SBE to Celebrate 40thAnniversary

What started as a gathering of about 100 broadcast engineers at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago during the 1964 NAB convention, has grown to more than 5,500 members in 107 chapters today.

That first official meeting, April 5, 1964, came after several years of discontent over a merger between the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (now the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE). Some felt the merged organizations would not serve the needs of the broadcast engineer well.

John Battison, the editor of Broadcast Engineering at the time, wrote an editorial suggesting the time had come to create a new organization for broadcast engineers. The editorial received a favorable response but no one came forward offering to organize the new group.

Finally, Battison decided to do it himself, running an application form in his magazine. With help from his family, Battison wrote letters to more than 5,000 television and radio engineers in the United States and Canada. His efforts led to an informal meeting in Binghamton, NY, in the latter part of 1963, which led to the first official meeting of the Institute of Broadcast Engineers (IBE) at the NAB convention the following April. The first official business of the organization was to change its name.

Joyner to Receive NABEF SamaritanAward

Radio personality Tom Joyner will receive the Samaritan Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation at its annual Service to America Summit on June 14 in Washington, DC. The Samaritan Award is one of NABEF's highest honors given to a broadcaster or organization exemplifying the industry's commitment to use the airwaves effectively in promoting the public interest.

More than 30 years ago, Joyner started out as a news announcer for WRMA-AM Montgomery, AL. His career took off in the mid 1980s, when he accepted both the morning position at KKDA and the afternoon spot at WGCI - a commute for which he became known as "The Fly Jock." In 1994, The Tom Joyner Morning Show entered national syndication at 29 stations.

As Joyner's radio popularity grew, so did his role as a voice for the African American community. In 1998, he set up the Tom Joyner Foundation to raise money for student scholarships to attend historically black colleges and universities. To date, the foundation has contributed more than $20 million to thousands of students who would otherwise not be financially able to finish college.

How's Your Knowledge of Las VegasTrivia?

Let's see how much you really know about Sin City.

• In what year did the first hotel and casino open in Las Vegas? What was its name?

• Gambling was illegal in Las Vegas for a period of time. What year was gambling made illegal and when was it made legal again?

• The Flamingo Hilton originally opened as the Flamingo Hotel by a famous gangster. Who was he and what year did the hotel open?

• The first mega-resort hotel in Las Vegas opened in 1989. What is the name of this hotel?

• Name the first Las Vegas hotel purchased by Howard Hughes. Extra credit if you know the year and why.

The answers are below.

Broadcast Electronics Big Pipe

Booth #N1902

Big Pipe is a different kind of studio-transmitter link. With scalable, bidirectional capabilities up to 45Mb/s, analog and digital audio, HD Radio data, Ethernet, Serial data and telephony can be interchanged via a wireless or wireline path. Scalable, flexible and reliable, the Big Pipe works for studio facility interconnects and many other media transport needs.

DG Systems DG Online

Booth #N1006

DG Systems has implemented a third pathway to deliver audio spots to radio stations. The system uses the Internet and is called DG Online. The additional pathway complements the two existing methods DG uses to deliver radio advertising: its dedicated telecommunications network, where a proprietary DG server receives and manages spots sent through a secure virtual private network, and by DG's compact disc overnight distribution service. Using DG Online, production directors and traffic managers can download audio spots directly to a personal computer connected to the Internet at any time of day, from any location as soon as they are made available on the DG system.

Sound Devices 744T

Booth #N3726

This high-resolution audio recorder is intended as a replacement for digital and analog tape-based portable recorders. The four-track unit writes and plays audio files with bit depths of 24-bits or 16-bits, with sample rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz, including pull-up sample rates. The unit design preserves a high-quality audio path and includes premium microphone preamplifiers. It is designed specifically for high-bandwidth, high bit-rate digital media applications.

