The NAB Radio Show, held every fall, has seen a slow decline in attendance over the past few years. This changed last year when the convention was held in Philadelphia. Because of the success in 2003, the NAB Radio Show will return to land of cheesesteaks in 2005. This year, the convention heads west to the always-pleasant climate of San Diego.

As with previous conventions, plenty of events are scheduled for the three-day conference. Between the sessions, the exhibit floor and special presentations, you'll stay busy the entire time.

The sessions are always an anticipated event at the convention. This year's slate has a broad range of topics, but the engineering side has a focus on IBOC technology and applications that spans the three days. The HD Radio Workshop covers the entire IBOC chain, from audio origination to the antenna, and includes a section on test and measurement.

It's not strictly IBOC, however. While all the sessions have something to offer, some are probably more in line with your interests as a Radio magazine reader. We have included these sessions as well for your reference. The sessions start before the exhibit hall opens, so arrive early if you want to attend the sessions on Wednesday.

A preview of some of the products being exhibited is on page 64. Use the show floor map on page 44 to find your way. Also, look for some excursion ideas in the San Diego area.

Session and Event Highlights

Wednesday, Oct. 6

9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Signal Performance and Antenna Systems for HD Radio
An Overview of the HD Radio System

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
AM Antenna Systems and HD Radio
Ben Dawson and Ron Rackley discuss the important aspects of AM antennas to IBOC performance. Following an explanation of the basics of modulation, the specifics of antenna-related factors, including impedance matching and bandwidth, will be discussed.

11 a.m. to noon
AM IBOC Installation and Performance Case Study
Tom Cox, Jeff Littlejohn and John Warner of Clear Channel will show several AM IBOC installations and cover topics related to the challenges of implementing IBOC at these facilities. Studio headphone monitoring and covering live events outside the studio will also be covered. In addition, perspectives on digital vs. analog coverage will be discussed.

1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The ERI Digital Radio Solution
Bill Harland of Electronics Research will review all the approved methods of implementing simulcast FM analog and digital IBOC transmission. The focus is on the elements that follow the transmitter outputs in configurations using separate analog and digital transmitters, which is the most common and complex implementation scenario.

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Strategic Planning for HD Radio Implementation
Bob Surrette of Shively Labs details the proper steps to take when implementing an IBOC strategy. He will present the pros and cons for each technique with background information that can help a station identify specific strategies.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Avoiding the IBOC Gotchas
Steve Fluker of Cox Radio Orlando provides the insight to help stations avoid unexpected or unanticipated costs of installing an IBOC operation, from the studio to the antenna.

4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
One Site, 7 HD Radio Installations in Seattle
Clay Freinwald of Entercom reveals the details of the seven-station IBOC installation at the West Tiger Mountain transmitter site.

Other Sessions of Note

Show floor hours Wednesday, October 6--5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 7--9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, October 8--9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The People Meter and Ratings: How are They Measuring Up?
After several years of testing and roll-outs in new markets, it's time for an in-depth update on the PPM, including a discussion of sample sizes. Also, a look at the other implementations and options that are available.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Opening Reception on the Exhibit Floor
The exhibit floor officially opens with on Wednesday evening.

Thursday, Oct. 7

Transmitters, Tests and Measurements for HD Radio

9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
New Methods to Upgrade to HD Radio Transmission
George Cabrera of Harris will discuss information about two FM IBOC cost-reducing implementation methods: separate radiation and split-level combining.

9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
FM Broadcast Transmitter Site Conversion for HD Radio Transmission
Tim Hardy of Nautel will overview the transmission equipment requirements for FM IBOC, with an emphasis on the effect of transmitter non-linearity and its mitigation using digital adaptive pre-correction.

11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
FM IBOC Installations Real
world Case Study
Paul Shulins of Greater Media Boston describes the planning, budgeting, installation and maintenance of the FM IBOC systems installed in January 2004 on Greater Media's five Class B stations in Boston.

11:30 a.m. to noon
Measuring Your Hybrid IBOC Signal
David Maxson of Broadcast Signal Lab explores the complexities of measuring the IBOC signal. With the addition of a digital waveform to the analog, a host of measurement challenges arise relating to analyzing digital signal carriers and determining occupied bandwidth.

1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
AM Broadcast Transmitter Site Conversion for HD Radio Transmission
Wendell Lonergan of Nautel will discuss site requirements to transmit an IBOC signal. Problems encountered during various site conversions and solutions to these problems will be explained.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Linearity Measurements of AM Transmitters for HD Radio Performance
Geoff Mendenhall of Harris will detail an independent measuring technique that predicts digital modulation performance without the need of an IBOC exciter/demodulator.

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Real Life Operation of an AM IBOC Facility
Tom Ray of WOR, New York, will take attendees through an AM IBOC installation from concept to operation.

3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Developing a Troubleshooting Plan
John Bissett of Dielectric explains the method to adopt a logical troubleshooting process. While the focus will be transmitter troubleshooting, the skills can be applied to any repair situation.

