogen Media Accelerator/Atoom Factory bundled with DigaTransfer System to integrate Final Cut Pro or other NLEs in the DigaSystem workflow.
Business Digest
WDR Taps Fairlight Xynergi Systems
German broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) recently installed three more Fairlight Xynergi desktop media creation systems at its facilities in Cologne, for a total of five.
The station installed two Xynergi MPC96 systems with SX-48 MADI interfaces at the end of 2007. Three more systems were added in May, along with a 12 fader Sidecar and two CC-1 upgrades for the DREAM1 Station and Constellation systems. No stranger to Fairlight, WDR has been using the company's MFX3+ disc recorders for several years.
"All of the systems will be connected to Fairlight's SFX Library Server AudioBase 3, which will allow the broadcaster to speed up workflow and share audio files between studios," said Mario Schmitz, Fairlight's head of European Operations.
Hitradio MSOne Deploys Barix AG Audio Over IP Solutions
:!:img01_right:!:With FM stations in Ulm and Oldenburg, Germany, Hitradio MSOne recently installed Barix AG Instreamer 100 and Exstreamer 100 devices as a backup for its main studio-to-transmitter link.
The Barix Instreamer encodes audio at the studio for transport across an IP connection to Barix Exstreamers at the radio transmission towers. The Exstreamers decode the audio at the towers and automatically become the over-the-air transmission source if the main transmitter fails or needs to be repaired. The entire solution delivers audio at 192 kbps.
The Exstreamer 100 devices at the radio towers are outfitted with USB sticks for a second layer of on-air redundancy. If the main IP stream fails for any reason, the USB stick automatically takes over, playing out a mix of music created by Hitradio MSOne.
"The Barix Audio over IP solution guarantees that we will remain on the air if we have a failure at the transmitter. With Barix, we can avoid expensive leased line STL costs and supply our radio towers with a direct, uninterrupted IP connection." said Maximilian Krug, owner of HitRadio MS One.
In addition to Hitradio MSOne, Krug also uses Barix devices at Mediencenter Augsburg, a radio broadcast services provider that contributes programming to radio stations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Mediencenter Augsburg presently uses Barix devices to deliver program audio over IP for three radio stations in Austria.
SABC Rolls Out Axia Broadcast Consoles
The Radio Broadcast Facility of the South African Broadcasting Corp. (SABC) recently rolled out 15 Axia Element broadcast consoles and associated IP-Audio routing equipment.
"The Elements will be packaged into flight boxes and will be used for major outside broadcasting events where OB points will be established for all of the SABC's radio services. This setup will be used to cover events like sports — the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for instance — elections, breaking news stories, et cetera," said Richard Fulton of Axia's South Africa distributor Tru-Fi Electronics.
Fulton added that the purchase of the Axia equipment has decreased installation time and cabling to gear like Telos Zephyr Xtream and Zephyr iPort codecs and the Telos Nx12 phone hybrids.
The Livewire standard, developed by Axia Audio, allows broadcasters to build audio networks of any size that transport real-time, live audio, plus program associated data and machine remote control over a switched Ethernet network. The same network can also carry files transfers, messaging and other routine traffic.
The complete system includes 15 Element Consoles, 15 Axia Analog Line Nodes, 4 Axia AES/EBU Nodes, 15 Zephyr Xstreams, 8 Telos Nx-12 Talkshow Systems, and 4 Telos Zephyr iPort MPEG Gateways to interface to SABC's main broadcast facility.
Energy Radio Broadcasts Live Streams via iPhone
Energy Radio has become one of the first stations in Canada to stream iPhones, iTouch, and other 3G/Wi-Fi enabled devices.
"In fast paced and ever changing times it is absolutely important to follow your audience's latest trends. 3G Technology enables content providers like Energy Radio to get the message across to our target audience" says Jerry Arbid, Energy Radio's director of marketing and sales.
Energy Radio's 3G/ Wi-Fi stream is linked from the station Web site, www.energy105.fm.
CRFS Monitors U.K.-Wide Radio Spectrum for Ofcom
British communications regulator Ofcom has tapped Cambridge Radio Frequency Services (CRFS) to undertake a heady spectrum mapping project that will enable Ofcom to build a detailed picture of radio spectrum use.
CRFS will use its RFeye real-time spectrum monitoring system to gather the radio spectrum data that will be collected by a small fleet of car-mounted RFeye nodes over a number of months. Phase One should be completed 31 December 2008.
