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10TH ANNUAL FACILITYMAINTENANCE REPORT:Maintaining today's broadcast and productionfacilities requires a high level of human skill -and the right test equipment. Because audioand video hardware is sophisticated andcomplex, a DVM and single -channel scopemay not be enough to get the job done. Thismonth's features provide some practicalanswers to maintaining today's sophisticatedproduction and broadcast hardware.

DEPARTMENTS:

ContentsNovember 1993 Volume 35 Number 11

BROaDCaSTenGneeRinG

POWERDIVIDER

AUDIOPROGRAM

DEMOD

AUDIO

AUDIO AUDIOPROGRAM

DEMOD

DATA

DEMOD

OSPARE/FUTUREEXPANSION

Page 54 Page 72

THIS MONTH...

26 Testing Audio - AutomaticallyBy Bob Metzler, Audio PrecisionAutomating the testing function can reduce maintenance costs.

34 Automated Testing for VideoBy Mark J. Everett, VideotekLet a computer track down the problem.

44 Choosing a Scope: Analog or DigitalBy Vivek Chhabria, TektronixDifferences between analog and digital scopes define how best to apply them.

54 Maintaining Satellite Systems

468

NewsEditorialFCC Update

By Greg Monti, National Public RadioSatellites are still the choice for point-to-multipoint distribution.

10 Strictly TV 64 Troubleshooting PC -Based Equipment12 re: Radio

By Curtis Chan, Chan and Associates1416

Management for EngineersCircuits It's not as difficult as it appears.

1820

TroubleshootingTechnology News OTHER FEATURES:

79 Industry Briefs80 New Products85 Classifieds88 Advertisers' Index

ON THE COVER:Maintaining today's sophisticated broadcastproduction hardware also requires equallysophisticated test equipment. Becausedowntime is extremely expensive, replacing adefective IC or board must take place inminutes - not hours. (Cover design: EricaAndrews.)

72 Intercom System Design and SelectionBy David Lawrance, Philip Drake Electronics LimitedIt's often the easiest system to forget, but one of the hardest to do without.

76 "Radio in Transition:" New Profit CentersBy Eric Small, Modulation SciencesFM subcarriers are providing new ways for generating revenue.

2 Broadcast Engineering November 1993

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News

By Dawn Hightower,senior associate editor

NATAS awardsTechnical Emmys

The National Academy of TelevisionArts and Sciences (NATAS) presented its1992-1993 Technological Achievementand Scientific Development EmmyAwards on Oct. 5 in New York.

The awards were presented to 11 com-panies and one individual and they are asfollows: Advent Communications and ComsatCorporation (joint award) for miniaturelightweight and rapid deployment earthterminals for satellite news gathering. Avid, EMC and Montage Group (jointaward) for enabling technology for non-linear editing systems using digital im-ages and sounds. Sony, Tektronix, Thomson Broadcast andSociety of Motion Picture and TelevisionEngineers (joint award) for in -plant digi-tal serial interconnection technology fortelevision. Dr. Frank G. Back for zoom lens technol-ogy for broadcast TV cameras. Matsushita Electric Industrial Companyfor pioneering developments in digitalvideo production switcher technology. Philips Electronics for prism technologyfor color TV cameras.

Wireless cable demosdigital compressiontechnology

The first public demonstrations of wire-less cable digital signal compression and2 -way capability were viewed by thou-sands of industry representatives fromaround the world at the Wireless CableAssociation International Show, in Au-gust, in Orlando, FL.American Telecasting, Inc. (ATI), an

operator of wireless cable systems andoperator of the wireless system servingOrlando, sponsored the show. The dem-onstration proved the viability of com-pression in wireless cable and the com-patibility of transmission and receptionequipment with advanced technology.

Several wireless cable equipment manu-facturers participated. General Instru-ment supplied a 4:1 video compressionsystem, and Scientific Atlanta contrib-uted its CD -quality digital audio (10:1).EMCEE Broadcast Products transmittedall signals with fully synthesized 50Wtransmitters. Microwave Filter Corpora-tion provided the channel combiners,

and Conifer Corporation supplied thelow -phase noise downconverter and re-ceiving antenna. Zenith Electronics dem-onstrated Z -View, a real-time, 2 -way, re-mote -ordering data system for pay -per -view.

The demonstration showed that wire-less cable technology is capable of offer-ing expanded channel and interactiveservices and is positioned to meet thedemand for these services in the future.

FCC seeks commentson EBS technologyThe second round of tests of emer-

gency broadcasting system (EBS) equip-ment was completed Sept. 11-15 by theFCC in Pikesville, MD. These tests wereconducted to select a new technology toreplace the existing EBS.

The FCC wants to complete the evalua-tion process by the end of the year. Nowthat the second round of tests have beencompleted, the FCC is looking for replycomments from interested parties andmanufacturers.

SCTE issues call forpapers

The Society of Cable Television Engi-neers (SCTE) is seeking abstracts for tech-nical papers to be presented at its 1994Cable-Tec Expo, June 15-18 in St. Louis.

This convention/trade show will com-bine technical programs, hands-on train-ing and technical workshops with instruc-tional hardware exhibits.

Technical papers that are accepted willbe presented at the society's 18th annualEngineering Conference. Proposed work-shops should provide attendees with in-depth instruction on technical proce-dures that are used in everyday practice.Papery will be compiled into an EXPOProceedings manual that will be distrib-uted to attendees and available for salethrough the society. Submissions mustbe sent by Nov. 22 to Bill Riker, c/o SCTE,669 Exton Commons, Exton, PA 19341.Submissions must include an abstract ofthe proposed paper or presentation. Forfurther information, contact SCTE at 215-363-6888, or fax 215-363-5898.

News continued on page 85

EDITORIALBrad Dick, EditorSkip Pizzi, Technical EditorSteve Epstein, Technical EditorDawn Hightower, Senior Associate EditorStefanie Kure, Associate EditorTom Cook, Senior Managing EditorCarl Bentz, Directory Editor

BROaDCaSTenGineeRinG

ARTErica Andrews, Associate Art Director

BUSINESSRaymond E. Maloney, PresidentCameron Bishop, Group Vice PresidentDennis Triola, PublisherTom Brick, Marketing DirectorStephanie Hanaway, Group Director, Special ProjectsKathryn Buckley, Promotions ManagerSandra Tomczak, Promotions CoordinatorDee Unger, Advertising Business ManagerMary Birnbaum, Advertising Production SupervisorShelly Larkey, Advertising CoordinatorGreg Hembree, List Rental SalesDoug Coonrod, Corporate Art DirectorJulie Neely, Circulation DirectorCustomer Service: 913-967-1711

TECHNICAL CONSULTANTSNed Soseman, Contributing EditorEric Neil Angevine, Broadcast AcousticsJohn H. Battison, Antennas/RadiationDennis Ciapura, Radio TechnologyDane E. Ericksen, P.E., Systems DesignJohn Kean, Subcarrier TechnologyDonald L Markley, Transmission FacilitiesHarry C. Martin, LegalCurtis Chan, Audio/Video Technology

MEMBER ORGANIZATIONSSustaining Members of: Acoustical Society of America Society of Broadcast Engineers Society of Motion Picture and TV Engineers

Member,American Business Press

Member,BPA International

ARP

ge8BROADCAST ENGINEERING is edited forcorporate management, engineers/technicians andother station management personnel atcommercial and educational radio and TV stations,teleproduction studios, recording studios, CATVand CCTV facilities and government agencies.Qualified persons include consulting engineers anddealer/distributors of broadcast equipment.

BROADCAST ENGINEERING (ISSN 0007-1994) ispublished monthly (plus three special issues) andmailed free to qualified persons within the UnitedStates and Canada in occupations described above.Second-class postage paid at Shawnee Mission, KS,and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER Sendaddress changes to Broadcast Engineering, P.O.Box 12960, Overland Park, KS 66282-2960.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Non -qualified persons maysubscribe at the following rates: United States andCanada: one year, $50.00. Qualified and non -qualified persons in all other countries; one year,$60.00 (surface mail); $115.00 (air mail).Subscription Information: P.O. Box 12937, OverlandPark, KS 66282-2937.

Authorization to photocopy items for internal orpersonal use, or the internal or personal use ofspecific clients, is granted by Intertec Publishing,provided that the base fee of U.S. $2.00 per copy,plus U.S. $00.00 per page is paid directly toCopyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street,Salem, MA 01970 USA. For those organizations thathave been granted a photocopy license by CCC, aseparate system of payment has been arranged.The fee code for users of the TransactionalReporting Service is 0007-1994/1993 $2.00 $00.00.

CORRESPONDENCEEditorial and Advertising: 9800 Metcalf, OverlandPark, KS 66212-2215. Telephone: 913-341-1300;Editorial fax: 913-967-1905. Advertising fax: 913-967-1904.© 1993 by Intertec PublishingAll rights reserved.

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8 -track technology

Irecently encountered the newest piece of equipment in the technical revolutionthat many of us have been talking about - the 16:9 widescreen TV set. Although I'dseen plenty before, this one was for sale in my local video store.

I quickly grabbed the store manager and began asking him questions. How much didit cost? How did it display 4:3 images? What types of inputs did it accept? What about

audio, stereo, mono, surround sound? All the typical semi-technical questions were quickly answered. Now, on to thehard stuff. How does a 16:9 set display 4:3 images?

The set provides four modes of image display. The firstmode provides the standard 4:3 image displayed on the 16:9screen. The only problem is the two black bars on each sidewhere the screen is blank. It looks funny, but I suppose for$4,000 I could get used to it.

In the second and third modes, the video image is spreadto fit the horizontal width of the screen (with differentexpansion schemes). Oops! Once again there is a smallproblem. Because the total image has been expanded to fitthe horizontal dimension, the top and bottom portions ofthe transmitted picture can be cut off. Oh, well, unless youreally want to see the actors' feet (or heads) or the scrollingfootball scores or weather warning crawls, it won't matter.

Finally, we get to the set's real purpose: to display those16:9 images. Once again, we have a small problem. Thosetypes of images are not readily available.

To get widescreen, you have to use S -VHS tapeor laser discequipment. That means you need an S -VHS signal. Doesyour VCR have an S output? If not, then you can use yourlaser disc player that provides the 16:9 images on an S -VHSoutput. No laser player? Well, tough luck. I guess you'll have

to watch your movies and the local news like everyone else - in 4:3.Don't be too hard on the set manufacturers. After all, they're just trying to make a

buck (lots of bucks). However, in my admittedly unscientific research for thiseditorial, I did spend time visiting with salespeople who make their living selling videoequipment. Do you want to know what I learned? Few customers express any interest in the widescreen televisions. Those who do express interest are "techno-geeks" who are only looking and don't

buy anyway. For the cost of a widescreen television, you could buy a $2,000 projection television

and a complete home theater sound system. When presented with this option, almost 100% of the customers opted for a

traditional 4:3 projection television and added the audio to build a home theater.The next time you're in the local video store, look at that widescreen television.

Impress the salesperson with your knowledge. Then, like everyone else, leavewithout buying it.

If you do decide to plunk down $4,000 for the television, at least you'll own one ofthe first pieces in the coming techno-revolution.

Be careful though. Being first with that widescreen set could be déjà vu. Recall whenyou proudly drove home that brand new Ford Edsel, and when you purchased that8 -track tape player. Remember, new ideas aren't necessarily good ideas.

Brad Dick, editor


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Inquiry into definition ofaural modulation limits

By Harry C. Martin andAndrew S. Kersting

The FCC has initiated an inquiry to ex-plore policies that concern the definitionand measurement of aural modulationlimits. The agency is looking for informa-tion that will enable it to establish modu-lation limits on peak amplitude, peakduration, peak recurrence rates and thetime interval over which the peaks are tobe counted.

The FCC also will examine whether emis-sion limitations can replace modulationlimitations. The agency requested infor-mation on the application of this alterna-tive to modulation, modulation measure-ment, and the control of interference, aswell as its implications for broadcasters,equipment manufacturers and the FCC's

Proposal to amend distancecomputation on FM short -spacingThe FCC has proposed to modify its

technical rules to specify the way in whichapplicants for FM facilities may rounddistances when computing the extent towhich they are short -spaced.

Section 73.208(c) requires the comput-ed distance between two reference pointsto be rounded to the nearest kilometer.The agency believes its policy of control-ling spectrum crowding would be en-hanced if distances were specified withgreater precision than one kilometer inevaluating short -spacing waiver requestspursuant to Section 73.207(a) of the rules.

The FCC also proposed amending Sec-tion 73.208(c)(8) to restrict rounding ofdistance separation calculations to thenearest hundredth of a kilometer. Thiswould occur where an applicant is not incompliance with the minimum distanceseparation requirements. This roundingyields 10 meters, which conforms to thedegree of precision associated with therequirement that transmitter site coordi-nates be specified to the nearest second.

Proposal to extend broadcasthearing holding to three years

The FCC has proposed to require thatapplicants in comparative proceedings

Martin and Kersting are attorneys with Reddy, Begley &Martin, Washington, DC.

FCC Update

operate their stations for three yearsbefore becoming eligible to transfer them.This would supersede the requirementthat stations be held for one year.

The FCC requested comment on thefollowing questions: 1) whether the one-year holding period should be increasedto three years (or more) for applicants incomparative proceedings; 2) whether theone-year holding requirement should ap-ply to authorizations granted pursuantto settlements in comparative proceed-ings; 3) whether and how the reportingrequirements concerning adherence tocomparative proposals should be amend-ed in light of any modification in therequired holding period; 4) whether an

period should beapplicable to all existing and future au-thorizations obtained through the com-parative process, and 5) whether the FCCshould start a proceeding to inquirewhether service continuity requirementsshould be imposed on facilities not ac-quired through the hearing process.

Increased sanctions for EEOviolations

The FCC has imposed short-term re-newals, reporting conditions and fines ofup to $50,000 for EEO violations. Thelicensee of two Alabama stations wasfined $50,000 for negligence and care-lessness in providing the agency employ-ment data. Similarly, two Arizona stationswere found to have made inadequaterecruitment efforts for 49 of 72 positionsduring its 1984-1990 license term. Thelicensee was fined $25,000. The FCC stat-ed that the Arizona licensee's hiringrecords were seriously inadequate as toconstitute an absence of an EEO pro-gram. The agency imposed the fineagainst the Arizona licensee, despite thefact that its employment had droppedfrom 72 employees in 1987 to 44 in 1990and that the stations had experiencedserious financial difficulty. These EEO de-cisions show that the FCC is taking EEOviolations more seriously and that finesfor EEO violations are increasing.

Licensees generally have been able toavoid sanctions by employing minoritiesand females at 50% of their respective

percentages in the workforce. However,the FCC has adopted an "efforts -orient-ed" approach in determining whether alicensee has an effective EEO program. Inorder to avoid sanctions, a licensee mustkeep an accurate record of its affirmativeaction efforts. Licensees must provideinformation concerning every recruit-ment source used and the resulting refer-rals (including gender and minority sta-tus) for every employment opportunityduring the past license term.

If a licensee has made efforts to attractminority and female employees, and hasan accurate and detailed record, the FCCgenerally will discount any statistical dis-parity between the number of minorities

local workforce and those on thelicensee's full-time staff. In light of theagency's increased efforts to enforce itsEEO rules, licensees that cannot providedocumentation of their EEO efforts canbecome subject to FCC sanctions.

Changes in renewal reportingrequirements

The FCC amended its rules to requirelicensees of full -power commercial AM,FM and TV stations to report in theirlicense renewal applications whethertheir stations are on the air or have dis-continued service.

Date lineAsa reminder, on Dec. 1,1993, annual

ownership reports (or ownership cer-tifications) are due for all radio and TVstations licensed to communities in thefollowing states and territories: Ala-bama, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia,Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota,Montana, New Hampshire, North Dako-ta, Rhode Island, South Dakota andVermont. TV stations in the followingstates and territories must file theirrenewals by Dec. 1: Connecticut, Mas-sachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire,Rhode Island and Vermont. Minnesotaand North Dakota LPTVs also must filetheir renewals by Dec. 1. In addition,issues/programs lists for the October -December quarter must be placed inthe public file of all broadcast stationsby Jan. 10, 1994.


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Strictly HDTV

More information on thesuperhighway

By Curtis Chan

Earlier in this series, we discussed theinformation superhighway. As the Nation-al Information Infrastructure (NII) is be-ing built, several congressional membershave emerged to champion the cause.One member is Chairman of the HouseScience, Space and Technology Commit-tee, Rep. Rick Boucher, D -VA.

According to Boucher, this means hugeprofits for the players, including tele-phone and cellular companies, cablecompanies, broadcast, computer andsoftware companies.

Boucher introduced the High -Perfor-mance Computing and High -Speed Net-working Act, or HR -1757, earlier this year.The bill provides for research and devel-opment designed to tie the infrastruc-ture to the skeleton of the superhighway,Internet and NSFnet. With the aid of fed-eral grants, Boucher hopes that tyingschools, libraries and medical centersinto Internet will encourage private in-dustry to advance the system into a user-friendly data network.

He also has introduced three compan-ion bills, hoping to further encouragecompetition in the development of theNII. Of the three bills, the third bill (TheCommunications Competitiveness andInfrastructure Modernization Act, or HR -

1504) will allow telephone companies toget involved in cable services and cablecompanies to offer telephone services.Also, a newly created Fibre Channel

Association is promoting an innovativeway to interconnect local groups of com-puters. The channel offers 2 -way commu-nications and is ideal for sending full -motion video. The Fibre Channel Net-work proposes using existing twisted paircopper wires or coaxial lines over shortdistance runs.

ATTC and CRC to stay openIn late August, two pacts were signed

with the ATTC and CRC (Communica-tions Research Center) in Canada to keeptheir respective doors open through thenext testing phase in the upcoming year.

Chan is principal of Chan and Associates, a marketingconsulting service for audio, broadcast and post -production, Fullerton, CA.

Strictly TV

The two agreements (not finalized at thetime of this writing), which the alliancenegotiated separately with the parties,will provide financing to help the labsremain open while the alliance builds itssystem during the next nine months.

On scanning formats,the alliance favored

an unregulated migra-tion from interlace toprogressive scanning.

The funding came at a crucial point,given the financialevident last spring as the labs approacheda second round of proponent testing. Aspart of the agreement, the standby costsfrom May to June would be paid by thealliance. Alliance participants also wouldpay testing fees to both labs once theycomplete a prototype next year.

On research progressResponding to a long list of questions

submitted to the committee's TechnicalSubgroup in June, the alliance has pre-pared answers to commonly asked ques-tions. Concerning the issue of the systemscanning format, the proponents notedthat their standard is designed as anHDTV -only system, but the modulationsubsystem would support uses for the20-25Mb/s data capacity. According tothe alliance, the HDTV standard underconsideration does not embrace digital525 -line systems or NTSC (except in itsspectrum compatibility requirements).

Also, the alliance was asked numerousquestions concerning 525 -line digital vid-eo and widescreen receivers. The alli-ance said there were no plans for multi-plexing 525 -line pictures and that themultiplexed 525 -line TV wasn't within thescope of the FCC's mandate for the Advi-sory Committee or for HDTV proponents.

In response to the question on the abil-ity of ATV receivers to display NTSC pic-tures, the alliance felt the ability to de-code and display NTSC be a receiveroption driven by marketplace forces.

What price to pay for progressiveOn scanning formats, the alliance fa-

vored an unregulated migration from in-terlace to progressive scanning, althoughit did favor non -regulatory incentives forencouraging the adoption of progressivescanning. The group defended its argu-ment by acknowledging the inclusion ofboth interlace and progressive scanningin the system, saying that each approachcarries attributes rendering it superiorfor certain applications.

"The issue is not one merely of perfor-mance, but (one that) involves the rela-tive commercial effects on different in-dustries that have different applicationsand markets," said the alliance.

further maintained that the initial setswill not become obsolete once the indus-try migrates to the progressive format.The group added that the consumer prod-ucts would be able to support the inter-lace and progressive scanning formats.They expect that a given receiver willhave a native mode display format opti-mized for the receiver's intended marketand that the receiver will convert what-ever signal is decoded into its nativedisplay mode.

Receivers could cost-effectively incor-porate a menu of conversions.

MIT proposes a new path toprogressive

MIT's Jae Lim recently offered a basicproposal and three specific methods formoving the advanced TV standard froman early format to one providing a higherresolution. The paper proposed that en-hancement bits should be added to thedatastream as compression technologyevolves in order to allow for the extrainformation.

The effectiveness of the added bits,according to the paper, would depend onthe number of bits allocated for enhance-ment and the efficiency of the enhance-ment method. An earlier paper, pendingsubmission by Glenn Reitmeier of theDavid Sarnoff Research Center, also ad-dressed a similar approach.

M


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Considering AMexpansion

By John H. Battison, P.E.

The brave new AM world of 1,610kHz to1,710kHz is slowly growing closer. Theemphasis is on slowly. This past summer,the FCC invited potential applicants forthe expanded band to send letters ofinterest to the commission. Approximate-ly 1,000 responses were received.Of these,around 250 were dismissed. Approximate-ly 500 were potentially accepted as fu-ture applicants, and the remainder weresent letters of inquiry.

