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NAB 2006 Under the Spotlights(Radio Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) After nearly a week of seminars, exhibits and meetings, the activity of NAB2006 at the end of April seems like a blur to many, but based on accounts from attendees and exhibitors, the show was a success. Overall attendance this year was 105,046, compared to 104,427 for NAB2005. The thee topics that garnered the most attention were HD Radio, and multicasting and datacasting in particular, audio over IP, and the beginnings of several cooperative efforts between competitors. In our NAB review of products and technology, you'll see evidence of these activities in the products, Pick Hits and pictures from the convention. The March and April issues of Radio magazine had lots of information about products being unveiled, as did the NAB Insider e-mail newsletter, but they only scratched the surface. On the following pages you'll find details about some of the products that were kept secret until the convention doors opened. You'll also find the top picks of our Pick Hits judges with the top new products at the convention. The Radio magazine Pick Hits are the oldest technology awards from the convention, and our panel of judges has excelled in its task to find the best of the best. You can see the list of the judges and the official rules as well. Because of the scope of convention, it's impossible to include every new product introduction even in the pre- and post-show issues. Look for more great products in the New Products section of upcoming issues, as well as the annual Product Source accompanying the September issue. Recognizing Excellence The Pick Hits of NAB2006 Reported by Kari Taylor, senior associate editor The Pick Awards are the original technology award presented at the NAB convention. First awarded in 1985, the awards recognize innovation in product development with an eye to meeting the practical needs for radio. The winners are selected by a panel of radio professionals who work independently and anonymously to find the top new products introduced at the convention. The panelists met on Wednesday during the convention to make their final selections, which are limited in number. With so many new products introduced, this can be a difficult task. While their identities are kept secret during the convention, we can tell you who they are now. See the list on page 24. The Pick Hits judges also follow established guidelines to make their selections. See the rules on page 28. Master clock time code generator ESE ES-188: The ES-188 is a 1RU black anodized unit that displays nine digits (day of year, hour, minute and second) of time as received via a user selected NTP server. Several types of time code, as well as a 1PPS signal are generated and output on the rear panel. These outputs allow the unit to interface with new or existing computers, automation systems and third-party clock systems. The clock features automatic correction for Daylight Saving Time and a four-hour battery backup. Options include ASCII NPR time code output, relay contact closure, 220Vac, 12 to 35Vdc power input and UL-approved power supply.310-322-2136; fax 310-322-8127;www.ese-web.com;[email protected] Digital audio toolbox Sencore Electronics DA795: Analyze any stereo digital audio signal and generate low-noise digital test signals, all at up to 24-bit/96kHz sample rate resolution with this device. The unit offers two sets of AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs, including Toslink and ADAT, plus word clock in. Digital outputs, including AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and Toslink/ADAT and word clock out are also available. A transparency test verifies that a device passes digital test waveforms without errors, using synchronous or asynchronous test. The bit stream analyzer analyzes digital stream characteristics to check actual word length and sample rate, bit activity, header information, flag errors and low voltage. Bitscope shows distortion, noise or jitter on an S/D or X-Y scope, and also applies the results to the internal speaker, headphones and line output.800-SENCORE; fax 605-339-0317;www.sencore.com What the judges had to say: Lots of great test functions. Recording measurements over a period of time is a great feature to have. Data collection system Day Sequerra Market Area Monitor: Designed for HD Radio, analog and Internet broadcasts, this data collection system offers radio broadcasters a set of resources for local, regional and national HD Radio confidence monitoring and competitive analysis. The MAM system offers diagnostic measurements for any HD Radio station (AM or FM), whether an independent operation or part of a national multi-station group. Using 1RU of space, the MAM receiver records a complete snapshot of any station's HD Radio output including audio S/N ratio, level and time alignment as well as audio program samples, along with cataloging that station's full HD Radio data payload. The system also provides monitoring, cataloging and sampling of legacy analog AM and FM radio and Internet-streaming broadcasts.856-719-9900; fax 856-719-9903;www.daysequerra.