Wireworks AVHD3
Cable connector
Booth C 7924
Offering as many as 240 coaxial connections or 230 balanced audio connections in 3RU, the AVHD3 featuring 24 precision coax contacts safely housed in a heavy duty connector. The unit comes with the tail necessary to connect directly to equipment in the rack. It is designed with cast metal connector frames and backshells, as well as gold contacts for best connectivity and the highest connector density available. Also, no further BNC interconnect cables or bulky breakout boxes are required. The system can be configured to meet individual specifications.

Clear-Com Systems Concert
Software-based Intercom
Booth C 5908
Based on Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, Clear-Com Concert's audio features deliver crystal-clear sound and non-blocking communications over a standard Local Area Network or Internet between local and remote users. This eliminates the need for picking up a phone or connecting to a conference bridge. The interface facilitates ad-hoc communications and makes the user the conductor with easy drag-and-drop functionality. The Presence Awareness feature monitors participants' availability. The system, scalable to many hundreds of users, is designed with proprietary protocols and error recovery algorithms for mission-critical applications that include live broadcast productions. The system uses AES 128-bit encryption to provide security for protecting privacy of transmissions. Supporting a variety of codecs including wideband and ultra wideband, Clear-Com Concert provides realistic audio.

Audioarts Engineering Air 1
Compact console
Booth N7612
The Air 1 Console is a compact console that retains the features and inter-connect system of much larger consoles. The low profile frame, only 2-1/2" high, comes equipped with rugged tabletop mount with direct access TRS rear connectors. The unit features dual program busses, a cue that can automatically interrupt the main monitor when activated, a switchable meter, monitor source selection, dual monitor outs, long-throw faders, dual mic preamps, solid state illumination, a built-in headphone amp and an on-air indicator.

Avlex Bardl P Series
Audio mixers
Booth N5232
Available in 8- and 12-channel configurations, the Bardl P Series offers features including general sound reinforcement for fixed and portable use, as well as integration into desktop recording environments. The series provides USB and S/PDIF digital connectivity. The integrated USB capability facilitates bi-directional audio communication with software-based recording applications while the S/PDIF port enables a CD recorder or other similar equipment to serve as a mastering deck. Two of the same model mixers can be cascaded for increased channel capacity via a 9-pin D-Sub connector. The P Series mixers also provide switchable mic/line inputs. Primary input channels have three-band shelving EQ while a contour control is provided for Groups 1, 2 and the main L-R stereo bus. For monitoring, the mixers provide separate headphone level control and direct output control for recording.

BE to Showcase Upgraded Message Management System
Quincy, IL - Broadcast Electronics is stepping up nontraditional revenue and relevant text endeavors with new features and upgrades for its text automation system.

At the heart of The Radio Experience (TRE) upgrade is a new modular architecture that streamlines message generation and scheduling for text readout on RDS, HD Radio and Internet streaming tuners. With more flexibility and greater programmability, BE's The Radio Experience now addresses a growing interest in radio text opportunities as HD Radio and RDS become staples in major-market stations and as traditional ad revenues level off overall.

Opportunistic insertion of text ads for high-impact exposure plus online text plug-ins from weather, sports and other information providers are among the benefits. The Radio Experience is targeted to broadcasters expanding their text operations beyond 'now playing' song and title information, and represents BE's 20-plus years in studio automation.

Parrot Adds New Features
Delft, Netherlands - Mar 29, 2008 - You/Com will demonstrate new features of the Parrot flash recorder at the 2008 NAB Show. The recorder includes the capability to transfer files through a 3G phone at the touch of a button.

Additional telephones have been added to the list of models that support the unit's file transfer. Also, battery life has been extended to a minimum of 10 hours, a LED display has been added to indicate takes and clips, and telephone interviews can now be recorded in stereo.

