The technical sessions at this year's NAB Radio Show have an emphasis on HD Radio, which is not surprising. All the sessions are held in room 201B of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The longest session, presented in a workshop format, sees a return of Ben Dawson of Hatfield and Dawson and Ron Rackley of du Treil, Lundin and Rackley, and will be held on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. The two parts, titled AM Directional Antennas in a Digital World, will examine the operation of directional antenna systems and detail the needs of these systems to operate efficiently with IBOC signals. The session summary notes that this workshop should provide a refresher for those with AM experience and provide a solid foundation for those who are new to AM systems.

From noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Andy Laird, CPBE, of Journal Broadcast Group and Frank Foti of Omnia will present Processing Audio for AM, FM and Digital Radio. Between Foti's manufacturing and design experience and Laird's current work with his stations, the two will explain their ideas on getting the best possible sound from a station's processing. The presentation will include an overview of audio processing fundamentals and a discussion of the processing needs for hybrid IBOC operation.

Following Thursday's sessions, the Society of Broadcast Engineers will host an SBE Certification exam opportunity. The SBE unveiled the AM Directional Specialist Certification (AMD) at NAB2005, and the two-day workshop from Dawson and Rackley may be suitable preparation to sit for this exam. To apply for the SBE AM Directional Specialist certification you must already hold SBE Certification at the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer level. Advance exam registration through the SBE National Office is recommended, but a limited number of on-site registrations for the AMD will be available at the convention. Contact the SBE for registration information at 317-846-9000.

On Friday, two sessions round out the technical offerings. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Mike Starling of NPR and Joe D'Angelo of Ibiquity Digital will present Data Technologies and Applications for Digital Radio. The pair will explain the progress being made in datacasting and how some broadcasters are planning to develop ancillary revenue-producing opportunities based on data applications.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, David Maxson of Broadcast Signal Lab will present Measuring Broadcast Signals. He will discuss several new techniques to measure analog and digital broadcast signals to help stations verify their operation for best performance and compliance with FCC rules.

Other Sessions of Note

Several sessions outside the technical track relate to technical and regulatory issues. As a Radio magazine reader you might find something interesting in some of these events. Check the session schedule for the locations of these events.

Wednesday, September 21

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Future of Radio

Where is radio going to be in the three to five years? Just as importantly, where are our competitors going to be? This session will provide a best-guess look at the overall landscape of the future.

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NRSC Meetings

The National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) is jointly sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Its purpose is to study and make recommendations for technical standards that relate to radio broadcasting and the reception of radio broadcast signals. The NRSC is a vehicle by which broadcasters and receiver manufacturers can work together toward solutions to common problems in radio broadcast systems. All attendees are welcome to attend the NRSC meetings at the NAB Radio Show.

2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Tech that Helps, Tech that Hurts

Technology is a powerful tool. What has been a boon to radio's progress and what has been the bane of positive development? This session will explore the affects all those little buttons have had on your station's operation.

Thursday, September 22

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
HD for PDs

Despite the poor choice in title that further confuses the HD Radio trademark with IBOC, this session will help programmers understand HD Radio and how it will affect programming. Perhaps the first step will be explaining that digital radio is not HD.

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The 411 on 911 Emergencies

This session will discuss ways for a station to cover emergency events when it does not have a news department or wire service. It will detail the adjustments needed for music formats, and discuss the effectiveness of EAS and how to handle AMBER alerts.

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Steering Clear of FCC Fines and Forfeitures

Steering clear means knowing what the FCC expects. Learn the basic federal regulations so you aren't wasting your money on unnecessary fines, or more importantly, in danger of losing your station's license.

3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
PPM for PDs

This will provide a look at the Arbitron PPM from the programmer's point of view. It will include an update on the device's progress in Houston, and comment on expectations for the future.

Friday, September 23

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Regulatory Hot Topics: LPFM and FM Streamlining

This summer, the FCC again looked at LPFM and its technical and ownership aspects. The Commission also began a proceeding to streamline the FM allotment procedure.

