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Broadcast Virtualization, from Concept to Real-World Workflows

The year is 2020. There is a pandemic. People need to keep their distance, but broadcasting cannot shut down. This is a catalyst for virtual operations. Back-office workflows have migrated to off-site locations, but broadcast operations have depended on ‘in situ’ equipment for 100 years.

Forward-thinking broadcasters are starting to virtualize at least some of their infrastructure. Others, such as BBC Local Radio, already have.

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Tuesday, January 12, 2021
11:30 AM

Kirk Harnack, CBNE, CBRE, brings 40 years of hands-on experience in broadcast engineering and education to his position as Senior Solutions Consultant at the Telos Alliance. His expertise in putting technology to work in broadcast facilities has driven notable expansion in Audio over IP, VoIP for broadcast, audio processing, and virtualized technology adoption by content creators.

Kirk maintains an active, hands-on role in broadcast engineering through his positions as a partner and VP-Engineering of South Seas Broadcasting, Inc., Delta Radio, LLC, and Kaua’i Broadcast Partners, totaling 14 AM and FM radio stations. He is a Broadcast Meteorologist (WSMV, Nashville), fixed-wing private pilot, FAA Part 107 SUAS pilot, and licensed General Class Amateur Radio operator (KD5FYD). He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, and is Program Chair of SBE Chapter 103 in Nashville.

Kirk founded and hosts the Internet video netcast, “This Week in Radio Tech” or “TWiRT”. This 1-hour weekly video netcast, features regular contributors and guests from the world of radio engineering.

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Meeting Notice

Hybrid radio comes to town

In a few months’ time, there will be cars driving the streets of LA that have hybrid radio receivers. Connected to the Internet and receiving broadcast radio, it’s the best opportunity we’ve had to evolve the experience of radio to match other media services. Hybrid challenges radio technologists to work together closely, across the industry and within organizations to make the most of the capabilities. We’ll look at what practically needs to be done right now, and what could be possible in the near future.

When: Jul 14, 2020 11:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlcuqqpjosGtQ7gbQclXUkjvmlTj-WcZjq

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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Presenter: Nick Piggott

Nick has spent the majority of his career working in the radio industry, initially in programming and then moving to digital radio and online innovation.

He created a much awarded multi-skilled team which launched the world’s first commercial DAB digital radio stations, and then went on to consistently deliver technology driven innovation for over a decade. Nick continues to play an active role in the development of DAB digital radio, most recently in the trials of open source DAB transmissions in the UK.

Nick is the Project Director (and one of the founders) of RadioDNS Hybrid Radio, which combines broadcast radio and IP together to deliver a richer and more valuable radio experience. RadioDNS works closely with the WorldDAB on development of open technology standards, and the promotion of Hybrid DAB/DAB+ to the automotive industry.

In addition to leading the RadioDNS project, Nick works with broadcasters globally on developing strategies and innovation to benefit from change created by technology.

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Controlling your facility from your home office

Our next SBE Chapter 47 presentation is Tuesday, May 12 at 11:30 AM.

Just because we can’t meet in person, doesn’t mean we can’t meet online!

WorldCast Systems comprises the broadacst industry leading brands of APT (IP Audio Codecs), Ecreso (FM Transmitters) and Audemat (Telemetry and Monitoring). Within recent times a start-up company, WorldCast Connect, has also launched an innovative NMS/OSS cantered also on broadacst, the KYBIO management software.
 
The presentation will center on solutions from the APT brand and the KYBIO Software that enable broadcasters to broadacst and support their operations from home. The presentation will conclude with an explanation of the packages WorldCast has put together to assist broadcasters through the COVID-19 crisis.

Check your email for the link to the online meeting.

