The exhibit floor and the sessions are the two main activities during any convention, and this year's NAB Radio Show has a full agenda of sessions slated. With the NAB's and the industry's interest in HD Radio, it's no surprise that this topic is prominent in the technical sessions.

With the show heading to Dallas this year, the organizers of another Dallas-based conference decided to band with the NAB and not hold its own convention. The Society of Broadcast Engineers Dallas Chapter 67 worked with the NAB to provide technical session on the morning of Sept. 20. In addition, the chapter will proctor an SBE Certification exam session on Wednesday afternoon. The SBE recommends that anyone interested in taking an SBE Certification exam should register with the national office in advance (contact 317-846-9000 or mclappe@sbe.org); however, a limited number of on-site exam registrations will be accepted before the afternoon exam session.

While we will profile the technical sessions here, there are plenty of non-technical sessions to attend as well. To get a complete picture of all the session activity, consult the NAB Radio convention guide at the show.

Tuesday, Sept. 19

2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Miro Room

HD Radio: All the Basics and More

Broadcast Electronics has arranged a three-part tutorial on HD Radio. Each one-hour portion will cover a different aspect of implementing HD Radio and start on the hour. Each session focuses on items of interest to everyone involved in the HD Radio transition, but specific interests will be included and are noted in parenthesis. The HD Radio conversion topics (in order) are processes, pitfalls, strategies and successes (managers and programmers); technical planning and realization (engineers, business staff, owners); and nuts and bolts technical issues (engineers).

This seminar will be repeated on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 20

9 a.m. to 9:55 a.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Planning Considerations for Upgrading to HD

Presenter: Alan White, Continental Electronics

White will review the basic elements to consider when planning an HD Radio installation, including general site considerations, STL and audio path requirements, audio processing, studio equipment needs and transmitter equipment needs. Stations that have not begun an HD Radio installation will find this session helpful.

10:10 a.m. to 11:05 a.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Transmitter Installation, Setup and Tuning Process

Presenter: Richard Garrett, Continental Electronics

The transmitter side of an HD Radio installation can be the largest physical portion of the effort. Garrett will cover more details of site preparation and planning and review the installation process. From there he will cover the operational characteristics of tuning an HD Radio amplifier and how it differs from tuning an analog amplifier, monitoring and evaluating the HD Radio transmitter operation and maintaining the HD Radio system.

11:05 a.m. to noon, Metropolitan Ballroom

System Verification and Measurement Procedures

Presenter: Daniel Dickey, Continental Electronics

Going deeper into the test and measurement details, Dickey will discuss the test equipment needs of a station transmitting an HD Radio signal, and describe the required measurements to ensure that the system is operating within the spectrum mask and at its best efficiency. He will also review several measurement techniques and ways to document these measurements.

2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

SBE Certification Exams

To take an SBE exam during the NAB Radio Show, it is recommended to submit a certification exam application to the SBE National Office in advance. Some on-site exam registrations will be accepted. Download and complete the SBE Exam Application from www.sbe.org before arrival to save time. On-site applications will be accepted beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 21

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Radio Technology Forum Part I

9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Real Time Adaptive Correction Explained

Presenter: Geoff Mendenhall, Harris Broadcast

An explanation of the basics of how linear and non-linear pre-correction works in HD Radio or DRM systems without a lot of math so the typical radio station engineer can understand the concepts.

9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Radio Studio Buildouts: Tools, Process… Results!

Presenter: Steve Davis, Clear Channel Radio

An overview of the process of planning and overseeing radio studio construction projects, from the architectural and equipment selection process, through installation and move-in.

2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Radio Technology Forum Part II

2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Networking and Link Issues When Implementing Multicasting

Presenter: Richard Hinkle, Broadcast Electronics

This will be a practical approach to understanding the issues encountered when implementing multicasting for your HD station. The focus of this paper will be how to set-up networks to ensure a robust multicast system without compromising your main network. In addition he will provide insight into STL link issues, limitations and possible solution.

3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Adventures in AM IBOC Implementation

Presenter: J.S. Sellmeyer, Sellmeyer Engineering

A discussion of some of the RF issues involved with properly implementing AM IBOC issues together with examples of the steps necessary for an optimum load on the transmitter.

