News from the Convention

Verizon CEO to Keynote All-industry Opening
Verizon Communications CEO and chairman of the board Ivan Seidenberg will deliver the keynote address at the All-industry Opening, April 18 at NAB2005.

Seidenberg will provide insight on the future of technology in the telecommunications and electronic media industries. Verizon is one of the first major telecom companies to begin using fiber optic lines to directly connect homes and businesses on a widespread scale. Fiber-to-the-home opens rich possibilities for delivery of voice, broadband Internet and video services on a scale not available from other means of distribution. Verizon's recently announced multi-billion-dollar acquisition of MCI and the company's strategy to serve growth markets and offer broadband technologies will be of great interest to attendees.

Seidenberg has served as CEO of Verizon since 2000. As chief executive of Bell Atlantic, and previously of Nynex, Seidenberg was instrumental in reshaping the telecommunications industry through two of the largest mergers in its history: the merger of Bell Atlantic and Nynex in 1997 and the Bell Atlantic merger with GTE in 2000. Seidenberg began his communications career more than 38 years ago as a cable splicer's assistant. His career has encompassed numerous operations and engineering assignments, including various leadership positions at AT&T and Nynex.

The Tonight Show to be Inducted Into NAB Hall of Fame
Washington - Mar 11, 2005 - Comedian Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, will be on stage as The Tonight Show is inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame at the NAB2005 Television Luncheon April 18. The event will feature a video tribute spotlighting Johnny Carson, Steve Allen and Jack Paar. Leno has held the host's chair for 13 years.

The Tonight Show debuted in September 1954.

Do you know...?

Are We There Yet?
Las Vegas travel veterans know that distances on the Las Vegas Strip are deceptive. While your destination may only be two hotels away, it can be quite a hike. How well can you judge distance? Take our little quiz.

The answers are below.

Products from the Floor

Time shifter
25-Seven Audio Time Manager
Now shipping, Audio Time Manager (ATM) allows users to delay the start of live programs and shorten their duration, in real-time, to accommodate unexpected events or create additional availabilities on an on-going basis. Its time compression technology is clean enough to conservatively add about three minutes per hour to a schedule. Depending on the program source, users can more than double that and still maintain acceptable broadcast spoken language quality. The scheduler does not remove important content, change pitch, damage inflection or create artifacts. It integrates into digital and analog radio facilities providing smooth content insertions, network rejoins and broadcast delays.
888-257-2578
www.25-seven.com
info@25-seven.com

AD/DA converters
Lynx Studio Technology Aurora 8 and Aurora 16
These digital audio converters offer eight- and 16-channel models in a single-rack space. Both converters feature 192kHz A/D-D/A conversion with front panel control of all routing and sample rate options. Extended functions in Aurora are accessible via computer with the Lynx AES16 or by infrared using compatible laptops and hand-held Pocket PCs. The rear panel has MIDI in and out connectors and an L-slot bay, for the use of optional ADAT, Firewire and other audio interface cards. The most popular rates are selectable: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz.
949-515-8265 x 205
fax 949-645-8470
www.lynxstudio.com
sales@lynxstudio.com

Solid-state media recorder
Nagra ARES-BB+
This device records PCM linear (BWF) files that are compatible with any PC or MAC without the need for additional software in the computer. Individual takes can be erased, even in the middle of the card, without deleting to the end as was previously necessary. The installation of a software option allows the machines to also record in the MPEG compressed mode at data rates up to 384kb/s. The machines also offers a USB port that allows the machine to appear as an external disk drive to the computer without any additional software or drivers in the computer. 48V phantom microphone power permits the connection of any phantom-powered microphone to the unit.
615-726-5191
fax 615-726-5189
www.nagraaudio.com
mail@nagra.com

Terrain database
V-Soft Communications Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
This terrain database is a 3 arc-second database for the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the lower two-thirds of Canada. V-Soft Communications, in booth N508, has implemented this data for use with all of its programs. A highly accurate elevation dataset for locations outside of the United States, the database is a real world interferometric scan, so it includes buildings that may appear along with the topography. The SRTM is a joint project between the National Geospatial Intellegence Agency (NGA) and the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA). The data was collected using interferometry by the Space Shuttle Endeavour during February of 2000.
800-743-3684
fax 319-266-9212
www.v-soft.com
info@v-soft.com