Presenters

Kevin Campbell

Kevin has a degree from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and a Postgraduate Diploma in ITC from Ulster University, Belfast. He started his career in IT Networking moving quickly into Telcom’s, working with Nevada Telecom supporting SDH Networks and legacy Frame Relay / ATM Networks. Today Kevin Campbell is Sales Director for the APT brand of codecs within the WorldCast Group, responsible for delivering the global numbers on that brand and directly selling to the N American and Asian markets. Kevin has also joint responsibility for product strategy related to the APT brand. In some specific territories of the world Kevin is representing all the WorldCast brands including Ecreso FM Transmitters, Audemat Monitoring and Telemetry and the WorldCast Manager. Kevin is “celebrating” his 17th year with WorldCast / APT!

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Announcements

Collaboration

Hi Everyone,

Things are definitely different this year. Our thoughts are with the sick and those engineers that are without work or furloughed during this tough time. I don’t think anyone would have predicted this as the start to 2020.

I am seeing awesome collaborations across the board to ensure radio & TV are still delivered to the community. That’s what I think we do best as an engineering family, work together.

Lots of new perspectives are being brought in on how we can run all these radio stations without the studio or away from the studio. The most common solutions are deploying remote codecs and building home studios for talent. Using services like Cleanfeed or Microsoft Teams are being used so big shows can all collaborate. Some are putting in full automation systems in people’s garages.

I want to ask our membership to share their wealth of knowledge or ask questions to help us through this. I can guarantee someone in our community has the answer. I am also curious if anyone has had an issue with access to sites or been stopped for being out in public.

If you would like to share how you and your station are handling remote operations please send me an email at sbechap47@gmail.com. We’ll send a few following emails. I would encourage no bit of information is too small.

Stay safe, follow the CDC guidelines and hope to see you on the mountain real soon,

Matt – SBE47 Chair

Future SBE 47 meetings

We are evaluating the idea of hosting a virtual SBE 47 meeting in April. Once we get some more details together we’ll let you know.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please send them to sbechap47@gmail.com.

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Announcements

COVID-19 update

Hello,

These are extraordinary times. Without the work that you do, we know that the communications infrastructure of this country would fall apart. Radio and TV is a trusted voice for people to receive important news and information.

This is just a reminder to make sure that you have all your backup plans ready.

While some stations are still needing to maintain a staffed facility, the need for facility decontamination and disinfectant is more important than ever before. Unfortunately, not too many have had a need for a company that specializes in that. If you use a company or know a company, that specializes in disinfecting facilities, who are cognizant of the sensitivity of studio equipment, please let us know by emailing sbechap47@gmail.com.

Many of us have had increased hours and stress in relation to this national emergency, so don’t forget to take some time for self-care. Walk around the room, stand up, eat healthily, take a minute and just slowly breathe, or find some way to be healthy. We are in this for the long haul, and we can’t afford to lose any of our own during this time.

Be sure to wash your hands. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

  • SBE Chapter 47 Board
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Meeting Notice

How can 5G help your station?

March 2020 Presentation

One of the latest tech buzz topics these days is “5G” and the implications for the future of remote broadcasts are fairly profound.  Chris Crump from Comrex will discuss the current status of 5G Technology, what the mobile providers are saying versus “reality,” the timeline for its implementation and how it will affect the “Comrex IoT.” A brief overview of WebRTC and new Comrex products will be included.

Chris Crump has served as the Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing for Comrex since 2004.  In 1987, he began his professional radio career at ABC/Cap Cities Detroit before taking the Features Editor position at MediaBase Research/Monday Morning Replay. On-air, remote broadcast engineer, Creative Services Director roles followed for Capitol Broadcasting (subsequently Paxson Communications) in Orlando and the Ron & Ron Radio Network in Tampa/St. Petersburg.  In 1996, Crump moved to the manufacturing side of the broadcast business performing sales & marketing roles for Spectral, Inc., Euphonix, Symetrix and Klotz Digital America.  Crump resides in Buford, Georgia (outside of Atlanta) with his wife Seval, 14 year-old daughter Zara and their Affenpinscher Olive.  He is a CBNE certified member of SBE Chapter 5 in Atlanta as well an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troops 597 and 5597 in Dacula, GA.