1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Profiting from New Technology: Ideas from Around the World

The adoption of digital technology will open new revenue streams for terrestrial broadcasters, but there's even more money to be made in the convergence of radio with other emerging technologies. Several radio operators share their successes in profiting from the new technologies.

Outside the convention

Several exhibitors plan tutorials and seminars separate from the NAB's convention schedule. Broadcast Electronics will hold an HD Radio Seminar on Sept. 21 at the Philadelphia Marriott. The main point of discussion will be second-generation deployment issues: multicasting and data. The seminar is free, but registration is required. E-mail HDR@bdcast.com to register.

Stay connected during the convention

While you're inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you have access to free Wi-fi service from the Convention Center. The free service covers the entire convention space.

If you venture away from the Convention Center, the City of Philadelphia has begun implementing a plan to cover the city with free Wi-fi access. While the entire 135 square miles of the city will be covered by Fall 2006, only certain parts have service available right now.

You can access the free service in Love Park, Ben Franklin Parkway, the Historic Square Mile, and the Norris Square and Olney sections of the city.

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The Radio Show Exhibitor List

615 Music Library	308
ABC Radio Networks	209
AEQ	216
Air Force Recruiting	306
Ando Media	922
APT- Audio Processing Technology	208
Arbitron	419
Armstrong Transmitter	402
Army National Guard	607
Arrakis Systems	304
AST (Application Science & Technology)	613
ATA Audio	702
ATI - Audio Technolgies Inc.	819
Audemat-Aztec	116
Audio Science	118
Audioarts	311
Axia Audio	112
Belar Electronics Lab	106
BIA Financial Network	505
BMI	214
Boost Communications	212
Broadcast Electronics	319
Broadcasters General Store	112
Burk Technology	502
Burli Software	120
Business Talk Radio Network	914
CMBE	602
Coaxial Dynamics	302
Collette Vacations	309
Communication Graphics	912
Comrex	508
Continental Electronics	513
Continental Vista Broadcasting Group	211
Control Concepts	203
Dielectric Communications	409
Dmarc/Scott Studios/Maestro	717
Dolby Laboratories	805
Enco Systems	108
Energy-Onix	405
ERI-Electronics Research	310
Federal Communications Commission	1022
Fibrebond	305
Harris	519
Harvest Info	708
Ibiquity Digital	406
Inovonics	509
IVP New Media	926
Jampro Antennas/RF Systems	511
Kelly Music Research	1001
Klotz Digital Audio	813
Larcan USA	205
LEA International	606
Linear Acoustic	206
Liquid Compass	104
Logitek Electronic Systems	110
Media Monitors	207
Media Professional Insurance	404
Megatrax	908
Miller, Kaplan, Arase	1025
Moseley Associates	506
Musicam USA	200
Musicrypt/DMDS	611
NAB Membership	1019
NAB Membership Services	1021
National Campaigns	1020
National Weather Service	608
Nautel	219
Non-Stop Music	218
Omnia Audio	112
Omnirax	122
OMT	707
Orban/CRL	710
Practical Promotions	811
Precision Communications	928
Preston-Patterson	100
Promo Only	906
Propagation Systems	902
Prophet Systems Innovations	619
Radian Communications Services	102
Radio Ad	920
Radio Advertising Bureau	1023
Radio magazine	1002
Radio Music License Committee	1024
Radio Systems	713
Radiosophy	303
RCS	918
Roll a Sign	503
S.W.R.	407
Sabre Towers	706
Safe Assured	605
Scarborough Research	419
Shively Labs	612
Sierra Automated Systems & Eng.	504
SMI	924
Spark Network Services	603
SRS Labs	410
Stainless	604
Statmon Technologies	704
Superior Electric	609
TARPAC	1018
Telos	112
The Media Audit	703
Tickets Now	807
Tieline Technology	817
Traffic Pulse	202
Trafnet	904
UN Minutes/UN Foundation	307
Valcom	910
V-Soft Communications	403
Westar Music	815
Wheatstone	311
WideOrbit	801
Wirecad	213
Wireready	916
Information current as of Aug. 23

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