One of the main objectives of addingthe new band was to reduce interferenceand improve quality. The first applicantsto receive CPs in the expanded band willbe those stations that presently causeand receive the greatest amounts of in-terference. From there, the awards will godown the list of deserving applicants.Presumably, any unapplied-for channelswill be available for daytimers to request.

Daytimers and directionalsOne rule that I think is unfortunate is

the general denial of full-time operationin the new band to existing daytime -onlyoperations. Notice I did not call this un-fair, although some have used that ex-pression. If I were a daytimer, I might feeldifferently, but all of the operators whoopted for daytime -only knew it was theonly way to get on the air and provide aneeded service. There was always thehope of night operation in the distantfuture, and this did come about a fewyears ago, thanks to the Daytimers' Asso-ciation. In many cases, the allowable highpower is minimal - in the range of 4W to30W, or a little more in some cases, butfrom this has sprung some hope, expand-ed -band limitations notwithstanding.This seemingly useless low power is

creating a new breed of night broadcast-ers. For a change, licensees of directionalstations enjoy an unexpected benefit.

Consider a non -DA station with a nightpower of 30W. Radiated uniformly aroundthe station, 30W will not generally pro-vide much in the way of night coverage,even with high conductivity. As a result,

Battison, BE's consultant on antennas and radiation,owns John H. Battison, P.E. and Associates, a consultingengineering company in Loudonville, near Columbus, OH.

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some broadcasters have not implement-ed nighttime operation.

Now consider a DA operator with acardioid or tighter pattern. With any kindof gain in the major lobe, that 30W canbecome the equivalent of 100W or more.

Adding 100kHz willgive us 10 new chan-nels and more "new"stations nationwide.

Typically, the daytime DA is normallydirected toward the city of license, sothis nighttime power is placed where itcan do the most good locally. A number ofstations so situated have been able todevelop a financially useful night audi-ence from a handful of watts. Good engi-neering practice is essential, becausewhen the power level is low, every milli -

watt helps. Many broadcasters have beensurprised by the results that can be pro-duced at night with low power.

There also has been an easement insome relevant FCC rules. When low -pow-er night operation was first approved,licensees had to operate from their stan-dard daytime antenna system. Later, therules were relaxed to permit operationfrom a separate antenna system at night,provided several requirements were met.This meant that a station whose antennasite was located several miles outside thecity of license could provide at least amodicum of nighttime service with only afew watts of power by transmitting atnight from an approved antenna at thedowntown studio. Naturally, the regularinterference rules apply and a propertechnical showing must be made to dem-onstrate that the move of a few miles willnot introduce interference.

Because the FCC contemplates simpleDAs and lower powers for the new band,it may be possible to incorporate thenow -developing new rules for directionalantenna systems into this process. If theserules can be promulgated before the plan-

ning stages of the new band stations, wemay see a new breed of simplified direc-tional stations that were designed withnew tools and constructed with new tech-niques. They also might operate entirelyunattended, so beware, DA -station engi-neers and operators.Also consider the need for stations to

maintain two separate transmitting in-stallations. Because most of the newband's stations will be directional, it islikely that existing transmitter sites won'tsuit the new allocations. Therefore, a newsite will be required, probably implyingthe installation of a second transmitter.

It's happened beforeThe upper expansion of the AM band is

reminiscent of the lower -end extension inthe 1940s. Old-timers will recall that onceupon a time, the U.S. AM band started at550 "kc" instead of its current 540kHz.(There was a Canadian station on 540kcin Watrous, Saskatchewan, but that was aspecial allocation at the time.) The upperend was still 1,600kc (actually 1,605kc toallow for modulation).

In late 1945, the company I had justjoined was considering the establishmentof a new station at the low end of the band(550kc), and this was thought to be a boldmove. There was considerable doubt thatmany car radios would tune satisfactori-ly down that far. One of my jobs was to goaround to as many cars as possible andsee whether the dial extended down to550. If so, I had to verify that the radioworked properly at this frequency.

Back then, only 10kc was added to thelow end of the dial. Today, we are adding100kHz to the upper end. Adding 10kcgave us one additional AM channel. Add-ing 100kHz will give us 10 new channelsand, of course, many more "new" stationsnationwide.

When the single new channel was add-ed in the 1940s, the industry promptlytook it and sewed it into as many marketsas possible, producing the attendant side -band problems. Having learned from ourearlier mistakes, the FCC has planned abetter use for this round of growth in theAM band.


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Management for Engineers

BE answers yourquestions

By Judith E.A. Perkinson

This month's column will answer someof the management questions that Broad-cast Engineering has received from itsreaders. We tried to select questions thatseemed to represent common concerns.Keep sending in your questions. Remem-ber, the "Management for Engineers" col-umn is here to serve your needs.

Q. My GM is too involved with my engi-neering department. He doesn't allow mesufficient latitude to make decisions on myown, and he constantly second-guesses me.He treats me like a child. I resent hisinterference. I am a capable manager, buthow can I prove it to him?A. You are the victim of a micro manager.A micro manager is someone who cannotdelegate authority. Micro managers usu-ally fall into two categories.1. Bright and talented.2. Insecure and unsure.

Micro managers tend to be autocratic.They are frustrating to work for and canlower a person's feelings of self-worth.

You probably already know which typeof manager you have. Let's examine thedifferent approaches to dealing with thiskind of supervisor. Bright and talented. The reason this typeof manager has so much trouble delegat-ing authority is because he doesn't be-lieve anyone can do the job better thanhe can. The key to getting this type ofmanager to loosen his stranglehold onyour department is to build trust andconfidence. You must show your manag-er that you can handle a project.

The best approach is to break the taskinto pieces and begin reclaiming yourdepartment. Negotiate with your manag-er for the lower -level responsibilities.When he agrees, complete the job (aheadof schedule, if possible) and report onyour success. Next time, do that task andone the next level higher. Take the workto your manager for his review and ap-proval. Once he has confidence in yourability, timeliness and thoroughness, thebright and talented micro manager willback off.

Perkinson is a senior member of the Calumet Group Inc.,Hammond, IN.

Insecure and unsure. This type of man-ager is tougher to handle. Many GMs arenot confident in their knowledge aboutthe technical side of broadcasting. Theyoften feel vulnerable because they don'tunderstand the technical language usedby engineers. This can lead them to sec-ond-guess their engineers.Follow the same tactic used with the

bright and talented micro manager. It isimportant that you make this person feelcomfortable. One secret is to make himthink that the solution was his idea (makesure you share the credit). Feed his egowhile assuring him that you will makehim look good.

Micro managers are difficult to workfor, but they can be reformed.

Q. I am a technical director. Although /agree with and embrace the participativemanagement approach, my director of en-gineering does not. I am frustrated by hisautocratic practices. How can I effectivelyinfluence him without creating undue strifeand insecurity?A. The transition from autocratic to par-ticipative management is not easy and farfrom complete at most companies. Manymanagers in every kind of industry arestruggling with the same question. Expe-rience has taught us what we can andcannot do to influence the system. Today,it is popular to play the participativegame.

In reality, not everyone who is talking isdoing, and not everyone who is doingknows how to make it work. As a techni-cal director (middle manager), you mustunderstand how much and what kind ofinfluence you have.

First, you have the ability to determinehow you will manage the people underyou and how you relate with your peers.Establish a "sanctuary of sanity." Thismeans that you create a participativeenvironment for your subordinates andinsulate them from the autocratic worldabove you. It is possible to make a partic-ipative environment successful.

Next, you must realize that it is notalways possible to "manage up" in a com-pany. If your director of engineering claimshe believes in the principles of participa-

tive management, then use your depart-ment as an example of how well it canwork. Show him that this theory is prac-tical in day-to-day use. If your supervisoris a confirmed dinosaur, you may have tobe satisfied with your sanctuary of sanity.The good news is that dinosaurs are find-ing it harder to hide behind rhetoric andare dying out.

Any management questions?Have your management concerns addressed inupcoming columns. Send your questions to:

Via fax:"Management for Engineers"do Editor, Broadcast Engineering913-967-1905Mailing address:"Management for Engineers"do Editor, Broadcast Engineering9800 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66212

Q. My GM never says "thanks" for a jobwell done. I don't feel that my efforts arebeing recognized. How can I be sure shevalues my contributions?A. Everyone has different styles of man-agement, and not all of them are good.Some managers believe that successfulcompletion of a job is expected and thatpeople should not have to be thanked fordoing their job. Usually, this type of man-ager is quick to let you know when youare not meeting her standards. If shejumps on you when you make a mistakeor do not perform as expected, then youcan take her silence for approval.

Most of us need positive reinforcementto feel good about what we are doing. It isdifficult to work for a person who doesnot give positive reinforcement. Whenfaced with this situation, you must pro-vide your own sense of pride. If you aredoing a good job, then give yourself a paton the back once in a while.

If you never receive any feedback, pos-itive or negative, then you may have a GMwho does not know what a good job is. Itis not uncommon for a GM to be unin-formed about the workings of the engi-neering department. If this is the case,you should begin educating your boss.Only then will you be on the road to moreeffective communication.


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Digital audio via telco

Leased services

By Jack Kelly

Typically, broadcast engineers havebeen responsible for the selection of themost advantageous signal transport fa-cilities while maintaining cost control.The digital advances in studio equipmentare now being matched in the telco net-work. Digital audio transmission servic-es are widely available, often at low cost.Broadcast engineers need to rethink theapplicability of these services for theirstation's signal transport requirements.This 2 -part series explores wired digitaltransmission and the various servicesoffered by the telephone companies (car-riers) to the broadcast industry.

Consider what occurs when an analogsignal travels over distance: Attenuationfrom path losses requires the signal to beamplified (perhaps repeatedly), a pro-cess that inherently adds unwanted noiseto the signal. Digital signals are attenuat-ed by the same losses over distance dur-ing transmission. However, because thesignal in this case is a binary bitstream, itcan be repeatedly regenerated with a highdegree of faithfulness to the original trans-mission and no additive signal degrada-tion.

In the wired world, digital bandwidthoften can be obtained in precisely theincremental amounts necessary for the

Kelly is vice president of marketing at Intraplex, Westford,MA.

Circuits

application. As a result, new levels ofefficiency can be achieved through theenabling technology of digital transmis-sion.

Leased serviceSeveral options are offered by telco

carriers for digital communications be-tween two or more places on a perma-nent basis. The most flexible is called T-1, which has been the primary digitalbackbone technology of the carriers sincethe 1960s. T-1 was made available forcommercial customers in 1983 after thebreakup of the Bell System. It has gainedenormous popularity in the businessworld because it is flexible, cheap andubiquitous. T-1 transmits 1.544Mbit/s andis useful to the broadcast engineer be-cause it is capable of carrying high -qual-ity audio without data reduction. (CD-

quality stereo - 44.1kHz sampling using16-bits/sample per audio channel - re-quires approximately 1.4Mbit/s.)

Data reduction can allow a T-1 circuit tocarry multiple stereo signals. Because aT-1 circuit is composed of 24 subchan-nels of 64kbit/s each (called DSOs or slots),many applications can share the same T-1 line. (See Figure 1.) This means thatconventional voice, 15kHz audio, 7.5kHzaudio, personal computer data, transmit-ter monitoring and more can travel be-tween the same two locations on thesame line without interference.

Individual digital audio channels areassigned to a single or multiplexed groupof DSOs, which are used as 64kbit/s build-ing blocks to create a channel of therequired data rate. For example, a voice-grade circuit uses a single DSO, but a data-

reduced (4:1) 15kHz stereo circuit takesfour DSOs (256kbit/s). Reconfiguring thesemixed channels is accomplished whenthe user simply switches out cards in theterminal racks at each end. No carrierintervention is required.

In some cases (generally long -haul cir-cuits only), if a full 1.5Mbit/s channel isnot required, Fractional T-1 service maybe available, in which only the number ofmultiplexed DSOs required to provide anadequate data rate for the application athand (for example, six DSOs to provide384kbit/s) is leased between two pointsand priced accordingly at reduced rates.

Perhaps most different from analog tel-co program circuits is T -1's bidirectionalnature. Full duplex operation providesanother 1.5Mbit/s of bandwidth on thereturn path. This is suitable for STL/TSLapplications, among others. The two di-rections' configurations need not be iden-tical. In other words, the line can carry afew high -quality audio signals in one di-rection while it carries many voice -gradeand data channels in the other direction.

STEREO STEREO STEREO STEREO MONO MONO MONO15 kHz 15 kHz 15 kHz 15 kHz 15 kHz 7.5 kHz 7.5 kHzAUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO

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Understanding crosstalk

Sources and measurement

Troubleshooting

By M. Raymond Jason

Crosstalk is the unwanted transfer of anaudio signal from one channel to another.Any multichannel analog audio system- from a single tape machine to a net-work distribution center - exhibitscrosstalk among its channels. Even asdigital audio widens the dynamic rangeof broadcast audio systems, it also canreveal itself crosstalking into the analogportions of mixed digital -analog environ-ments. Therefore, crosstalk mitigation hastaken on increased importance.

In some cases, objectionable crosstalkappears suddenly. The culprit may be awayward strand of wire that providesunwanted contact between adjacent-

channel conductors, or a broken connec-tion causing the loss of a ground refer-ence or the loss of one side of a balancedpair.This 2 -part series will discuss how to

minimize the chronic, built-in crosstalkthat is present in every piece of analogequipment and every audio facility.

Sources of crosstalkAny electrical signal generates a field

that, if close enough to another conduc-tor, produces an image of the originalsignal in that conductor. The field's elec-trical component couples capacitively;its magnetic component (which is gener-ally weaker in voltage -based audio cir-cuits because of the low currents in-volved) couples inductively.

A reasonable first approximation, there-fore, ignores the magnetic/inductive com-ponent of coupling. In practice, crosstalkusually increases with frequency, as wouldbe expected with capacitive coupling.Crosstalk in ATRs, however, includes alow -frequency inductive component be-cause of the involvement of tape heads.(See Figure 1.)

Increasing the distance between alter-nate -channel conductors reduces capac-itive and magnetic coupling at the rate of3dB per doubling of distance. Crossingchannels at right angles (as opposed torunning them in parallel) minimizes elec-trical coupling and eliminates magnetic

Jason is an electronics engineer at National Public Radio,Washington, DC.

coupling. Placing a ground plane adja-cent to a conductor or enclosing it in agrounded shield greatly reduces the ex-tent of the electrical field but does notaffect the magnetic field. These facts areespecially useful for installations andequipment design, but more difficult toapply to purchased equipment and exist-ing installations. Fortunately, some sim-ple changes to the interconnections with-in and between equipment can some-times produce a measurable reduction incrosstalk. ( See Part 2.)

Measuring crosstalkAudio crosstalk in a system is typically

expressed as a (negative) decibel voltageratio between the level observed on anundriven channel -under -test and the lev-el supplied to a driven channel in thesystem. For example, if one channel of asystem is supplied with a +4dBu sinewave and another undriven channel inthat system is measured to have a -45dBusignal, the crosstalk to the undriven chan-nel from the driven channel is -45 - (+4) =-49dB.

However, such a measurement isn't com-plete. Because crosstalk varies with fre-quency, measurements must refer to thefrequency of the test signal (e.g., -75dB at10kHz). Even more useful is a crosstalkspectrum built from a series of measure-ments. Standard practice is to plot (neg-ative) decibels down the y-axis with 0dBat the top, and to plot logarithmic fre-quency from left to right across the x-axisover the bandwidth of interest, as shownin Figure 1.

Perform crosstalk measurements witha narrow bandpass filter to exclude off -frequency energy. The goal of a crosstalkmeasurement is to find the attenuation ofa signal as it couples from a driven chan-nel to an undriven channel. Measure-ments made with unfiltered voltmetersshow less attenuation than actually ex-ists, because the noise energy across thevoltmeter's bandwidth is measured alongwith the coupled signal energy.

Because bandpass filters exhibit atten-uation even at their center frequency,take that attenuation into account bymeasuring the driven and the undriven

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Figure I. Upper trace shows a typical 2 -trackanalog AIR's crosstalk between channels ona full, end -to -end pass -through machine,including a tape generation (L e., record plusplayback crosstalk). Lower trace shows thesame ATR's crosstalk measured at the deck'soutput with monitor in input mode (i.e., 1/0electronics' crosstalk only).

channels with the filter in place. If avail-able, take advantage of the automatedtest equipment's ability to subtract noise,including its own inherent crosstalk, fromyour measurements.

The test signal may be distorted as ittravels into the undriven channel -under-test and will be mixed with that channel'snoise. To ensure an accurate rms (root-mean -square) reading, use a true rmsvoltmeter. The rms-calibrated average -responding voltmeter provides rms mea-surements when responding to clean sinewaves, which a crosstalked signal is not.

Some input circuits intermodulate out -of -band energy with in -band signals. Forthis reason, make crosstalk measure-ments to as high a frequency as your testequipment allows, especially where digi-tal or time -code signals exist alongsideanalog. You also may find useful a worst-case or all -hostile crosstalk measurement.This is when one channel is selected to beundriven as usual, but all other channelsin the system are driven in parallel by thetest sine wave.

For any crosstalk measurement, termi-nate both ends of the channel -under -testwith impedances equal to those of nor-mal operation. Next month's column willexplain why this is important.


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Technology News

Real time videocompression

By Curtis Chan

The recent completion of the MPEG 2video standard has prompted a flurry ofproduct and strategy announcementsfrom MSOs, cable equipment producersand semiconductor manufacturers whowant to make a name for themselves.This may be premature, however, becausethe audio and system subsets have notyet been finalized.

Digital compression allows from four to10 video programs to be transmitted inthe same bandwidth as a single analogprogram with error correction that en-sures the data arrives intact. One compa-ny with a new generation of MPEG com-pression chips is C -Cube Microsystems.Its latest entry into the compression are-na is a set of video RISC compressionchips, the CLM 4500 and 4600. The chipsare aimed at real time compression ofdigital video, and they support MPEG 1and 2, P*64(h.261), JPEG and other possi-ble proprietary algorithms.

Chip detailsApplications for the chips are wide-

spread, with the CLM 4500 handling res-olutions around the 352x240 range andthe CLM 4600 handling up to 704x480.The CLM 4500 MPEG 1 encoder offers realtime MPEG 1 Standard Industry Format(SIF) support with video CD resolution.This allows affordable real time multime-dia and digital video authoring of CDs.The 4500 has a CCIR 601 input and anMPEG 1 SIF output. The encoder fits onan IBM PC plug-in board, is programma-ble with digital noise reduction, and in-cludes such features as rate control andautomatic scene change detection.

The CLM 4600 is the first real time MPEG2 encoder with resolutions of 704x480 forNTSC and 704x576 for PAL. Like the 4500,it has CCIR 601 inputs and MPEG com-pressed outputs. It uses eight processorsfor real time NTSC compression and nineprocessors for PAL. It can support sever-al horizontal resolutions and inverse te-lecine support.

Both chips and the upcoming decoder

Chan is principal of Chan and Associates, a marketingconsulting service for audio, broadcast and post -production, Fullerton, CA.

counterparts will be programmable, asopposed to fixed function. Benefits in-clude improving the quality of encodingalgorithms on a continual basis, addingcustom features and the possibility of

The chips can supportseveral horizontalresolutions and in-

verse telecine support.

executing more than one DCT-based stan-dard. In most cases, hard -wire fixed -func-tion codecs offer none of the advantagesand only cost slightly less to produce.

The chips comprise approximately 1.2million transistors each, using CMOS 0.8micron fab technology at 3.5W rated pow-er drain. The surface -mount package sam-ples should make their debut before theend of the year.

A typical broadcast -quality encoderwould functionally resemble the figureand use multiple video RISC processors.In a scaled operation using the first twogenerations of chips, multiple VCPs (eightto 14) would be used to divide an imageinto overlapping segments so the videocan be dealt with in real time. Unfortu-nately, it is still too large for use in ENGcameras and digital videotape recorders.

DRAM would be used for buffering andwould be connected to each VCP via a 32 -bit bus. A 32 -bit host bus would allowconnection to other VCPs, and the videobus would be either eight or 16 bits wide.Current real time solutions cost between$100,000 to $500,000. The Video RISCCompressed Architecture (VCA) wouldreduce size and cost dramatically. Latergenerations would shrink chip counts toone or two and also could operate as adecoder to allow playback of recordedcompressed video.

MPEG 2 statusThe main reason to discuss MPEG 2 is

because of the growing support base forthe evolving standard. Broadcasters andequipment suppliers have indicated thatthey will support and use the MPEG stan-

dard, with GI announcing that DigiCypher2 will be MPEG 2 compatible. Consequent-ly, many companies are touting MPEG-based systems under development.

The standard has three elements: vid-eo, audio and system. The video elementdefines a syntax for compressed videoand gives the outlines of the techniquesthat can be used to compress video intothat syntax. The audio element defines asyntax for compressed audio, and thesystem element describes the mecha-nism for combining and synchronizingthe video and audio elements in a singledatastream. Neither of these last two syn-taxes are frozen, but semiconductor de-vices are available to implement theseelements. However, they do not exist forthe video portion.

