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Hosted by SBE Chapter 38 - El Paso
When: Friday, May 21, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mountain
Where: Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel & Waterpark
2027 Airway Boulevard
El Paso, TX 79925
Web Address: www.wyndhamelpaso.com
Phone: (915) 778-4241
Cost: SBE Members - $25 / Non-Members - $35
Registration: Register Now
Presented by the Society of Broadcast Engineers
subject to change
Check-in / Registration (light breakfast provided)
Opening Remarks
Joint Sessions
Convergence is Here!
Speaker: Steve Lampen, CBRE, Belden Cable
Sure, most signals in the professional audio-video/broadcast worlds are digital signals. So are the premise/data ‘networked’ signals. For years, I’ve talked about maximizing cable performance by installing broadcast cables as if they were data cables, or using Category data cables to carry audio and video signals. Now I’m talking about installing data cables and using them for audio and video signals, or installing audio and video cables as if they were data cables. The point is fast and easy installation, with maximum versatility and maximum performance, at minimum cost. And this means understanding not just wire and cable but racks, cable management, and other tools.
The Smart Site: Integrating Intelligence into all Facets of the Broadcast Facility*
Speaker: Tony Peterle, CSRE, WorldCast Systems
Recently, new systems and capabilities have become available that will allow broadcasters to extend their facility control beyond the normal connection of transmitters, antenna switches, and other traditional equipment. Some of these technologies use advanced communication techniques such as IP networking, SNMP protocols and wireless linking. Other techniques involve creative use of older communications protocols such as serial connections. This presentation examines the challenges and benefits of completely integrating a broadcast site into an overall control system.
* This program is replacing the earlier advertised presentation KREX – The Real World of Disaster Recovery
TV Sessions Click here for Radio Track
Integrating ATSC Mobile DTV into a Broadcast Transmission System
Speaker: Richard Schwartz, Axcera
Now that the ATSC M/H (mobile/handheld) standard has been approved, broadcasters are understandably enthusiastic about the new business opportunities that it will provide. In order to take full advantage of this important new technology, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the options and choices for converting transmission facilities to incorporate M/H. This presentation will seek to provide that understanding, covering such areas as exciter conversion, multiplexing, single frequency networks (SFNs), power level and coverage considerations for mobile vs. fixed reception, and all aspects of the transmission chain that are affected. While it is anticipated that most broadcasters will initially convert their existing single transmitter for dual service (fixed and M/H), the different coverage considerations for mobility and reception by a portable receiver may soon encourage the development of a network with multiple transmitters. The presentation will address this migration, and concepts to implement initially, while planning ahead for a multi-transmitter network.
LUNCH (included)
P2 Workflow
Speaker: TBD, Panasonic
P2 as a solid state acquisition media was so radical when it was introduced in 2003 that most discussion rarely got past the departure from video tape. Now that memory prices have come down and with encoding de-coupled from the media any encoder can be chosen, so solid state memory might undercut the cost of professional tape. As the reluctance to move beyond video tape has evaporated, it is worth looking at the reasons for risking a brake with a tried and true technology in the first place.
The original incentive to pursuing a tapeless media was a desire to store the media file in camera as easily accessed data, just as it lives on the editing platform; so that:
- Editing can be done directly from the media
- Copies of contents can be made significantly faster than real time
- Files need not be trans-coded or even re-encoded, and a complete end-to-end solution can be created with CPU based processing
This presentation will follow the video files all the way through the post production process focusing on areas where speed advantages are most pronounced. Examples in broadcasting and field production will be detailed with specific tools cited and advantages unique to P2 and common all file based acquisition highlighted.
Broadcast Imaging Technology−The State of the Art
Speaker: Tony Delp, Grass Valley
CCD imagers have been the dominant technology in cameras for all broadcast applications for more than 20 years now. During that time span CCDs have evolved to a high level of performance. This presentation will focus on the core imaging technology that Grass Valley has developed for HD acquisition over the past decade, with an overview of the unique features available in the latest CCD imagers such as the HD-DPM+ technology.
Explore why CMOS imagers are now viable for professional applications and the current status of this imager technology in the broadcast and entertainment market. There will also be a discussion around the design of the XENSIUM™ 2/3 inch full−raster HDTV CMOS imager, its implementation in both the LDK 3000 system camera and the Infinity file-based camcorder and the performance parameters that have been achieved. In addition, the CMOS imager technology holds much promise for the future, including extended dynamic range modes and higher speed signal readout. Finally, learn why the 2/3” CCD or CMOS sensor (and not a smaller version) is the appropriate size−technically and aesthetically−for the current and next generation of broadcast camera.
High Quality Video Using Adaptive Streaming Technologies
Speaker: Ryc Brownrigg, Starz Entertainment
Streaming video on the Internet has come a long way since the days of a jerky postage stamp size, single bit rate stream. Today it is possible to provide a high quality video experience using the latest Adaptive bit rate streaming technologies. This session will take a brief look at the history and evolution of internet video streaming technologies and then review what is possible today using some of the latest technologies available from Microsoft, Adobe, Move Networks and Widevine Technologies.
Joint Sessions
Digital Signage – Content and Ad Delivery in the Public Environment
Speaker: Jim Schoedler, CBNT, JB Schoedler Associates, LLC
Digital signage, also known as "digital out of home" has emerged as a way to deliver highly customized and targeted content in a variety of public and private spaces. Domestic revenue from digital signage is expected to grow by 33% in 2009, despite a very difficult economic environment. One digital signage company alone is responsible for 120,000 screens.