OMT Releases Imediatouch v3
Winnipeg, MB - Feb 26, 2008 - OMT Technologies has unveiled the fifth generation release of Imediatouch, which includes 20 new features and user interface enhancements for touchscreen and drag 'n drop functionality. Some of the new On-Air v3 features include:

Propagation Systems Inc Slant-V
Slanted antenna
Booth C 2324
The Slant-V style antenna consists of two shunt-fed dipole elements in a slanted V configuration, forming a circularly polarized radiator. It is also available with vertically or horizontally polarized elements. The elements are stacked vertically in arrays of up to 12-bays for increased gain. For arrays requiring beam tilt and/or null fill, a center feed system is required. This antenna is available with breakdown elements to allow the dipole elements to be disassembled from the support boom. The Slant-V antenna is available in low, medium and high power. Models include: PSIFML for input power up to 4.5kW, PSIFM for input power up to 12kW and PSIFH for input power up to 40kW. The entire antenna system is pressurized through the rigid inter-bay line to the feed point of each radiator.

Burk Technology Plus Connect HZ and Plus Connect HDX
Harris Z/DX transmitter interface
Booth N6920
The Plus Connect HZ and the Plus Connect HDX bring hundreds of parameters from the Harris Z and the Harris DX transmitters directly to the Burk ARC Plus remote control, with remote management via Web, software, dial-up and front panel. A single serial connection reduces installation time and allows detailed monitoring of parameters not available via external parallel wiring.

ATI Group MCDA-112
Studio Master Clock
Booth N5229
The MCDA-112 can generate a perfect sync reference of 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz, or can accept and regenerate an external reference to feed its 12 individually buffered BNC outputs. The MCDA-112 accepts AES, Word Clock or Super-Word Clock as external inputs and provides Word Clock or Super-Word Clock at its outputs. Front panel controls and indicators include External Clock Format Select, Sample Rate Select, Output Clock Format Select, Input Termination, Clock Source and Front Panel Lock. The MCDA-112 derives its internal clock reference from a 24MHz precision oscillator and divides down to produce the output clock, thus minimizing errors, rather than multiplying up from 44.1 or 48kHz. A VCO receiver system regenerates input clock signals to remove anomalies and insure an ultra-low jitter output.

AEQ BC-2000 D Multiplexer
Audio and data multiplexer
Booth N5429
The BC-2000 D Multiplexer inserts and extracts digital or analog, mono or stereo audio channels in E1/T1/J1 or Ethernet data transmission flows. The audio channels can be linear, or compressed for better utilization of the link. The link capacities that are not used for audio can be employed for data transport. The BC-2000 D Multiplexer is a part of the BC-2000 D router digital audio platform that routes, mixes, processes and distributes audio. Other applications of the multiplexer are: studio to transmitter links (STL) and networks of transmission for radio with different simultaneous centers of production and emission.

Play MPE Offers Playerless Downloads
Vancouver, BC - Feb 26, 2008 - Secure digital audio distribution company Play MPE is offering playerless download to enable its customers to download tracks from any Web browser. The ability to download files without installing software provide Play MPE users enhanced flexibility to access songs from anywhere when a track becomes available. The new feature also expands access to pre-release music.

The feature was added in response to customer requests. Play MPE users can log in at www.plaympe.com and have access to all of their available tracks instantly and securely. Uncompressed watermarked WAV files will play back on any audio player. Play MPE Player software will still have access to all of software's features.

Tim Robbins to Deliver Keynote Opening
Academy Award-winning actor and critically acclaimed screenwriter, director and producer Tim Robbins will deliver the opening keynote. Robbins will look at the changing face of entertainment and how new distribution and content creation opportunities will impact Hollywood and other industries. In addition to discussing his personal and professional experiences as it relates to content, Robbins will also participate in a moderated Q&A. Robbins' keynote will follow NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr's third annual State of the Industry Address.

How Well Do You Know Las Vegas?
1. How many taxi cabs are in operation in the Las Vegas metro area?
a. 1,115
b. 856
c. 800
d. 965

2. How many marriage licenses on average are issued every day in Vegas?
a. 257
b. 315
c. 410
d. 197

3. What percentage of people say they come to Las Vegas mainly to gamble?
a. 50
b. 30
c. 5
d. 10

4. Which of the following was not a growth wave year for Las Vegas?
a. 1989
b. 1993
c. 1999
d. 2008
e. None of the above

The answers appear below.