MPEG 1 and MPEG 2 differencesWhen the MPEG 1 committee began the

task of specifying a syntax for compresseddigital video, its goal was the delivery ofvideo onto a compact disc, using the1.416Mbits/s data rate as a guideline.Aware that it was impossible to representa CCIR 601 resolution image at such a lowdata rate, the committee specified a one -quarter resolution image (352x240 NTSC,352x288 PAL) as the SIF. MPEG 1 was aframe -oriented syntax rather than a field -oriented syntax. When decoded, the SIFresolution video is expanded to fill a fullTV screen, resulting in image quality sim-ilar to VHS.

The broadcast community recognizedthe potential of MPEG technology forincreasing the channel efficiency of satel-lite transponders and cable networks, aswell as the image quality. As a result, asecond standard, MPEG 2, evolved forbroadcast application designed to repre-sent CCIR 601 resolution video (704x480NTSC, 704x576 PAL) at data rates of4Mbits/s to 8Mbits/s.

Additionally, MPEG 2 provides supportfor interlaced fields, 16:9 ratio, multiplevideo channels in a single system streamand extensibility to HDTV. Also, MPEG 1 isa subset of MPEG 2, allowing any MPEG 2decoder to decode MPEG 1 syntax video.


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facility maintenance reportIt still takes a knowledgeable person and the right testequipment to repair modern electronics.

Recently. my VCR quit working. Undaunted, I pulled the unit from the equipment rack and proceededto tie shop, where f fully expected to repair it. iff went the cover, in :vent the tape, and I pressedplay. Result: No video output.FC UI layers of circoit boards and 130 screws 3ter, I began to realize that respite my know1-3clge andexperience in ele2tromcs, I had little chance of repairing my VCR. I had no test equipmentThe sophistication of consumer hardware pales in comparison to the professional equipment REreaders service every day. This means that today's sophisticated broadcast and productionhardware cannot be repaired witiout adec nate test equipment. We're a long way from Ire -dayswhere you had at least a 50% chance of repairing a piece of gear s mply by replacing the tube

that wasn't clowin.g. Without the proper oscilloscope, signal generator and other testeguip-ment, :oday's electronics s_mply cannot be repaired.Although digital procew_ng nas increased the performance and capability of our hardware,it also has greatly Increased the complexity. Even with autonrati: diagnostics and se,1-

testing features, it still takes a knowledgeable person and the right test equipment torepair modern electronics.

This .ssue of Broadccst Ermineer.ig is devoted to reviewing some of the latest technol-ogy _n test equipment. Whether you're involved in the maintenance of audio. video or

computer-basez equipment, having the right test eqripmen: is a necessity.

The lineupOne drudgery :hat audio engineers must perform is frequency response measure-

:nents, espec:ally on tape recorders This and many other tests are now madeinficitely easier by automatic audio measurements. Connect the inputs andoutputs. Select the type of test needed and press start. That's all you have to

do with wary of today's audio analyzers. Similar automatic performance andfeatures are available for video equipment. Learn about the latesr_ in auto-matic measurements from "Testing Audio - A-_tomatically" anc 'Auto-

mated Test Equipment for Video."New oscilloscope. technology brings Jamr..r and ease of operation to thema ntenance saff. Having :he right scope isn't an option. One cf the

fimt decisions that has to be made is whether to select an znalog ordigital oscilloscope. That choice is not as easy as it may serr-

`Choosing a Scope: Ar_alog or Ekg_ta.." will help ensure that y0.1select the best type of scope for your particular appliczticn.

Finally, with the widespread use of PC -based equipment, don'tbe surprised if you're called upon to service it. Learn some ofthe keys to successfully repairing computers in "Trtlubk-

shooting PC -Based Equiprnen:" helore yoo're pug on :hespot.

-tte.1 -ByBy Brad Dick, editor

4. "Testing Audio - Autorratizally -page 26 "Automated Testing for Vice)" 34a, "Choosing a Scope: Ana_og of Digital" 44° "Maintain_og SatellteSystems" .................._.._..._..54 "Troubleshooting Pc, -Based Equipment" ..._._..._..464

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Testing audioautomatically

The Bottom Line

Like any other area ofstation operations, the equip-ment maintenance processcan benefit from computerassistance. Keeping track ofaudio performance with anautomated testing system maysignificantly improve themaintenance engineer'sefficiency and detect problemsbefore they cause costlyfailures. Station proofs alsocan be performed withoutdown time. In an environmentof increasing consolidation,such efficiencies becomecritically important. As aresult, the cost of automatedtest equipment can be quicklyrecovered.

Automating the testing function can reducemaintenance costs.

By Bob Metzler

S

The hour was 3 a.m. - nobody's time ofpeak operating efficiency. One engineersat at the studio running the oscillatorand another was at the transmitter watch-ing the modulation monitor, operatingthe analyzer and writing down numbers.The two talked on the intercom. "Changeto 5kHz. Bring the level down a few deci-bels. Down a little more. Back up a little.OK, hold it there and read me the attenu-ator settings. Now, wait while I set leveland null the analyzer." On and on it wentin similar fashion. A radio station's fullstereo proof -of -performance could easilyrequire two hours to make the measure-ments, and another hour or two the nextday spent with a French curve graphingthe results.

In contrast, with today's latest automat-ed audio testing technology, the proofsignal can be a quarter -second multitoneburst. It comes from a CD player or DATcassette, just like a lot of the station'snormal programming. No engineers haveto be present at either the studio or trans-mitter. The graphs are automatically gen-erated and printed or saved to computerdisk. Listeners don't even know a testoccurred - they just hear a beep, whichcould be used as a time signal or part ofa station ID.

At the leading edge, that's what auto-mated audio test technology can do foryou.Conventional automated techniquesuse a series of sine wave tones, take from30 seconds to three minutes, and providethe same kind of automated print-out.

Metzler is president of Audio Precision, Beaverton, OR.

The hardwareThe basic requirements for this kind of

testing include computer -controllableaudio test instruments, a host computerand appropriate software. Some manu-facturers build the test instrument andcomputer into the same box. Others makeonly the audio test instrument, which isthen controlled from a standard comput-er, such as an IBM-compatible PC.

The audio -generating instrument maybe as simple as a conventional sine waveoscillator with computer "handles" onthe frequency and amplitude controls, oras complex as a DSP-based device thatgenerates a large number of sine wavessimultaneously, each with controllablefrequency and amplitude.

The measurement instrument mayrange from an audio voltmeter and dis-tortion analyzer with digital outputs feed-ing a computer, to an FFT spectrum ana-lyzer with sophisticated post-FFT pro-cessing. The simpler automated instru-ments test in a conventional fashion withswept or stepped sine wave signals, thusrequiring 30 seconds to three minutes fora complete proof. The DSP/FFT-basedinstruments take a more parallel ap-proach by generating all necessary fre-quencies simultaneously and can reducetest time to a quarter second or less.

Beware of softwareComputer -controlled audio test instru-

ments have been available for more than12 years. They have been used primarilyby manufacturers with large test engi-neering departments full of experienced


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programmers. Until a few years ago, al-most no one in broadcasting did auto-mated audio testing because of the largesoftware development effort required.Writing the software for complete auto-mation of tape machine alignment or anaudio proof might take a competent pro-grammer six months to two years - atime investment not likely to pay off formost broadcasters. Automated audio test-ing became practical for this industryonly when test equipment manufactur-ers started providing high-level softwarethat was as easy to operate for equip-ment testing as spreadsheets are for num-ber crunching.

COMPUTER

GENERATOR ANALYZER

DEVICEUNDERTEST

Figure 1. Block diagram of the automatedtesting setup for a typical studio device, suchas a reel-to-reel tape recorder, console oramplifier.

Good software allows selection and run-ning of alignment or proof procedures bypressing a single key so less -experiencedpersonnel can perform operations thatpreviously required more skilled opera-tors. Good software lets machine perfor-mance be verified against manufacturer'sspecs automatically. Therefore, the mostkey element for a broadcaster to evaluateis how the software works. Is fluency in acomputer language required, or are pre-set proof routines and menu -oriented pro-cedures furnished by the manufacturer?

Split -site factorsAutomated audio test equipment de-

signed for factories assumes that the in-put and output connectors of the deviceto be tested are located within a few inch-es of one another. This also is often truewhen testing studio equipment, such ascart machines, consoles and distributionamplifiers. For a full station proof or fortesting small networks (i.e., low -powerrepeaters), signal must be injected at astudio, but the analyzer normally must beat the transmitter site for adequate signal -

Circle (16) on Reply Card November 1993 Broadcast Engineering 29

to -noise ratio. Test equipment and soft-ware useful for proofs must provide forthat physical separation.

If the testing is to be done by conven-tional sine wave techniques at constantmodulation levels, the software must sup-port a data communications path fromtransmitter (modulation monitor site) tostudio (test oscillator location) in orderto exercise real time control over oscilla-tor level as the frequency is changed. Theedge -of -the -art multitone burst tech-niques require that an analyzer at thetransmitter site be able to recognize andtrigger on the studio -generated burstwhen it appears during normal program-ming. With either measurement tech-nique, the remote computer controllingthe analyzer can either store data or senda fax of graphic and tabular data to anydesired fax machine.

The CCITT 0.33 standardOnly one international standard exists

for automatic audio broadcast systemtesting. This is CC/7T 0.33, originally de-veloped by the European BroadcastingUnion (EBU) as Recommendation 27. Au-tomated audio test equipment that testsaccording to this standard is availablefrom several manufacturers. The tech-

nique was originally developed with aspecific application in mind, namely alive event carried by a large number ofbroadcasters in many countries, all linkedto the origination site via temporarilyleased telco lines. (This is a fairly com-mon European broadcasting situation.)

These remote broadcast circumstanc-

REFERENCECART/CD

1COMPUTER

ANALYZER

CART MACHINE/CD PLAYERUNDER TEST

Figure 2. Block diagram of the automatedtesting setup for a playback -only device, suchas a CD player or cart machine.

es typically allow only a brief line -testingperiod. CCITT 0.33 is designed to let eachbroadcaster verify audio quality from theremote site or to equalize as necessaryfrom a known standard test signal. Thetest signal sequence starts with one sec-ond of frequency -shift -keyed audio tonesto trigger the distant analyzers and iden-tify the originating agency. A standard-ized tone sequence of approximately 30seconds follows, each tone lasting onesecond. The analyzer, knowing in advancewhat the sequence of the tones will be,makes the appropriate measurements oflevel, response, phase, distortion andnoise against its stored reference signals.

CCITT 0.33 testing has had little usagein the western hemisphere, where studioand transmitter are normally both undercontrol of the same management, andwhere network links are somewhat morepermanent.

More than just proofsMost of what has been covered thus far

deals with the challenging full stationproof -of -performance and split -site ap-plications. However, broadcasters spenda much larger portion of their audio main-tenance time aligning and testing cartand reel-to-reel machines, VTRs and oth-

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er studio equipment thanthey do making stationproofs. Automated audiotesting can provide signifi-cant benefits in these ar-eas as well. Tape machinealignment is greatly aidedand accelerated by fastgraphical displays. Someinstrument manufacturersfurnish software thatworks with standard refer-ence tapes to simplify align-ment and performance ver-ification of the reproducesection of machines.

The standard ability ofcomputers to store testdata makes it easy to orga-

COMPUTER

GENERATOR

CONSOLE STL XMTR

STL RCVR

BROADCASTXMTR

COMPUTER

A

ANALYZER

BROADCASTRCVR

Figure 3. Block diagram of the automated testing setup for a full end -to -end transmission system, such as aradio station, repeater or network.

nize preventive maintenance programs.Routine tape machine performance -ver-ification measurements, made monthlyor quarterly over a period of time, can begraphically overlaid or automatically sub-tracted from one another to show trendsin performance. Trend data in high -fre-quency response or wow -and -flutter lev-els is invaluable in predicting the needfor head or motor/roller replacementbefore expensive and embarrassing on -air failure occurs.

Audio quality can bemaintained at higherand more consistent

levels.

An interesting application of this tech-nique has been developed by Mike Cal-laghan, chief engineer at KIIS-FM, LosAngeles. A special audio test bus thatruns from each studio to the analyzer inthe shop has been set up for this pur-pose. Because the station uses cart ma-chines that recognize carts upon inser-tion by reading encoded labels applied tothe cart shell, the switching of each cartmachine's output to the test bus is ac-complished automatically whenever anappropriately labeled test cart is loadedinto a deck. The analyzer is constantlywaiting for a test signal to appear on thebus. Engineering can therefore hand atest cart to any DJ and ask him or her torun it through each cart machine some-time during the air shift when that ma-chine is not needed for on -air program-ming. The result is the automatic accu-mulation of data to verify performanceand predict failures (with the test signalnever appearing on the air). The testresults are automatically compared tolimits set by the station's engineeringdepartment, with warning messages gen-erated whenever a cart machine movesoutside acceptable limits.

Cost considerationsAutomated audio test instruments, even

those doing conventional single sine wavetesting, involve many circuit elementsthat are not present in manually operat-ed instruments. For example, generatorfrequency, level, waveform selection, im-pedance selection and other parametersmust be set via digital connection from acomputer rather than simple front -panelpots and switches.

The distortion analysis circuitry mustbe able to set level, null out the funda-mental signal, set the proper range andprovide a digital version of the reading, inaddition to providing function and modeselection. If the instruments also can beoperated manually (rather than beingexclusively computer -controlled), themanufacturer has to include redundantcircuitry to permit both front -panel andcomputer access to all the selectable andvariable functions. If a user-friendly soft-ware package is included so that thebroadcast engineer doesn't need to be acomputer jock, that software must havebeen developed by a computer jock work-ing for the instrument manufacturer.

All of this costs money. The lowest-priced automated audio test instrumentsreadily available in the United States startat approximately $5,000. Instruments withsoftware to easily accomplish proofs andother common broadcast tests by con-ventional single sine wave techniquesstart at approximately $8,000. The so-phisticated DSP-based equipment thatcan do comprehensive audio measure-ments with only a quarter -second inter-ruption of programming costs about$12,000. Some high -end and specializedautomated audio test equipment pro-duced abroad runs in the $25,000 to$30,000 range.

Some manufacturers build generatorsand analyzers as two separate packageswhile others make an integrated genera-tor/analyzer. Among the latter, some com-panies may be able to furnish them as twoseparate packages for split -site opera-

tion for an additional $1,000 or so. If theinstrument requires an external comput-er for control, add another $800 to $1,000for a 386SX-based (or better) machine.

The reference price for today's mini-mum professionally acceptable, manual-ly operated audio test instrument set isaround $4,000. There really isn't anythingcheaper that works to broadcast stan-dards, including proper generator imped-ances, balanced input and output, levelshigh enough to drive telephone lines andso on. Compare that to approximately$8,000 ($9,000 in separate packages forsplit -site) for an instrument, plus $1,000for a PC, for the lowest -cost automatedsystem, including proof and tape machinemaintenance software (the latter elimi-nating any need for programming experi-ence by the broadcaster).

Is the cost difference of at least $5,000to $6,000 for automated testing justifiedin your operation? Automated functionscan stretch the ability of one or a fewengineers to handle a complexbroadcast-ing operation. Many test activities thatrequire a skilled engineer to perform man-ually can be triggered by on -air talent andmeasured automatically if automated test-ing is available. Time-consuming proofsand performance verifications can be re-duced from hours to minutes - or to afraction of a second - and may not re-quire any engineering participation untilgraphic data is ready to be analyzed.Audio quality can be maintained at high-er and more consistent levels. On -air fail-ures and expensive make -goods are re-duced via predictive maintenance. Foran amount comparable to a few monthssalary for an engineering assistant, morebroadcasters are finding that these ben-efits justify the investment.

For more information on automat-ed audio test equipment, circle (303)on Reply Card. Also see "Analyzers,

Audio System," p. 24 of the BEBuyers Guide.


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Automated testing forvideo

The Bottom Line

Today's equipment is morecomplex and compact thanever. A few handfuls of chipshave replaced millions oftransistors. But despite fewerparts, repair and maintenanceis more specialized anddifficult. Through automation,manufacturers are streamlin-ing the process, allowingtechnicians even more cost-effective maintenance meth-ods.

Let a computer track down the problem.

By Mark J. Everett

S

Today's TV systems have some new yetcommon elements. First, customer needsare such that quality of the final productis extremely important. Next, modernequipment is complex. Last, the numberof trained qualified technicians is declin-ing. Given these conditions, manufactur-ers are challenged to meet quality de-mands in the face of the other two fac-tors. The last few years have shown abeginning in a relatively uncharted areaof video system testing. This article willexplore some of the concepts and prod-ucts developed to minimize engineeringand technician time, while maximizingproduct quality and efficiency.

Creative thinkingApproximately one year ago, a major

production company in Burbank was inthe process of moving and rebuilding itsentire facility. Engineers recognized theneed to monitor equipment usage forscheduling machine maintenance. Somecreative people, a few computers and the(now) basic computer port for machinecontrol on the back of most tape trans-ports allowed for some creative invent-ing. By monitoring the activity on the RS -422 control port, an automatic recordingmethod was developed to track, in al-most real time, the activities of each tapemachine.

Because there is a big difference inmachine wear between power on andplay, simply tracking the hour meter time

was insufficient for cost-effective mainte-nance. The system tracked play time,wind and shuttle time, and idle time oneach machine by serial number. With themanufacturers' suggested hour run timeon various mechanical parts, cost-effec-tive preventive maintenance could bescheduled. In addition, the system recog-nized under- and over -used machines. Italso provided a means for accurate timeusage information on a machine basis.This meant that precise time billing infor-mation could be provided for editing jobs.

One more stepThe next chapter in this direction was

written when Digital Betacam recorderswere introduced with advanced machinediagnostics. This feature takes an extrastep or two beyond simple diagnostics.An external computer port is providedfor status and condition monitoring by aremote computer. This feature takes thefunction possibilities instituted by thefolks in the Burbank production facilityand moves them into the future. Now,when queried by the correct software

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Everett is a product manager for Videotek, Inc. Pottstown,PA.

Figure 1. FCC color bars for general ampl-itude and timing measurements.

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0.5 1 2 3 ass 42MHz MHz MHz MHz MHz MHz

Figure 2. The NTC-7 combination signal combines multiburst and modulated pedestal forfrequency response and distortion tests.

message, the machine has the ability toperform and report functional status andcondition at any time. Power supplies canbe monitored, servo motor speed varia-tions can be collected and accumulated,

The key to this newconcept is buildingself -diagnostics intocomplex machines.

signal systems and subsystems can betested for performance characteristics,and more tests than we are able list arepossible.

The key to this new concept is buildingself -diagnostics into complex machines.Miniaturization, large-scale integrated cir-cuits (LSI), surface -mount technology andthe proliferation of microprocessor -con-trolled circuits have all but eliminatedthe traditional technician's approach tosystem troubleshooting. Today, many re-pairs are whole circuit board replace-ment, some of which are quite expensive.Often, the defective board is serviced bythe manufacturer in special test fixtures,using microprocessor testing devices tolocate the defective area or componenton the circuit board under test. The newconcept is to build test ability into thecircuit card and provide for a fairly sim-ple means to access the test procedureon the circuit board without tearing themachine apart.

A few specialized subgroups are in thisportion of a contemporary video moni-toring system. The first, the internal diag-nostics in the equipment, is now fairlyapparent, but the external portions arestill under definition. The basics of theexternal part are a computer, an inter-connection network between the com-puter and all of the machines under test,

and controlling software. A network in-terconnection scheme is already definedfor at least one equipment supplier. Fur-thermore, some industry experts are cur-rently working on a definition of a univer-sal interconnection scheme, both hard-ware and software. The possibility thatmany different types of machines frommany different suppliers might be inter-connected on this future automatic test-ing network is quite high. This results ina need for some industry -wide softwareand hardware cooperation.

How it worksThe system will have a master test com-

puter loaded with the specific testingsoftware for each machine model in thefacility. Master controlling software willuse the machine -specific software andaddress the machine for testing. Inter-connections will probably be a single

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Figure 3. The NTC-7 composite signal con-tains various signal elements for amplitude,phase and some distortion measurements.

cable local area network. The softwarecommunication definitions will need toallow for identification to include manu-facturer, machine model number, serialnumber, software version or versions,and common testing key words. Similar-ly, machine responses will include thesame identification information and theresults of the requested test in a commonformat.

This automated testing system will even-

tually lead to a single control stationwhere an operator will be able to cycletesting through all of the machines in theplant, monitor usage, and locate to thecircuit module or component any failure.Although this system will not be the an-swer to all of our problems, it certainlywill reduce the problems of techniciansperforming repairs and maintenance. Inaddition, it could be expanded to includemachine controls for all operations. How-ever, some believe the performance ofoperation and maintenance should beseparated physically, functionally andoperationally.

Another full layer of operational testinghas yet to be addressed - output signalquality. The same operator who is look-ing at a computer screen and gettingmessages, such as, "As of 08:33:18.5 on 24December 1995, All testable functions of

The system tracksplay time, wind andshuttle time and idletime on each machine

by serial number.

all connected machines are OK, except...," does not necessarily know the condi-tion of the output signal. Another mem-ber of this automated testing system willprobably be a signal measurement de-vice. Here again, some products exist.Video signals would be directed througha routing matrix to an automatic mea-surement analyzer.

