Society of Broadcast Engineers Chapter #25 Indianapolis, Indiana

Fort Wayne's first full-HD station debuts Aug. 1

2011-07-19T14:45:00.000-04:00

Fort Wayne's first full-HD station debuts Aug. 1: "WFFT-TV, owned and operated by Nexstar Broadcasting Group Inc., announced today that WFFT LOCAL will debut Aug. 1 and serve the Fort Wayne, Ohio and Michigan areas with local news and entertainment programming."

SBE-news - July 6, 2011

2011-07-06T18:40:00.001-04:00

In this issue of SBE-news, read about the July 7 FEMA-sponsored EAS National Test webinar. We also have an update on the progress of H.R.2102, the FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act, following a visit to Washington last week by the SBE Government Relations Chairman Barry Thomas and accompanied by the SBE General Counsel Chris Imlay. There is also another excellent webinar coming up that will be of interest to many of you; this one is titled Managing a Project and Outside Contractors for Success. Check it out!

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT
SBE President

FEMA National EAS Test Best Practices Guide Discussion to be Held July 7

Join FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and industry experts in a live webinar discussion on the Nationwide EAS Test Best Practices Guide: An Overview of the National EAS Message Process, on Thursday, July 7 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. EDT.

In order to prepare EAS Participants for the Nationwide EAS Test scheduled for November 9, FEMA/IPAWS and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is partnering with industry leaders and experts to draft a comprehensive technical best practices guide on end-to-end National EAS message procedures. The guide will be updated incrementally with the EAS community through webinars, roundtables, and other activities leading up to the test.

The July 7 webinar will provide an outline of the best practices guide and include:
- An end-to-end summary of the National EAS message process.
- Corresponding technical best practices from industry experts.
- Nationwide EAS Test preparations and activities.
- Questions and answers as well as feedback on improvements to the outline.
- Discussions on the next version of the guide.

Presenters include:
- Manny Centeno, FEMA/IPAWS EAS test and demonstration program manager
- Chris Brandt, senior director, engineering and technology policy, National Association of Broadcasters Science and Technology Department
- Chris Brandt, subject matter expert, head-end engineer

To join the webinar use the following Microsoft 2007 Live Meeting link. The link will be activated the morning of July 7.
- https://www323.livemeeting.com/cc/eiip/join?id=IPAWS&role=attend

Live Meeting Client must be installed in order to hear the audio portion of the program.

Microsoft Windows (XP or later) and sound card are required. Please refer to the Live Meeting Instructions for configuring your system.

Please contact ipaws@dhs.gov with any questions.

For more information on the Nationwide EAS Test, please visit the FEMA IPAWS website.

Drive for Co-sponsors of H.R.2102 Continues

SBE General Counsel Chris Imlay and SBE Government Relations Committee Chairman Barry Thomas visit Washington D.C. on June 30. Imlay and Thomas met with staff from 10 house districts.

The effort to secure co-sponsors of H.R.2102, the
FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act, continued in earnest last week. The SBE Government Relations Committee Chairman Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT, and General Counsel Chris Imlay, devoted a full day visiting the offices of ten members of the U.S. House of Representatives who sit on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; Sub-committee on Communications and Technology.

If enacted, H.R.2102 would authorize each FCC commissioner to add an engineer or computer scientist to his or her staff. The bill was introduced on June 2 by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL). Since then, Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI) have become co-signers. A visit to the office of Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) by Thomas and Imlay last week netted a commitment to co-sponsor from the congressman. More co-sponsors are expected as a result of last week's meetings.

In late June, the SBE also sent dozens of emails to the SBE members who live or work within the districts of sub-committee members, asking them to write letters to their representatives that urge them to co-sponsor the bill. Copies of those letters have begun to arrive at the SBE headquarters. Members of the SBE are encouraged to write their representative and urge them to co-sponsor the bill and also to encourage their colleagues to do the same. A sample letter is available at the SBE website.

SBE to Host "Managing a Project and Outside Contractors for Success" Webinar

John Luff will be the SBE webinar instructor for the webinar set for July 20.

The SBE will present a live webinar on

Wednesday, July 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. EDT titled "Managing a Project and Outside Contractors for Success". The instructor for this webinar is the SBE Engineer of the Year in 2010 John Luff, an independent media technology consultant.

The nature of our business is wrapped around change. One of these types of change occurs when stations face major projects that can be disruptive, yet fulfilling for those involved. This significant change causes stress unless a carefully designed structure is wrapped around the work. This webinar will help attendees learn the roles and responsibilities of those involved in planning and executing a capital project. Emphasis is placed on the roles and responsibilities of the station, consultants and system integrators.

This webinar will assist managers, design engineers, chief engineers and staff members planning and executing upgraded or new facilities plan effectively and manage without undue conflict.

The completion of this webinar from Webinars by SBE qualifies for one credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications.

The registration fee for the SBE members is $59 and $79 for non-members. Please note all revenue from this webinar goes to the SBE to continue building its education program.Register today.

If you have questions regarding this webinar, contact Kimberly Kissel via email or by phone at (317) 846-9000.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers

9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

SBE EAS Alert

2011-06-09T12:13:00.001-04:00

SBE EAS Alert

National EAS Test Set for November 9

Rear Admiral James Barnett, Jr., Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, today announced that the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test will take place November 9, 2011 at 2pm EST. The announcement was made during today's regularly scheduled FCC Meeting.

"With the date of the National EAS Test now set, broadcast stations will now be able to make their plans to participate. SBE will continue to provide information to our members to assist in their preparation," said SBE President, Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT.

Watch the EAS pages on the SBE website for updates to the SBE's FAQ section that reflect this and other EAS announcements.

Today at 12:30 EDT, FEMA will be holding a Virtual Roundtable to discuss the National EAS Test. The roundtable includes industry and government leaders including SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT and SBE EAS Education Co-Chair Jeff Smith, CSRE, CBNT.

Session 1: AM, FM, Digital Radio Industry Session
June 9- 12:30pm - 1:50pm

Session 2: Digital Television, Cable, Satellite Industry Session
June 9- 2:30pm- 3:50pm

View today's Virtual Roundtable by following the URL below:

https://www323.livemeeting.com/cc/eiip/join?id=IPAWS&role=attend

Instructions for configuring your system are available on the FEMA website.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers
9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

SBE to Certify Broadcast Networking Engineer - TV Technology

2011-06-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

SBE to Certify Broadcast Networking Engineer - TV Technology: "

SBE to Certify Broadcast Networking Engineer
TV Technology
It's been almost 10 years since the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certification Committee rolled out the Certified Broadcast Network Technologist level. It has become one of the most popular certification ...

Robovision All Over the Track on Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-02T21:03:00.000-04:00

Robovision All Over the Track on Memorial Day Weekend: "

Memorial Day weekend has never been much of a vacation for Robovision. It’s among the busiest of the year for the robotic-camera-system provider, which has delivered an arsenal of systems to the Indianapolis 500 since 1992 and to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, NC, since 2001.

“Lucky for us, we are busy doing a lot of racing during the summer, so we can handle that kind of [weekend],” says Richard Glandorf, director of field operations for Robovision. “We are certainly operating at near full capacity and using most of our equipment and [crew], but it is nothing we can’t handle.”

Robovision was on hand at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with 11 remote pan-bar robotic camera systems for ESPN and deployed 13 systems at Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR and Fox Sports.

On the Track

Robovision’s remote pan-bar system allows a camera operator to remotely control the wall-mounted robotic camera via a traditional pan-bar system and monitor located in the OB compound. The company relies heavily on Ikegami cameras with Canon 40x lenses to capture race action up close without endangering camera operators. In addition, the system is capable of performing hard pans that would be far more difficult with a traditional hard camera.