Sennheiser Electronic MKH 800
Twin microphone
Booth N8207
Based upon Sennheiser's MKH 800, the MKH 800 Twin offers polar pattern switching after the recording session. The MKH 800 Twin can be thought of as a multi-pattern microphone without the pattern switches. It is equipped with both front and back capsule outputs. In a standard multi-pattern mic, the pattern of the mic is derived by adding and subtracting the back capsule. Because of the MKH 800 Twin's dual outputs you can simply plug both of these capsules into a DAW or recorder and create the pattern desired during mix-down. The Twin is ideal forbroadcasting and field recording.

Studio Technologies Model 233
Announcer's console
Booth C 6645
The Model 233 is the sixth addition to Studio Technologies' Model 200-series of announcer's consoles. This unit, incorporating several user-requested features, supports specialized applications including stadium announcement and live-event production. Features include an integrated side tone section, two line-level audio talkback outputs, two line-level audio inputs, sophisticated dual-channel intercom interface, and a tally output.

Audio Science ASI8914
HD-Radio tuner adapter
Booth N5230
The ASI8914 is a universal, full-length PCI card that contains four HD-Radio/AM/FM tuners and is designed for us in HD-Radio broadcast monitoring and auditing. Each tuner may be set to an independent analog or HD-Radio station. The audio from each tuner is presented to the computer host as a mono or stereo record stream that may be accessed through a 32-bit PCI bus master interface. An F connector feeds RF signal from an external antenna to all tuners on the ASI8914. Each tuner may also be fed from an external antenna input. An HD50 connector makes available the mono or stereo line level audio of each tuner output. Recording formats include PCM, MPEG-1 layer2 and MP3. Each tuner can also decode and stream the HD-Radio Program Associated Data data and RDS/RDBS data for analog FM. HD-Radio multi-cast is supported, allowing the audio and PAD stream to be switched between the Main Program Service and Secondary Program Services under software control.

Inovonics Model 720
RDS/RBDS encoder
Booth N5829
The 720 is a third-generation product in the Inovonics line of RDS encoding and decoding products. A front-panel LCD screen allows the user to scroll through and confirm all setup and operating parameters without the need for a computer on site. Incoming data from station automation can be seen on the fly, and scrolling song titles and other messages are displayed exactly as they are seen by listeners. The 720 automation command set remains compatible with earlier models for seamless integration along existing encoders, and a new no headers mode allows use with unformatted, satellite-streamed song title feeds. Intuitive, self-guiding software, built-in data diagnostics and transmission safeguards make installation virtually foolproof.

Sessions on Wednesday
Monitoring and Maintenance in the Broadcast Plant - Radio
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Room: S228
Moderator: Talmage Ball
Presenters: John Howard, Tim Holt, David Maxson, Myron Fanton, John Kean and James Dalke
Topics include: Grounding Systems Why Important and Why Testing is Invalid 95 Percent of the Time; VSWR Measurements in Broadcast Transmission Systems; The Role of the Detector in Spectrum Analyzer Measurement of Hybrid Digital Signals; RF Measurement Techniques for Broadcast Engineers; RF Signal Performance Measurements of Consumer FM Receivers and Coverage Effects; and Fiber Optic Antenna Monitoring for Computer Modeled AM Directional Arrays.

Technology Luncheon
12 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Room: LV Hilton Barron Room
Presenters: Ira Flatow
Topic: Funny, You Don't Look Like Your Avatar: New Media Conquers Old Problems

Radio RF and Transmission Systems
2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Room: S228
Moderator: Gary Kline
Presenters: Anne Gabriel, Lawrence Behr, Paul Shulins, Gary Liebisch, E. Glynn Walden, Benjamin Dawson, Tim Hardy and Van Richards-Smith
Topics include: Save That Tower!; AM Co-location: Money on the Table?; Radio Transmitter Maintenance Back to Basics; Implications of IBOC Injection Levels Above -20dB; FM IBOC Building Penetration Tests at Elevated Digital Subcarrier Levels; Linear Effects of AM Narrow Band Antenna Systems: Characterization by Direct Measurement and Transmitter Based Equalization; and Free Software Tools for Design of AM Antennas.