What to look forStandards to the rescue

One big problem that manufacturers ofautomatic test equipment face is assist-ing the operator in the use of test signalsand standards. Current technology sim-ply will not allow a machine to examine aframe of active video and decide if thehue or phase is correct. The same prob-lem exists with color intensity, overallintensity and many other aspects. Al-though there are devices to limit oversat-uration and extremely high luminance,what about the slightly low side? Fortu-nately, there are standards and test sig-nals - at least in the analog domain. (SeeTable 1.) These test signals are clearlyand exactly defined by standards andregulatory agencies, such as the FCC,CCIR and the ER.

Furthermore, numerous standards ex-ist to define the acceptability of a signalin comparison to a specific standard. For

Continued on page 41


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instance, no one wants to view noisyvideo, but how do you determine howmuch noise is acceptable? A programoriginator, for example, knows satellitedistribution followed by broadcast orcable distribution will add noise to thealready less -than -perfect picture. Theoriginal pictures were generated by stu-dio cameras with a signal-to-noise ratioof 73dB. They were recorded on a tapemachine that took the effective signal tonoise down to 56dB, and the distributioncopy was a bit lower than that. Now, the54dB video is taken to a high -quality sat-ellite distribution service and they prom-ise to comply with RS -250C satellite sig-nal performance standards. How does heknow what he isbuying, and how isthe performancechecked? RS -250Crequires the use oftwo NTC-7 test sig-nals. These signalsare inserted in thevertical interval bythe uplink opera-tor, and the receiv-er can test the per-formance of thelink against an ac -

STANDARD REQUIRED TEST SIGNALS

RS -170A

RS -250C

FCC (Broadcast)

FCC (Cable TV)

TEST SIGNAL NORMAL LOCATION

NTC-7 compositeNTC-7 combinationFCC color barsFCC compositeFCC multiburstQuiet line (S/N)SC/H sample point

Line 18 Field 1Line 17 Field 2Line 17 Field 2Line 18 Field 1Line 17 Field 1Line 12 Field 1Line 10 Field 1

cepted and known Table 2. V1TS signals and their normal placement.standard. For mosttesting, once thevertical interval test signals are inserted,measurements of these signals at the in-put and output of each link can lead to

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Figure 4. The FCC composite signal offersthe same benefits as the NT C-7 compositesignal and is normally placed on line 18,field 1.

quantitative performance analysis.The production house or program orig-

inator must help the customer decide bywhich standard his output will be judged.There are RS -170A, RS -250C and its vari-ous subgroups for short haul, mediumhaul, long haul, satellite and end -to -endmeasurements. In addition, there aresome old FCC performance requirementsfor broadcast television and some newlyrevised FCC requirements for cable TVoperations. All of these standards aredifferent, and all of them have their par-ticular use in the world of television. Oth-er standards also are available: the NTC-7 performance test set (which is basically

None, only a representative line of video

NTC-7 composite test signalNTC-7 combination test signalA line with no video for S/N testing(Line 12)

FCC multiburstFCC color barsFCC compositeVIR signal (very little current use)

Zero carrier pulse(demodulator function)A representative line of video

FCC multiburstor NTC-7 combination

FCC compositeor NTC-7 composite

Table 1. Common in I, and test signals requirctl furquantitative testing.

replaced by RS -250C) and a whole seriesof CCIR tests for the rest of the world.

Once a performance standard has beendecided, determine the scope and meansof testing. At this point, all the tests re-quired by these standards must be mea-sured by inserting a certain video signalin the transmission path and measuringthat signal at the receiver end. This signalinsertion may be either a full field testsignal or a vas test signal. The differenceis simple: Do you want to disconnect theprogram feed and use a test signal in itsplace, or do you add VITS into the pro-gram video and not disrupt the programfeed? In either case, a test signal genera-tor is needed.

Finally, the automatics can take over. Atthe point the test signals are added to a

Output signal qualitytesting has yet to be

addressed.

video signal, the automatic test set canbe activated to evaluate the signals andlead to judgments about the picture qual-ity. The automatic video analyzers avail-able today work in a similar fashion. Theyhave a library of test parameters as de-

fined by all of those standards listed pre-viously and are programmed to read testsignals as defined by the various stan-dards. For example, RS -170A requires thathorizontal sync is measured at the 50%points, and the FCC testing requirementis measuring horizontal sync at the 10%point. Given normal rise and fall time forsync pulses, the same horizontal sync

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Figure 5. The FCC multiburst containspackets of six different frequencies and canbe used for basic frequency response checks.

pulse will be measured to two slightlydifferent values with these two differentstandards. The user must understandthe implications connected with the mea-surements based on these various stan-dards. In the United States, CCIR, for PAL,absolutely sets the location in the verti-cal interval of each of the required testsignals. In the United States, almost anyvertical interval test signal can be placedalmost anywhere. (See Table 2.) A fewrestrictions exist, but there are normallocations for most test signals. Some ofthe normal locations, however, are inconflict with others.

TestingOnce the standards and signals have

been selected and identified, you can

November 1993 Broadcast Engineering 41

perform the tests. Auto -measure instru-ments can be remotely accessed by acomputer, fulfill a request to perform agiven measurement on a selected inputvideo signal and report the results in realnumbers with a pass/fail message. These

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Figure 6. The FCC VIR signal, normallyfound on line 19, field 1, is currentlydeclining in use.

units can perform hundreds of measure-ments based upon RS -170A, RS -250C, NTC-7, FCC (broadcast and cable television)and CCIR requirements. They are de-signed to make specific tests on specificsignals, which may be either full field oron a single line in the vertical interval.Some can accept and automatically iden-tify NTSC and PAL input video, and thenautomatically switch to operate in for-mat of the input video. Finally, the oper-

ator can ensure signal quality without thetraditional measurement instruments,subjective evaluations and interpretationdifferences.

So what does the future look like? Any-thing is possible, but some things arecertain. First, customers will demand high -quality products. Second, hardware willbecome increasingly more complicated,with larger circuit modules in smallerspaces. Third, the availability of fullytrained technical support staff will di-minish. One solution to the problem isthe automation of the testing and mea-surement of system components and sig-nal evaluation. A single computer with asingle operator will be capable of moni-toring equipment condition and outputsignals throughout the facility.

For more information onautomated testing, circle (304)

on Reply Card. Also see"Analyzers, Video Systems onp. 24 of the BE Buyers Guide.

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The Odetics TCS90 - The Only Cart MachineDesigned with Your Future in Mind

With the TCS90, Odetics Broadcast gives new meaning tothe word versatility. Featuring a unique ability to handlemultiple cassette sizes and virtually all available broadcastformats, the TCS90 provides incomparable flexibility plusan open window to the future.

Field Changes Made SimpleDon't waste time second-guessing future tape deck formatchanges. The TCS90's simple straight -forward design makesfield upgrades easy and affordable. You can take advantage oftechnology upgrades as they become available.

Mix cassette sizes to match your needsOdetics put its award -winning electromechanical expertiseto work and developed a system that makes handling dual -sized cassettes simple and foolproof. With a capacity of 150carts, there is enough on-line access for a full day ofprogramming plus twelve to twenty-four hours of spots and

promos, depending upon your format. And, with OdeticsMulticut Software, the TCS90 can store several hundredspots on-line.

The Decision is YoursFull compatibility with any news or station automationsystem lets you make choices that make sense for yourstation's needs. Built-in redundant hardware and softwarefeatures make choosing Odetics a decision you can be sure of.

Buy for the Long -TermBecause Odetics products are fully compatible with eachother, system obsolescence is never a concern. The TCS90includes the same advanced features as the Odetics TCS2000large library Cart Machine and all TCS2000 software andhardware options and accessories. It's no wonder OdeticsBroadcast is the world -leader in large library automationsystems.

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Choosing a scope:Analog or digital

Differences between analog and digital scopesdefine how best to apply them.

By Vivek Chhabria

The Bottom Line

With the many variations ofanalog and digital scopes onthe market, engineers oftenfind it difficult to decide whichtype of scope is appropriatefor their applications. Analogscopes are usually availableat more attractive prices,while digital scopes includemany intriguing triggeringfeatures that analog scopeslack. A good understanding ofthe attributes of and differ-ences between analog anddigital scopes will help thebroadcast engineer make amore informed decision whenpurchasing one.

The growing number of choices for os-cilloscopes makes purchasing decisionsdifficult for today's broadcasters. A pri-mary distinction involves whether tochoose an analog or digital design - thesubject of this article. Prior to this discus-sion, however, a quick review of the gen-eral parameters to be assessed in eithertype of scope is required.

Common features include bandwidth,ease of use and video triggering capabil-ities. They must be considered in thecontext of current and future applica-tions within the broadcast environment.

Scoping out scopesThe most basic issue is the published

bandwidth of the scope. This figure re-fers to the maximum frequency the scopecan acquire without distorting the signal.For measuring sine waves, the scopeshould have a bandwidth three to fivetimes the frequency of the highest -fre-quency signal of interest. With squarewaves, the bandwidth needs to reach outto at least the sixth harmonic. For videosignals, the scope's bandwidth must cov-er all significant pulse harmonics. Forexample, an NTSC signal's 33.3kHz linerate and 800 pixels per line creates a26.64MHz pixel clock rate, requiring ascope with a bandwidth of several hun-dred megahertz.

Next, broadcast engineers should con-sider how easy a scope is to learn and

Chhabria is a product marketing manager at Tektronix,Beaverton, OR.

use. The user interface of a scope shouldbe straightforward and easy to under-stand and operate. One trend here is asimplification of the front panel and anincrease in software menus displayed onthe scope's screen.

The number of channels that the scopesupports also impacts how efficiently theengineer can do a particular job. Multipleinput channels make it easier to probeand compare waveforms as they propa-gate through stages in a video or audiosystem. Most analog and digital scopescome in 2- and 4 -channel models, while afew higher -end scopes support more thanfour channels.

Other features that streamline the engi-neer's job include automatic measure-ments, cursors with readouts, and hard

The user interface of ascope should be

straightforward andeasy to understand

and operate.

copy capabilities for documenting signalbehavior. Scopes that can be pro-grammed from an external controller alsocan be used in automated test setups.Portability also may be a concern.

Adequate video triggering makes a scopeparticularly useful to TV broadcast engi-


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neers. To support flexible video trigger-ing, the scope should be capable of trig-gering on a variety of video activity, in-cluding lines, fields, pixels and individualcolor fields. It also must automaticallyrecognize and trigger on the NTSC, PALand SECAM standard formats to simplifyviewing standardized signals. With theexpanding custom video market, thescope should support HDTV formats byincluding tri-level sync triggering.

Analog scopes:Real time resolution

An analog scope draws a graph of anacquired electrical signal on the screenof a cathode ray tube. Via internal condi-tioning circuitry, the input signal guidesthe motion of the electron beam to showchanges in the input waveform as theyhappen. (See Figure 1.) With little delaybetween acquiring the waveform and dis-playing it, the signal is displayed virtuallyin real time. For this reason, analog scopes

The primary advan-tage of the analogscope is its higher

resolution at a lowercost.

are often referred to as analog real timescopes (ARTs).

Once the ART encounters a user -speci-fied trigger condition, it sweeps the beamacross the display screen, drawing thewaveform. During the subsequent hold -off period, the beam returns to its start-ing point, and the scope does not display

TRIGGERSYSTEM

the input signal. The beam starts drawingagain once the scope detects the nexttrigger event.

The primary advantage of the ART is itshigher resolution at a lower cost, com-pared to digital storage oscilloscopes

The lack of storagecapability is the ana-log scope's greatest

liability.

(DSOs). Because an ART conditions theinput signal instead of breaking it intodiscrete measurements, all analog scopesessentially provide continuous resolution.In fact, low-cost ARTs provide superiorresolution than the standard 8 -bit digitiz-ers found in mid -range DSOs. High-per-formance digital scopes with faster digi-tizers offer better resolution, but at asubstantially higher cost.

Furthermore, ARTs have extremely fastdrawing rates, with hold -off times mea-sured in microseconds. The combinationof fast drawing rate and fast beam reposi-tioning yields a display -update rate threeto four orders of magnitude greater thana DSO.

The ART's high-speed drawing allowsan analog scope to highlight importantsignal details with gray scaling. A faster -occurring event creates a faster -movingbeam that has less time to excite thephosphor coating on the display. There-fore, faster events appear dimmer thanslower sections of the waveform, givingan indication of the relative speed of anevent.

HORIZONTAL SYSTEM

SWEEPGENERATOR

HORIZONTALAMPLIFIER

-1717L-1RAMP TIME BASE

Figure I. Analog scopes condition and display an input signal virtually in real time.

With repetitive signals, gray scaling alsoindicates how often an event occurs withrespect to the rest of the waveform. Aber-rations that seldom occur appear muchlighter because the electron beam drawsthem more infrequently than the rest ofthe waveform.

Along with superior resolution and sig-nal fidelity, most engineers experience asense of familiarity and trust in workingwith an ART. Because the scope works inreal time and only conditions the signal,engineers are confident that the displayedwaveform accurately reflects the inputsignal. In addition, analog scopes may beless intimidating because they perform astraightforward task: capturing and con-ditioning an input signal and then dis-playing it on the screen.

Nevertheless, the lack of storage capa-bility is the analog scope's greatest liabil-ity. Because an ART cannot retain a wave-form in some internal memory, it cannotperform a variety of functions easily ac -

Adequate video trig-gering makes a scopeparticularly useful totelevision broadcast

engineers.

complished by a digital storage scope,such as the calculation of rms voltagesand other complex mathematical com-putations.

Without storage capability, ARTs can-not provide any automated or internaldocumentation. Although a few analogscopes can download a screen image ofthe display to a printer, this is the excep-tion rather than the rule. Scope camerasprovide an external documentation forARTs, but this cumbersome method ofdocumentation relies on photographsthat are easily damaged and that arehard to reproduce.

Finally, because an ART begins acquir-ing a signal once it recognizes a trigger, itcan only display information after thetrigger, not before. Although most analogscopes offer delay lines that allow theART to display pre -trigger activity, this isusually limited to only 8Ons of history.

Digital scopes:Processing data into information

In contrast, a digital scope converts theanalog input signal into digital informa-tion, stores it and displays it. (See Figure2.) First, the DSO samples and digitizesthe input signal's voltage at regular inter-vals, then it stores the voltage value alongwith corresponding time information ininternal memories. The size of this wave-form record depends on the capacity of


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the DSO's memories. Once stored, theinformation can be manipulated and dis-played to execute complex measure-ments.

The DSO continually streams the digi-tized information through its memoriesin a first-in/first-out(FIFO) process.This continuousprocess enablesspecial triggeringmodes, such asglitch, pulse, runtand logic, that helpthe engineer pre-cisely specify a trig-ger event.

Furthermore, in-stead of startingthe acquisition pro-cess as it does in anART, the triggernotifies the digitalscope to finish fill-ing the memoriesand end the acqui-sition. The opera-tor can specify thatup to 100% of thestored waveform is

pre -trigger data.As the incoming waveform is digitized,

a DSO can perform advanced signal pro-cessing to translate raw data into fin-ished information. For example, today'sadvanced DSOs provide multiple acquisi-

tion modes, including sample, peak de-tect, hi-res, envelope and averaging. Thesample mode simply stores one sample ina specified interval. In peak detect mode,the DSO looks for the highest and lowestsamples in an interval and saves them. Hi-

res reduces noise byaveraging sampleson -the -fly. For repeti-tive waveforms, enve-lope reveals the max-imum variations of asignal across time,whereas average cal-culates the averagevalue for each pointin a waveform overnumerous acquisi-tions.

Many digital scopescan make automaticcomparison mea-surements betweenwaveforms, includ-ing live and storedsignals.Multiplewaveforms also canbe stored indefinite-ly, allowing quick


USE AN ANALOG SCOPE WHEN:

Making a qualitativeappraisal of a waveform.

Resolution is paramount.

Displaying fast sync pulsesand edge jitters.

Gray scaling and peristencehelp uncover the frequ,?ncy

of an event.

Watching for undiscoveredabnormalities.

USE A DIGITAL SCOPE WHEN:

Characterizing a signal.

Waveform storage anddoci_ mentation are

paramount.

Capturing fast single -shotand low -repetition events.

Advancet triggering helpsisolate specific events.

Comparing two or morewaveforms, especially

stored ones.

Table 1. The distinctions between analog and digital scopes suit them each forparticular applications.

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REAL TIME AUDIO RESTORATION

DC -1 real time stereo de -clicker

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CEDAR IS THE ANSWERAre you involved in remastering, broadcasting, soundtrackrestoration or archiving? If so, you know that all recordings

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Until now, audio restoration has been a timeconsuming, costly and highly specialisedprocess. Enter CEDAR to change all that. Not

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produce results so good that you will never know that yourmaterial has been damaged in the first place.

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DIGITAL LEADERS."PBS has embarked on a project to distribute a

wide variety of programming on a digitally -based

nationwide satellite network. Through extensive use

of state-of-the-art digital compression technologies,

this new network can serve the expanded distribution

needs of public television for the next 10-15 years.

It will enable PBS member stations and other educa-

tors to share 80 or more channels of entertainment

and educational programming

throughout the 50 states. The quality

of this programming can vary, hour -

by -hour, from slow -scan conference

grade video through HDTV.

"The video content will be

accessed through on-line cart machines utilizing

composite digital and an enhanced version of a D-5

component digital tape system. The component

digital technology will eventually enable us to record

and play back compressed forms of HDTV plus some

non -video forms of data.

"When we looked at the alternatives available to

us from video manufacturers, it was crucial to under-

stand the direction they were taking-not just the

hardware that might meet our current needs. Our

decision to select digital composite VTRs was made

with reasonable knowledge of where Panasonic was

heading with component digital.

"The ability to play back composite digital

recordings in the component domain is helpful, to be

sure. But our primary inter-

est in a component system

is that it be a full bit -rate,

10 -bit recording system.

"NEW VIDEO TECHNOLOGIESWILL DETERMINE THE VERYNATURE OF OUR NETWORK."

Howard N Miller'')osier Vice 1''noiserrine

That means we can take

maximum advantage of the

high bit -rare capability of

these machines, and consid-

er them for future upgrades

to HDTV-as well as for

some services that are not video -based at all.

"Currently, we are using some of our D-3

equipment to conduct subjective evaluations of video

performance at various compression levels. Using a

transparent digital tape system, we introduce no

For more information call: 1-800-528-8601 (Upon request, enter product code 18) One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094.

further degradation in our compression testing; any quality differ-

ences are obviously associated with variations in the transmission

path, not differences introduced by the recording medium.

"Because of the evolving nature of the television industry, it's

unacceptable to have a traditional buyer/seller relationship. Before

we enter into any contract with any company, we emphasize how

essential it is for us to collaborate to achieve better results.

From our perspective, as new video technologies emerge that will

determine the very nature of our network, we must have good

working relationships with our equipment suppliers."

Panasonic's strategy offers

a simple, combined composite

and component digital system

that provides all digital solutions

for diverse video recording

applications through

the eventual HDTV era.

Panasonic believes

that digital composite

and component equip-

ment will continue to

co -exist for many years.

We see integrated

D -3/D-5 facilities with

equipment performing

the tasks to which it is

best suited.

Howard Miller,

Public Broadcasting

Service's senior tech-

nologist, has been

breaking new ground

throughout his 35 -year

engineering career. His

current challenge is to

fashion computer,

video, compression,

and transmission technologies

into a complete digital signal dis-

tribution network for PBS.

It's the industry's visionaries

who see a clear path to the

future.

PanasonicBroadcast &Television Systems Company


VERTICAL SYSTEM

ATTENUATOR VERTICALAMPLIFIER

PROBE

41*

ACQUISITION SYSTEM

ANALOGTO

DIGITALCONVERTER

PROCESSING

MEMORY

TRIGGER SYSTEM

HORIZONTALSYSTEM

SAMPLECLOCK

CLOCK TIME BASE

DIGITALDISPLAYSYSTEM

Figure 2. Digital scopes convert input signals to digital information, store it along with time information, and thenrecreate the signal on the display.

gathering of information on -site and forlater analysis.

The same capabilities that create theDSO's strengths also produce its limita-tions. Digital scopes can miss large por-tions of signal activity because of thelengthy hold -off time (hundreds of milli-seconds) spent acquiring, digitizing andstoring signal information. As a result,engineers can experience the "rubberscrewdriver" effect: When making levelor timing adjustments on video or audioequipment, the response appears on thescope display a fraction of a second later.

The same capabilitiesthat create the DSO'sstrengths also pro-

duce its limitations.

However, advanced triggering modesand longer memories can help to over-come deficiencies created by a DSO'slarge hold -off time. By waiting to triggeron a specific event, the scope has a great-er chance of acquiring pertinent informa-tion. Longer memories allow the scope toacquire large portions of the waveformbefore having to pause for hold -off.