“Auto racing and robotics go hand-in-hand, primarily because of the safety issue,” says Glandorf. “But the pan-bar system we use also lends itself to making that fast pan that is required when you’re positioned right on the wall. These systems allow you to adjust your settings to dial in the pan that is required. Our systems are able to make the hardest pans lap after lap, race after race.”

Robovision has become ubiquitous at NASCAR Sprint Cup event, having deployed 12-13 systems at nearly every race since 2001. Most of these POV cameras are mounted directly to the walls of the track, usually going into and coming out of turns, where accidents tend to occur. Various robotic cameras are positioned to cover the pits, flag stand, and straightaways.

Robovision at Indy

ESPN deployed 11 Robovision systems for its coverage at the 100th running of the Indy 500, a far cry from the four on hand in 1992 at the company’s first 500. This year, Robovision positions included two cameras in the pits and two in no-man’s land (the forbidden area between the pits and the track).

“Indy is a very big track, so you tend to get really spread out along the front stretch,” says Glandorf. “The two cameras in the no-man’s-land area are a challenge because it is an area that you don’t get access to during the race. But it also provides a great angle.”

Indiana TV station defends cutting off Indy 500 finish

2011-06-02T11:31:00.001-04:00

Indiana TV station defends cutting off Indy 500 finish: "SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A South Bend television station is defending its decision to cut away from the finish of the Indianapolis 500 for a severe weather report."

TV station defends Indy 500 cut in

2011-06-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

TV station defends Indy 500 cut in: "A South Bend television station is defending its decision to cut away from the finish of the Indianapolis 500 for a severe weather report.

SBE-news June 1, 2011

2011-06-02T10:52:00.001-04:00

As we welcome the month of June, this issue of SBE-news includes information about this fall's SBE National Meeting in Ohio, which will be co-located with a fine educational event presented by the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. Also in this issue are details of our next SBE RF Safety Course webinar, to be held on June 21. Our instructor, Richard Strickland, does an excellent job on a topic that's very important for our safety, as well as others who may come in contact with RF-emitting sources. Be sure to sign up if you haven't yet.

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT
SBE President

SBE National Meeting Heads to Columbus, Ohio

SBE President Vinny Lopez speaks to members at the 2010 National Meeting. The 2011 National Meeting and Annual Membership Meeting will be held in Columbus, Ohio this fall.

The 2011 National Meeting of the Society of Broadcast Engineers will be held on September 27-28 at the Crown Plaza Hotel and the adjacent Columbus Convention Center in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The National Meeting is being held in conjunction with the Ohio Association of Broadcaster's, Ohio Broadcast Engineering Conference.

The Ohio Broadcast Engineering Conference, now in its ninth year, is attended by broadcast engineers from across Ohio and neighboring states. The Conference includes technical papers and an equipment trade show on September 28. SBE Members in all five Ohio SBE chapters are encouraged to attend. All SBE members, their guests and others interested in the SBE are invited to attend. Registration for the Ohio Broadcast Engineers Conference will open later this summer.

National Meeting activities include meetings of the Board of Directors and national Certification Committee, both held on September 27. The annual Fellows Breakfast, Membership Meeting and National Awards Reception and Dinner will all be held on the September 28.

The dinner program will include the presentation of the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year and the SBE Educator of the Year Awards, which will be announced later in June. Three members will be recognized with the highest membership rank awarded by the SBE, the SBE Fellow: Chuck Kelly, Halifax, N.S., Chapter 49; Art Lebermann, CPBE, San Francisco, Chapter 40; Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT, Chapter 5, Atlanta, Ga.

Some of the awards bring presented to chapters and individual members during dinner include Best Technical Article, Best Chapter Newsletter, Best Chapter Website, Best Regional Convention or Conference, Most Certified Chapter, Greatest Percentage Growth and Highest Average Member Attendance. Tickets for the reception and dinner are $15 and may be ordered on-line. Tickets may also be ordered by calling the SBE National Office at (317) 846-9000.

A special guest room rate of $99 for single and double occupancy has been arranged for attendees of the SBE National Meeting and OAB Engineering Conference. The rate includes complimentary Internet connection. To make reservations, call (614) 461-4100 and ask for the special OAB rate. Or make your reservation on-line at the Crown Plaza website. Use group code: OAB. The reservation deadline is August 27. After this date, rooms are available subject to a space and rate-available basis.

We hope to see many of you in Columbus for this year's SBE National Meeting and the Ohio Broadcast Engineering Conference.

SBE RF Safety Course Webinar to be Held June 21

Richard Strickland

Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions is teaching the 14th SBE RF Safety Course for Broadcast Engineers on Tuesday, June 21 from 2:30-5:45 p.m. ET. An attendee to the RF Safety Course held February 17 of this year said,"Richard did a great job of providing examples, answering questions, and keeping the material interesting. I appreciate the ability to download slides for future reference."

The course is designed for broadcast station personnel, including chief and assistant chief engineers, transmitter site engineers, ENG and SNG maintenance personnel and management that need to have an understanding of RF safety issues and regulations.

An overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters is addressed in the course, including:

Biological effects of RF radiation and the distinct differences between RF radiation and ionizing radiation
FCC and OSHA regulations - what they are and what you need to do to comply
Workplace hazards
Transmitter sites
SNG and ENG trucks
Remote operations (where news personnel can find problems, such as on rooftops)
The unique issues at AM stations
RF hazard protection equipment - you may not need it but your contractors probably will
Signs - what they mean and what you need

As with all education programs by SBE, this course qualifies for SBE Recertification Credit. The completion of this webinar qualifies for 1 credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications.

The cost for SBE Members is $85 and $125 for non-members.
SBE Chapters and companies are encouraged to secure a suitable training site where local members or employees can participate in the course. Other than the individual registration, there is no additional cost to host a location. We make it easy for you by accepting and tracking registrations!

If you do not live near a confirmed site, you may register for your own log-in port. There are a limited number of ports, so availability is limited. Individuals interested in attending this course are encouraged to contact their chapters or employers to get multiple people registered to attend from a central location.

Reserve a log-in port now.

Visit the SBE website for more information on the SBE RF Safety Course.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers

9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

IBA - Hall of Fame Press Release - 2011 Inductees: Joe Angotti, Ken Beckley, Rick Cummings, John DeCamp, Bob McClain, Don Payne, Joe Piggott and Chuck Workman

2011-05-31T10:24:00.001-04:00

THE INDIANA BROADCAST PIONEERS TO INDUCT EIGHT

INTO THE RICHARD M. FAIRBANKS HALL OF FAME IN 2011

The Indiana Broadcast Pioneers will induct Joe Angotti, Kenneth “Ken” Beckley, Richard “Rick” Cummings, Robert “Swoop” McClain, Joe Piggott and Chuck Workman into the Richard M. Fairbanks Fame at an awards banquet, October 6, 2011 at The Fountains in Carmel, Indiana. John DeCamp and William Donald “Don” Payne will be inducted posthumously.

The Hall of Fame honors members of the broadcasting industry who have made significant contributions to broadcasting’s growth and improvement. 140 people have been inducted since the Hall of Fame was founded in 1981. They have represented all areas of broadcasting: “on air” talent, engineers, technicians, sales people, owners and management. This year’s inductees include:

National Emmy award-winning veteran Joe Angotti was born and raised in Gary where he filled jelly donuts at his dad’s bakery before delivering them to the steel mills. While at IU, he was the first student news director of WFIU and earned the first graduate degree ever awarded at IU in radio and television. After stints at Louisville’s WHAS and Chicago’s WMAQ, he was promoted to New York where he was eventually named Senior Vice-President of the NBC News division and Executive Producer of NBC Nightly News. From 1993 - 1998, he taught broadcast journalism at the University of Miami School of Journalism. In 1999, he was named professor and chair of the broadcast program at the Medill School of Journalism. He is now a journalism professor at Monmouth University.