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: I like being able to monitor all the AMs and FMs in my market. Excellent logging features. Studio mic AKG Perception 100, 200: These large diaphragm, side-address condenser mics are equipped with 1" capsules that deliver 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, with a high-end peak that begins at 5kHz and rises to +4dB at 10kHz. The mics offer 135dB maximum SPL capability and self-noise of less than 16dB-A. The 200 adds switchable 300Hz, 12dB-per-octave bass-cut filter and a 10dB pad for greater flexibility. Both mic's externally-biased capsules must be powered by 48V phantom power. The chassis are made of zinc/aluminum alloy and the grille screens are made of special spring steel that are dent resistant. Both mics have an impedance of 200V with a S/N of 78dB.615-620-3800; fax 615-620-3875www.akgusa.com;[email protected] IP audio codec software Musicam USA Audiostar: This is software for PCs that works over LAN, WAN, DSL, ADSL and the Internet. The system features an auto-detect algorithm built in, so when a user sends or receives content over an IP connection, the system can recognize the coding algorithm used in the transmission and automatically change the settings to match. A compact USB hardware key is required to run the software unrestricted. The software can be used on any computer equipped with a 10/100 LAN interface and a Direct Sound compatible sound card. It supports standard algorithms MPEG 1 and Layer 2, MPEG 2 and Layer 3 and G.722. It also supports MPEG 2 and 4 AAC, MPEG 4 AAC low delay and uncompressed PCM linear audio.732-739-5600fax [email protected] IP audio distribution Barix Technology Instreamer, Exstreamer, Exstreamer Gold: With Instreamer, stations can distribute audio and deliver music and announcements via any IP path. The Exstreamer MP3 Player pulls digital audio from the network while converting it into music or voice. It communicates over a standard network connection (10/100 Mb/s Ethernet) with PCs, digital audio servers and Internet radio stations. It is controlled using a standard Web browser or IR remote control. The Exstreamer Gold is a MP3 player that can pull digital audio from the network while converting it to music or voice. This device includes its own built-in amplifier and speaker output. It communicates over a standard network connection with PCs, digital audio servers, Internet radio stations and analog audio sources using an Instreamer.+41 43 43322 11; fax +41 44 2742849;www.barix.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: An inexpensive way to provide an IP stream. I could use this for in-house monitor feeds. USB-to-XLR codec Henry Engineering USB Matchbox: Replacing a computer sound card, this codec provides stereo line-level inputs and outputs at professional levels and eliminates the hum, buzz and other interface problems caused by in-PC audio cards. The Burr-Brown 8 ADC/ADC provides audiophile performance with the ease of USB interface to any PC. The unit features XLR connectors and monitor output with muting. The unit occupies ? rack width and is 1RU tall.626-355-3656; fax 626-355-0077;www.henryeng.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: The audio-to-computer bridge is still an obstacle in many installations. This is a perfect problem solver. Studio mic Neumann TLM 49: The TLM 49 features the K47 capsule used in the M49 and U47 microphones. The capsule offers a linear frequency response up to the upper mid-range. Above 2kHz there is a gentle presence boost up to 3dB. The capsule is enclosed by a large, acoustically open head grille. The 34mm diaphragm cardioid capsule has a tendency toward supercardioid performance due to the special capsule construction. The mic operates at an SPL of up to 114dB without distortion and a dynamic range of 102dB (A-weighted).860-434-5220; fax 860-434-3148www.neumannusa.com;[email protected] Transmitter remote control system Burk Technology Arc Plus: Automatic functions are built in, and backward compatibility with the Arc-16 provides flexible roll-out options. The system is a next-generation transmitter remote control system for full-time, multi-site or dial-up operation. Taking advantage of the scalability of IP, the unit connects an unlimited number of sites, each with as many as 256 channels of metering, status and command. Access the entire system from the front panel of any unit, take control using a Web-browser or PC software or dial into the system over the phone. Advance facility management operation incrementally with this equipment, and protect the station's hardware investment.800-255-8090; fax 978-486-0081;www.burk.