DateTuesday, March 10, 2020
Time11:30 AM
Location:Denny’s
(3600 N San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065)
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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Meeting Notice

KNX Transmitter Tour

UPDATE:

Thanks to all who joined us for the KNX transmitter site tour. It was a great opportunity to see one of the more historic stations on the west coast (and country).

Keep an eye for future events like this!

The group who attended the transmitter tour.
Half of the group that went to lunch afterward.
The other half of the group.
A quick video recap of the event.

SBE 47 would like to invite you to come and tour the KNX transmitter facility on Saturday, February 29 from 10 AM – 12 PM.

Parking will be at the parking lot off of 190th Street. It is a short walk to the transmitter building which is the one that is under the taller tower.

After the tour, we’ll head over to Red Robin and continue our fellowship.

RSVP now for this event
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Meeting Notice

FCC Compliance monitoring – February presentation

Jay Gedanken of Actus Digital will be speaking about FCC compliance monitoring and recording.

Prior to joining Actus Digital, Jay Gedanken held a variety of leadership roles in the industry, including former vice president at Scopus Video Networks and founder of the company’s North American operation. His vast array of experience includes sales and management positions at Visionetics, Optibase, Adtec, and Sencore. Over the years, Gedanken has developed a deep understanding of broadcast workflows and expertise in providing simple and complex solutions for all levels of broadcasters, from single local affiliates to national networks.

Actus is a 15+ year old company with hundreds of installed systems. We offer global 24/7 support with support staff in the USA and other countries.  Our customer base includes some of the biggest broadcasters worldwide such as COMCAST, SKY, and FOX to name a few.
Date:Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Time:6:30 PM
Location:Muerelo Media (2600 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91505)
Parking:Street parking only
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August 2019 Presentation at KCRW

Join the Society of Broadcast Engineers and Key Code Media for a behind the scenes tour of the KCRW radio station headquarters. This $38-million new facility was a big upgrade for the station, giving their staff access to improved transmission, Audio over IP (AoIP) networked on-air control rooms and larger performance studios.

SCHEDULE:

6:30pm – Doors Open / Food Served / Social
6:45pm – Technology Brief | From Concept-To-Live
7:30pm – KCRW Facility Tour
8:30pm – Doors Close

Our meeting will be at KCRW’s facility (1660 Stewart St., Santa Monica, CA 90404) at 6:30 PM.

Hosted by Key Code Media, Ross Video, Avid Technology

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KCRW-Parking-Permit-8.13.19Download
KCRW-Arrival-InstructionsDownload
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Meeting Notice

Liquid cooled transmitters are coming – July 2019 Presentation

With Total Cost of Ownership increasing for TV and FM broadcasters, there is an increasing need to reduce these costs over the life-cycle of the transmission system while improving performance and reducing ongoing maintenance costs. From alternative cooling systems to more efficient designs, from reductions in required floor space to reducing service costs by minimizing required maintenance, there are a number of factors that reduce the cost of ownership while improving uptime and performance. We will look at TCO and some of the advanced transmitter technologies that enable a reduction in operating costs, both for Radio and  TV transmitters.

We’ll also discuss some forward looking technology initiatives including HD Radio Generation 4.

Our meeting will be at Denny’s (3060 N San Fernando Rd.) at 11:30 AM.

Hosted by Rohde & Schwartz.

Don Backus is Account Manager, Radio Transmitters for global communication technology leader and innovator Rohde  & Schwarz, handling Canada and the United States. Prior to joining Rohde & Schwarz in 2017,  Don was Eastern US Sales Manager for Broadcast Electronics for five years.  Don was previously VP of Sales & Marketing at ENCO Systems for  13 years and prior to that has held a number of positions in radio as an on-air personality, production director, general manager, and chief engineer. He has presented to a number of professional broadcasting organizations including the Audio Engineering Society, a number of international, state and regional conferences and several SBE and IEEE chapters. Don has served two terms on the board of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and has recently completed serving his second term on the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation board. Don is a member of the SBE.
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