OMT Technologies Imediatouch 2.1

Booth #N709

A new feature of this upgrade includes full Dolby AC3 sound capabilities. Built into the software, Dolby sound can be delivered without any added investment in special audio cards or hardware components. Radio stations can choose from Dolby to audibly differentiate their sound quality, or choose from an expanded list of standard MP2, MP3, WAV and PCM audio formats. Another features is the Apt-x audio conversion engine. Seamless conversion of Apt-x audio files to any of the formats in the Imediatouch codec library is now possible. Also, users can record tracks, transcode, import and export audio to produce new content seamlessly while in the on-air studio.

Technical Regulatory Issues for Radioand Television

April 21, 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, room N110

This mixed bag of session covers several different area of regulatory concern for radio and TV. The following are topics with a radio focus.

From 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the session RF Exposure Management, presented by David Maxson, managing partner of Broadcast Signal Lab, will discuss the current practices in controlling and marking RF sites that range from the very simple to the complex. A new set of ANSI-compliant signs will be presented.

In the session called What is NEPA?, Robert Repasky, project manager for the Payne Firm, will discuss the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The principals of the Act have been incorporated into the FCC's form 301.

Timothy Hardy, vice president of engineering for Comsearch will present Broadcast Auxiliary Service Frequency Coordination, and Database Issues from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The FCC recently enacted new rules requiring Broadcast Auxiliary Service users to show prior coordination before submitting a fixed-use license application. This paper will discuss the prior coordination process and provide information on the state of the broadcast auxiliary service databases used for this function.

In A Summary of FCC BAS Issues from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Dane Ericksen, senior engineer with Hammett and Edison, will review recent and ongoing FCC rulemakings that affect broadcast auxiliary service (BAS) stations.

Radio Facilities Management

April 21, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., room N110

The afternoon sessions on Wednesday look at items dealing with the technical facilities at stations.

From 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Frederick Gleason, director of broadcast software development for Salem Radio Labs, will present Broadcasters in the Open Source Age. He will discuss and compare the open source and closed source models, and provide insight into the ways that stations use it in their facilities.

Quality Assurance In Technical Management is the session presented by David Baden, chief technology officer of Radio Free Asia, from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. He will detail an approach to running a technical facility that establishes baseline performance benchmarks for all aspects of the operation, including staff, systems, computers and equipment.

Kevin English, director of media and entertainment consulting for EDS, will present , Effective Project Management - Implementing New Technologies and Controlling Risk from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The presentation will outline information about running projects more successfully with a focus on understanding the project environment, using available tools, improving project communication, managing and tracking progress and costs, and mitigating risk.

From 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Alan Rebeck, director of engineering of RO Associates, will present Grounding Practices for Broadcast Facilities. He will discuss how a high-integrity grounding system for broadcast industry facilities can be the single most effective means of assuring quality power distribution with a minimum of interference.

In Standby Power Generation's Role in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tim Loehlein, senior sales application engineer of Cummins Power Generation, delves into the important role that reliable power plays in serving the public in times of disaster.

Conference Program CoversTechnology for Worship

For years the National Association of Broadcasters has sought to be on the forefront of changing technologies when it comes to serving the needs of those who use video, audio and graphics to communicate professionally.

This year is no exception. The association, in collaboration with Technologies for Worship magazine, will put on a Worship Technology Conference, covering areas as diverse as systems integration, TV and video production, audio production, Webcasting, and more.

Among the conference highlights are:

• Survivor’s Guide to NAB

  , April 19. This session will lay the foundation for a meaningful journey through the convention exhibition hall

• Church Lighting for Television and Video Projection

• , April 19. Learn how to meld the demands of television and video projection with traditional church architectural lighting. Basics such as color temperature, depth of field and camera angles will be discussed.

• Brainstorming – Breakthrough Thinking for Explosive Ideas

  , April 19. The focus of this session is on nurturing new ideas about programming, management and production.