Lynnville, Indiana native Ken Beckley was a broadcaster for 14 years with stints at Terre Haute’s WTHI-TV, Asheville, North Carolina’s WLOS-TV and Indianapolis’ WRTV-TV. It was at WRTV in 1970 when he and Howard Caldwell were pioneers, as one of Indiana’s first dual-anchor teams. He became the station’s first executive news producer in 1976. From 1977 - 1983, he served as IUPUI’s first Director of University Relations. In 1983, he became Vice President of Advertising and Public Relations for H.H. Gregg. From 2002 - 2007, he was President and CEO of the Indiana University Alumni Association. He served as vice-president of the Indianapolis Press Club and president of the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers.

In 1981, Rick Cummings, from Cloverdale, became Emmis Broadcasting’s first program director at flagship station WENS-FM, 97.1. In 1984, he was named Emmis’ National Program Director, launching KPWR in Los Angeles, followed by WQHT in New York, and then the country’s first all-sports station, WFAN in New York. In 2002, he became President of the Radio Division of Emmis Communications, overseeing more than 20 radio stations. In 2008, he became President of Programming for Emmis’ domestic radio group.

John DeCamp began his journalism career as a paper boy for the Kendalville News Sun. While earning his electrical engineering degree at Purdue University, he served as a student announcer on the school’s public radio station, WBAA. For 43 years, DeCamp was the “Voice of Purdue,” doing play-by-play for Boilermaker basketball and football. For 22 years, DeCamp was part of the Indianapolis “500” Radio Network. In 1971, he was named “Top Broadcaster of the Year” by the Indiana Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. In 1974, he was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. DeCamp died on December 5, 2003.

Bob “Swoop” McClain was born and raised in Chicago where, as a kid, he watched his hero Harry Volkman on television. Volkman is known for being the first weatherman to issue a tornado warning. McClain is remembered for making swooping gestures while talking about weather fronts. McClain majored in meteorology and minored in Radio/TV at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he did a weekly weather program on the campus TV station. Graduating in 1967, he became a weather officer in the Navy. His first TV weather job was at WKZO, Kalamazoo, Michigan. And in May, 1972, he became a TV meteorologist at WFMB-TV, Channel 6, staying until 2002.

At the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Don Payne worked at radio stations KAAY and KLPO. While attending Purdue University’s School of Engineering, he worked at WZUS and WAZY in Lafayette. He was a trained engineer but also an on-air personality heard live on WZPL in Indianapolis and WAZY in Lafayette simultaneously. After working as Director of Engineering for WKRQ in Cincinnati, he returned to Indianapolis to be Chief Engineer for Radio One‘s one television and four radio stations. Payne died on December 12, 2010.

Born and raised on Indianapolis’ Eastside, Joe Piggott became his broadcasting career in Logansport in 1951. A four decade long career with stops in New Albany, Connersville, Columbus, Cincinnati and West Palm Beach, Florida. In Indianapolis, he was on the air at WXLW, WIBC and WFBM. In the early 60’s, he teamed with Glenn Webber of WFBM for the “Piggott-Webber Thing,” a top-rated morning program which was one of the city’s all-time best talk radio programs.

Chuck Workman grew up in Indianapolis’ Lockfield Gardens. As a teen, he went to legendary jazz clubs along Indiana Venue. In 1967, his dream of becoming a broadcaster was realized when he joined WTLC-FM (formerly WAIV) as music director. It was the inaugural year for the station and the first station to be fully-owned by African Americans. Two years later, he joined WTTV as the first African-American sports director in Indiana. He continued in that role until 1980 when he became Director of Public Affairs. The jazz enthusiast has hosted jazz programs at WIAN-FM, WFYI-FM and WTPI-FM. He has written a jazz column for NUVO for seventeen years. Black Expo recognized him in 2010 for contributions to jazz culture with the Lynn Dean Ford print award. He is a member of the Indiana Jazz Hall of Fame.

Sid Weedman and Julie Slaymaker are co-chairmen of the event.

ESPN, ABC Look Forward and Back for Indy 500

2011-05-24T16:03:00.001-04:00

ESPN, ABC Look Forward and Back for Indy 500

via Sports Video Group by Jason Dachman, Associate Editor on 5/24/11

The Indianapolis 500 has always been celebrated for its innovation, dating back to Ray Harroun's use of the world's first known rearview mirror during his victory at the inaugural race in 1911. Now, 100 years later, ESPN and ABC will follow that tradition, deploying an arsenal of new and updated technologies during its live telecast from Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.

"Throughout the show, we're going to offer all the stories of this year's race but, at the same time, take our viewers through a history of the greatest spectacle in racing," says ESPN VP of Motorsports Rich Feinberg. "We will also have a combination of some new technologies that we're deploying and upgrades of state-of-the-art things we've done in the past."

The Latest and Greatest for Indy's Centennial
Feinberg and company will deploy a total of 64 cameras for the ESPN on ABC telecast two super-slo-mo systems, 15 robotic POV cameras (one at the start/finish line and 14 scattered throughout the track), and a variety of specialty camera systems. NEP's SS-21, ESPN's primary mobile unit for motorsports, is on hand to run the show.

Depending on last-minute team confirmations, ESPN expects to have 12 in-car HD camera systems available, each outfitted with a 360-degree rotating camera mounted behind the driver.

Providing high angles and aerial shots will be a HeliCam and aerial camera system that ESPN calls the Bat Cam, which features an HD camera running from the start/finish line down the front stretch and into turn one. The Bat Cam will provide coverage of pit road, fans in the crowd, and the action down the front stretch.

The Rev of the Engines in 5.1
Racing fans can expect to hear the sounds of the Indy 500 like never before. ESPN will produce the race in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time.

"5.1 audio allows for a truly enhanced experience — whether it's the sounds of the engines, the crowd, the effects, the radios, and everything else mixed in," says Feinberg. "When you can take all that audio and split it up into multiple channels, it just makes those sounds that much more realistic."

Also attracting viewers' ears will be a new radio-replay system from TASCAM that allows ESPN to record, play back, and edit radio audio from any of the 33 drivers. Although ESPN has used the system for its NASCAR coverage in the past, this marks its debut at the Indy 500.

"On NASCAR, I call it the world's biggest TiVo," says Feinberg. "It's got extended recordable capabilities. You can separately record all 33 teams, and then you can go back in — just like on a TiVo — and, while you're continuing to record, you can pick out sections and edit them together to help tell the story."

New Look and the Return of RaceFX
In terms of graphics, ESPN will debut an insert look for motorsports, which will be deployed for all of ESPN's IndyCar coverage going forward. The network will add the new look to its NASCAR coverage beginning with the Brickyard 400 on July 25.

All 33 cars will once again carry Sportvision RaceFX boxes for the RaceFX data-driven graphics system. The boxes supply GPS in-race car-positioning data for the graphic pointers that help viewers identify each car. It also provides telemetry data that allows ESPN to feature graphics indicating a car's speed, RPMs, G-force, steering radius, breaking tendencies, and more.