For More information on these sessions, visit the NAB's website.

Free Things to Do in Vegas
Looking for some no-cost alternatives to kill some free time in Las Vegas? Check out this link from National Geographic for some options.

Events for those Staying Late
If you're sticking around after the convention for some much-needed rest and relaxation, check out these events from April 16-20.

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

SBS/Eddystone Broadcast S7900
FM transmitter series
Booth N6632
The 7900 series of FM amplifiers in essentially an advancement on the 7600 series: It uses the new 1kW modular power supplies and has some more advancements in the high power ranges. The 7900 series will feature the following powers as standard: 500W, 1kW, 2.5kW, 3kW, 4kW, 5kW, 6kW, 8kW, 10kW, 20kW and 40kW. The use of the updated E2021 300W hot-pluggable Power Amplifier modules means that removal of amplifiers can be carried out with minimal reduction in output power. The design also features the newly updated single or dual redundant highly efficient hot-pluggable switched mode power supplies. Both PA and SMPSU modules are common to the entire 7900 and 7600 series from 500W to 20kW, resulting in greatly reduced spares holding costs for networks and groups.

RCS HD Importer
Interactive digital importer
Booth N5917
RCS HD Importer supports the recently launched HD Radio application of Itunes Tagging. The RCS HD Importer enables advanced radio capabilities, like multicasting and datacasting. As a stand-alone module, it can work with any automation system and integrates seamlessly with Nexgen. The Importer is made up of several core applications that need to start in a certain order. It aggressively manages those applications and their configuration settings, keeping them running at all times.

Google Radio Automation
Automation system
Booth N6607
Google Radio Automation is a third-generation radio automation system featuring SS32 and Maestro in a single product. The database tier is built around the SQL database. The open interface allows other systems to easily exchange data with Google Radio Automation, control it or be controlled by it. Widgets can be added, moved or removed from the screen at-will, allowing each user the ability to personalize their interface based on their individual needs and preferences. Google Radio Automation lets you add custom widgets to the automation system. Custom widgets can be used to tightly integrate other pieces of broadcasting equipment or other computer programs with the automation system.

Comrex DH42
Digital telephone hybrid
Booth N2125
DH42 accommodates two traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) lines as well as two Voice-over-IP (VoIP) lines in a 1RU enclosure. Essentially a four-line conferencing hybrid, DH42 has been designed to allow callers to be put on-air with separate send and receive paths, filtering, AGC and control functions. DH42 offers broadcasters the ability to interface their Internet-based VoIP lines or VoIP PBX lines with audio consoles and other professional broadcast audio equipment.

How Did You Do?
1. D. There are 965 taxi cabs in the Las Vegas metro area. There are also 325 limousines and 16 bus/charter firms.

2. B. In Las Vegas, 315 wedding licenses are issued each day. The cost of a license is $35. The cost to file for divorce in Nevada is $450.

3. C. Only 5 percent of people say they come to Vegas mainly to gamble. However, 87 percent of people end up gambling.

4. E. None of the above. According to the Las Vegas Advisor newsletter, a fourth-wave of Las Vegas growth kicks off in 2008 with the opening of the Palazzo on the Strip. "The fourth wave will be bigger and more extended than all three combined," says publisher Anthony Curtis. "Spearheaded by mixed-use mega-projects from MGM Grand and Boyd Gaming, and including Cosmopolitan, Encore and Fontainebleau, the Strip alone will get 50,000 new rooms over the next five years."

The full Las Vegas "Report Card," including building timetables through 2012, can be viewed at LasVegasAdvisor.com.

Radio magazine 2008 NAB FASTtrack, Exhibitor Directory and Broadcast Engineering Conference session guide to your handheld device. Search for exhibitors sorted alphabetically or by category. The Broadcast Engineering Conference session guide gives you quick reference to the key sessions.

Click here to access it.

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