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: It handles a tremendous number of sites. Backward compatibility with the ARC-16 is a good evolution path. Analog, digital translator Armstrong Transmitter TRX-HD series: Designed to transition a translator station from analog-only broadcasting to digital, this series receives an FM station's entire signal payload over the air, including its HD Radio digital component. The signal content is transferred to the TRX-HD transmit side for retransmission on the translator frequency. The TRX-HD10 provides 10W in the hybrid digital mode, the TRX-HD50 provides 50W hybrid digital, and the TRX-HD100 is a 100W hybrid digital translator. Higher hybrid power levels are achieved by adding an Armstrong solid-state amplifier.315-673-1269; fax 315-673-9972;www.armstrongtx.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: Stations with translators have been wondering how they will accommodate HD Radio. Now they know. To have it all in one package makes it an elegant system. Analog stereo matrix switcher Broadcast Tools ADMS 44.22: The device is a four-input stereo AES and four-input stereo analog matrix switcher with two independent stereo analog and AES outputs in a 1RU profile. Each input is equipped with a three-band EQ, five types of filters and a leveler function. Any or all of the inputs may be mixed, faded or dimmed to either or both output pairs. Additional features include selectable stereo VU meters; headphone amplifier; powered monitor output; 1616 GPIO port and RS-232/USB port. The switcher is also equipped with an expansion port allowing a second unit to be added, increasing the inputs to 16.877-250-5575; fax 360-854-9479;www.broadcasttools.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: Switching analog and digital is something that I needed. The extra features, such as EQ and remote control, are great. Signal processor Vorsis AP-1000: This multiband, dual-path FM plus HD Radio processor features an interactive user interface for remote monitoring and control. This 31-band processor features three-band preprocessing AGC, an AM/FM output limiter, an HD Radio output limiter, four-band full parametric EQ, variable high- and low-pass filters and Ethernet control. It provides HD Radio latency FM delay, FM stereo MPX generator, a 24-bit sample rate converter, de-esser, and accepts a 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz or 192kHz inputs.252-638-7000; fax 252-635-4857;www.vorsis.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: The user interface is incredible, and it sounds very clean. The graphic representation of the settings is outstanding. Speaker cables Belden Brilliance Low Cap OFHC: The cable's performance gains are achieved through the use of high-conductivity, oxygen-free copper conductors that are inherently free of impurities. The use of a low-capacitance polyolefin dielectric rather than traditional PVC ensures a high frequency response, even over extended distance cable runs. The new cables are available with 10, 12, 14 or 16 AWG bare copper conductors and feature round, brightly colored and satin-finished PVC jackets.800-BELDEN1; fax 765-983-5294;www.belden.com;[email protected] FM/HD Radio mod monitor Inovonics Model 532: The company's first product manufactured under license for Ibiquity's HD Radio digital transmission system, the monitor measures parameters of the analog FM and the digital HD Radio program channels, and includes a display of the occupied spectrum. It measures the injection of FM subcarriers and displays signal strength and multipath effects. Built-in spectrum analysis provides for incoming RF and FM baseband. Its tuning range is 87.9 to 108.1MHz in 200kHz steps. Other features include a sensitivity of 10dBf for 50dB mono quieting; RS-232 serial, USB and TCP/IP network ports; and power requirements of 95 to 250Vac, 50/60Hz, 50W.800-733-0552; fax 831-458-0554;www.inovon.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: The easy-to-read display is fantastic. All the functions are built-in, including subcarriers and digital. Safety system Will-Burt D-Tec II: The built-in anti-collision system automatically stops mast extension, providing added protection from overhead hazards for the operator and equipment. The D-Tec II is equipped with the Emergency Bypass System, providing a safe means of bypassing the D-Tec II in the event a malfunction or false trip occurs preventing mast extension. System safety features include dual threshold ac alert, E-field (current) and H-field (magnetic); ac current and ac voltage sensing; audible alerts; and expanded self-testing features. The system offers an ac voltage detection range starting at 110Vac/60Hz.330-682-7015; fax 330-684-1190;www.willburt.