Aside from providing data analysis tools as part of the project, CRFS will host an industry day to get feedback from other stakeholders — mobile phone operators, broadcasters, wireless broadband providers, government agencies, etc. — ahead of developing a business case for the continued deployment of the spectrum monitoring system.
"Ofcom's objective is to promote the most efficient use of the United Kingdom's valuable spectrum resource, benefiting consumers by providing access to new services, greater choice and competition. However, it is difficult to be sure that we are optimizing the use of the spectrum without information on its usage and quality in different parts of the country and across different frequency bands. Information from the CRFS system should help us with our plans to introduce market mechanisms in spectrum management and in releasing the commercial value of spectrum in the future," said Gary Clemo, R&D manager at Ofcom.
"Our RFeye system will enable Ofcom and other spectrum managers, such as the MOD and mobile phone operators, to fully exploit this valuable economic resource. Interference is one the biggest drains on the profitability of mobile phone operators as it stops a large amount of calls from being terminated," said David Cleevely, chairman and co-founder of CRFS.
Tieline Adds Dealer in Ireland
Codec maker Tieline Technology named Total Broadcast Consultants as its new dealer for the Republic of Ireland.
International Marketing Manager Darren Levy said the agreement will help in its continuing expansion into Europe.
Total Broadcast Consultants is based in Waterford, Ireland. Preco Broadcast Systems will continue to service Tieline customers in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and France.
Tieline Business Development Manager in Europe PJ Fall said Total Broadcast Consultants has designed and built digital radio facilities "from the ground up" and is well placed to advise customers about integrating codec technologies.
"This will be especially useful as broadcasters in Ireland continue to migrate to 3G and IP networks," Fall said. "IP proliferation is still gathering momentum but European broadcasters appreciate the cost advantages of IP over ISDN and the flexibility that the technology provides."
Technology
Journaline Service Demonstrated at Games
The text-based Journaline digital radio information service made its debut in a multiplatform implementation during the Summer Olympics.
The system was integrated into select Audi shuttle vehicles used in Beijing, providing passengers and drivers with up-to-date information in the form of a "sports and newsticker."
With Journaline, users can access current news information and track live sporting results directly from an in-car module with text-to-speech presentation or from a portable receiver with text presentation.
The Journaline data service is based on a standard internationally accepted by the WorldDMB forum in September 2007. It is currently broadcast as part of DAB/T-DMB and DRM digital radio transmissions; however, it is suitable for virtually any broadcast platform due to its low data capacity consumption.
Journaline project partners include Audi, Fraunhofer IIS, Thomson, NXP Semiconductors, Atmel and Microtune.
Programming News
One Golden Square Tackles the Games
New owner? Uncertain brand future? Rock music? Not a rights-holder? When it came to covering the 2008 Summer Games all those questions were just minor problems for One Golden Square.
The new owners of Virgin Radio, which is slated to rebrand the national British independent radio station by the end of September, approached the station team with a simple question: "What are we doing about the Olympics?"
Andrew Bailey recounted the initial reaction on the One Golden Square blog: The sinking feeling took hold. This was not going to be pleasant. How the hell were we going to deliver Olympic coverage to rival the BBC with a skeleton team of newsreaders and sports freelancers? Deep breath… Yet in three weeks, as Bailey blogged, the station had a plan — and station microsite — in place that highlighted not only Team GB, but looked ahead to the London 2012 Games.
People News
Wheatstone Appoints New Director of Marketing
Howard Mullinack has joined Wheatstone as the new director of marketing, reporting to president Gary Snow. Mullinack's duties include marketing and developing the company's new E² audio-over- IP routing and mixing system and the Vorsis on-air and studio audio processing equipment.
Prior to joining Wheatstone, Mullinack served as director of marketing and development for Sierra Automated Systems. Before that he was CEO of Graham-Patten and vice president of sales and product development for Orban.
"Howard brings to Wheatstone invaluable hands-on broadcast experience in product management and marketing of studio consoles and routing systems, audio processing, and studio facility design and project management. I am proud to have Howard on board. All of us on the Wheatstone team look forward to his contributions," said Gary Snow, president.
Shively Adds Manuel Sone as RF Engineering Manager
Shively Labs appointed Manuel Sone as RF engineering manager with overall responsibility for Shively's design and development team.