• The Art of Pitching – Making Your Dream Their Dream

• , April 19. Examine successful ways of pitching a producer, network, station or studio on your dream project.

• Microphones and Church Applications

  , April 20. Tired of the wireless church mic picking up the local taxi company? Then this session’s just what the congregation ordered. Topics include equipment selection, wireless in-ear monitors, antenna use and troubleshooting

• Mixing Audio for Television

  , April 20.

• Revitalizing Your Media Ministry

  , April 20. The combination of proven techniques and new technology can breathe fresh life into a media ministry. Learn how. Introducing Change Without Offending Almost Anyone, April 20.

• Audio Worthy of Video: Getting the Right Sound for Your Pictures

• , April 21. Develop an understanding of audio techniques

• Acoustics for Worship and Broadcast

• , April 21. This session will focus on how church acoustics impact audio for broadcast.

• Presentation Systems for Worship

  April 21. Learn everything about video projectors from aspect ratio to video switching equipment.

• What Every Church Does Wrong

  , April 21. Find out how to sidestep pitfalls that plague church building committees.

Henry Engineering Power Clamp

Booth #N1100

Power Clamp surge suppressors eliminate the ac spikes and surges that can cause equipment failures and system unreliability in broadcast facilities. These units are useful at transmitter sites and studio installations. Their automatic waveform tracking clamps voltage spikes to within a few volts of nominal ac voltage, eliminating the surges before they can cause any damage. Power Clamp units are available in various sizes to suit most installations.

Tieline Technology POTScodecs

Booth #N3034

With the G3 Imix, left and right audio channels can be phase locked over two telephone lines to deliver 15kHz stereo programming. Also new for NAB2004 is the provision for dual 15kHz mono transmission from a single POTS codec enabling the use of one 15kHz mono channel for program audio and the other 15khz channel for a range of communications including production/engineering talkback, telephone coupler for live on-air callers and simultaneous 7kHz voice and 9.6kb/s control data. These features have been implemented into the new Tieline iMix G3 six input digital remote codec/mixer. This third-generation design incorporates an expansion slot allowing broadcasters to select from a range of new hardware modules to suit individual remote applications. The modules include GSM to landline wireless, stereo/mono ISDN, stereo or dual-mono POTS plus new IFB and telephone talkback caller facilities.

Netia Digital Audio Radio-assist7.5

Booth #N2406

Version 7.5 of Radio-Assist offers new features. Script processes wire feeds and Multitrack provides a multitrack recorder. Multitrack offers many effects, full drag and drop, record integrated on each track, and a magnet function. This new version has been based on the user-friendly design of the Snippet editing tool in Radio-Assist 7. Radio-Assist 7.5 works with all audio boards compatible with Direct X.

Primera Technology Bravo II DiscPublisher

Booth #C8228

Instead of copying and labeling discs one at a time, Bravo II is designed for hands-free, automated production of as many as 25 CDs or DVDs per job (50 discs with kiosk mode). A robotic mechanism transports discs into the built-in 52x CD-R recorder or optional Pioneer combo DVD-R/CD-R recorder. After recording, discs are transported to the integrated printer and printed in full color directly onto the surface of the disc. A higher print resolution is now available. The Bravo II connects to a host computer via a USB 2.0 cable.

Digidesign Command 8

Booth #SL4761

This control surface from Digidesign and Focusrite puts integrated, tactile manipulation of Pro Tools TDM and LE sessions at the users’ fingertips. The control surface provides users with a space-efficient, full-featured controller. A USB connection facilitates communication between the unit and a PC or Mac, while its built-in MIDI ports (1-in/2-out) comprise a MIDI interface. Each of unit's eight bankable channels of tactile controls includes a touch-sensitive fader, an automatable rotary encoder with an LED ring and a channel meter. The Focusrite-designed onboard analog monitor section eliminates the need for an additional audio mixer. The monitor section features two +4/-10 independently selectable stereo inputs (balanced or unbalanced), stereo speaker outputs (also +4/-10), and a separately controlled headphone amp, providing the monitoring flexibility needed to keep an ear on a sessions’ development.