The digitizing of the input signal alsoaffects the timing resolution of a DSO.Slower sample rates can cause seriousdistortions, especially aliasing. Theoret-ically, aliasing occurs when the digitalscope cannot obtain more than two sam-ples per cycle of the input signal's highestfrequency component. When a waveform

is grossly aliased, the scope displays awaveform with the input signal's overallshape but at a frequency lower than theactual frequency. Moreover, effects, suchas edge -jitter, may appear as noise spikesinstead of the familiar multi -edge display.However, faster samplers lessen the like-lihood of these display aberrations.

In addition, digitizing the input signallimits the display's resolution in the time(horizontal) and amplitude (vertical) do-mains. With only eight bits (256 steps) ofvertical resolution, a standard DSO cancause vertical distortion when display-ing small signals. To counteract this ef-fect, the hi-res mode in newer scopesactually increases vertical resolution upto 15 bits (32,768 steps) at slower sweepspeeds for single -shot signals. Averagingalso can increase resolution at all sweepspeeds for repetitive signals.

Finally, many users find DSOs complexto understand and use. Their great rangeof acquisition modes and triggering se-lections can confuse and intimidate anew user. Newer digital scopes alleviatethis problem through intuitive user inter-faces, straightforward menu structuresand universally understood icons.

Quality vs. quantityDigital and analog scopes can satisfy

many of the same applications, but somesituations are more appropriate for onetype of scope. (See Table 1.)

Users should choose analog scopeswhen assessing a signal's qualitative per-formance. In such cases, an ART offersvital clues about noise and metastabili-ties, showing instantaneous changes insignals as they occur. ARTs with intensity -

enhanced displays canshow fast signals at slowsweep speeds clearly andfaithfully. This makes thempreferable for monitoringlive video waveforms ordisplaying fast sync -pulseedges (and edge jitters) intheir entirety. It also is help-ful when searching for un-defined anomalies. In ad-dition, gray scaling andpersistence provide im-portant information re-garding the relative fre-quency and speed of dis-tortions in the waveforms.

Digital scopes providethe types of measure-ments and storage need-ed for signal characteriza-tion. When quantifying pre-cise measurements on de-tailed video signals, anengineer needs the DSO'smathematical and docu-mentation capabilities.The scope's memory al-

lows waveforms to be displayed whenand where convenient. Comparing storedwaveforms (including standard video andaudio reference signals) to live ones canuncover important discrepancies. Wave -

Analog and digitalscopes continue to beindispensable tools.

forms also can be printed out or archivedfor documentation purposes. Their su-periority in capturing low -repetitionevents makes DSOs better for observingelusive, infrequent problems in broad-cast signals as well.

ARTs and DSOs have distinct differenc-es that determine which is best for specif-ic broadcast applications. Analog scopesstill have the highest single -shot band-width of any type of scope, with unsur-passed resolution, but they will probablynever match the measurement and stor-age capabilities of the DSO. Digital scopesare coming closer to ART bandwidthsand resolution, but the gap remains sig-nificant. As a result, analog and digitalscopes continue to be indispensable toolsacross the entire spectrum of audio andvideo applications.

For more information on analogand digital oscilloscopes, circle(305) on Reply Card. Also see

"Oscilloscopes, Accessories," p. 26of the BE Buyers Guide.


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Maintaining satellitesystems

The Bottom Line _

Satellites are still the choice forpoint-to-multipoint distribution.

With the proliferation ofsatellite -delivered program-ming available today in themarkets of video, audio anddata, many broadcasters arefaced with maintainingmultiple earth stations. Eachof these downlink terminals isdesigned to receive a differenttype of signal, and thereforehas its own operational quirksand its own failure modes. It isessential that broadcasterscultivate the preventive andcorrective maintenanceprocedures required to keepthese vital links operatingproperly.

By Greg Monti

Domestic satellite earth terminals mayoperate at C -band or at Ku -band. C -banddownlinks are subject to interference fromterrestrial (usually telco) microwave links.These point-to-point links can be prob-lematic for an engineer attempting toinstall a C -band downlink, especially inan urban area. Terrestrial interferencealso can impair clean reception at anexisting C -band downlink that is not fre-quency -coordinated. To prevent this,downlink terminals should remain regis-tered with the FCC (licensing is no longerrequired) and a frequency coordinationcompany (which requires a small annualfrequency protection payment). This as-sures that terminals will be protectedindefinitely from legal causes of terrestri-al interference.

In some cases, engineers may have todeal with previously installed uncoordi-nated downlinks, which saved the own-ers a $500 to $1,500 initial coordinatingfee. If a new terrestrial transmitter inter-feres with an uncoordinated downlink,first try pointing and polarizing the down-link antenna. A small accuracy improve-ment in these axes of motion can takecare of many terrestrial interference (TI)problems.

Some situations require more time andexpense, however. If the interference iscoming from the back side of the satellitedish, the knife edge effect at the rim of themain reflector can bend the unwanted

Monti is technical manager for the Future InterconnectionSystem Project Office (FISPO) at National Public Radio,Washington, DC.

microwaves around the corner, often aim-ing them directly into the feedhorn. Inthis case, RF-absorbent material (some-times sold as TI filter disks) attached tothe edge of the parabola may suppressthe interference.

In more extreme cases, a fence can beerected around the dish and metal win-dow screening (hardware cloth) can beattached to reduce interference comingfrom the horizon. The most difficult envi-ronments may require that a concretewall be built around the antenna or theantenna may have to be relocated.

Ku -band earth -to -space (downlink) fre-quencies are in the 12GHz range, andthey are more attenuated by snow, rain orfog than are the lower C -band frequen-cies. On the other hand, parabolic dishantennas of given size have higher gainsat Ku -band than at C -band frequencies.Furthermore, the Ku -band is not sharedby terrestrial microwave users, so fre-quency coordination is rarely a problem.

Earth station antennasAn important goal of antenna designers

is to assure that the antenna won't bemispointed or misshapen by wind or pre-cipitation. The more the main reflector ofan antenna flexes under the weight ofsnow or ice or under the force of wind,the less able it will be to accurately focusthe received electromagnetic radiationtoward the feed element. A small amountof ice on the main reflector can cause alarge amount of signal degradation.

Serious ice storms may not occur everywinter in your area, so you may want to


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evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dishanti -icing systems. Hydrophobic coatings,such as Vellox, may be an inexpensivealternative to heating elements, but theymust be reapplied periodically. The oldstandby maintenance procedures - abroom -wielding announcer sweepingsnow and punching the dish with a glovedhand to break sheet ice-also works wellin most cases.

Periodically check whether the backstructure of the main reflector is in goodshape. Loose or missing hardware, bro-ken metal or fiber -glass tabs and missingsplice strips between dish sections de-grade gain. Sometimes, when hardwarebecomes loose, sections of the reflectormay slip relative to one another such thatthe reflector is no longer a parabola. Thismay cause a small squinting error in theantenna, which can eat up a decibel orthree of gain. Because most downlinksare designed for only 2dB to 4dB of mar-gin, getting back even 1dB of gain is signif-icant. To check for a squinted reflector,use a tape measure to check the overalldiameter of the main reflector at two orthree different cross sections. The reflec-tor should not be out of round by morethan 0.5%. Another method to check forsquint is to sight across the plane of thefront edge of the reflector. The entirecircumference of the dish -edge shouldbe in a single plane.

Some maintenance problems can beavoided by upgrading to a larger dish,even if it isn't necessary for gain reasons.Larger antenna diameter provides two

improvements: more gain and more side -lobe rejection. With the advent of 2° sat-ellite spacing, adjacent -satellite interfer-ence may have crept into your installa-tion. In most cases, a 1.2m antenna can-not sufficiently reject a signal from a sec-ond spacecraft at 2° off boresight at C-

band. Therefore, minimum antenna di-ameters of 2.8m to 4m are recommendedfor C -band, and 1.5m to 2m at Ku -band.

Power levels and footprintsSatellites have a definite life span, after

which they need to be replaced. Net-works negotiate for better deals on theirsatellite space leases and will often jumpfrom one bird to another. No two satellitetransponders have the same footprint(coverage). Signal levels also may be high-er (or lower) than they were on the previ-ous transponder at your location. There-fore, a change of satellite or transponderby the network can create unexpectedproblems for downlink station engineers.

This is why many consultants recom-mend building a downlink terminal with alarge link margin (4dB to 6dB) calculatedfor the lowest -power video or audio ser-vice your site is likely to receive. If yourdownlink dish is eight or 10 years old anddoesn't provide this level of margin, itmay be cost-effective to replace it nowrather than waiting for a spacecraftchangeout when power levels maychange unfavorably and service may belost. A consultant or a computer programcan help you determine what your down-link's margin is for a given power and

bandwidth channel at a specific footprintlocation.

Pointing and polarizingWhen noise and data errors arise, espe-

cially if they affect all receivers or de-

mods connected to a single receive an-tenna, it's worth pointing and polarizingthe antenna. A satellite dish cannot bechecked for correct pointing or feed ele-ment polarization without actually mov-ing the items to be checked to see if thesignal is at maximum.

Many receivers have a signal level or abit -error -rate voltage available to helpyou point your antenna. Attach a voltme-ter and adjust in the following order:

1. Be sure the hardware that holds thenon -movable parts of the dish or mountis tight.

2. Set the azimuth (east -west) and eleva-tion (up -down) axes for maximum re-ceived signal, and temporarily tightenthat hardware. Polar -mount antennaswith a single drive motor that approxi-mately follow the satellite arc have addi-tional axes that require special treatmentduring setup. Consult the installationmanual.

3. Set the polarization of the feed elementfor minimum interference from cross -

polarized transponders or a maximumfrom the desired transponder. (The nullof the undesired signal will be sharperand easier to spot.) Temporarily tighten

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Figure I. Block diagram of a typical video or subcarrier downlink. The presence and content of analog subcarriers at point A can be checkedwith a general coverage receiver that can demodulate FM


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Figure 2. Block diagram of a typical SCPC downlink. A consumer TV -sound radio can check for analog carriersat point A in a 70MHz IFsystem.

the polarization hardware.

4. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3. Polarizationand pointing interact with each other. Toget a maximum, you should run throughthese steps twice, doing the pointing first.A mispointed antenna can never reach agood cross -polarization null.

5. Tighten all hardware.

Recent floods, earthquakes and hurri-canes have reminded broadcasters thatthere's no such thing as an immovablestructure. If you are recovering from sucha natural disaster, consider re -pointingyour satellite antenna. Even if your satel-lite system hasn't experienced such acalamity, remember that foundations set-tle over time.

LNAs and LNBsAt downlinks, a low -noise amplifier(LNA)

or an LNA plus block frequency downcon-verter (LNB) is the first active stage. AnLNB shifts the 4GHz or 12GHz spacecraftmicrowave frequency to L -band (950-1,450MHz). LNAs are identifiable by theirtype N output connectors. LNBs use typeF connectors.

Spare LNAs and LNBs are cheap insur-ance against failures. Get the lowest noisetemperature you can for a reasonableprice. C -band LNAs are available fromsupply houses at temperatures of ap-proximately 35°K for about $150. LNBprices are only slightly higher. Ku -bandnoise temperatures are higher, usuallynear 100°K.

Generally, LNAs and LNBs are poweredthrough their output cable. A long coax-ial line can cause enough voltage drop insome situations to create problems. LNAsand LNBs have onboard voltage regula-tors, but those rarely work well whendelivered less than approximately 10V.

You can't check the voltage at the LNA bydisconnecting it and clipping a voltmeteronto the coax connector because it mustbe measured under load (with the LNA orLNB connected). For this purpose, keepan F- or N -type Tee connector handy. Teeconnectors are a bad engineering prac-tice almost everywhere- except for this.

Replace any gaskets at waveguide flang-es when replacing an LNA or LNB. Checkpressurization of the feed element if it isso equipped.

LNB stabilityA $200 LNB contains a local oscillator of

several thousand megahertz, which isexposed to 100° temperature swings fromsummer to winter. It is not unusual for astandard (non -crystal -controlled) LNBoutput band to be 3MHz or more off fre-quency. It also is not unusual for LNBoutputs to contain substantial amountsof phase jitter or frequency instability. Invideo and subcarrier receivers seeing amain carrier with an FM deviation near10MHz, these errors are not significant.AFC circuits usually resolve the large fre-quency errors.

Care should be exercised when narrow -band, single -channel per carrier (SCPC)audio or data receivers are used with anLNB. These receivers, unless they con-tain tracking and jitter control circuits,will show frequent data errors or extreme-ly noisy analog audio when used withstandard LNBs. Stabilized LNBs are avail-able from most equipment sources, butthey usually cost three to five times asmuch as non -stabilized LNBs. If your net-work is shifting from video subcarrier orFM -squared transmission to digital SCPC,you may need to upgrade your LNB.

CableIf your site uses an LNA, the outdoor

cable will usually be foam -dielectric coax.

When replacing or installing connectorson this cable, follow the directions close-ly. Dimensions are critical inside the con-nector so that the rubber gaskets andsilicone grease used in many connectorscan seal water out of the cable.

If your site uses an LNB, the LNB output,which is probably an F connector on theend of a piece of RG-59, is a source ofwater ingress. If your site is more thaneight or 10 years old, there's some goodnews. The F-59 connectors used in theearly 1980s were an inexpensive compro-mise. F connectors have come a long wayin waterproofing and physical securitysince then. Check with a CATV or otherdistributor for recommendations. It'sworth $20 in parts and labor to replace a39a F connector through which 80% ofyour station's programming passes.

If you're experiencing partial signaldegradation, don't underestimate theweight of street traffic. If your antennacable crosses a road or parking lot, evenif it is in conduit, it may have been partial-ly crushed by a passing vehicle that thepavement - and the conduit - weren'tdesigned to handle.

TVROs and subcarrier downlinksVideo receive -only terminals (TVROs)

are used by radio and TV stations and bycable head -ends. A main demod sectiondemodulates the big FM carrier, usuallycontaining analog video, either scram-bled or unscrambled, plus subcarriersthat are further demodulated to audio ordata. Periodically check power supplyand signal quality voltages, clean edgeconnectors and make sure the F connec-tors are intact.

When troubleshooting, consider thatmany video receivers have more thanone input for the LNA or LNB signal.Usually, one is labeled for vertical trans-missions, the other for horizontal. Not all


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satellites use the same polarization plan.If you've recently pointed to an unfamil-iar satellite and you are receiving sparklieson all video transponders, you may bereceiving only the crosstalk between in-puts. Swap the V and H cables or flip a V/H odd/even setup switch on the videoreceiver.

If your station also owns a video receiv-er separate from the composite receivernormally used to demodulate the base -band of subcarriers, it can be used as atroubleshooting aid or as a spare demod.To substitute for a failed subcarrier re-

ceiver - or to listen to the output of thecomposite baseband demod - use a gen-eral coverage (0.5MHz to 30MHz) receiv-er equipped with an FM detector section.(See Figure 1.) This feature is occasional-ly found in higher -end short-wave receiv-ers. Assuming the IF bandwidth is ade-quate, you'll be able to recover audiofrom a subcarrier in either FM mode or inAM mode using slope detection.

SCPC downlinksSCPC is another common method of

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ally, SCPC systems are thought of as ana-log FM with companding for noise reduc-tion, but digital SCPC systems are nowbecoming available. Either L -band or70MHz IF is used in SCPC downlinks.

Analog SCPC channels use radio fre-quency bandwidths between 50kHz and200kHz. Inadvertent substitution of a re-ceiver with the wrong bandwidth usuallyresults in problems. A wideband channelwill sound grossly distorted on a narrow-

band SCPC receiver as the FM carrierdeviates in and out of the passband of thedemodulator. Using too wide of an SCPCreceiver won't work either. Doubling thebandwidth of the demod doubles theamount of noise it sees, so the effectivecarrier -to -noise ratio will fall by 3dB. Inmany cases, 3dB is the entire margin forthe downlink site, and such a drop willproduce continuous clicks and pops. Inmost cases, however, the solution involvessimply training operators to use the cor-rect settings, perhaps with a sheet of cribnotes strategically posted.

Most SCPC demods have squelch ormute controls on the front panel. Signalsbelow an absolute level mute the output.If something has happened to the abso-lute downlink level in your system, a tem-porary fix may be to loosen the squelchsetting so that lower -level signals breakthrough and are received. The resultingaudio may be too noisy to broadcast, butat least you'll have an idea of where tolook for the trouble.

If one demod is not working but is fre-quency -agile, try tuning it to another chan-nel on the same network or to anothernetwork on a nearby frequency.

Some engineers have found success inusing an FM or TV field -strength meter tomeasure output levels of downconvert-ers that use a nominal 70MHz outputfrequency. However, the presence of thehigh noise floor from the LNA along withmany narrowband signals usually makespicking out individual signals difficult.Per -carrier levels at 70MHz demod inputare usually -60dBm to -30dBm (12dBmVto +18dBmV in 7511).

A substitute for monitoring SCPC chan-nels out of a 70MHz downconverter is a"TV sound" radio. The downconverteroutput band (52MHz to 88MHz) occursmainly in TV channels 2-6. (See Figure 2.)

Multichannel digitalaudio downlinks

Digital transmission using multiple chan-nels per carrier has been used by theABC, CBS and Westwood One (Mutualand NBC) networks for more than 10 years.Downlink hardware for this system de-modulates the main carrier and the re -suiting signal is then time -division de -multiplexed into the individual channels.Digital decoder cards then produce theaudio. The original system decoded a



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384kbit/s stream into a single 15kHz au-dio channel. Most of these have beenreplaced by a data -reduced system using128kbit/s for 20kHz audio. You must havethe proper type of card to receive eachservice. Unlike analog subcarrier andSCPC systems, consumer equipment can-not substitute for a digital decoder card.As with any digital equipment, noisy

power lines and noisy DC power buses inthe equipment can cause data errors. Ifthe power supply for a digital system'sreceive frame hasn't been checked re-cently for ripple and noise under fullload, the manufacturers strongly suggestsuch a check. A maintenance round ofreplacing regulators and filter caps maybe in order.

Sun transit outagesTwice each year, in the spring and in the

fall, all satellite downlink terminals un-dergo solar outages. Sun transit outagesoccur when the sun, the satellite beingreceived, and the earth station are all ina straight line, and the solar interferencedegrades or wipes out satellite recep-tion. Engineers have long been familiarwith solar transit outages, but program-mers and air staff may not be and may

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weather is relatively sunny and the shad-ow of the feed element is in the center ofthe dish, a solar outage is occurring. Tellthe programming people there is nothingyou can do about it. Solar outages can'tbe rescheduled.

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The ability to troubleshootPCs is becoming a valuableskill as PC -based equipmentinfiltrates almost every area ofbroadcasting. Down PCs canbe costly, both in lost revenueand lost productivity. Employ-ees who are capable ofbringing a dead PC back to lifecan save the company timeand money - and makethemselves invaluable.

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It's late afternoon on Friday when thechief engineer gets a frantic call to comedown to the newsroom. When he arrives,he finds most of the staff hiding behindanything resembling a shield. Lookinginto the news director's office, he sees ausually sane, quiet man jumping up anddown in a hostile frenzy, with his fistsclenched, groaning and wailing. From adistance, the poor man looks like he'sdoing a bad Elvis impression. Upon clos-er observation, the chief engineer realiz-es the news director is just having com-puter problems.

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its wheels? At one time or another, mostpeople have suffered through one of theseexperiences.

Now is the time to put your trouble-shooting skills to work. For the adventur-ous, read on. It doesn't take a computergenius to solve most of the problemsassociated with computer failures. It isassumed the reader has a fundamentalgrasp of how a computer works andknows what is meant by the following:microprocessor, CMOS BIOS, hard driveand such terms as IDE, SCSI, interruptsand DMA attributes.

In order to troubleshoot PC -based equip-ment, you must first have a basic knowl-edge of the PC. Verifying the status of thePC is the first step. The basics of trouble-shooting PCs will be examined to famil-iarize you with the process of solvingproblems with PC -based equipment. Oncethe PC is operational, standard trouble-

The closest thing to amagic bullet is a

complete and currentbackup.

shooting skills combined with diagnosticsoftware are the next steps to solving theproblem.

Examine Figure 1. If you have followedthe basics and are willing to roll up yoursleeves, then it is time to start trouble-shooting and learning a systematic ap-proach to getting a PC back on-line.

Don't overlook the obviousFirst, check the obvious. If nothing

works, check for power at the outlet.Make sure that cables are tightly con-nected, and verify that the UPS or surgesuppressor is working. Verify the circuitbreaker is armed, the keyboard key lockis disabled, there is paper in the printerand all other applicable devices areturned on.

If needed, open the case and verify thatall of the boards are properly seated inthe motherboard. If you've passed thistest and the computer powers up, con-sider yourself lucky. Then, do yourself afavor and back up your data.

Once powered up, if the computer onlyboots up with the floppy boot disk, thereis probably a corrupted file on the harddrive. A large share of PC problems, re-gardless of appearance, come down tocorrupt, misconfigured or missing files.These problems can be caused by some-thing as simple as turning off the comput-er while the processor is still performingbackground writes to disk.