Similarities between digital signage and traditional broadcast technology, such as the means for scheduling, billing, and automating content delivery will be explored. Some interesting implementations by Denver-based Four Winds Interactive that marry digital signage content with traditional and new media technologies will also be reviewed.
Broadcast Tower Failures: Causes and Cures
Speaker: David Davies, Electronics Research, Inc.
‘Tower’ and ‘Failure’, two words that when combined conjure a multitude of horrific images in the minds of those in our industry. ERI understands the gravity of such catastrophe and the steps necessary in ensuring the safety of our nation’s broadcast structures. We have compiled over 50 years worth of data containing 80+ case studies providing detailed information on the causes of tower failures in North America.
The presentation will discuss the top five reasons towers fail. An in-depth compilation of data, including a large collection of graphics combined with mathematical explanations of these failures, demonstrates without a doubt, how the previous design standards have proven inadequate.
A portion of this presentation addresses several successful methods of risk detection and reduction.
Upon conclusion, it will be an undeniable fact: Had preventative measures discussed in this presentation been implemented, over 75% of tower failures could have been prevented.
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Radio Sessions top
Providing Media-Rich Content Using Digital Radio
Speaker: Timothy Anderson, CSRE/DRB, CBNT, Harris Corporation
Since its inception, digital radio broadcast technology has held the promise of media-rich visual user experiences and multimedia data transport. Digital radio data services have the capability to deliver new revenue streams to broadcasters. By enhancing digital radio broadcasts with synchronized visual content and leveraging data and file transfer capabilities, it is possible to present media-rich content to the user while creating ubiquitous low cost transport mediums for advertising and information on personal devices as well as public displays through electronic signage. Multimedia enhanced radio services can provide direct revenue streams or may simply enhance the broadcaster’s brand. The one-to-many nature, low cost per data unit, localized footprint, and ubiquitous penetration of radio places radio broadcasting in an enviable position as a data service provider. Digital media over radio creates a new, exciting frontier for creativity and innovation. The author will discuss the principals, systems, protocols and applications required to present graphical content through enhanced broadcast transmission and receiver platforms.
HD Radio™ Power Increase
Speaker: Hal Kneller, CPBE, DRB, Nautel
A digital power level increase was approved by the FCC in January and broadcast engineers now have many questions on how to deal with this. This presentation will review how this managed power increase works and what the options are. In addition, stations who have already implemented HD Radio™ broadcasting may contemplate a digital power increase. This will be discussed from a transmitter and implementation standpoint.
LUNCH (included)
A Case Study of Inter-modulation Products
Speaker: Sean Edwards, Shively Labs
In February of 2009 a new station went on the air in Peterborough, Ontario by sharing an antenna system. The station achieved this by installing a branched combiner system so that the existing station and this new station would not generate inter-modulation products (Spurs). Immediately after the new station starting transmitting the local neighbors complained about interference on their radios. The DOC (Canadian FCC) made measurements and verified that the new station was not in compliance and was forced off the air. By demonstrating the proper methodology in how to measure inter-modulation products, it was shown that the inter-modulation products being heard around the transmitter site were not generated by the transmitters. Instead the inter-modulation products being heard were due to receiver over load forcing the DOC to allow the station to go back on the air. This presentation describes how a transmitter combiner system must be designed to guarantee that Spurs are not generated, what was done to prove that the combiner did meet the spur specification and how test equipment has to be calibrated so that correct measurements can be made.
Considerations for Digital Radio Antenna Design
Speaker: Matt Leland, Dielectric Communications, SPX Corp.
With the forthcoming potential increase in power for HDRadio, station engineers are faced with making the decision of which implementation method will suit their particular station best in terms of both performance and economics. This session details the benefits of the various antenna solutions, including having the ability to utilize existing transmitters while achieving the increase digital ERP desired and significantly lower electricity consumption and operational costs on an ongoing basis.
Joint Sessions
Digital Signage – Content and Ad Delivery in the Public Environment
Speaker: Jim Schoedler, CBNT, JB Schoedler Associates, LLC
Digital signage, also known as "digital out of home" has emerged as a way to deliver highly customized and targeted content in a variety of public and private spaces. Domestic revenue from digital signage is expected to grow by 33% in 2009, despite a very difficult economic environment. One digital signage company alone is responsible for 120,000 screens.
Similarities between digital signage and traditional broadcast technology, such as the means for scheduling, billing, and automating content delivery will be explored. Some interesting implementations by Denver-based Four Winds Interactive that marry digital signage content with traditional and new media technologies will also be reviewed.
Broadcast Tower Failures: Causes and Cures
Speaker: David Davies, Electronics Research, Inc.
‘Tower’ and ‘Failure’, two words that when combined conjure a multitude of horrific images in the minds of those in our industry. ERI understands the gravity of such catastrophe and the steps necessary in ensuring the safety of our nation’s broadcast structures. We have compiled over 50 years worth of data containing 80+ case studies providing detailed information on the causes of tower failures in North America.
The presentation will discuss the top five reasons towers fail. An in-depth compilation of data, including a large collection of graphics combined with mathematical explanations of these failures, demonstrates without a doubt, how the previous design standards have proven inadequate.
A portion of this presentation addresses several successful methods of risk detection and reduction.
Upon conclusion, it will be an undeniable fact: Had preventative measures discussed in this presentation been implemented, over 75% of tower failures could have been prevented.
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