"Unlike stock-car racing, we don't have these big numbers on the roof and on the doors; they are basically just on the nose cone and the rear wing," says Feinberg. "With the speed of these cars and the amount of side-by-side racing that you have in an open-wheel race, the pointer system is the key to identifying cars to viewers."

Catering to the Casual Fan
Much like the Triple Crown of horseracing, the Indy 500 draws a throng of casual motorsports fans, who may watch only one or two races a year. Feinberg is well aware of this fact and sees elements like RaceFX as a valuable way to bring these viewers back for more.

"We're very cognizant that, like other big events of this stature, a large portion of our audience are viewers that don't necessarily watch a lot of IndyCar races," he says. "We want to make sure that we are embracing those new viewers with our storytelling, graphics, camera work in hopes that they'll enjoy the race and become fans down the road. Our goal is to remain authentic in our presentation and offer insightful details to hardcore IndyCar fans, while also embracing new viewers."

Pre-race All About the History
The ESPN on ABC coverage will begin at 11 a.m. ET with The Indianapolis 500 — A Centennial Celebration, an hour-long prerace special hosted by Brent Musburger from a brand-new set that will be located right on the racetrack.

"Brent will be surrounded by current cars as well many of the old winning cars dating back to the Mormon Wasp in 1911," says Feinberg. "We think that that will give a great feeling of nostalgia throughout the pregame."

EAS Update

2011-05-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

EAS Update

The Society of Broadcast Engineers is excited to announce a new series of educational Web events presented by FEMA regarding the EAS. The first event will be a virtual roundtable on June 9th, focused on the EAS National Test. This, and future web events, will be led by FEMA officials along with other government and industry experts.

Please take time to go to the IPAWS Idea Sharing website before the June 9th webinar to share your ideas, questions and concerns about the upcoming EAS National Test. Please note that neither the Idea Sharing Site or the webinar will focus on CAP. These are meant solely to help broadcasters and governing agencies work out the issues with the National EAS Test preemptively.

Please read the information below from FEMA carefully to learn about the virtual roundtable on June 9th and note there are separate radio and television virtual roundtable sessions scheduled.

You're Invited Thursday, June 9, 2011 to a National Dialogue on the Emergency Alert System with Industry and Government Leaders!

Share Ideas. Discuss Possibilities. Inspire Others.

In preparation for the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test in fall 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is hosting a Virtual Roundtable event Thursday, June 9, with industry and State and local government leaders in the emergency alert and warning field.

Virtual roundtable leaders and experts will discuss experiential and anecdotal EAS technical challenges and EAS community outreach and engagement activities to harness and share existing lessons learned. The virtual roundtable is designed to promote a free exchange of solutions-based ideas in a positive, authentic, and collegial atmosphere. This ground-breaking, collaborative forum will spotlight perspectives and share best practices for improving the EAS across a wide range of discussion topics.

Additionally, IPAWS is encouraging idea sharing for the National Dialogue on the Emergency Alert System website, opening Monday, May 23rd. Specific EAS topics include:

· EAS Technical Challenges (i.e. Audio quality, Crawl, Color, Speed)

· EAS Equipment Installation, Configuration, and Operation

· EAS State Plans and Monitoring Assignments

· Clarifications of EAS Rulemaking

· EAS Community Engagement and Awareness

This virtual roundtable is one in a series of planned roundtables and webinars on the Emergency Alert System, so please stay tuned for upcoming events. FEMA IPAWS, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will compile informed best practices in preparation for the National EAS Test.

EAS Participant Virtual Roundtable with Industry and Government Leaders

June 9, 2011

Session 1: AM, FM, Digital Radio Industry Session

12:30 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. EDT

Session 2: Digital Television, Cable, Satellite Industry Session

2:30 p.m.- 3:50 p.m. EDT

Please email: ipaws@fema.gov for an Outlook meeting invitation.

Want to directly engage before, during, and after the Virtual Roundtable discussion? Please submit your ideas, best practices, and vote on the National Dialogue on the Emergency Alert System website, which opens on Monday, May 23, 2011!

Voting and discussion by peers is essential for our virtual roundtable discussion. The Top 5 most "Popular" ideas will be directly discussed among virtual roundtable industry leaders and experts.

Virtual Roundtable 2007 Live Meeting Connection Information

The Live Meeting Client must be installed in order to hear the audio portion of the program. Microsoft Windows (XP or later) and sound card are required. Please refer to the Live Meeting Instructions for configuring your system.

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/ipaws/livemtginstruct.pdf.

Use the following URL to log in to the Webinar:

https://www323.livemeeting.com/cc/eiip/join?id=IPAWS&role=attend

We look forward to hearing your ideas and questions at the June 9 discussion!

The Society of Broadcast Engineers
9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

Data Center News Digest from Lifeline Data Centers

2011-05-17T11:47:00.001-04:00

Data Center News Digest May 2011

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Insider Info

Disaster recovery and your old data center

There is a big switch that is happening with many enterprise data centers. Companies are seeking sophisticated primary data center space with better reliability. Companies are moving the primary data center off-site to colocation facilities that offer better access to more carriers, higher uptime, and room to grow or change.

Many of these companies are then faced with a decision regarding a secondary data center. There are plenty of options:

Rent space in another outsourced data center facility
Use virtual cloud infrastructure for a second data center
Repurpose the old primary data center as the disaster recovery site.

There are a few advantages to repurposing the old "headquarters" data center.

Many of the maintenance costs are already sunk, so the ongoing costs of the data center may be low.

Connectivity is already in place and can be shared for day-to-day use and for duplicating data from the primary to the secondary data center. This can reduce costs even further.

In the event of a loss of the off-site primary data center, no external telecom connectivity is needed at the headquarters data center location. Anyone who is in the building has LAN access to the disaster recovery systems.

Interested in learning more about repurposing the headquarters data center ? Call 317.423.2591.

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Data Center Double Duty

Data centers continue to be filled with more and more IT systems, but enterprises aren't necessarily hiring more people to manage that new equipment, two surveys have found.

In a survey conducted in March by AFCOM , a data center managers group, 37% of the respondents said they had reduced their data center staffs over the past three years, and 29% said they kept their staffing levels the same. The balance, nearly 35%, increased staffing.

But over that same period, nearly 74% of the data centers increased their physical server count, according to the AFCOM poll of 360 IT managers and other senior IT executives.

The upshot is that 66% the data centers covered in the AFCOM survey are managing more systems with the same number of people or fewer.

A separate study by Metrics Based Assessments, also released in March, explains what's happening.

CIO.com article

IT Maturity Assessment and Data Center Transformation

The pace of change, degrees of complexity, and explosion around the uses of new devices and increased data sources are placing new requirements and new strain on older data centers. Research shows that a majority of enterprises are either planning for or are in the midst of data center improvements and expansions.

Deciding how to best improve your data center is not an easy equation. Those building new data centers now need to contend with architectural shifts to cloud and hybrid infrastructure models, as well as the need to cut total cost and reduce energy consumption for the long-term.

An added requirement for new data centers is to satisfy the needs of both short-and long-term goals, by effectively jibing the need for agility now with facility and staffing decisions that may well impact the company for 20 years or more.

All these fast-moving trends are accelerating the need for successful data center transformation (DCT). As a means to beginning such a DCT journey, to identify some proven ways that explore how to do DCT effectively, BriefingsDirect now examines two ongoing HP workshops as a means of accurately assessing a company's maturity in order to know then how to best begin and take a DCT journey.

SOA World article

The Five Core Competencies For Developing IT Leaders

For CIOs to be business and community leaders, they need to build a strong team of officers and departmental directors that can execute without a lot of detailed direction. Without them, the CIO must spend valuable time on daily execution and less time working with the other corporate leaders, reinforcing the perception that the CIO is technology-centric. So building a strong bench is a prerequisite for success.