Electrical surges or power outages alsocan corrupt data (fairly common in un-stable power environments). In this case,

if you have a PC utilities disk or diagnos-tic repair software, you might try to use it.Make sure you've remarked out all appli-cable TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident)programs and cache drivers (Smartdrive,Norton Speed Cache, Lightning for Win-dows, etc.), because some repair utilitiescan conflict with these. They also canconflict with defragment utilities.

The magic bulletThe closest thing to a magic bullet is a

complete and current backup. Althoughnot as fun and sophisticated as diagnos-tic tools, good backups can save youhours and dollars. Simply reinstall thebackup on the hard drive. If you're con-cerned that the problem may occur again(computer virus), consider repartition-ing and reformatting the hard disk.

Repartition using the FDISK commandand then reformat the drive using theDOS format C: /s command. To accom-plish this, FDISK.EXE and FORMAT.COMmust be on a bootable floppy. Don't for-get to let your BIOS know what you'vedone as well.

Backup is the most important preven-tive maintenance you can perform onyour computer. Regular backups can takean enormous bite out of the sting of a losthard drive.

Divide and conquerAfter checking for obvious mistakes, if

you are staring at a blank screen eventhough the monitor is on, check the pow-er supply rails and make sure that thecircuit breaker is reactivated. If the pow-er supply checks out, it is time to lookelsewhere.

First, check the boot sequence. For in-stance, if the green light on a drive sud-denly hangs, a defective drive or systemcontroller board could be the problem. Ifyou get past this point and the screen isdisplaying a message, such as CMOS ER-ROR or INVALID DRIVE TYPE/HDD FAIL-URE, check the CMOS battery and itsconnection to the motherboard. Critical

The twisted cableBy Steve Epstein, technical editor

When working on PCs, you may have noticed some drive cables have a sectiontwisted. Why? First, some drive basics. Disk drives have drive select jumpers thatallow for moire than one drive to be daisy -chained together on the same cable. Thedrive select jumper is used to distinguish one drive from another. If two harddrives are connected to the controller board with a straight cable (no twist), thedrive select jumpers must be set to DSO on the first drive (C:) and DS1 on thesecond drive (D:).

One the other hand, if a cable with a twist is used, both drive select jumpers mustbe set the same. The reason for this is simple, the twist in the cable reverses thedrive select configuration. If the drive select is set to DS I, the twist makes it appearas DSO, and vice versa. When using a cable with a twist, if both drives are set toDS1, the drive with the twist becomes the C: drive. If both drives are set to DSO,the drive with the twist becomes the D: drive. The same thing also happens withfloppy drives.

The twisted cable simplifies troubleshooting, in that drives A: and B: can bereversed simply by recabling them. Without the twist in the cable, the drive selectjumpers would have to be reconfigured as well. This also can be used when driveA: is a 5.25" drive and you get in a 3.5" floppy that has to be installed through theA: drive. Assuming the B: drive is a 3.5" and there is a twist in the cable, simplyreverse the A: and B: drive connections. Now the 3.5" drive is the A: drive and B:is the 5.25".

One thing to note, XTs have the jumper set to DSO, so the non -twisted connectorgoes to the C: drive, however, on ATs the jumpers are set to DS1, so the connectorwith the twist goes to C: drive. As usual there are probably exceptions to this,check the system you are working on to be sure.

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information is stored in CMOS for refer-ence during start-up. A battery maintainsthe memory while the computer is off.One common cause of down PCs is lostCMOS information due to a dead battery.Also, listen and count the beeps. They'retelling you something is wrong (consultyour manual). For example, eight beeps

Take inventory of thesystem, recording

what's installed andtheir respective set-

tings.

usually means there is a problem with thevideo card.

Sometimes, the computer gets past theBIOS boot -up sequence only to show IN-VALID or MISSING COMMAND INTER-PRETER. This probably means that theCOMMAND.COM file on the C: drive ismissing or damaged. To remedy this, copythe COMMAND.COM file over from a boot -able diskette with the same DOS version.An INVALID DRIVE SPECIFICATION couldindicate a missing or corrupted driver orbad CMOS. Norton's NDD or DiskFix mighthelp here.

Next, verify there are no interrupt orDMA conflicts. This can happen whenadditional cards or new memory manag-ers are added. If the computer workedfine before, try remarking out the poten-tial conflicting statement in your startupfiles or push F8 while booting up. Thisallows you to activate each statementduring boot -up. If you get past this sec-tion and DOS runs fine but Windows doesnot, try running Windows in the standardmode by typing WIN /S. If the problem issolved, it probably lies in the upper mem-ory area or in virtual memory. Look forconflicts in the hardware or drivers. If allelse fails, reinstall the program. This mayrequire modifying the WIN.INI and/orSYSTEM.INI files for proper operation inthe Windows enhanced mode.

If HDD FAILURE is displayed or if youcan't get the DOS prompt for the driveyou want to access, consider the drivecontroller card or a defective drive. If youstill cannot access the drive after reset-ting the controller card and making surethe cables are connected, verify that itspins. If not, suspect a faulty drive. Inolder hard drives, a sharp jolt to the side(be careful) may bring it back to life. (Theproblem may be caused by motor cog-ging or drive binding.) If this is the case,the drive is warning you of imminentfailure. Immediately copy or back up ev-erything on your disk while there is stilltime. If the hard drive is truly dead, con-

sider a data recovery service.

Data recovery tips and servicesNo matter how hard you try to protect

your data, someday you will encounterthe "File not found" message. If the driveworks and you inadvertently deleted afile, your options from which to chooseinclude the DOS undelete function, Nor-ton's SmartErase and other off -the -shelfsoftware packages. Undelete your erasedfile immediately because once a file isdeleted, the computer won't hesitate torecord new data in its place.

Do not use a file recovery program if yoususpect an electrical or mechanical drivefailure. This is especially true for headcrashes or drive electrical problems. Forgeneral data corruption as a result ofviruses, use a good anti -virus program,such as Norton Anti -Virus or Dr. Solomon'sAnti -Virus Toolkit. Last, do not entrustyour valuable data to someone who lacksthe training and expertise to solve your

problem. Don't be surprised if you're toldthat your data is unrecoverable after thefact.

Recent facts are quite revealing. Onestudy found that out of 60% of the peoplewho initially attempt alternative meth-ods of recovery, 43% also had tried com-mercial utilities with no success. For thoseattempting to recover their data, NCSAestimated the cost of rebuilding a 20MBfile was $17,000 (19 days) for sales andmarketing data, $19,000 (21 days) for ac-counting data, and $98,000 (42 days) forengineering data. Therefore, it may beworthwhile to trust the data to recoveryservices.

Diagnostic softwareAt best, diagnostic programs tell you

whether certain hardware componentsare probably OK, including specific oper-ating conditions. Good programs also testthe majority of your system, includingsoftware/hardware configurations, RAM,

Do's and don'tsBefore jumping in, know some basic rules of survivalin the PC jungle.

Do have a rudimentary workingknowledge of the computer's oper-ating system. Do invest in a quality UPS, lineconditioner or power surge sup-pressor. Do make backups often, especial-ly before starting repairs. Do make one or two bootablesystem floppy disks compatiblewith the operating system. For ref-erence, make sure all of the hiddensystem files, COMMAND.COMCONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BATare copied over to the bootabledisk. Don't use a bootable floppy diskto start your computer if the flop-py is a different version of DOS (orWindows) than on the hard disk. Do keep notes of recent remediestried. This saves time and money. Do use screen dumps liberally fornotes on progress and to developan audit trail. Do keep track of all changes, anddon't change more than one thingat a time. Do try to get telephone help if it'savailable. Describe your situationclearly. Don't remove or insert boards,

plugs, cables, wires or chips whilethe power is on. Don't touch the motherboard orplug -ins with sharp metal objects(screwdrivers) while the power ison. Don't let anyone touch your com-puter unless you've first made com-plete backups of important dataand programs, or at least have thelast iteration. Do take a break and access therisks by making a value judgmentabout three factors:

1. How much critical data is onthe PC? If it is partly functional, canyou afford to have it go down dur-ing a repair attempt?

2. How difficult would it be towork around the problem until abackup can be done, or can it waituntil after hours? If you don't haveany backups, continuing opera-tions could turn a difficult recov-ery task into a hopeless one.

3. Will the problem become worseif ignored? Intermittent failures orrandom interrupt and DMA anom-alies are hard to track without someprior knowledge.


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CPU, drives, video controller and drivecontroller. Among diagnostic programsare analytic tools, data recovery toolsand data/disk maintenance tools. Al-though most claim to perform miracles,no present program helps untangle in-compatibilities and conflicts among pro-grams or between programs and hard-ware.

Up to 80% of hardware diagnostics isdone by swapping out parts. There areexceptions to the rule, such as SpinRite,Norton DiskDoctor, PCTools DiskFix, Mi-cro 2000's low-level disk formatter andRenaSonce's SB-Pro. These sophisticat-ed programs can often tell what is wrongwith a disk and sometimes fix the prob-lem. Enhanced diagnostic systems requireconnection to the system under test viaRS -232 or IEEE -488.

Some systems have built-in tests con-trollable by diagnostic software or byanother host. Good test software packag-es serve as a decision support system forthe technician. They should allow theincorporation of case -specific circum-stances, personal experiences or gut -lev-el decisions, even to the extent of ignoring the test program's recommendations.

Taming interrupts, DMAs,UMBs and addresses

A PC is like a house of cards. The morecards and programs you add, the higherthe chances of device conflicts. Four re-sources that hardware adapters fight overare interrupt request (IRQ) lines, input/output (I/O) addresses, direct memoryaccess (DMA) channels and upper mem-ory blocks (UMBs). UMBs are blocks ofRAM addresses that range from the top ofconventional memory (640k) and thebottom of extended memory (1,024k),where the adapters have RAM and ROM.The only exception is when two devicesshare the same attribute but only one ison at any given time (for example, a fax/modem).

One quick note on the difference be-tween extended and expanded memory.

LIM (Lotus -Intel -Microsoft) ExpandedMemory Specification (EMS) version 4.0defines a 64K area of memory in or nearconventional memory. This area can beaddressed as four 16kB pages. Up to 32MBof memory can be accessed by refering topage numbers, each page number refersto a 16kB area of memory. Extended mem-ory on the other hand refers to addressesabove 1,024K. These two types of memo-ry are not normally interchangeable. Old-er versions of DOS -based programs suchas Lotus 123 are designed to work withexpanded memory, but cannot accessthe extended memory. Newer DOS pro-grams, especially graphics intensivegames can access extended memory butnot expanded memory.

Up to 80% of hard-ware diagnostics is

done by swapping outparts.

Older systems based on the 8088 and80286 are limited to expanded memoryonly, although the 80286 can access ex-tended memory in the standard mode.DOS extenders are usually required toaccess extended memory on the 80286chips and above. Memory managers suchas QEMM386 are able to adjust memorypointers in order to make extended mem-ory look like expanded and vice versa.Windows has its own memory managerand can access both types and use themas required.

Eight steps to successAssuming the trouble started after in-

stalling another adapter, system conflicts'can be minimized by doing the following:

1. Remove the offending board and its

associated connections.2. Verify default settings, including jump-ers and switches. Instruction manualsare often outdated or wrong.3. Take inventory of the system, record-ing what is installed and their respectivesettings. Without an accurate summary,choosing IRQ or DMA settings can bedifficult.4. Pinpoint the conflict's source by com-paring notes to the new adapter's manualor by using a diagnostic software pro-gram.5. After locating an open address, resetjumpers and switches to the appropriatesettings. These may require softwarechanges as well. On some cards (soundcards), two sets of IRQs and DMA settings(one for DOS and one for Windows) mayneed to be altered.6. After resetting the switches, reinstalland test the new adapter.7. If that doesn't work, change tactics bypulling another board and changing itssettings.8. If that fails, call the new board's techni-cal support line. Check if there are anysoftware updates that might solve theproblem. If the company moved or wentout of business, several resources areavailable, such as the FCC's Public Ac-cess Link at 301-725-1072, CompuServeInformation Services at 800-848-8990 orMicro House International at 800-926-8299.

ConclusionTry to overcome two common fears.

First, don't let common mistakes fool youinto thinking you've broken your com-puter. Second, when all else fails, seekassistance. Plenty of people who are wis-er and more knowledgeable about com-puters can assist you.

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Intercom systemdesign and selection

The Bottom Line

Intercom systems are anintegral part of the productionprocess. However, whenbudgets get tight, the intercomsystem often ends up takingthe cuts. Don't underestimatethe importance of this system.Careful planning is a part ofany project, including thedesign and selection of theintercom system.

S

It's often the easiest system to forget, but one ofthe hardest to do without.

By David Lowrance

Today's TV business is moving forwardat a pace that could take your breath (andbudget) away if you are not careful. Manyareas of studio and TV technology re-quire so much attention that consider-ation for the intercom system is eitherleft to the last minute or forgotten alto-gether, followed by desperate cries of"What about the intercom system?"

Well, what about the intercom system?Do you think of it as a tool for talking or asvital equipment for serious communica-tions needs? Whatever your attitude,voice communications plays a crucialrole in program production, whether it'slive remote broadcasts, daytime dramaproduction or up-to-the-minute newsbroadcasts. Every application needs care-ful consideration before you choose theappropriate intercom system.

Early daysEarly intercom systems were based on

the use of relay technology, hard wired togive predetermined switching connec-tions. This approach had the problem ofbeing hardware and wiring intensive,even for a small system of, say, 16 users.Significant and proportional degradationin audio performance became evident assystems increased in switching size. Au-dio signal routing using relays sufferedfrom crosspoint noise, reliability prob-lems and limited flexibility when expand-ing the system. All of these factors con-

Lawrance is general manager, sales and marketing, forPhilip Drake Electronics Limited, Welwyn Garden City,England.

tributed to the decision of taking a differ-ent approach.

Opportunities arose with advancementsin semiconductor technology. The nextphase of intercomswas built using solid-state analog switching, which allowed ahigher level of switching capability andhigh reliability with improved audio per-formance. At the time, system sizes of 48to 64 users were becoming a commonrequirement. However, control of theseswitching devices remained hard wired.Flexibility was limited if the overall sys-tem configuration needed to be changedfor long-term reconfiguration or for theinstant, on -demand change.

Software controlBy replacing hard wiring with software-

controlled hardware, it became possibleto introduce configuration flexibility intothe overall system design of intercomand studio communications. Integratingsoftware and hardware enabled on -de-mand control to be extended to the oper-ator, providing quick changes of systemconfigurations. Over time, broadcast fa-cilities have become less labor-intensiveand have required higher productivityfrom personnel, leading to the rapid ac-ceptance of this type of intercom system.

In the analog domain, however, limita-tions remain. Quality can be adverselyaffected by hardware throughout thechain. The lack of dynamic control ofcrosspoint levels, coupled with complexsetup procedures for interfacing numer-ous external analog signals, often requirescareful and expensive system design.


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Digital intercom?Intercom manufacturers also have con-

sidered the benefits of digital technolo-gy. (See Table 1.) Because of the ever-increasing matrix sizes, the issue of equip-ment size has become a significant factor.Developments were undertaken to intro-duce hardware that maximized the op-portunities presented by software con-

PROBLEM

Limited rack space for a largematrix.

Redundancy of key components.

High cost of multipair wiring.

Complex interfacing with 2- and 4 -wire systems.

Integration of all needs withoutrelying on a single large system.

Easy to reconfigure and monitorhardware.

trol. (See Figure 1.) This has resulted inthe development of fully digital intercomand voice communications equipmentfor use throughout the broadcast world.Users of large studio systems and smallradio studios, where cost and simplicityare key factors, have benefited. Digitalsystems have finally made their mark inthe intercom arena.

Don't kid yourselfConsider how important your intercom

system really is. What range of problemsdo you want to resolve? Remember thatthey are not always the obvious ones.What are the key factors relating to selec-tion that will ensure these needs are met?Additional consideration must be givento users' needs from a technical and op-

erational point -of -view.Take all of this into ac-count before establish-ing a budget and evalu-ating options.

Consider who is affect-ed, directly and indirect-ly, if a problem occurswith the intercom sys-tem. It is not only theuser who gets angry be-cause the system hasfailed or spare parts havenot been delivered ontime. If the system fails,productions can be jeop-ardized and, because oflost revenue, manage-ment might ask ques-tions about who select-ed the intercom system.

SOLUTION

Through digital, large matrix sizes can be accommodated into asmaller frame, typically 123 user groups into a 9 -RU frame.

Extra power supply, matrix card and microprocessor can often besupplied within the same frame for backup.

Digital systems require fewer pairs or use a single coaxial cable.

Built-in isolated interfaces available.

Several matrices can be networked and controlled via ethernet,forming one large system or several smaller ones.

Advanced software allows on-line reconfiguration and monitoringas well as diagnostics.

Table 1. Some design problems/limitations and how they have been solved by digital systems.

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EXTENSION PANEL

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0111111111110.11110011111111.1011111111000

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Figure I. Possible configuration of a digital intercom system.

ork 11;-1 1111

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Smart planningIn reality, planning often goes out the

window when emergencies arise. Regard-less, devise a plan to ensure that a qualityintercom system fits within the budget.Before you begin looking at available

systems, establish exactly what is re-quired from the equipment and who isgoing to use it. Different applications mayrequire different equipment. Start with ablank sheet of paper and consider what isneeded, including:

Application. Will the system be used fora TV studio, inter -area, remote van, videopost, radio, studio, complete broadcastfacility or a newsroom? Budget. Set a budget and work within it. System use. Will the system be usedoccasionally or 24 hours a day? Will dif-ferent configurations be needed? Whowill use the system, and what is theirtechnical competence? How easy is it tooperate the system? Reliability. How important are reliabili-ty, spares and redundancy? What is thecost? Installation. Will the suppliers be able tomeet your deadline? What difficultiesmight be encountered during installa-tion? Are you replacing an old system orinstalling a new facility? Interfaces. What types of interfaces areneeded for other communications equip-ment, such as radio intercom, beltpacks,telephone lines, 4 -wire circuits and exist-ing intercom equipment?

Future needs. What are your future plans?How will they affect the intercom system?

Careful consideration of these factorswill give you a greater understanding ofoverall system requirements. Evaluateoptions and discuss the finer points ofthe system with your supplier(s). Don'tunderestimate the importance of goodresearch in understanding your needs.

Design partnerNext, find out who the main suppliers of

intercom systems are and consider whatlevel of consultancy you require. Whatelements of the design, manufacture andinstallation can you handle yourself?What level of maintenance support willbe required? Choose your supplier care-fully and make sure it can meet yoursupport needs before going any further.

Good system design relies on meticu-lous planning and a dedicated team fo-cused on achieving planned objectives.Think of your supplier as a member of theteam who will support you throughout allaspects of the project.

Design considerationsWhen evaluating the facilities available

from different manufacturers, it can bedifficult to understand how they will meetyour needs. Digital systems are available,offering more facilities and flexibility at acost point more favorable than an analogsystem of similar size. Investigate digitaland analog solutions, and consider the

merits of each.Choose a system that offers good over-

all value for current and future needs.Consider the lifetime required and wheth-er an expandable system is needed. Whatis the manufacturer's track record? Talkto sites where installations have beenworking for some time, and ask themabout their experiences with your poten-tial supplier.The intercom system is not just a tool

for talking, but an integral part of theproduction process that can make yourlife easier or more difficult. Think aboutwhat would happen if the intercom sys-tem broke down. When money gets tight,don't let the intercom budget be the firstto get squeezed. Recognize the impor-tance of the intercom and evaluate theoptions, but don't forget to elevate itsimportance in terms of budget and prior-ities. Give yourself enough time to choosea system design that matches your needs.

Once installed, an intercom system islike breathing: It's an ongoing processhappening without thought. But if it stops,the result can be terminal.

0 For more information onintercom systems, circle (310)

on Reply Card. Also see"Iltercorns" on p. 7 of the BE

Buyers Guide.


New profit centers

FM subcarriers are providing new ways forgenerating revenue.

The Bottom Line

A broadcaster's biggest assetis still his or her spectral realestate. For FM stations, someof this spectrum is fungible asexcess capacity that can beleased. Although this isnothing new, improvedtechnology and demand fornew services has changed thesubcarrier environment for thebetter, with a growing universeof potential clients emerging.Many of tomorrow's new profitcenters at the radio stationmay come from this revisedauxiliary broadcast market-place.

By Eric Small

What could be new about the oldestnon -advertising source of revenue for FMradio? In the 1950s and '60s, subcarriersthat delivered background music savedmany commercial FM stations from bank-ruptcy, but these services gradually fellinto disrepute in later years. Recently,subcarrier applications have undergonesuch an evolution that they must be re-garded in a whole new light.

Background music no longer dominatessubcarrier applications. Instead, low-cost,small -aperture Ku -band satellite down-links now carry much of the country'sbackground music programming. Thegrouping of retail shops into shoppingmalls hastened the switch to satellites -one dish can provide several differentmusic formats to scores of stores.