Members of Congress andProminent Aides to Address NAB2004

NAB2004 attendees will have the opportunity to hear from members of Congress at two separate convention events.

On April 19, six members of the 108th Congress will be featured panelists at the NAB2004 Congressional Breakfast held at the Las Vegas Hilton. Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT), House Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), House Judiciary Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), House Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-WI), and Reps. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL) and Greg Walden (R-WA) will participate in the annual breakfast discussion including wide ranging policy topics such as free airtime legislation, broadcast ownership, satellite radio, Internet streaming and the transition to digital television. The event will be moderated by Phil Lombardo, founder and CEO, Citadel Communications Co., and chairman of the NAB Joint Board of Directors.

Also that day during a Congressional Staff Panel, seven congressional aides will discuss the behind-the-scenes, decision-making process on Capitol Hill. These staffers, who advise key members of the House and Senate Commerce Committees, specialize in broadcast and telecommunications policy.

On April 18, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) will be the featured speaker at the invitation-only Broadcast Leadership Dinner at the Bellagio Hotel.

Broadcast Journalism for theNon-news Executive

On April 16 and 17, the NAB Educational Foundation has organized a seminar called Making News: Broadcast Journalism for the Non-news Executive to be held on April 16 and 17 at Caesar's Palace. This program will provide insight on managing news operations in times of disaster.

To register, call 202-429-5424 or e-mail nabef@nab.org. Include your fax number in your message.

Are You Looking for Something to Do?

Try some of these free activities.

The Bellagio offers a free tour of the Botanical Conservatory, which features hundreds of fresh flowers and real trees under a dome-glass ceiling. It is open 24 hours a day and is located just past the hotel registration desk.

Caesars Palace presents the Caesar and Brutus Show in the Forum Shops near Planet Hollywood. The first show is at 10 a.m. and the last show is at 11 p.m. daily on the hour.

The Flamingo Hilton provides the Wild Habitat with 14 penguins, 10 flamingos, assorted exotic birds, two albino turtles and koi. It is open 24 hours a day on the terrace in the back next to the swimming pool.

Want more animals? The MGM Grand has the Lion Habitat. The three-story habitat is located near the Studio 54 entrance and showcases a variety of lions and cubs, including Goldie, Metro and Baby Lion, a direct descendant of MGM's Studios' famous marquee lion. The habitat is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Still not enough wildlife? The Mirage White Tiger Habitat is behind the California Pizza Kitchen and across from the Gift Shop. It is open 24 hours, seven days.

How Did You Do?

How did you fare in our Las Vegas quiz?

• In what year did the first hotel and casino open in Las Vegas? What was its name?
  The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino opened in 1906.

• Gambling was illegal in Las Vegas for a period of time. What year was gambling made illegal and when was it made legal again?
  A 1910 law made it illegal to gamble in Las Vegas. In 1931, a gambling bill was approved that made gambling legal again.

• The Flamingo Hilton originally opened as the Flamingo Hotel by a famous gangster. Who was he and what year did the hotel open?
  In 1946, Bugsy Siegel opened The Flamingo Hotel. Some say his involvement with that project is why he was murdered in 1947 at his mansion in Beverly Hills, CA.

• The first mega-resort hotel in Las Vegas opened in 1989. What is the name of this hotel?
  The Mirage is considered to be the first mega-resort hotel and casino in Las Vegas. It opened in 1989 at a cost of $630 million.

• Name the first Las Vegas hotel purchased by Howard Hughes. Extra credit if you know the year and why.
  In 1966, Howard Hughes began his infamous stay at the Desert Inn. By 1968, Hughes purchased the Desert Inn after being asked to leave by Hotel management. This began his casino buying spree. Hughes is often credited with bringing corporate legitimacy to gaming interests.