Over my 40-year IT career, most recently as senior VP of architecture and technical strategy at FedEx, I've found that most senior IT officers don't do enough to develop the core management skills of their VPs and promising directors. Performance reviews and annual objective-setting exercises are useful -- at best -- in aligning individual tasks, management expectations, and organizational goals. But they don't build leaders. Particularly when it comes to high-potential individuals, developing IT leaders is a continuous process of mostly small exchanges.

InformationWeek article

Data centers experiment with new power sources

Solar arrays, gas turbines and fuel cells are among the innovative options for powering data centers.

Data center power usage is soaring -- the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that data center energy requirements will double in the next five years. To address that surge in energy use, some companies are turning to alternative sources of energy, including solar arrays, natural gas turbines, wind power, fuel cells and hydro power. But one big question is whether these power sources will deliver a return on investment in the near future.

Ted Ritter, an analyst at Nemertes Research Group, says many companies are having a hard time justifying an investment in alternative power sources right now -- especially if it means completely replacing the reliable AC power already coming into their buildings, as opposed to merely supplementing it.

But some users are forging ahead with alternative energy projects anyway, figuring on a payoff within 15 years.

For the North County Transit District (NCTD) in San Diego, solar was the most obvious choice for alternative power. The organization's data center is relatively small, but it's big enough to enable the agency to handle ticketing for 12 million public transportation users annually and process video from security cameras in transit stations.

Computerworld article

The Shutdown: Dismantling a Data Center

We've seen lots of time-lapse videos of people building server rooms and data centers. But here's the first example I've seen of a time-lapse video of someone breaking down a data center. YouTube user dragonfly5446 has put together a unique look at the decommissioning of a facility in northern Virginia with 300 servers and 40 network devices. The video was created by positioning a Nikon D7000 camera in high-traffic areas of the data center and setting it to take a picture every seven to 12 seconds. The entire process is set to music, to very cool effect. This video runs about 11 minutes.

Data Center Knowledge article

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For more info, call Doug Theis at Lifeline Data Centers: 317-423-2591

PLAN emergency alert system going mobile in NYC and DC this year, nationwide...

2011-05-10T12:50:00.001-04:00

PLAN emergency alert system going mobile in NYC and DC this year, nationwide in 2012

by Zach Honig on 5/10/11

If you live in the U.S., you've probably seen those anger-inducing emergency alert system test messages that interrupt your favorite programming on a weekly basis. Most of us have never seen the system used in an actual emergency, but come later this year, cell phone users in New York and Washington will have similar alerts pushed to their mobile devices -- presumably without the annoying weekly tests. Known as PLAN (Personal Localized Alerting Network), the free service will reportedly only work with smartphones (we're guessing the GPS comes into play here) on AT&T&T, Sprint and Verizon. The secure messaging network will likely display messages as notifications, rather than texts, and will push to all compatible devices within an affected area based on the phone's physical location, not just its mobile number. Local, state and federal officials will send notifications in response to disasters and other public safety threats, presidential announcements, and Amber Alerts. In other words: it'll only be used for actual emergencies, so don't expect updates on the whereabouts of your favorite captive reptile.

SBE-news May 4, 2011

2011-05-05T10:37:00.001-04:00

In this issue of SBE-news, SBE EAS Education Committee co-chair, Jeff Smith of Clear Channel Radio in New York City, provides an update on the status of FEMA's planned National EAS tests. Also, read how to participate in this year's SBE Membership Drive and about an upcoming Ennes Workshop in the New England area.

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT
SBE President

The Latest on a National Test of the EAS

Most of the talk in the EAS world for the past several months has been about CAP and Part 11 rewrites, but there is an EAS issue that will impact all broadcasters before CAP becomes a reality. That is, a National EAS test, similar to what has been done in well- publicized tests in Alaska and lesser known tests in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to FEMA representatives, the National EAS test will hopefully happen sometime in 2011. They say hopefully, because a lot of coordination still needs to happen with the FCC, the White House, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.

We do know some basic information about the test. It will NOT be voiced by the President. Instead, it will be a prerecorded message from a presidential designee. The audio in the test will last at least two minutes. The test itself will be a live EAN (Emergency Action Notification) code using the Washington, D.C. FIPS code. There will be no EAT (Emergency Action Termination). FEMA feels that would in effect be two live code national tests and is not needed. The EOM at the end of the EAN will signal the end of the test.

FEMA is planning on doing a lot of education leading up to the national test. You will see more from them on this topic this summer. SBE is working with FEMA to get the message out through planning roundtable discussions and webinars. Keep checking www.sbe.org and www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws for more information.

Jeff Smith, CSRE, CBNT
SBE EAS Education Committee Co-chair

SBE Membership Drive Enters Last Month

Win a trip to Columbus, Ohio to attend the SBE National Meeting!

SBE's annual Membership Drive, with the theme, "Raising the Bar," continues through May 31. Each year the SBE places an emphasis in the spring on bringing new members to the Society. Anyone working in the field of broadcast engineering will benefit from membership and the entire organization benefits from a large and active membership as well.

Members who recruit new members (Member, Associate Member and Sustaining Member categories) during the Drive receive a $5 discount off their 2012 membership renewal, with a maximum discount of $25. Recruiters are also entered into a prize drawing each time they recruit a new member (Sustaining Members, which are manufactures and suppliers, count as five entries).

The Grand Prize is a trip for the winner to the SBE National Meeting and Ohio Broadcast Engineering Conference, sponsored by the Ohio Association of Broadcasters, September 27-28, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. The trip includes roundtrip air transportation from within the Continental U.S., two nights stay at the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown Columbus, free registration for the National Meeting and OAB Engineering Conference, which includes access to the technical sessions, tradeshow, SBE Annual Membership Meeting, National Awards Reception and Dinner. Other great prizes will also be awarded, donated by SBE Sustaining Members.

Two top participating chapters, based on the percentage of their members who have recruited at least one new member, will also receive recognition.

Do you have someone in mind right now that you would like to invite to join? Share with them the benefits of membership and then ask them to use the easy on-line membership application located at the SBE website. Applications are also available on the website to download for printing or scanning. Remind them to put your name on the "Sponsor" line of the application so you get credit for your recruiting efforts.

Growing SBE membership is a shared responsibility of us all. Please do your part by recruiting a member during the SBE Membership Drive and help "Raise the Bar" for the Society.

Ennes Workshop Comes to Hartford

If you're located in Connecticut or neighboring states, plan to take in the Ennes Workshop on Thursday, May 19 in Hartford. Ennes Workshops are one-day educational programs for broadcast engineers and technicians that cover a variety of relevant topics and are presented by experts. For specific program information and to register on-line, visit the SBE website.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers

9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

Former WANE GM passes away (Indiana)

2011-04-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

Former WANE GM passes away (Indiana): "Frank was known for his love of traveling and photography. He was also an avid ham radio operator.

It was his ham radio hobby that put him in contact with a person inside Kuwait during the first Gulf War. Frank shared information he received from this ham radio contact with the U.S. State Department. He later traveled to Kuwait after the conclusion of the war and met the contact and the two men became friends."

SBE-news April 21, 2011

2011-04-22T16:08:00.001-04:00

The NAB Show last week, by most all accounts, was a success for the industry. Attendance continued to grow after the recession-induced drop several years ago. It was also very successful for the SBE - educationally, the exhibits and with positive developments from our board and committee meetings. In today's SBE-news, read about three important announcements SBE made during last week's show that involve the recognition of several of our members and an important change coming in 2012 to our election system.