In many larger markets, ethnic broad-casting has replaced background musicas the biggest audio user of subcarriers.In New York, for example, as many as 15different languages are broadcast on thesubcarriers of metropolitan FM stations- including Korean, Italian, French, Rus-sian, Serbo-Croatian and several dialectsof Chinese. The companies producingthese services provide subcarrier radiosto listeners in the ethnic community on asubscription basis. These operators areoften inexperienced in broadcasting,however. If an FM broadcaster offers ba-sic assistance in obtaining subcarrierreceivers and assembling a simple stu-dio, a long-term client for one of the sta-

Small is president of Modulation Sciences, Somerset, NJ.

Photo courtesy of AXCESS USA, Metairie, LA

tion's subcarriers can be created.Data broadcasting is another impor-

tant use for subcarriers. A variety of ser-vices employ data subcarriers to delivertheir message. Stock market and curren-cy quotes, paging, transit information,wire news services and weather data arejust a few of the typical users of datasubcarriers. In the past, most of the usersof data subcarriers have been technical-ly sophisticated organizations that cometo FM stations knowing exactly what theywant and having all of the required equip-ment in hand.

More recently, the increased demandfor data broadcasting has spawned agroup of data -service operators desiringsubcarriers, and these users are less well-informed or equipped. They could, there-fore, benefit from the technical supportof experienced broadcasters.

RDS changes the environmentThe introduction of the Radio Data

System (RDS) has amended the simple"cash and carry" relationship with datatransmission services. The standard forRDS transmission includes the provisionfor managing multiple independent users.Not only can the radio station use RDS inthe manner for which it is justly promot-ed - to deliver the station call letters,logo, music format, and possibly artist/title or related programming identifica-tion - but, concurrently and withoutinterference, RDS can deliver severalrevenue -producing services.

Paging, global positioning system (GPS)corrections, remote control of billboard


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lighting and displays, accurate time ofday, traffic information, and mass transitinformation are examples of the types ofservices that can be carried on the so-called transparent data groups of RDS.

Each of these services represents apotential independent revenue streamfor the radio station. A station shouldconsider whether to lease its entire RDSsubcarrier or to maintain control of thechannel. Leasing the whole channel pro-vides revenue from one user of the RDSdatastream, but eliminates its use as apromotional tool for the station. Main-taining control of the RDS channel andleasing specific services may offer sever-al income streams as well as retaining thepromotional value.

Another consideration favoring the useof RDS to produce additional revenue isits total lack of effect on main channeloperation. The low injection level of 2.5%needed for most RDS operation meansinsignificant loss of main channel modu-lation. The FCC "giveback" of 50% per-cent of the modulation allocated to sub -carriers [FCC rule 73.1570(b)(2)] furtherreduces the actual impact to 1.25%.

Additionally, making the carrier frequen-cy of RDS the third harmonic of the stereopilot and choosing a data rate that is an

integer factor of the pilot removes thechance for RDS to crosstalk into the ste-reo main channel. More than 10 years ofRDS experience in Europe confirms itsnon -interfering characteristics.

Future IVHS applicationsVarious projects of the Intelligent Vehi-

cle/Highway System (IVHS) plan to em-ploy the subcarrier capability of broad-cast stations. Although these systemsremain experimental and are unprovenin wide broadcast usage, they offer thepotential for significant revenue for radiostations within a few years.

Also, because IVHS subcarrier systemstarget the general public, they offer thebroadcaster an opportunity to create amore traditional profit center from theirsubcarriers. Many IVHS projects are envi-sioned as public/private partnerships.Therefore, the subcarrier delivered tothe public should be available for carry-ing commercial material. If IVHS evolvesas anticipated, the subcarriers of a radiostation may become an extension of thesame profit center as the main channel.Rather than leasing the subcarrier, a sta-tion could sell time on the IVHS service,reaching a targeted in -car audience.

Some may have noticed the failure to

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An active LED sign on a Dallas Area RapidTransit bus, fed by an FM data subcarrier.The 27"x 6" display can produce text andgraphics. News, weather, sports, trivia,transit system information and advertise-ments are carried on the service, whichemploys a 4.8kbit/s datastream on a 67kHzsubcarrier of KJMZ-FM, Dallas, 100.3MHz.(Courtesy of Modulation Sciences.)

use the traditional SCA terminology here.SCA stands for Subsidiary Communica-tions Authorization, a concept that wasmade obsolete in the FCC rules in 1983and has not been used since then by thecommission in any documents. Subse-quently, the FCC has more accurately


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BUSINESS SCENE

Sony Broadcast International, Basing -stroke, England, has supplied RTBF, Bel-gium; RTL 4, Netherlands; TGRT, Turkey;and TVS, United Kingdom, with DVS -6000Cdigital switchers.

Furthermore, Polish Radio has placedan order for two DMX-B4000 fully digitalradio on -air consoles. RTE, an Irish broad-cast station, has adopted Sony's DigitalBetacam format as well. MTV Europe alsohas ordered 12 Digital Betacam DVW-A500P recorder/players and a BVC-1000library management system.

Two European companies, Nimbus Data& Technology and Optical Disc Manufac-turing Equipment, have purchased SonyCD mastering hardware.

In an upgrade of its studio production,news bureau and field acquisition capa-bilities, NBC, New York, has made an agree-ment to purchase Sony studio CCD cam-eras and various Betacam SP productsover the next three years. The agreementalso provides for an upgrade path forNBC to newer digital technologies as they

available during the term of theagreement.

Panasonic, Secaucus, NJ, has deliveredsix AQ-11D digital signal processing cam-eras to Benedek Broadcasting Corpora-tion, Rockford, IL, for use at three of its TVstations: WIFT-TV, Rockford, IL; KHQA-TV, Quincy, IL; and WHSV-TV, Harrison-burg, VA.

Chyron, Melville, NY, has supplied threeiNFiNiT! graphics systems to the Sun-beam Television Group for use at itsWHDH-TV station, Boston.

In addition, CBS TV, New York, is usingthe CODI Sketchpad to graphically high-light football plays for TV viewers duringCBS Sports coverage of the 1993/1994NFL season.

Pro -Bel, Dunwoody, GA, has sold a rout-ing system to Big Shot Productions, Balti-more.

Also, Air Studios has chosen Pro -Beldigital audio reference and distributionequipment for its new headquarters atLyndhurst Hall, Hampstead, England.

In addition, Pro -Bel has supplied fiveanalog video routers to the AdvancedCommunications division of British Co-lumbia Telephone (B.C. Tel), the secondlargest telephone company in Canada.

Leitch, Chesapeake, VA, has sold sever-al Logo generator/inserters to ABC, NewYork.

Industry Briefs

Avid Technology, Tewksbury, MA, hassupplied the "Letterman" show, CBS, witha Media Composer digital non-linear edit-ing system.

Xenotech, North Hollywood, CA, hassold 45 lighting units to Luxor, Las Vegas.

Dynatech Video Group Asia Pacific,Hong Kong, has been chosen to supplythe Australian Broadcasting Corporationwith the Quanta Delta range of free formtext and image generators.

AKG, San Leandro, CA, has supplied aC5900 TriPower microphone for use dur-ing Rod Stewart's "Unplugged" world tour.In addition, the C401, C414, C409, C408and Blue Line microphones are beingused during the tour.

Alamar USA, Campbell, CA, has installedan MC -900 TV automation system at KMSS-TV, Shreveport, LA.

Strassner Editing Systems, North Holly-wood, CA, has chosen Marketec/Thomas& Thomas to represent the entire prod-uct line of Strassner editing systems.

Sony, Montvale, NJ, has received its 17thTechnical Achievement and ScientificDevelopment Emmy Award from the Na-tional Academy of Television Arts andSciences (NATAS).

Sabine Musical Manufacturing Compa-ny, Gainesville, FL, has been awarded apatent for its unique method of control-ling acoustical feedback. The patent pro-tects the technology that is used in thecompany's professional sound products- the FBX-900 Feedback Exterminatorand the ADF-1200/2400 workstations.

A.F. Associates, Northvale, NJ, has beenawarded a contract to build the BronxCommunity Cable Programming (Bronx -Net), New York.

The Broadcast Store, New York, hasadded a 1,500 -foot service departmentand 1,500 additional feet of showroomspace to its New York facility.

BTS/Philips Electronics, Simi Valley, CA,has been awarded a Technical Emmy bythe National Academy of Television Artsand Sciences for the development ofprism camera technology.

Bird Electronic Corporation, Cleveland,has established a sales subsidiary, BirdElectronic Limited, Singapore, for sales

and technical support to the Asian/Pacif-ic electronics market. The address is 3AUnit 6, Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 0820;phone 65-299-2537; fax 65-299-8509.

IDB Broadcast, Culver City, CA, has en-tered into a long-term transmission ser-vice agreement with ICN Enterprises'basic cable service, the InternationalChannel.

Under the agreement, 1DB Broadcastwill provide full-time transmission ser-vice to the International Channel's tran-sponder on Satcom C-1.

PEOPLE

Navroze S. Mehta has been chosen assenior vice president for Comark Com-munications, Colmar, PA.

Andrew Griffith and Bill Johnson havebeen appointed to positions with Holly-wood Digital, Hollywood. Griffith is audioeditor and Johnson is vice president ofoperations.

Melville J. Berry has been named salesand technical support manager of theCOMPOSIUM real time digital composi-tor product line for Microtime, Bloom-field, CT.

Steve Claybourn, Frank DeFina, TonyBarton, Tim Roberti, Jim Jagodinski,Paul Depperschmidt, Mark Mifflin, HollyRobinson and Gary Bridges have beenappointed to positions with PanasonicBroadcast & Television System Compa-ny's Professional Audio Division. Clay -bourn is head of the Satellite Division.DeFina is national sales manager. Bartonis Southern zone manager. Roberti is Cen-tral zone manager. Jagodinski is Easternzone manager. Depperschmidt is dealersales manager, Southern zone. Mifflin ismarketing manager, display products.Robinson is sales development manager,Eastern zone. Bridges is sales develop-ment manager, Western zone.

Tom Haga has been named president ofPioneer New Media Technologies, UpperSaddle River, NJ.

Bryan Arbon has been chosen as prod-uct support manager of the North Amer-ican market for Pro -Bel, Dunwoody, GA.


1111111111M1111=111111

Betacam recorders/playersBy Sony UVW Series Betacam SP: cost-effective;complete component video system foracquisition, post -production and distri-bution; consists of the UVW-1800 editingrecorder, UVW-1600 feeder/player, UVW-1400 recorder and UVW-1200 player andis complemented by the UVW-327PACcamera/recorder package; recorders andplayers come standard with built-in timebase corrector/stabilizers and longitudi-nal time -code generator/readers; offerscomponent, composite, Y/C compositeand RGB inputs and outputs, plus serialRS -422A or RS -232C interfaces; fast frame-

accurate picture search speed is 5x forcolor and 16x for black -and -white imag-es.


Betacam videocassettesBy Sony UVWT Betacam SP series cassettes:designed for use with Betacam SP 1000PRO UVW series VTRs; offers increasedRF output, even after repeated use; avail-able in 10 -minute (UVWT-10MA), 20-

minute (UVWT-20MA) and 30 -minute(UVWT-30MA) lengths; large UVWT cas-sette lineup includes lengths of 60 min-utes (UVWT-60MLA) and 90 minutes(UVWT-90MLA).


Editing systemBy Sony DFS-500 Destiny: integrated editingworkstation for the desktop user; de-signed to work with UVW Series BetacamSP component video recorders and play-ers; PC -based system provides advancedediting, switching and special effects ca-pabilities using a Microsoft Windows -

based 486 computer workstation; in-cludes a 4 -VTR edit controller, a 4 -chan-nel audio processor and optional paintand character generation programs; EDLcan store up to 999 events; provides flex-ible RS -422 9 -pin control of four VTRswith the optional ability of expanding tosix; Traveling Workspace option providesan ultrawide monitor viewing functionthat allows more workspace than con-ventional desktop video systems; sup -

New Productsports Sony S -VHS, Hi8, U-matic, PVW Be-tacam SP and UVW Series Betacam SPVTRs and is SMPTE time -code -based foraccurate synchronization.


Wireless cable antennasBy Shively Labs 6950 and 6960: feature excellent band-width characteristics for MMDS/ITFS;horizontally or vertically polarized; stan-dard directional and cardioid patterns;custom pattern studies available; includepressure relief valve; unique fiber -glassradome standard equipment; DC ground-ed for lightning protection; beam tilt uponrequest; include rugged mounted brack-ets.


SoftwareBy SoftWright RF design software: uses Logley-Ricemethod of prediction of received fieldstrength; software module is integratedinto the Terrain Analysis Package (TAP)system for extensive modeling of RF cov-erage studies for land mobile, cellular,paging, broadcasting and microwave ra-dio systems; TAP system is PC -based andcan be used to design or evaluate existingor proposed transmitter sites and hard-ware configurations prior to actual con-struction.


RouterBy NVision NV3128-D: fully dynamic port -orientedrouter designed specifically for the au-dio/video production facility; each 9 -pinD -type connector port can be configuredas either controlling, controlled or off;high impedance, which allows machinethat previously only controlled to be con-trolling as well; requires only one connec-tor per machine; contains 128 universalports; can define each port separately.


Video patch jackBy Trompeter Electronics J24WHF: serial digital 7511 video patchjacks; high -frequency version of the J14series of normal -through patch jacks (BNCrear interface); offer an extended band-width of DC to 720MHz; typical returnloss is greater than 40dB through 720MHz.


InterfaceBy ESE ES -195: Master Calendar and Grass Val-ley Group "Master 21" switcher interface;can drive digital time and date displays

as well as provide a GVG "Master 21" withthe same time and date information; re-ceives ESE time code from a master clockor timecode translator and convertsthis data into two formats: ESE serial timecode (which drives digital time and datedisplays) and ASCII form (which the GVG"Master 21" switcher decodes and usesfor its time and date reference); featuresinclude 13/4 -inch rack -mount enclosure,optional battery back-up, six .56 -inchyellow LED displays and automatic leapyear compensation.


Portable RF load systemsBy Bird Electronic Corporation MODULOAD: self -contain, high -efficien-cy RF load systems; designed to operatein the broadcast environment with CW,AM, FM SSB and pulse -modulated power;8660 series can dissipate 15kW rms andthe 8670 series is rated at 30kW rms; bothseries feature an externally mounted loadresistor, which can be remote mountedto accommodate custom installations;protected by a series of electrical inter-locks; coolant temperature and interlockstatus visible on a large front -panel dis-play.


RoutersBy Dynair Series 36: series of compact 120MHzrouters; available for high -resolution com-puter graphics and HDTV video, and com-posite broadcast television, includingNTSC, PAL and SECAM; packs a full 36x36outputs of video into three rack units;provides 432 video crosspoints per RU;control features include Actual SwitchClosure and Switch Status Verificationfrom the crosspoint, external controlthrough ethernet, Source Preview -Before-Take, MS DOS -based system control soft-ware programs and Critical -FunctionAlarm System. Digital X: 16x8 serial digital video rout-ing switcher; first digital router availablewith a fiber-optic input and output op-tion; compact 2 -RU switch handles digi-tal signals, such as D-1, D-2 and AES audio;automatic signal equalization and recon-struction at each input ensure properdata recovery when using up to 300meters of low -loss Belden 8281 or equiv-alent cable; optical fiber can be used for


The national television series,BUSINESS TODAY, will explore a broad specitum ofissues in technology, manufacturing and finance.

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station for dialog editing and audio edit-ings; cost-effective; features include mas-ter/slave machine control; EDL importand auto conform; time compression/expansion, pitch shift, ADR/loop recordmode, track bounce/mixdown, projectmanagement tools, and storage solutions;supports the exchange of digitized audiomedia and edited sequences with otherOpen Media Framework (OMF)-compli-ant digital audio workstations and post -production systems.


Matrix switcherBy INLINE PATHFINDER: 16 -port reconfigurableRGBS and stereo audio matrix switcher;combines advances in digital and analogdesign for switching of low- and high -

resolution video signals from any input to

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any output; can reconfigure any port toan input or an output; defines differentmatrix configurations for each group ofvideo or audio; ease of use through RS-232 or front -panel controls.


Free guideBy Andrew Corporation HELIAX coaxial cable selection guide:free 16 -page guide to HELIAX coax cablefor cellular, land mobile, paging, micro-wave, broadcast and military applica-tions; illustrated with color photos; easy -to -read; describes the construction andbenefits of Andrew's LDF load, superflex-ible foam and air dielectric cables; listscomplete electrical and mechanical char-acteristics of each cable in tabular form.


Instructional videocassetteBy Graham -Patten D/ESAM instructional videocassette:25 -minutes long;describes each of thekey D/ESAM user benefits and technicalfunctions, as well an overview of audio -follows -video editing; additional copiesof the VHS cassette are available freefrom Graham-Patten's Grass Valley head-quarters.




Studio reference monitorBy Alesis Monitor One: high -efficiency, 2 -way nearfield studio reference monitor; designedfor professional and project recording;uses a 6.5 -inch low -frequency driver witha mineral -filled polypropylene cone, astrong linear rubber surround and a 1.5 -inch voice coil wound on a high -temper-ature Kapton former; features SuperPortspeaker venting technology; 100W pro-gram power capacity; 45Hz-18kHz fre-quency range (+/-3dB); 4S1 load imped-ance.

Circle (368) on Reply CardConsole

By Auditronics Destiny 2000: on -air radio console; com-bines the features of hard disk systemcontrol with the familiarity of an on -airradio console; works in automated, liveand live -assist formats; in assist mode, atouchscreen gives instant access to theimmediate playlist and shows countdowntimes; FastTracks feature gives instantaccess to sound effects, jingles, legal IDsand weather warnings.


Extended warrantyBy Andrew Corporation HELIAX warranty: extended 3 -yearwarranty of HELIAX coaxial cable, ellipti-cal waveguide and connectors at no addi-tional charge; includes any defect arisingfrom improper connector attachment; ifthe connectors are attached by someoneother than Andrew or an Andrew -certi-fied distributor; the cable and connec-tors are still covered for three years, butthe attachment workmanship is not cov-ered.


Remote trigger unitBy Akai DL600: for Akai's DD1000i and DD1000smagneto optical disk recorders; designedfor live, real time applications; allows theDD1000 to operate as two independentstereo cart machines, each with its ownstop, start and pause controls; four dif-ferent cues can be armed to trigger foreach output, and while one cue plays,another may be selected from a pool of256 cues.

Circle (367) on Reply CardCable signalsBy Tektronix

improving your audio operations andpaying dividends on your investmentquickly and efficiently.

But, underneath DAD's easy tooperate touchscreen is a powerful,hard disk -based production and play-back system. DAD can even be con-figured as a networked system withmultiple users and locations for evengreater versatility and economy. Withvirtually unlimited stereo audio stor-age capacity, graphic waveform edit-ing capability and versatile automa-tion, interface and operating features,your DAD system is far more than justa replacement for cart machines. Itreally is a complete Digital AudioDelivery System!

New Products Cable Multiburst and Cable Sweep sig-nals: additions to VITS 200 NTSC insertersignal set; complement VITS 200's signalset, supplying all the test signal neces-sary for FCC in -channel response andcolor signal measurement; Cable Mul-tiburst pack frequencies are 0.5, 1.25, 3,3.75 and 4MHz; Cable Sweep signal ex-tends from 100kHz to 4.2MHz and charac-terizes response across the entire signal;can be added to version B02XXXX VITS200 generator/inserters with a field up-

gradeable kit.Circle (369) on Reply Card

Transport systemBy Vyvx DV6010: medium -capacity digital fibertransmission system for high -quality vid-eo transport applications; can transmiteight video channels in either one or twodirections simultaneously; uses 10 -bituncompressed video technology; avail-able optionally in a fully redundant ver-

11If you look at this and see "ten," not "two;'we've got the digital audio system for you.

The DAD 486x Digital AudioDelivery System lets you reap allthe benefits of a powerful, CD qualitydigital audio system without having tohire computer wizards to operate it.With your DAD on the job, you canthrow away your cart and floppy diskmachines, the carts, the disks and allthe problems and expenses they'vecaused you. But since DAD'S basicoperation emulates standard cartmachines, you won't have to wastetime learning unusual operatingmethods or incur brain damage tryingto figure out complex computerscreens. DAD's easy, intuitive touch -screen operation lets you put it rightto work boosting your audio quality,

The DAD 48Gx

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sion, including hot standby switchingcapability; requires only 19 -inches of ver-tical rack space.


LED VU metersBy Logitek Super -VU series: features an expandedrange with 40 tri-color LEDs; providessimultaneous loudness and peak modes,plus information on your stereo imageand mono sum; other features include auser -adjustable zero point, brightnessadjustment and Max Hold; up to six dis-plays fit in a 1 -RU box; available in eitheran analog or digital input version.


Coverage/analysis programsBy EDX MSITE and TPATH: multisite coverageand multilink analysis programs for useon PCs; use full 32 -bit compiler; MSITEversion 2.0/2.5 features composite signalcoverage studies for up to 100 transmit-ter sites; TPATH version 2.0/2.5 featuressingle or multilink path analysis; allowuser to select from several different prop-agation models, plot 3-D terrain displays

New Productsand create Windows bitmap files.