Session Highlights

Broadcasters to Discuss Responsible Programming
Responsible programming will be front and center during the session, Come Together, Right Now! Broadcaster Town Meeting on Indecency & Responsible Programming, to be held April 19. CNN's Jeff Greenfield will moderate a discussion among a group of broadcasters that includes David Barrett, president/CEO, Hearst-Argyle Television; Gary Chapman, chairman/president/CEO, LIN Television Corporation; David Kennedy, president/CEO, Susquehanna Media; Mark Mays, president/COO, Clear Channel Worldwide; Jeff Smulyan, chairman/CEO, Emmis Communications; and Tony Vinciquerra, president/CEO, Fox Networks Group. The panel discussion will also feature Vicky Rideout, vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The discussion will illuminate the need for responsible programming and provide a town-hall-style forum to identify issues and alternatives to government regulation of program content. Among other things, the broadcast industry panelists are expected to discuss voluntary initiatives taken by their respective companies in response to indecency concerns.

Congressional Panelists to Address Broadcasters
Seven members of Congress will address broadcasters attending the Congressional Breakfast, Monday, April 18. Former ABC News Chief White House correspondent Sam Donaldson will moderate the event.

The members of the 109th Congress to be featured include

The Senate and House Commerce Committees wield jurisdiction over telecommunications and broadcasting legislation. The House Judiciary Committee oversees intellectual property issues related to broadcasting, such as last year's reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act and legislation related to Internet streaming.

More Products

Audio processors
Orban Optimod-FM 8400 Signature series
This series features 10 European presets and a newly designed front panel. A new pointing device and large color LCD display make it even easier to navigate through the 8400's menus. The device offers the same basic processing structures as the 8200. New distortion cancellation techniques and overshoot compensation for the 15kHz lowpass filters yield clean and tight control. All clipping occurs at 256kHz sample rate, and the clippers are fully anti-aliased. The processor offers TCP/IP networkability as well as Orban's traditional dial-up PC Remote control.
510-351-3500
fax 510-351-0500
www.orban.com
custserv@orban.com

Analog on-air console
Audioarts Engineering R-55E
Tailored for mid- to small-markets this console provides illuminated LED switches and a flip-up meterbridge that provides direct access to I/O connectors. Logic programming dipswitches complement the modular, low profile countertop design. The unit offers two stereo program busses, two mono busses, optional telephone caller input and opto-isolated logic control with built-in machine interface. Additional options include: a six-input stereo line preselector module, dual failsafe power supply system and remote tape modules. The compact console is available in a nine, 13- or 21-fader mainframe.
252-638-7000
fax 252-637-1285
www.wheatstone.com
sales@wheatstone.com

Sound library software
Creative Network Design Netmix Pro
This software offers Windows XP integration with Avid Pro Tools, enabling Pro Tools and Avid editors to search for sound effects and production music quickly, and transfer sounds with the click of a button into Pro Tools, Avid and many other editing environments. Users can search, audition, track and manage audio files. With playback up to 24-bit and 192kHz, the software can be scaled to 100 users with a customizable server database.
866-511-7006
www.creativenetworkdesign.com
info@creativenetworkdesign.com

Digital recorder
AEQ DR-100
Designed for broadcast journalism fieldwork, this recorder captures quality sound through the built-in or external mic. The unit uses the same batteries as a Nokia cellular phone. Various file formats can be selected, and audio can be edited on the recorder. Files are transferred via USB. The recorder includes an FM radio with 20 presets.
954-581-7999
fax 954-581-7733
www.aeqbroadcast.com
sales@aeqbroadcast.com