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT

SBE President

Kelly, Lebermann, Thomas elevated to SBE Fellow status

The Board of Directors of the SBE recently elected Charles W. Kelly, Jr., Arthur Lebermann, CPBE and Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT to the membership grade of SBE Fellow. The three men were elected during the Board of Directors meeting, held on April 10 during the 2011 NAB Show.

The SBE Fellow Award recognizes members who have rendered conspicuous service, or who have made valuable contributions to the advancement of broadcast engineering or its allied professions, the dissemination of knowledge thereof or the promotion of its application in practice.

Chuck Kelly

Kelly is the Director of International Sales for Nautel, Ltd., based in Nova Scotia, Canada and is a member of SBE Chapter 49 in Central Illinois. Kelly is a past national president of the SBE and currently serves as chair of the SBE's

Art Lebermann, CPBE

International Committee.

Lebermann is transmitter supervisor for KGO and KSFO, San Francisco. He is the chairman of SBE Chapter 40 in San Francisco. He also co-founded the chapter in 1975.

Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT

Thomas, CPBE, CBNT is the corporate Vice President of Engineering for Radio, Lincoln Financial Media. He is Immediate Past President of the SBE, chairman of the SBE's Government Relations Committee and is a member of SBE Chapter 5 in Atlanta.

Following the election, SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT remarked, "The Society is pleased and honored to add Kelly, Lebermann and Thomas to the highest level of SBE Membership, the SBE Fellow. All three have contributed greatly to the SBE over many years."

The three recipients will be recognized during the SBE National Meeting in Columbus, Ohio on September 28, 2011. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the annual Ohio Association of Broadcasters', Ohio Broadcast Engineering Conference.

Board authorizes e-voting beginning in 2012

Next year, SBE members will be able to receive their ballots and vote electronically for members of the national Board of Directors. At their meeting on April 10, the SBE Board approved a motion that authorizes electronic balloting beginning with the 2012 election. The Board also voted to amend the SBE By-laws to allow voting by electronic means as well as by mail.

Because of the ease and convenience of electronic voting, it is expected that the number of SBE members which participate in the selection process of the national Board by casting their votes, will increase. In 2012, for those voting members who wish to still vote by mail will have the opportunity to opt-out of e-voting and receive their ballots in the traditional paper format.

Other benefits of an electronic voting system include higher security and accuracy as well as lower costs to conduct.

The 2011 election, held this summer, will be conducted using only paper ballots. To begin the transition to e-voting, members will be asked to confirm that the SBE National Office has their correct email address.

John Battison received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

SBE's Lifetime Achievement Award to be

named for SBE Founder

SBE president, Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT, announced at last week's national Spring SBE Membership Meeting that the SBE Lifetime Achievement Award will be re-named the SBE John H. Battison Award for Lifetime Achievement. Battison is credited as the founder of the SBE for his organizational efforts in the early 1960's. He also served as the SBE's first national president.

Battison was recognized with the SBE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Others to have won the award include Terry Baun in 2010, Richard Burden in 2005, Richard Rudman in 2002, Morris Blum in 1998, Philo and Elma Farnsworth in 1997, and Jim Wulliman and Ben Wolfe in 1995.

Still time to register for this SBE webinar on April 28...
KREX - the Real World of Disaster Recovery

2:00-3:00 p.m. EDT - Free for SBE members; $39 for non-members.

Sponsored by

The Society of Broadcast Engineers

9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

SBE Chapter #25 members invited to Central Indiana Section of the Audio Engineering Society Meeting

2011-04-20T11:59:00.001-04:00

SBE Chapter #25 members, Dr. Uwe J. Hansen will speak on Phase Considerations in Signal Processing on Thursday, May 12. As always, all are welcome! Please spread the word as it promises to be a riveting presentation.

http://centralindianaaes.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/meeting-announcement-dr-uwe-j-hansen-to-speak-on-phase-considerations-in-signal-processing/

Meeting Announcement: Dr. Uwe J. Hansen to Speak on Phase Considerations in Signal Processing | Cent

The Central Indiana Section of the Audio Engineering Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Uwe J. Hansen will speak on Phase Considerations in Signal Processing at our May 2011 meeting.

Tribune Names Head of Indianapolis Stations

2011-04-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

Tribune Names Head of Indianapolis Stations

Broadcast Engineering announces 2011 NAB Show Pick Hit winners

2011-04-18T17:50:00.000-04:00

Broadcast Engineering announces 2011 NAB Show Pick Hit winners: "A panel of independent judges toured the show floor for three days, looking for the most innovative products and technology."

SBE Career Advancement - Certification and Education

2011-04-18T15:09:00.001-04:00

Society of Broadcast Engineers Monthly Newsletter on Career Advancement April 2011

Issue Highlights

Did you know?

SBE Exam Deadline

SBE Leadership Development Course

SBE Recertification Success

NEW! SBE Technical Presenters Group

Webinars by SBE - Live and On-Demand

On the Horizon

April

28 FREE Webinar - KREX - The Real

World of Disaster Recovery

May

19 Hartford Ennes Workshop

June

3-13 SBE Exams at local chapters

7 Pittsburgh Ennes Workshop

21 SBE RF Safety Course

Did you know?

SBE's online, on-demand courses on SBE University qualify for recertification credit toward SBE Certifications?

Contact Information

Society of Broadcast Engineers

John L. Poray, CAE
Executive Director

Megan E. Clappe

Certification Director

Kimberly Kissel

Education Director

SBE Exam Deadline

If you are interested in taking a certification exam during this exam time, please fill out the appropriate application and send it in to the national office for approval. See below for the application cut-off date and other exam opportunities.

SBE 2011 EXAM DATES LOCATION APPLICATION DEADLINE

June 3-13, 2011 local chapters April 15, 2011

August 5-15, 2011 local chapters June 3, 2011

November 4-14, 2011 local chapters September 16, 2011

If you have any questions, please contact the Certification Director, Megan Clappe.

SBE Leadership Development Course ∙ August 2-4

Holiday Inn Airport South, 4669 Airport Blvd, College Park, GA 30337 ∙ Room Rate: $99
SBE Members ∙ $580; Non-Members ∙ $630

Instructor: Professor Rodney Vandeveer

This course will be challenging and rewarding, and includes training in conflict management, understanding the dynamics of leadership, the CAPS Study (identifies your leadership behavioral style), generations in the workplace, motivation, building winning teams and more. More Info

Subjects include:

Effective Motivation Techniques

Generations in the Workplace

Understanding the Dynamics of Leadership

CAPS Study: Discover Your Leadership Behavioral Style

Communications

Building Winning Teams (team process and team advantage)

Managing Conflict, Counseling and Discipline

Also check out Rodney's webinars on Leadership. These webinars are an affordable way to get a head start on your leadership training.

SBE Recertification Success

The SBE National Certification Committee has produced a brochure that you can use to help keep track of the activities you have completed during the 5 years of your SBE certification.

Access the brochure here or the excel spreadsheet here.

If your certification expires July 1, 2011, please fill out the recertification application and send it in ASAP to maintain your SBE certification.

If you are recertifying by professional credits, you will need a minimum of four categories and a minimum number of credits.

For information on recertification, check out the SBE website.

Upgrade your SBE Certification

If you currently hold a Certified Senior Radio Engineer (CSRE) or a Certified Senior Television Engineer (CSTE) certification and you have worked in the industry for at least 20 years, you may want to consider upgrading to the Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE). There is no exam involved. You can find more information about the CPBE and applications here.