ConnectorsBy Andrew Corporation C41 -series: quick -attach connectors forline of '/4 -inch Superflexible HELIAX co-axial cable; use unique "collet compres-sion" design that makes attachment quickand easy while providing high retentionagainst pull off; can be field installed inless than three minutes and does notrequire tab -flaring or soldering to thecable's outer conductor; type N and SMAconnectors have been optimized for lowVSWR performance up to 6.5GHz; avail-able in type N plug straight and rightangle, type N jack bulkhead, BNC plug,SMA jack bulkhead, SMA plug straightand right angle; three type N designsfeature silver-plated bodies, gold-platedcontact pins and hex -shaped couplingnuts to reduce the interference effects ofintermodulation distortion.


ConverterBy NVision NV1050: 4 -channel AES/EBU digital au -

EVERYONE'S DOING IT!

824 IMAGE INSERTERSelf contained unit, one rack unit high.Image size, corner screen to full frame24 bit true colorBuilt in linear keyer, 256 step16 million colors on screen at any timeResolution 720 x 480Auto fade in / outNTSC In / outNon volatile cmos memory

824P IMAGE INSERTERSame as 824 /PAL version, pixelresolution 720 x 512

808 IMAGE INSERTERSelf contained unit, one rack unit high.Image size, corner screen to full frame24 bit color (paletted)Built in linear keyer, 256 step256 colors on screen at any one time,from a palette of over 16 million colorsResolution 720 x 480Auto fade in / outNTSC in / outNon volatile cmos memory

808P IMAGE INSERTERSame as 808 /PAL version, pixelresolution 720 x 512

908 MULTI IMAGE INSERTERSelf contained unit 1 rack unit highFloppy drive 3.5" 1.44mb high densityFull RS232 communications portProgrammable input portMouse controlled/menu drivenImage size corner screen to full frame

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From the big guys, to the affiliates, all the w aydown to the local access channels. Let theviewer know where the program's coming front!

LOGOS 0,\A").images repositionable24 bit color (paletted)Built in linear keyer 256 stepResolution 720 x 480Auto fade in / out

908P MULTI IMAGE INSERTERSame as 908 /PAL version pixel resolution720 x 512

950 MULTI IMAGE/ VBI DECODERSame as 908 with added ability to execute commandcode, embeded within the vertical interval of incom-ming video signals

Enables remote control and insertion oflogo,s at affiliate stations

9000 IMAGE MANIPULATORSelf contained unit 2 rack units highMouse/keyboard controlled, menu drivenFloppy drive 3.5" 1.44mb high densityFull RS232 communications port1 AT/ISA buss exspansion slotNTSC frame capture (256 level greyscale)24 bit color (paletted)Video manipulation (editing, resizing,linear keying)Catalog and storage to Internal harddrive.Built in linear keyer 256 stepImports image file formats PCX, !MG,TIFF, TARGA, BMP, etc.etcl

OPTION 1: 9000 PREVIEW BOARDAllows full on line editing and switchingbetween preview and program frames

LL system:Ai:seSoutheast Salem Business Park7B Raymond Ave. Unit 8Salem, NH 03079

dio sample rate converter; features film -to -tape transfer, video standards conver-sion, 3/2 pull -down applications and fieldDAT recordings; accepts any AES/EBUinput rate from 32kHz to 50kHz; supportsvarispeed sample rates; provides anyAES/EBU output rate from 28kHz to 54kHz;accepts video, AES/EBU or Word ClockBack Timing.


TBC synchronizerBy James Grander & Assoc. Feral Effect TBC synchronizer fea-tures line and pixel interpolation forsmooth, clean vertical and horizontal vid-eo compression; allows users to produce"over -the -shoulder" and other specialeffects for a multitude of applications,such as ENG/EFP broadcasting, produc-tion and post -production editing;; avail-able as a board -level product that plugsinto any auxiliary slot in either the Amigaor IBM PC or as a 1 -RU high stand-aloneunit.


Youcan measure...

with the best monitor and the most accurate test set.The FMM-2/FMS-2 series monitors provide an even greater degree ofprecision measurement than ever before...You can measure S/N below90 dB, You can measure crosstalk below 85 dB, You can measure separationsof better than 70 dB, You can measure frequency response to better than0.25 dB, You can measure distortions to lower than 0.01%, and much more..Our uncluttered panels and autoranging voltmeters make these measure-ments a dream.

13 E LA Fl CALL ARNO MEYER (215) 687-5550ELECTRONICS LABORATORY, INC.LANCASTER AVENUE AT DORSET, DEVON. PENNSYLVANIA 19333

Call or write for more information on Beier AM, FM, Stereo, SCA and TV monitors.





referred to these services as broadcastsubcarriers, which is the term used here.

Broadcast subcarriers offer an array ofopportunities for radio stations to createnew profit centers. These include newservices carried under the RDS mantle at57kHz, as well as other, wider -bandwidthand dedicated -user services at the moretraditional 67kHz and 92kHz frequencies.By providing an auxiliary service, such asdata and ethnic broadcasting, broadcastsubcarriers will generate revenue by leas-ing. Conversely, by extending service tothe public through NHS, a whole newoutlet for advertising may open.

A number of manufacturers have begunto offer new hardware for the transmis-sion and reception of such services.Broadcasters who are interested in pur-suing potential new revenue streamswould be wise to explore these options intheir current marketplace.

For more information on FMsubcarriers and RDS, circle (309) on

Reply Card. Also see "Exciters,Generators," p. 20 of the BE Buyers

Guide.

News continued...from page 4

FX cable service tolaunch in spring

FX is the new Fox Inc. basic cable net-work scheduled to launch on March 1,1994. It will be the first entertainmentnetwork to interact with its audience,and will launch a live "breakfast show,"which will be produced by Fox CircleProductions.

FX will be its own entity, with its ownidentity. It will feature a mix of live andoriginal programming as well as film andTV libraries.

VOA and JPL showdirect DAB

The Voice of America (VOA) and the JetPropulsion Laboratory (JPL) demonstrat-ed direct digital radio broadcasting ofCD -quality audio via satellite Sept. 28-30to telecommunications experts fromthroughout the Americas at the Organi-zation of American States' CITEL Confer-ence in Buenos Aires. With the coopera-

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tion of the Argentinian government, thedemonstration was held inside the cen-tral telecommunications building, the siteof the conference.

A tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS)operated by NASA was used to beam a CDradio channel into the Buenos Aires area.The beam was 2° wide, and covered hun-dreds of thousands of square kilometers.The satellite delivered 7W of power to theradio channel. This was received insidethe building by a low -gain flat circularantenna with an 8cm radius and fed intoa digital receiver. The receiver system isan early design of a receiver designed byJPL as a prototype.

The demonstration used an ISO/MPEGdigital compression method to producea 256kbit/s stereo signal. Reception wasmade in the S -band at 2,055MHz.This fre-quency is close to the U.S. allocation of2,310-2,360MHz for satellite sound broad-casting and 600MHz above the L -bandallocation. The demo showed the feasi-bility of both frequncy bands for satellitesound broadcasting.

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(2) M/A COM SUPER 2 Gigahertz frequency agile micro-wave systems, dual and single rods, circular antennas,$12,000 each; FCC Approved retractable Bell Jet rangerhelicopter mount, $500; (2) M/A COM 13 Gigahertz sys-tems with horns and 2' dishes, $1,250 each. Call TomDickinson, (818) 841-3000.

UHF LOW -POWER BROADCAST STATION W65BF. Li-cense and equipment, favorable lease. Price is negotiable.Send letter of interest to: Chief Financial Officer, SonlightBroadcasting Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 81521, Mobile, AL36689, or calf (205) 633-2100.

SCSRT I SCA CARD -Set to frequency. Widely used in broad-cast industry. $20.00. Modified Superradio III w/IF filter &SCA. $95.00. Performance guaranteed. 1-800.944-0630/417-881-8401.

PANASONIC/RAMSA/TECHNICS. Broadcast, profes-sional, industrial video & audio equipment. Fantasticprices! Sealed new -Full warranty. Prices & orders -(800) 233-2430, Technical & service -(607) 687-0545,Fax -(607) 687-4780.

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ClassifiedHELP WANTED

SERVICE ENGINEERPanasonic Broadcast and TelevisionSystems (PETS) has built a reputationfor unsurpassed quality and profession-alism. To mairtain our level of service, weseek an experienced Service Engineer inour BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, office.Position will provide technical assistanceboth by telephone and on site forPanasonic professional broadcastequipment. Must be proficient in systemlevel troubleshooting in a post -productionenvironment. Ability to interface withcustomers in an extremely fast -paced,time -sensitive environment is required.Minimum 2 -year technical degree with10 years broadcast experience or thedemonstrated ability to perform the jobfunction is necessary. Digital VTR expe-rience is highly desirable. Some travelrequired in Western Region.We offer a competitive salary and a com-prehensive benefits plan. For immediateconsideration, please submit resumewith salary history/requirements to:MECA Personnel Dept. 93-0939, 6550Katella Ave., Cypress, CA 90630. OnlyResumes With Salary History/Require-ments Will Be Considered. We are ProudTo Be An Equal Opportunity Employer.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY: TheBroadcasting Service of Southern Illinois University atCarbondale, invites applications for a senior managementposition as Director of Communications Technology. Thisposition recommends, supervises and plans for communi-cations technology within the Broadcasting Service, servesas a communications technology consultant to the aca-demic and administrative units of SIUC, and is responsiblefor planning and managing all technological aspects ofBroadcasting Service radio and television stations, satel-lite operations, cable television, interactive video andaudio communications, and computer technologies. Du-ties include technological oversight of two PBS affiliatedtelevision stations (VHF-CH.8 and UHF-CH.16), and twoNPR affiliated public radio stations (50,000 watt and 25,000watt). We offer a real challenge and opportunity for pro-fessional growth, an excellent competitive salary withoutstanding fringe benefits, and mild winters in a semi -rural setting at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest,only two hours from St. Louis. Minimum requirementsinclude a Bachelors Degree in Electronic/Electrical Engi-neering, Communications Technology or a related field(Master's preferred), five years of communications tech-nology management experience, and demonstrableknowledge and proficiency with broadcast and other high-technology communications. Also required arewell -developed leadership and management skills. SendLetter of Application, Resume & 3 Letters of ProfessionalReference to: Lee D. O'Brien, Executive Director, Broad-casting Service, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale,Illinois 62901. Southern Illinois University is an EqualOpportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minority mem-bers and women are encouraged to apply. In yourapplication, please indicate the source of this positionnotice.

KAM-TV, is looking for a studio/transmitter engineer.Qualified candidates should have three years experience.Contact: Neil Pedersen, C.E., KMIZ-TV, 501 Business Loop70 East, Columbia, MO 65201.

TOO MANY ENGINEERING OPENINGS!!We have too many openings in the engineering depts. ofbroadcast stations 8 not nearly enough personnel to fillthem. Openings from coast to coast from entry level toseasoned chiefs needed in all aspects of broadcasting.Dozens of positions listed each meek, all within a 4 weekwindow. $20 for 4 weeks, $35 for 8. Call toll -free for info.

BROADCAST EMPLOYMENT WEEKLY

1 -800 -922 -JOBS10480 Overland Rd , Ste. 328, Boise, ID 83709

ELECTRONICS FIELD/SHOP ENGINEER. Swidersld Elec-tronics, Inc. located in the Chicagoland area, is looking foran Electronics Field/Shop Service Engineer with a min. of2 years exp. Individual to work with Broadcast/Industrial'4", 3/4" & 1- VTR's and related equipment. Full time posi-tion. Full company benefits. Send resume & salary historyto: Human Resources Dept., 1200 Greenleaf Ave., Elk GroveVillage, IL 60007. Fax resume to: (708) 364-5019.

TV MAINTENANCE ENGINEER. Specific experience in therepair and maintenance down to component level ofBetacom VTR's, ENG Camera's with beta decks and otherequipment associated with a fast paced news operation.FCC License or SBE Cerification is desirable. Sony trainingand experience of Live Truck equipment a plus. Sendresume and salary history to: KRIV Fox Television, HumanResources Department, P.O. Box 22810, Houston, TX 77227.EOE.

BROADCAST ENGINEER. Immediate opening at WyomingPublic TV. Responsible for studio maintenance & produc-tion support. Salary $23,908-$34,208, dependent onqualifications. Minorities and women encouraged to ap-ply. Position open until filled. (307) 856-9291. EEO/AAEEmployer.

TV NETWORK MAINTENANCE ENGINEER. Oklahoma PBSaffiliate has an opening for a microwave field engineer.Component level trouble shooting skills required. Idealcandidate will have UHF and VHF translator and transmit-ter experience. In state travel required. Salary $28,500 withcomprehensive benefit package. Please send resume withsalary history to the Personnel Department, OklahomaEducational Television Authority, P.O. Box 14190, Okla-homa City, Oklahoma 73113.

MAINTENANCE ENGINEER FULL POWER UHF. Compo-nent level repair on all equipment. Ask about additionalopenings KDEB-ENG, P.O. Box 3417, Springfield, MO 65802.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGRATES

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGNOW AVAILABLE AS

CLASSIFIED DISPLAYOR BY -THE -WORD.

Classified Display: $119 per column inch,per insertion, with frequency discountsavailable. 1 inch minimum, 10 inches maxi-mum per ad. Blind ads $40 additional.Reader Service number $50 additional.Spot color available for $95 (color deter-mined by publisher).

By -The -Word: $1.75 per word, per inser-tion. Initials and abbreviations count as fullwords. Blind ads $40 additional. Minimumcharge $40 per insertion. No agency dis-counts allowed for classified ads.

Contact Renee Hambleton, at (913)967-1732, for information on frequency andpre -payment discounts. To place your clas-sified ad send your order and materials toBroadcast Engineering, Classified Ad Mgr.,P.O. Box 12901, Overland Park, KS 66212-2215.


Ad IndexPage

Number

ReaderService AdvertiserNumber Hotline

PageNumber

ReaderServiceNumber

AdvertiserHotline

AAVS\ Div. of Sencore 15 11 800-769-AAVS Logitek 78 53 713-782-4592

Acrodyne Industries, Inc. 47 31 800-523-2596 Maxell Corp of America 11 9 800-533-2836

Alamar Electronics USA, Inc. 42 28 ..... 408-866-9373 Neutrik U.S.A. 53 34 908-901-9488

Ampex Systems Corporation 19 13 415-367-2011 Newstar/DynatechVideo Group 37-40 26 608-273-5828

Anthro Co. 66 503-241-7113Newton Instrument Co., Inc. 60 39 919-575-6426

Audio Precision 13 10 800-231-7350Odetics, Inc. 43 29 800-243-2001

Avid Technology 59 37 508-640-6789Orban, Div. of AKG Acoustics 7 7 510-351-3500

Aydin West 69 46 408-629-0100Otari Corp. 71 48 415-341-5900

The Broadcast Store, Inc. 86 61 ...... 818-551-5858Panasonic Broadcast & TV 50-51 800-524-0864

Belar Electronics Laboratory 84 58 215-687-5550Pioneer VDR Division 61 40 201-327-6400

Belden Wire & Cable 55 35 800-235-3364Polyphaser Corp. 31 19 800-325-7170

Broadcast Video Systems Ltd. 82 54 416-764-1584Pro -Bel, Inc. I FC 1 404-396-1971

Cable Products/DynatechVideo Group 37-40 25 608-273-5828 QSI Systems, Inc. 84 57 603-893-7707

Canare Cable, Inc. 62 41 818-365-2446 R -Columbia Products, Inc. 82 55 708-432-9461

Canon USA Broadcast Lens 9 8 201-816-2900 Roland Corp. US 77 52 213-685-5141

Cipher Digital, Inc. 87 64 301-695-0200 Rorke Data, Inc. 65 44 800-829-0300

Clark Wire & Cable 74 50 800 -CABLE -IT Sachtler AG 73 49 32-909-150

Clear -Corn Intercom Systems 30 18 510-527-6666 Sierra Automated Systems 70 47 818-840-6749

Color Graphics/Dynatech Sony Business & ProfessionalVideo Group 37-40 23 608-273-5828 Products Group 24-25 800 -635 -SONY

Comark Communications, Inc. 35 21 215-822-0777 Studio Audio & Video Limited 4.5 6 353-648-888

Dynatech Video Group 37-40 22 608-273-5828 Telex Communications, Inc. 3 5 800-554-0716

EEV, Inc. 57 36 800-DIAL-EEV The Austin Company 63 43 216-831-0110

Enco Systems, Inc. 83 56 800-ENCO-SYS Thomson Tubes Electroniques 42 27 201-812-9000

ESE 67 45 310-322-2136 Truevision 17 12 800 -344 -TRUE

Garner Industries 86 62 United Ad Label Co, Inc. 62 42 800-423-4643

Grass Valley Group 28-29 16 800-343-1300 Utah Scientific/DynatechVideo Group 37-40 24 608-273-5828

Hardigg Industries 60 38 413-665-2163Vega, A Mark IV Company 27 15 818-442-0782

HHB Communications Limited 49 33 207-773-2424Videotek, Inc. IBC 2 800-800-5719

HM Electronics, Inc. 48 32 619-535-6000TheWinsted Corporation 74 51 612-944-8556

JEM-FAB Corp. 87 63 516-867-8510WJMK 81 59 407-367-0703

JVC ProfessionalProducts Co. 21 14 800-JVC-5825 3M Pro Audio/Viaeo Products 45 30 612-733-1959

Lamp Technology 86 60 516-567-1800 360 Systems 33 20 818-342-3127

Leitch Incorporated BC, 1 3,4 800-231-9673

Advertising sales officesNEW YORK, NEW YORKGordon & AssociatesJosh Gordon210 President StreetBrooklyn, NY 11231Telephone: (718) 802-0488FAX: (718) 522-4751

Joanne Melton888 7th Avenue, 38th FloorNew York, NY 10106Telephone: (212) 332-0628FAX: (212) 332-0663

CHICAGO, ILLINOISVytas Urhonas55 East Jackson, Suite 1100Chicago, IL 60604Telephone: (312) 435-2361FAX: (312) 922-1408

ENCINO, CALIFORNIADuane Hefner5236 Colodny Ave., Suite 108Agoura Hills, CA 91301Telephone: (818) 707-6476FAX: (818) 707-2313

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIAMC' Magazine CommunicationsMarketing Corp.Jason Perlman501 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 401Santa Monica, CA 90401Telephone: (310) 458-9987FAX: (818) 393-2381

OXFORD, ENGLANDRichard WoolevIntertec Publishing Corp.Unit 3, Farm Business Centre,Clifton Road, Deddington,Oxford OX15 4TP EnglandTelephone: (0869) 38794FAX: (0869) 38040Telex: 837469 BES G

TOKYO, JAPAN

Mashy YoshikawaOrient Echo, Inc.1101 Grand MaisonShimomiyabi-Cho 2-18Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162, JapanTelephone: (03) 235-5961FAX: (03) 235-5852Telex: J-33376 MYORIENT

FREWVILLE,SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hastwell, Williamson, Rep. Pty. Ltd.John Williamson109 Conyngham StreetFrewville 5063, South AustraliaTelephone: 799-522FAX: 08 79 9522Telex: AA87113 HANDM

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGOVERLAND PARK, KANSAS

Renee HambletonP.O. Box 12901Overland Park, KS 66282Telephone (913) 967-1732FAX: (913) 967-1901


Front RunnontThe '90s are synonymous with innovation and value. Which is why we're committed to

creating quality video and audio equipment that takes "state of the art" to an even higher level.

Take a look at just some of the ways Videotek is combining new technology with affordability.

Omniframe. Modular video andaudio distribution amplifiers plus synctiming and test signals, our Omniframedoes it all.

SAM I System Auto Measure.We've taken the lead in automaticmeasurement instruments! OurSAM I accurately performs hundredsof NTSC and PAL tests. And at afraction of what others cost.

VIDEOTEKTM

APM-800 Audio Program Monitor. Here's a truly innovative fourstereo or eight monaural audio program monitor. You get high fidelityat an economical price.

TVM-675 Video Analyzer. Advanced combination waveformmonitor/vectorscope/audio monitor fo. composite and componentmeasurements. Packed with features, yet very affordable.

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243 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown, PA 19464 1-800-800-5719 (215) 327-2292 Fax: (215) 327-9295

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r

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If you need simple 4x1 switching or multilevel 32x32 routing, HEDCO has a range that fits.Whether it's mono, stereo, composite, component, new digital formats

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FIEDCOLeitch Incorporated / HEDCO, 920 Corporate Lane, Chesapeake, VA 23320, U.S.A. - Tel: (800) 231-9673 or (804) 548-2300 Fax: (804) 548-4088

Leitch Video International, Inc., 220 Duncan Mill Road. # 301, Don Mills, ON, Canada M3B 3J5 - Tel: (800) 387-0233 or (416) 445-9640 Fax: (416) 445-0595

Leitch Europe Limited, 24 Campbell Court, Bramley, Basingstoke, Hants., U.K. RG26 5EG - Tel: +44 (0) 256 880088 Fax: +44 (0) 256 880428Circle (3) on Reply Card

w:c. - americanradiohistory.com · the proposed paper or presentation. for further information,...

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