CD player/Minidisc recorder
Tascam MD-CD1
Combining CD playback and Minidisc recording in a rackmount unit saves rack space and installation budgets. The unit features 12 percent pitch control, MP3 CD playback, RS-232 control and an optional balanced I/O board. The unit also offers RS-232 control, digital I/O and an optional I/O board for balanced interfacing. CDs can be played back at up to 12 percent higher or lower, and speed can be adjusted without affecting the pitch of the source. Discs can be duplicated from CD to Minidisc at up to 4x speed, and a wireless IR remote is included.
323-726-0303
fax 323-727-7635
www.tascam.com
tascamlit@tascam.com

More Convention News

SPS is Ready for Action
The ability to transmit more than one audio stream via FM IBOC is the new hot button for HD Radio. Demonstrated last year in a joint effort between NPR, Harris and Kenwood, the Tomorrow Radio project showed that the system can support multiple programs by splitting the available data-rate capacity.

When first introduced, the name Supplemental Audio Channel was given to the concept. Since then, it has also been called multicast, but the current name of fashion is Supplemental Program Service (SPS). Like the capability to transmit surround sound, SPS is poised for varied demonstrations at NAB2005.

For stations to transmit an SPS, they need to use a Data Importer, which is part of the transmission chain in the second generation of HD Radio technology. First-generation HD Radio equipment was self-contained, requiring stations to deliver all the audio and data to the transmitter before encoding. The second-generation equipment splits the encoding and modulation functions into an Exporter, that can be installed at the studio, and an Importer, that can be installed at the transmitter. The Importer accepts the SPS audio and data.

Harris, Nautel and Broadcast Electronics will show Importers and Exporters at the convention, and provide demonstrations on the technology. These demos will allow broadcasters to see how the equipment operates and how it is connected in the transmission chain.

Pristine Systems Offers PRSS Content Depot Upgrade
Los Angeles - Apr 4, 2005 - Pristine Systems has announced support for PRSS Content Depot. Pristine's CDS version 3.0 includes support and new features that allow stations to integrate with PRSS Content Depot.

The newly introduced File Express will retrieve audio files from a Content Depot Storage Receiver and importing them into the station database using each file's Cart Chunk data. Additionally, the company is making a Content Depot Compatibility update available to all CDS32 customers, regardless of system age.

Audemat-Aztec to Award Win 10,000th RBDS Encoder
In booth N2235, Audemat-Aztec will hold a drawing for the 10,000th RBDS encoder. Attendees can enter by dropping a business card at the company's booth. On the last day of the convention, a drawing will be held and the winner will be awarded an Audemat-Aztec FMB80.

Product Peeks

High-power FM exciter
Eddystone Broadcast XE250
The XE series of exciters has a new addition: the XE250. The full-featured 250W broadcast FM exciter that is also suited for use as a low-power, stand-alone transmitter. It uses an updated, highly linear modulator to for quality sound without overshoot. The exciter features a comprehensive LCD-based interface for all parameter settings and display. It provides N+1 compatibility with system control, settings and monitoring via RS232 or TCP/IP. The TCP/IP feature also allows remote control, setting and monitoring of the exciter/transmitter via any Java-enabled Web browser. The quick-view LEDs show status information, including system normal, mute and modulation alarm.
+44 1789 768870
fax +44 1789 400630
www.eddystone-broadcast.com
sales@eddystone-broadcast.com

Six-channel audio controller
Broadcast Devices ACS-300
Two versions of this product are available. The ACS-300 accepts up to six balanced audio channels and upon command dim the level of these channels by 10dB, 20dB, 30dB or completely them. The ACS-300V adds remote volume control of all channels. The unit was designed to provide muting capability for control rooms that monitor 5.1 audio systems. Broadcaster's General Store will display the ACS-300 line at NAB2005.
914-737-5032
fax 914-736-6916
www.broadcast-devices.com
sales@broadcast-devices.com

FM meter, RBDS encoder
Audemat-Aztec Silver Range
Delivered with an external GPS receiver, FM antenna and all accessories required as well as PC software, the Mobile FM Meter can run an FM RF campaign of a single station and analyze FM and RBDS subcarriers. Data can be exported to Mappoint PC software using the serial cable. The RBDS Encoder includes all the needed accessories to connect the to a PC, this new device integrates the latest Audemat-Aztec developments such as Scrolling PS. The unit is configured included with PC software that can calculate the PI code, interpret commands from an automation system, and generate labels.
305-249-3110
fax 305-249-3113
www.audemat-aztec.com
contact@audemat-aztec.com