Please visit the SBE website or contact the Certification Director, Megan Clappe, for more information.

SBE Technical Presenters Group

The Society of Broadcast Engineers is working with select industry professionals to be a part of the new SBE Technical Presenters Group. For a reasonable fee and travel expenses, groups such as state broadcasters associations, broadcasting companies, SBE chapters and others have the opportunity to include one of these speakers in their next engineering conference, or as a trainer for their engineering staff. Speakers from the SBE Technical Presenters Group are generally available to speak across the country. Click here for details on the current presenters and programs being offered.

Webinars by SBE - Live and On-Demand

Upcoming Live Webinars

KREX - The Real World of Disaster Recovery ∙ with Skip Erickson

April 28 - 2:00 p.m. ET

SBE Members - FREE, thanks to Harris Corp.

Non-Members - $39

Are you ready to respond if your station were to be destroyed by a disaster? Broadcasters need to have a plan, from obtaining new equipment, setting up an office offsite, equipping a teamand more. Find out what real world lessons in disaster planning were learned when the CBS and Fox affiliate in Grand Junction, Colorado burned completely to the ground and the Super Bowl was just two weeks away. This webinar also includes checklists and other templates to prepare you in disaster recovery. More Info

SBE RF Safety Course ∙ with Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions

June 21 - 2:30 p.m. ET

SBE Members - $85 ∙ Non-Members - $125

The SBE RF Safety Course provides an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters, including transmitter sites, SNG and ENG trucks, remote operations, biological effects of RF radiation and the distinct differences between RF radiation and ionizing radiation, FCC and OSHA regulations and more. More Info

Managing a Project and Outside Contractors for Success ∙ with John Luff

July 20 - 2:00 p.m. ET

SBE Members - $59 ∙ Non-Members - $79

This webinar will assist managers, design engineers, chief engineers and staff members planning and executing upgraded or new facilities plan effectively, and manage without undue conflict. More Info

On-Demand Webinars

Networking Technology, 2 part

Mathematics of Reliability

Event Frequency Coordination

Leadership Development Webinar Series

Maximizing HD & 1080p/60 Cable Performance

Human Factors in Broadcasting

EAS Update (recorded Aug 19)

ATSC Mobile DTV

FCC Self-Inspection Checklist

Eyewitness News wins awards

2011-04-17T07:25:00.000-04:00

Eyewitness News wins awards: "Indianapolis - A proud moment for Eyewitness News Saturday night. The Indiana Associated Press honored us with 'Best Station Photojournalism', 'Outstanding Weather Operation', 'Best Feature', 'Best"

TV Technology Announces STAR, Mario Awards for the 2011 NAB Show

2011-04-15T17:12:00.000-04:00

TV Technology Announces STAR, Mario Awards for the 2011 NAB Show: "A judging panel of broadcast industry experts reviewed a variety of products and services and examined the technical applications and their overall contribution to the industry."

Indiana RadioWatch - 8 April 2011

2011-04-10T23:36:00.000-04:00

Serving Hoosier Broadcasters Since 1998

Three important notes from the administrative desk:

April brings IRW's first visit to the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Will you or your colleagues be there? Please reply, if so.

What did your radio station do for April Fools? Tell us about it, and IRW will publish the responses in our next issue.

Shortly after our last issue, a colleague e-mailed with his radio station's current on-air lineup. This gave IRW the idea: "Let's write the on-air lineups of radio stations around the state." Instead of IRW perusing radio station websites (...and perhaps finding outdated information...), let's make this reader generated. E-mail your lineup to us (even if it is a pointer to a URL), and we will publish some in our next issue.

Onto the news...

Northeast

Which radio station will soon have new ownership? We'll tell you soon.

After the death last year of owner Chris Larko, one of his two radio stations is now silent. Hot AC/WMYQ (101.1fm, South Whitley) fell silent at 3:00PM on Tuesday 29 March. When we asked WMYQ about the latest development, they told IRW: "WMYQ/MyQ101 is currently exploring a number of different opportunities, and we invite everyone to continue checking back from time to time. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of our fabulously loyal listeners. If not for their amazing support, we could not have lived this dream." Mr. Larko's other station Oldies/WBZQ (1300am, Huntington) remains on the air.

Independence Media's Talk/WNUY (100.1fm, Bluffton) retools on Monday 28 March, with a new programming lineup. WNUY replaces Laura Ingraham with Dennis Miller (9am until 12pm) and replaces Dave Ramsey with "The Loose Cannons" (Pat O'Brian, et al.) (3pm until 6pm). WNUY OM/PD Pete LaFaucia tells IRW that WNUY stays with its talk format after the 1 May 2011 closing of WNUY's $350,000 sale by Dallas, Texas-based Independence Media to Fort Wayne-owned Godwin-Starks Property Management LLC. But what about the fates of syndicated talkers Ms. Ingraham and Mr. Ramsey?

Both syndicated talkers move to Summit City Radio Group's WGL (1250am, Fort Wayne). Dave Ramsey is now on WGL from Noon until 3:00PM each day, while Laura Ingraham will soon appear on WGL.

Andy Beckman joins Federated Media's Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) in mornings, alongside Nichole Roberts. Former morning co-host Zack Skyler moves to middays. Boomer remains in afternoons and the syndicated Billy Bush in nights, all under OM Jimmy Knight.

Charlie Adams returns to PD and mornings at Upper Wabash Broadcasting's AC/WKUZ (95.9fm, Wabash). Mr. Adams once owned WKUZ, which is now LMA'ed by Brothers Broadcasting Corp.

At Northeast Indiana Public Radio's Talk-Jazz/WBOI (89.1fm, Fort Wayne), Sean Bueter is the new local morning host, during NPR's "Morning Edition." While an undergrad at Ball State University, Mr. Bueter had a brief internship on NPR's "Morning Edition."

Oasis Radio Group's Rhythmic CHR/WJFX (107.9fm, New Haven) changes imaging voices from Kelly Kelly Kelly (Kelly Doherty) to Jude Corbett.

Former Federated Media Hot AC/WMEE (97.3fm, Fort Wayne) morning host Steve Kerrigan passed away on Monday 14 March. The 51-year-old Kerrigan handled mornings at WMEE for about 9 months in late 2005 and 2006.

Where are they now (Part 1)? Updates on a pair of former WBTU staffers: Wild Bill McKubby just left mornings at KYSM in Mankato, Minnesota, and Crash Davis exits Gainesville, Florida's WNDD to focus on voiceover work. Mr. Davis also did stadium P.A. duties for the Detroit Tigers, during their spring training time in Lakeland, Florida.

Where are they now (Part 2)? Former WJFX DJ Mia Amini is now PD at Cumulus' KKCT in Bismarck, South Dakota.

Northcentral

100000watts.com reports that Artistic Media Partners' Rock/WZOW (97.7fm, Goshen) flips to a simulcast of sister Oldies/WSMM (102.3fm, New Carlisle) "The Stream," and flips call letters to WSSM.

Schurz/South Bend radio GSM Jim Roberts gains a promotion to VP/Station Manager under radio and WSBT-TV President/GM Sally Brown. Last year, Mr. Roberts moved from the programming side (OM) to the sales side.

Kankakee Valley Broadcasting's Country/WKVI and Hot AC/WKVI-FM (1520am, 99.3fm, both Knox) move Anita Gooden (News) and Nathan Welter (Sports) to Tom Berg's morning show. Also, Mr. Berg recently appeared in an Indiana Statehouse scene during the NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation." Finally, WKVI adds the syndicated "Weekly Pop 20" countdown, hosted by Ann Duran.