4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

Audio Processing In Transition

Presenter: Frank Foti, Omnia Audio

As broadcasting moves closer to a full digital transmission system, the requirements for audio processing have changed dramatically. There is an effect on FM and AM within the traditional analog channel and the digital path. This discussion will provide comprehensive insight about the implementation of audio processing in a digital broadcast facility.

4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Metropolitan Ballroom

HD Radio Coverage and Interference Issues

Presenter: Doug Vernier, V-Soft Communications

This review will cover the major signal issues facing the transition to HD Rradio. Where will my coverage go? Will my analog station receive interference? What new research is being done and where will it take us?

Friday, Sept. 22

9 a.m. to noon, Metropolitan Ballroom

Digital Radio Measurement Workshop

Presenter: David Maxson, Broadcast Signal Lab

Broadcast engineers familiar with analog signal measurements are now challenged to master new techniques for evaluating their digital signals. To ensure good signal quality and minimize interference, it is necessary to make accurate measurements of hybrid IBOC signals. In this session, David Maxson will review scalar measurement techniques with spectrum analyzers and power meters, and will provide an introduction to vector measurements of IBOC signals. He will also attempt to answer the vexing question, “Is my spectrum analyzer up to the task?” The session will also touch on the effects of amplifiers, filters and antennas on AM and FM IBOC signal characteristics.

Company	Booth
25-Seven Systems	322
ABC Radio Networks	621
AEQ	521
Air Force Recruiting	619
Airshift Media	227
APT- Audio Processing Technology	316
Arbitron	505
Armstrong Transmitter	714
Army National Guard	717
Arrakis Systems	14
Audemat-Aztec	623
Audioarts	615
Audio Science	317
Axia	208
Barix Technology	224
BIA Financial Network	516
Bid4Spots.com	620
BMI	618
Boulder Blimp	700
Broadcast Electronics	305
Broadcasters General Store	400
Burk Technology	519
Burli Software	201
Business Talk Radio Network	803
Christian Hit Radio Satellite Network	819
Coaxial Dynamics	817
Communication Graphics	500
Comquest Callout	805
Comrex	513
Continental Electronics	605
D.A.V.I.D. Systems	206
Dalet Digital Media Systems	20
Dielectric Communications	309
Digigram	217
Docsoft	527
Dolby Laboratories	318
Enco Systems	616
Energy-Onix	600
ERI-Electronics Research	414
Exhibit Arts	719
FCC	115
Feed the Children	626
Firstcom Music	701
Global Security Systems	709
Google	705
Harris	405
HayHouseRadio.com	221
Hippie Radio	809
Inovonics	715
Isee Radio	323
Jam Creative Productions.	422
Jampro Antennas/RF Systems	417
Klotz Digital Audio Systems	326
KLZ Innovations	718
Lan International	209A
Larcan	522
LEA International	423
Liquid Compass Streaming Media	427
Logitek Electronic Systems	314
Magic Egg Software	614
Mayah Communications	220
Media Monitors	720
Media Professional Insurance	418
Mediaspan Online Services	421
Micro Communications, Inc.	320
Mid-Atlantic RF Systems	419
Moseley Associates	301
NAB PAC	111
National Campaigns	116
National Weather Service	18
Nautel	205
Neural Audio	405
Non-Stop Music	215
Omnia	208
OMT	512
Orban/CRL	413
Practical Promotions	827
Prophet Systems Innovations	209
PTEK	723
Pulsecom	612
Radian Communications Services	526
Radio Advertising Bureau	109
Radio Express	108
Radio magazine	107
Radio Membership	112
Radio Music License Committe	10
Radio Systems	300
Radio Traffic.com	820
Radioad.com	204
Radiodifusion.com	327
Radyne-Tiernan-Xicom	716
RCS	722
Rohde & Schwarz	321
Roll a Sign	315
Sabre Towers	319
Scarborough Research	505
Shively Labs	501
Sierra Automated Systems & Eng.	520
Stainless	426
Stream the World	811
Studer Soundcraft	219
Superior Electric	202
Telos Systems	208
The Media Audit	609
TicketsNow	821
Tieline Technology	807
USA Radio Network	223
Valcom Limited	601
Vorsis	615
V-Soft Communications	523
Warner Concept System	226
Wheatstone	615
Wide Orbit	627
WireCAD	816
Wireready NSI	800

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