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: Wonderful solution for mast safety. E and H field sensing is a needed feature. Podcasting, live streaming Orban 1020 FE: This encoding application for netcasting, file encoding, podcasting, audio content downloading and mobile 3GPP devices supports the MP4 family of codecs including AAC and HE-AAC/AAC Plus. It can produce podcasts that can be streamed live or played on demand, even when the file is still downloading. Also included are file hinting for streaming applications and 3GPP mobile phones. The system can tag and add graphics for album art and logos. Downloads comparable to high bit-rate MP3s and WMAs can be achieved in half the time, using half of the bandwidth.510-351-3500; fax 510-351-0500;www.orban.com;[email protected] Eight channel remote control system Broadcast Tools WVRC-8: This system comes equipped with a browser-based function program scheduler and alarm logger, while the user may select from four e-mail recipients or different sounds to play when an out-of-tolerance alarm is generated. The unit offers eight high-resolution telemetry channels, while each of the eight optically isolated status channels may be configured for five to 25Vdc wet or dry input monitoring. The eight control channels are equipped with independent SPST 1A relays for the raise/on and lower/off functions. Other features include stereo silence sensor audio and balanced caller/send telco audio; a jack for external fail power supply; ?" TRS jack for an optional external temperature sensor; a front-panel mic for remote aural monitoring; and a front/rear panel RJ-11 telephone jack for user voice response recording.877-250-5575; fax 360-854-9479www.broadcasttools.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: Lots of control in a small space. An excellent solution for smaller installations. Mini console Sierra Automated Systems Rubi-T: This mini Rubicon broadcast console is 6" high and features any number of input modules, monitor modules and talkback modules. This console is useful for news booths, edit booths, voice booths, voice tracking and mini secondary effects mixer in on-air studios. Features include a full-length 100mm P&G fader, on and off, and four programmable source select or bus assignment buttons.818-840-6749; fax 818-840-6751www.sasaudio.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: Lots of routing and mixing capability in a tiny space. Great for voice tracking, news editing and talk-show host positions. Digital clock reference Symetrix Lucid Genx192: Designed to fit in a variety of digital audio situations, this system provides a low-jitter master clock reference in several digital audio formats. It is capable of handling sampling frequencies up to 192kHz, and it features two operating modes that are accessed through the front-panel interface. A Sync Source select knob allows the operator to choose internal reference and distribution functions. In distribution mode, an external AES or word clock sync source fed into the device appears at each of the Genx192's 14 sync outputs. The unit also includes circuitry that examines the word clock connections and indicates, via a rear-panel LED, whether that particular connection is properly terminated.425-787-3222; fax 425-787-3211www.symetrixaudio.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: Everyone needs a solid time reference now. Lots of outputs and selectable time reference. HD Radio exciter Harris Flexstar HDX-FM: This exciter provides real-time adaptive correction technology that offers noise reduction and transmitter and antenna linearity. The unit features adaptive group delay equalization; secondary auto-switching of AES3 and composite inputs; and hybrid/straight FM outputs for the split-level combining method, which enables a power-efficient implementation of FM HD Radio using a station's existing FM transmitter and antenna.800-622-0022; fax 513-459-3890www.broadcast.harris.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: The multiple inputs and auto input switching are great features. The two RF outputs facilitate use for high-level and split-level combining. HD-2-ready automation Broadcast Electronics Audiovault 9.5: Central to the new software version is the Flexscreen approach to the user interface, which gives broadcasters various profile options for personalized, on-screen layout of the functions used in their studios. Broadcasters can profile workspaces unique to each show or format, as well as for operational continuity throughout the studio environment. This version also integrates production tools into the air studio workflow. Segue Editor is one of several tools now embedded in AV Air utility to provide greater flexibility to voice track or create music fades and other transitions within the air studio.217-224-9600; fax 217-224-9607;www.bdcast.com;[email protected] Tower safety messaging Towerswitch Collocom-2: This system is useful at the base of a tower, the doorway leading out to the antenna rooftop or the side of the equipment housing. This audio-based safety device will automatically provide one or more verbal messages to all site visitors so that they may be properly informed of any safety hazards present. The Collocom Solar Datalogger is solar-powered; it will also run on ac, dc or a site's battery bank. The system features multiple messages and alternate language record and playback capability, as well as a 250-event non-volatile event logger. It's constructed in a NEMA 4 cabinet that is waterproof and a -turn twist lock with key.561-482-7334; fax 954-428-0233www.towerswitch.