Museum Tells the Tale of U.S. Broadcast History
American broadcasting has a rich cultural heritage. Radio's origins go back almost 100 years, while television has been with us for around 70. Most of us who work in the business, however, spend our time thinking about, working on, and inventing the technologies of the future that will keep the industry going. Fortunately, there are also people who are passionate about preserving the past, and there are places where the old memorabilia and programs can find a permanent home. In Chicago, that person is Bruce DuMont, and the place is the Museum of Broadcast Communications. DuMont is the founder and Executive Director of the Museum.
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Embracing Disruptive Technology
When is a disruptive technology something to embrace? And when is it just a passing fad? Easy to answer in hindsight, but how can broadcast engineers determine which new technologies to recommend and invest in? Bill Putney joins Chris Tobin and me, Kirk Harnack, for insight into disruptive technologies for radio broadcasters.
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Metadata Manipulation with Steve Johnston
How do you push meaningful metadata to 34 FM and HD transmitter sites across a large state radio network? Gathering data input from statewide news bureaus, web sites, and live programs? Then add in EAS data for each coverage area? Steve Johnston joins us to talk about how Wisconsin Public Radio is doing all this and more.
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Deja Vu All Over Again: Paralleling Streaming with the Growth of FM
As someone who was involved in the programming and management of FM radio stations as early as the late 1960s, I can tell you that history is repeating itself right now… Almost precisely to the event.
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Audio Watermarking Technology Explained
Audio watermarking for audience measurement (Arbitron/Nielsen PPM®) is in the broadcast industry news. Third party research is offering more detailed measurement of watermarking’s effectiveness on differing audio content. Further, this research is demonstrating that improvements in reliable watermarking detection are possible. We hear from MIT PhD, Dr. Barry Blesser, along with Geoff Steadman, President of 25-Seven Systems.
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Vintage Audio: Allison Research Model 650 Noise Generator
Back in the days when radio was powered by analog circuits, noise was usually considered a bad thing. Along with distortion and frequency response, it was measured as part of a station's annual proof-of-performance, and eliminated at every opportunity. But there are times when noise can be put to good use. As a test signal, noise can be used to analyze room acoustics, do a rapid frequency response assessment, and tune up audio processors. Since noise has energy present in all frequencies at all times, it can be used to rapidly assess frequency response.
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Linear Acoustic®: Keeping You in Compliance
New FCC rules concerning how television broadcasters provide local emergency information to the vision-impaired went into effect this year, and TV engineers need to ensure their facilities are in compliance. Fortunately, the Linear Acoustic® AERO.100™ / AERO.1000™ / AERO.2000™ series of loudness managers may offer a solution for some broadcasters.
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Oyster Radio with Bill Eaton
Imagine you’re the engineer for a radio station that you really enjoy listen to. Imagine that station has a terrific reputation, with the respect of listeners, businesses, and local officials. Now add a million listeners worldwide on the Internet. Finally, realize that this radio station is in an idyllic vacation paradise with tropical beaches and a low-key lifestyle. We’re talking about Oyster Radio and Chief Engineer Bill Eaton - in Apalachicola, Florida.
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Live from NAB 2015
We’re live from Central Hall - the Broadcast Electronics booth - at NAB 2015! A Who’s Who cast of radio celebrities joins us including Scott Fybush, Joost Bloemen, Greg Shay, Frank Foti, Jim Backus, Joe Talbot, and Jim Roberts. And don’t miss the final 8 minutes! You won’t get fooled again!
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Learning by Doing with Marc Silverman
Where will the next broadcast engineers come from? Hofstra University in New York seems a good source. Marc Silverman is a student and he’s the Student Director of Engineering at WRHU-FM. Marc joins Chris Tobin and Kirk Harnack to talk about learning about broadcast engineering by example and by doing it.
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