Other Sessions of Note

7:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m.
FCC Breakfast
FCC Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Kevin Martin are scheduled to appear. They will discuss the current regulatory issues facing radio broadcasters.

9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Address
NAB President Eddie Fritts will give opening remarks before introducing the keynote speaker, who has not yet been announced.

11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Exhibit Floor Lunch
Taking a cue from regional conventions, a free lunch will be available on the show floor.

2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Live Remote Broadcast: Dick Robinson's American Standards By The Sea
The music of Sinatra, Bennett, Basie, Rich, Callaway and many more are featured during the weekly syndicated show, which usually originates aboard a studio-equipped 70-foot yacht.

4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Happy Hour and A Half
A social event at the end of the middle day.

6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Marconi Radio Awards Reception, Dinner and Show
The awards ceremony recognizes stations for overall excellence. The hosts for the event will be syndicated morning personalities Bob and Tom.

Friday, Oct. 8

Studios, Audio and Data for HD Radio

8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Studio Equipment and Infrastructure
Jim Haupstueck of Harris, Ted Lantz of Broadcast Electronics and Chad Sterling of Dmarc Networks will discuss the IBOC broadcast audio chain.

9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Studio Operations
Jay Adrick of Harris, Jeff Detweiler of Ibiquity and Frank Foti of Omnia Audio will discuss the challenges of processing for hybrid transmission and maintaining clean audio. Methods of emergency alerting will also be covered.

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Advanced Applications and Services
Frank Foti of Omnia Audio, Robert Hylkema of Teleatlas and Mike Starling of NPR will cover the enhancements of IBOC: multichannel audio, surround sound, data are more.

1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
International Update: A Look at DAB Data Services and Opportunities for HD Radio.

2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Receiver Update
Mike Bergman of Kenwood will discuss the features of IBOC radios and preview some of the possible enhancements.

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Impulse Radio MAT Protocol
-Paul Signorelli of Impulse Radio will discuss various methodologies for multiplexing data services over the transmission layer of the IBOC system.

Other Sessions of Note

7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast with Charlie Cook
Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and a political analyst for the National Journal Group, will share his views on politics and the November Presidential election at this breakfast session.

9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
HD Radio Made Easy
This session provides a non-technical review of IBOC digital radio, with insight to its revenue-generating potential. The panelists will discuss the special considerations in making the decision to commence IBOC operations.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Radio Luncheon
Clarke Brown, Jefferson Pilot Communication's president of the Radio Division, will receive the NAB National Radio Award at this year's Radio Lunch.

NAB Radio Show Exhibitors

615 Music Library	1012
ABC Radio	1206
Advertising Edge	104
AEQ	305
Air Force Recruiting	1107
American Blues Network	1106
Arbitron	1102
Armstrong Transmitter	1701
Army National Guard	1310
Arrakis Systems	606
Audemat-Aztec	1710
Bext	202
BIA Financial Network	1405
Billboard Radio Monitor	204
BMI	1407
Broadcast Electronics	702
Broadcasters General Store	510
Burk Technology	1505
Business Talk Radio Network	205
Coaxial Dynamics	1502
Communication Graphics	1200
Comquest Music Testing	306
Comrex	1005
D.A.V.I.D. Systems	1512
Dielectric Communications	905
Dmarc Networks	607
DRS Broadcast Technology	1306
Enco Systems	1112
Energy-Onix	1704
ERI-Electronics Research	700
Explosive Promotions and Events	1504
FamilyNet	907
FCC	308
Firstcom Music	212
Harris	902
Ibiquity Digital	1209
Inovonics	302
Intertech Media	1400
Jampro Antennas/RF Systems	200
KD Kanopy	1401
Larcan USA	208
LEA International	511
Logitek Electronic Systems	100
LR Money Machine	103
Mackay Communications	410
Marketron	909
Mayo Clinic	611
Media Professional Insurance	1300
Mediatouch	613
Megatrax	1708
Miller, Kaplan, Arase	309
Moseley Associates	1404
Musicam USA	900
National Hole in One/National Media	411
National Weather Service	300
Nautel	1410
Omnirax	1707
Open Radio Software	1703
Orban/CRL	413
Pike and Fisher/Rules Service Co.	101
Precision Communications	209
Prophet Systems Innovations	709
Radian Communications Services	304
Radio Advertising Bureau	F7
Radio magazine	1210
Radio Music Licensing Cmte	F6
Radio Systems	1110
RCS	106
RF Parts	1312
Roll a Sign	1007
SCA Promotions	401
Scott Studios	705
Shively Labs	1403
Sierra Automated Systems and Eng	812
Stainless	206
Superior Electric	303
The Media Audit	403
Thermo Bond Buildings	310
Valcom Limited	1408
Visibility Solutions	110
V-Soft Communications	1109
Westar Music	203
Wheatstone	500

issue advertisers shown in bold

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