Commercial traffic system
Scott Traffic Trafnet
The system provides traffic, billing and order entry on the Internet. Salespeople can generate proposals and contracts from any Internet computer or Blackberry, and clients can sign on the PDA or computer touchpad. A signed copy is sent immediately. The system allows clients to hear and approve new spot production over the Internet. Sales pacings, projections and analysis reports and other reports are available. The system will also generate automatic airchecks that can be accessed by clients. Support for the first six months is included.
877-TRAF-NET
www.traf.net

Codec pre-conditioner
Harris Neustar Ultralink
Ultralink is designed to improve audio performance and quality across platforms that use data reduction or compression, including HD Radio, DRM, DAB, audio over ISDN, satellite uplinks, Internet streaming and other digital media. By correcting anomalies in audio content before entering an audio codec, Ultralink improves audio codec efficiency by up to 30 percent. The enhancement improves audio quality, reduces artifacts and increases bandwidth to maximize a codec's potential.
800-622-0022
fax 513-459-3890
www.broadcast.harris.com
broadcast@harris.com

Out and About in Las Vegas

Getting Around Town
The NAB has provided information about transportation to and from the Convention Center during the convention.

Monorail Service
The Las Vegas Monorail will be operational for NAB2005. We provided some info on the service in the March 22 issue of the NAB Insider. Click here to read about it.

Parking
Paid parking is available at the LVCC and at the Las Vegas Hilton. LVCC parking is located at the intersection of Paradise and Convention Center Drives.

Taxis
Taxis are available from area hotels to and from the LVCC. Taxi pick-up and drop-off at the LVCC is outside the North Hall. One tip: if the taxi line is long, take a short walk to another location, such as the Hilton. It won't always be a better choice, but Las Vegas is all about the possible return from a gamble, isn't it?

Hotel Shuttle Service
Complementary shuttle service is provided to attendees between the hotels in the NAB's official room block and the Las Vegas Convention Center during the show. The LVCC buses board in front of the Central Hall and the South Hall East Entrance.

Shuttle service will be provided for the Congressional Breakfast on Monday and the FCC Breakfast on Tuesday at 7 a.m. from all official hotels to the LVCC. Allow a five-minute time variance to accommodate variations in traffic conditions.

LVCC Facility Loop
There is a shuttle service loop that runs between the North, Central and South Halls. It offers five stops around the perimeter of LVCC.

Direct Airport Bus Service
The NAB provides complimentary bus service from the entrance of the LVCC to McCarran International Airport on Wednesday April 20 and Thursday April 21 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The shuttle leaves every 30 minutes from the LVCC. It runs from noon to 6:30 p.m. on Wenesday, and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

A Taste of Las Vegas
By the end of the week at the convention, you're probably tired of walking the Strip and visiting Casinos. Try a sweet diversion instead. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens in Henderson is open daily from Hours of operation: Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is free. The tour shows the candy-making process, and when you're finished you can taste some free samples in the chocolate shop.

If you're looking for a gambling souvenir to remember you trip to Las Vegas, stop by the Gamblers General Store at 800 S. Main Street. From customized poker chips to roulette wheels, you're bound to find something to satisfy your need to take a little Vegas home with you.

More from Radio magazine

The Pick Hits of 2005
For more than 20 years, the Pick Hit Awards have defined new and innovative technology. Radio magazine will award its Pick Hits of NAB2005 on the afternoon of April 20. Look for the placards and blue ribbons in the booths of the honored manufacturers.

Created in 1985, the Pick Hit Awards are the original NAB technology recognition and still the most valued.

Did you know...?

Worth the Walk?
If you decide to walk the Strip from end to end, how far will you travel?

The distance from the Sahara to the Mandalay Bay is about 3.75 miles.

Not far enough? If you walk from the Mandalay Bay to Fremont Street you will cover about 5.6 miles.