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: This is a great idea with the recent attention to safety. The switch for the tower ladder and the motion sensor ensure that the warning will be heard. Digital recording mic HHB Flashmic DRM85: The Flashmic combines a Sennheiser omni-directional condenser capsule with 1GB of flash recording memory to create a portable recording device with no cables and connectors. Either WAV linear or MPEG 1 Layer 2 encoded files can then be transferred at up to 90x real-time via USB. A date/time stamp is stored along with the file, with the internal real-time clock set and synchronized automatically by the host computer. The mic is powered for more than six hours by a pair of standard AA batteries. Customizable parameters include audio mode (six settings with a maximum record time of more than 18 hours), automatic gain control on/off, record level, pre-record buffer (zero to 10 seconds) and high-pass filter on/off. Operating at the industry-standard 48kHz/16-bit, the recordings can be played back under independent level control on headphones connected via a socket on the base of the unit.860-434-9190; fax 860-434-1759;www.hhbusa.com;[email protected] What the judges had to say: I like that the controls can be locked. It's ideal for the quick reports that will return to the studio regularly. Subwoofers, monitors Genelec 7200, 8200: These monitors and subwoofers accept all standard AES/EBU formats of digital audio. The 8200/7200 series will accept sampling rates ranging from 32kHz to 192kHz. The 8200 series will also accept traditional analog signals. The 8240A uses a 6.5" woofer and " tweeter set into Genelec's Advanced Directivity Controlled Waveguide. The free-field frequency response is 48Hz to 20kHz. Peak SPL per pair is 115dB driven by a pair of 90W amplifiers for each driver. The 7260A features a single 10" proprietary driver with a 120W power amplifier, frequency response of 19Hz to 85Hz and delivers an SPL of 108dB at 1 meter.508-652-0900; fax 508-652-0909;www.genelec.com;[email protected] Pick Hits Judges The Pick Hits Judges cover the entire convention floor and make their selections independently and anonymously.Only Radio magazine tellsyou who its award judges are. Bud Aiello, CBNTDirector of Engineering TechnologyNPRWashington, DC Gordon Carter, CPBE CBNTChief EngineerWFMT-FMChicago Bill Croghan, CPBEChief EngineerLotus BroadcastingLas Vegas Steve FlukerDirector of EngineeringCox RadioOrlando, FL Gary Kline, CBNTVP Corporate Engineering/ITCumulus MediaAtlanta Kent Kramer, CBREDirector of EngineeringReach MediaDallas Marshall RiceEngineering DirectorBonneville InternationalSt. Louis Barry Thomas, CPBE CBNTOwnerThomas MediaBloomfield, NJ Pick Hits Rules Unlike some other convention awards, the Radio magazine Pick Hits are selected by following a set of established, published rules. Products must be new and not shown at a previous NAB spring convention. In some cases, distinguishing a new product from a modified older one is difficult. For Pick Hits purposes, a new product is one with a new model number or designation. Products must have some positive impact on the intended user's everyday work. Judges search for equipment intended for use on a regular basis. Products should provide new solutions to common problems. Products must offer substantial improvement over previous technology. Unique circuit architecture need not be included, but some new approach or application must be involved in the product's design. The price of the product must be within reach of its intended users. The judges seek products appropriate to a wide range of facilities. The products must be available for purchase within the 2006 calendar year. Equipment must be on display on the show floor, currently (or imminently) in production, and some type of product literature must be available. Judges take the exhibitor's word on availability dates. Products demonstrated in private showings do not qualify. The Pick Hits Judges operate independently from one another and remain anonymous to everyone including other judges until the selection meeting. This ensures that the products chosen are truly representative of the industry, that the judges were not persuaded in any way, and that the entire selection process is as fair as possible. The judge's identities are published in the June 2006 issue. The editorial staff of Radio magazine serves only as a moderator during the final selection process and has no influence or decision in determining the winners. |