At Dielectric Communications he was senior electrical engineer, overseeing design, manufacturing and testing of VHF and UHF high-power digital broadcast antennas and components. He was also responsible for the planning, evaluation, documentation and development of radio frequency hybrids and power dividers. Earlier in his career he worked for Electronic Research Inc.
The manufacturer also promoted Adam Jones, P.E., a mechanical engineering manager, to director of manufacturing for both Shively and parent Howell Laboratories.
And joining the company in a production management capacity is Ginna Jones, formerly of Myat Inc.'s Filter Division, where she was responsible for production planning and purchasing.
Exhibition Update
Elenos Day Goes to Nigeria
Following the success of a similar event held in Italy in September 2007 to mark its 30th anniversary, Elenos is taking the "Elenos Day" on tour starting in Nigeria.
The Italian transmitter technology manufacturer has scheduled the first African edition of the "Elenos Day" for 23 October in Abuja, Nigeria.
The "Elenos Day" will include technical presentations, along with food, drink and entertainment. Solutions Elenos plans to present in Abuja include the E-Series "scalability" concept, the ETG3500 and E5000, and solar-powered transmitters.
Participants will be able to hear about other Elenos installations in Africa, including Radio Benue, Cool FM, Vision and Hot FM in Nigeria, and the African operations of Radio Maria.
In addition, Elenos will outline plans for new 'centers of excellence' in Nigeria and South Africa.
Upcoming Exhibitons
21–23 August 2008: CommWorld 2008, Metro Manila, Philippines
24–25 August 2008: PAL Show, Toronto, Ontario
26–29 August 2008: Caribbean Broadcasting Union Annual General Meeting, Havana, Cuba
27–29 August 2008: SET/Broadcasting & Cable, Săo Paulo, Brazil
29 August–3 September 2008: IFA, Berlin, Germany
8–10 September 2008: Highway Africa, Grahamstown, South Africa
11–16 September 2008: IBC2008, Amsterdam, Netherlands
17–19 September 2008: Popkomm, Berlin, Germany
17–19 September 2008: The NAB Radio Show, Austin, Texas
23–25 September 2008: RF&Hyper Europe 2008, Paris, France
23–25 September 2008: Siberia TV and Radio Broadcasting, Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia
25–27 September 2008: BishkekTelecom, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
1–3 October 2008: CommunicVietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2–5 October 2008: 125th AES Convention, San Francisco, California
8–10 October 2008: Informatika i Svyaz', Kyiv, Ukraine
8–11 October 2008: Public Broadcasters International, Arles, France
10–11 October 2008: National Radio Conference, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
12 October 2008: Amateurfunk-, Rundfunk- und Elektronikbörse Dresden (ARED) , Dresden, Germany
15–17 October 2008: Streaming Media Europe, London, England
15–19 October 2008: Broadcast India 2008 Symposium & Exhibition, Goregaon (East), Mumbai, India
20–23 October 2008: SIEL&SATIS, Le RADIO, Paris, France
21–23 October 2008: Africast, Abuja, Nigeria
21–24 October 2008: TechnicAcústica / Acústica / ExpoAcústica, Coimbra, Portugal
26–28 October 2008: NAB European Conference, London, England
28–30 October 2008: IBIS 2008 Expo & Forum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
29–30 October 2008: Digital Radio Show, London, England
29–31 October 2008: CAPER, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2–4 November 2008: CAB 2008 Convention, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
5–8 November 2008: BIRTV 2008, Beijing, China
5–9 November 2008: Broadcast & Multimedia Show, Jakarta, Indonesia
7–8 November 2008: SBES, Birmingham, England
8 November 2008: Offshore Radio Day 2008, Amsterdam, Netherlands
9–12 November 2008: 2nd International Conference on Religion and Media, Tehran & Qom, Iran
13–16 November 2008: Tonmeistertagung, Leipzig, Germany
18–21 November 2008: NAT Expo, Moscow, Russia
19–21 November 2008: Inter BEE, Tokyo, Japan
19–25 November 2008: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Annual General Assembly, Bali, Indonesia
20–21 November 2008: News Xchange, Valencia, Spain
20–23 November 2008: Broadcast, Cable & Satellite Eurasia, İstanbul, Turkey
26–28 November 2008: INFOCOM, Skopje, Macedonia
30 November–2 December 2008: WABE Convention, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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