After nearly a year away from full-time radio, Tommie Lee resurfaces where he last left full-time radio: 237 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka. Mr. Lee is the new Production Manager for Federated Media's WAOR, WBYT, WRBR, and WTRC(AM) and FM. At Federated, he replaces Melanie Myers who exits the group after 8 years.

A big tip of the IRW cap to GM Jason Samuels and the staff of Goshen College's Americana/WGCS (91.1fm, Goshen), as WGCS won the "Member Station of the Year" award at the 2011 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Golden Microphone Trophy Awards during the 71st Annual IBS International College Radio Conference.

Northwest

Chicago Public Radio's Variety/WBEW (89.5fm, Chesterton) changes programming direction, adding more local music, and focusing less on a podcast-style format. Also, Crain's Chicago Business mentions that WBEW adds Chicago club DJ Jesse De La Pena as a contractor to create the new music content. The new format targets people aged 25 to 34, which in turn should generate sponsorships for funding. Foundation grants and the CPB primarily fund WBEW. In addition to the Portage, La Porte, and Michigan City areas, WBEW's signal extends into the south and west side Chicago neighborhoods.

Gerard Media's Talk/WIMS (1420am, Michigan City) makes some programming changes. First, Nancy Goerske joins Ric Federighi in morning drive, replacing Paula Griffin. Second, John Records Landecker and Paula Griffin move their 9am until Noon show to afternoons (3pm until 6pm). Finally, Brian Brophy moves from afternoons (3pm until 6pm) to evenings (8pm until 9pm, with an additional Tuesday 6pm until 8pm shift).

Eastcentral

Let's try this story again: Hoosier AM/FM's News-Talk/WBAT (1400am, Marion) adds the Dial Global syndicated program "Your Next Job."

After three and a half years, Bruce Law exits as Market Manager for the Backyard Broadcasting stations in Anderson/Muncie: WERK, WHBU, WMQX/WMXQ, WLBC, and WXFN. His last day will be 8 April. Mr. Law says, "It's been an absolute pleasure to be part of Backyard and this great community. I'm going to miss the spirit and pride of the business community here, and the dedication of the Indiana radio staff." Mr. Law is leaving for Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he will work for Clear Channel. If you're interested in this job, please see our Employment Opportunities section below.

Backyard Broadcasting promotes part timer Zach Johnson to full time, as midday host (10am until 2pm) on Oldies/WERK (104.9fm, Muncie) and afternoon host (3pm until 7pm, as "Zack Attack") on Classic Rock simulcast WMQX/WMXQ (96.7fm, Alexandria/93.5fm, Hartford City). Steve Lindell, VP/OM for Backyard says: "This is another example of "local guy done good" with the hiring of another Madison County native to our airstaff. He's been a loyal, hard working part time employee for quite some time, and after a national search, its' cool to be able to reward someone on the staff with a promotion to a dream job."

Also, after ten years as an ESPN Radio affiliate, Backyard Broadcasting's Sports/WXFN (1340am, Muncie) will soon transition to FOX Sports Radio. In a press release, WXFN OM Steve Lindell "FOX Sports Radio offers us the flexibility to provide Muncie and Delaware County with play-by-play and sports talk shows of local interest." No word on when the sports affiliation will happen or about the new WXFN programming lineup.

Central

Cumulus' CHR/WRWM (93.9fm, Lawrence) will soon add "The Bert Show" in morning drive (6am until 10am). Hosted by Bert Weiss, et al., the show originates from Cumulus sister station WWWQ in Atlanta, Georgia. One interesting result from this move: The Bert Show once competed with WRWM afternoon host Marco, when Marco was part of "The Morning Mess" at competing Atlanta radio station WSTR.

A pair of new hires at McGraw-Hill Broadcasting's ABC affiliate WRTV (Channel 6, Indianapolis): First, Kevin Finch becomes News Director. Mr. Finch was News Director at cross-town LIN Television CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 8, Indianapolis) until June 2009. Mr. Finch is WRTV's fifth News Director in the last 8 years. Second, Guyanne Taylor becomes Director of Sales. Before WRTV, Ms. Taylor was VP/GM of WGBA-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She joined WRTV on Thursday 31 March. Finally, John Emmert retires from WRTV. Mr. Emmert has been a Managing Editor since 2009, but was also a former News Director at several Florida TV stations.

Entercom/Indianapolis GSM Erika Will exits.

Westcentral

After years in Terre Haute radio, Mike Petersen exits as president (nearly 6 years) of Crossroads Communications' board, and as an employee of its five radio stations. Mr. Petersen was GM at Crossroads from June 1990 through the end of April 2005. Among his accomplishments, he gained investors for the original 1990 purchase of WSDM(AM)/FM, oversaw two studio moves (1997 and 2000), purchased WBOW(AM) in 1996, WAXI in 1998, and what's now WBOW-FM in 2003. Before Crossroads, Mr. Petersen was GM in Crawfordsville (WCVL/WIM) and partially owned WEWZ (what's now WIKL-FM 101.7fm, Elwood) in the Anderson/Muncie market.

Ronn Mott has been with Word Power's Religious/WPFR (1480am, Terre Haute) since May 2010, but he left on Thursday 31 March. Mr. Mott will soon host a Saturday morning talk show on Midwest Communications' News-Talk/WIBQ (98.5fm, Paris, Illinois). This will be the first live/local talk show for WIBQ. Mr. Mott's show will displace one hour of Glenn Beck Weekend and will move the Wall Street Journal show to 5AM until 6AM on Saturday (replacing the last hour of "Coast to Coast").

A pair of Terre Haute radio stations and a TV station will all soon have a new home. Emmis' Country/WTHI-FM (99.9fm, Terre Haute) and Classic Rock/WWVR (105.5fm, West Terre Haute) along with LIN Television CBS affiliate WISH-TV (Channel 10, Terre Haute) will all move out of their respective studios at 918 Ohio Street, as the building will then be torn down and replaced with a parking lot for a new office building next door. Built in 1906, the WTHI/WWVR building started as a garment factory. Other garment makers used the building before WTHI-TV (then a new product) and WTHI-FM (which was 6 years old) moved into the facility in July 1954. WWVR moved to 918 Ohio Street after Emmis purchased both radio stations and WTHI-TV for $90 million in 1998. No new locations announced, but we expect that the Emmis radio stations will land in a separate facility from their LIN/WISH-TV colleagues.

Where Are They Now? After a brief radio hiatus, former WMGI PD Beau Richards rejoins KQID in Alexandria, Louisiana for afternoon drive and marketing/promotions.

Where Are They Now? Former WTWO-TV reporter Cathie Batbie is now News Director at KVOA-TV in Tucson, Arizona.

Southeast

Cumulus' Christian/WLCL (93.9fm, Sellersburg) flips call letters to WAYI.

The CP for 89.9fm, Greensburg now belongs to Hoosier Public Radio Corp., and has call letters WHOZ.

Southcentral

The FCC grants a CP for Calvary Radio Network's Religious/WOJC (89.7fm, Crothersville) to improve its signal from 300 watts (omnidirectional) to 38,000 watts (directional). The improved signal will give them coverage into Louisville. The expected population coverage (60dBu) increases from 13,000 to 150,000.

We just received this reader e-mail: After nearly a year under a Time Brokerage Agreement with Destination Radio, LLC, Blair Trask's Oldies/WSEZ (1560am, Paoli) returns to an oldies format. The former programming targeted visitors to nearby French Lick and West Baden Springs.

As part of a 73 translator, $275,000 deal, Horizon Christian Fellowship sells W270BH (101.9fm, Bloomington) to Ron Unkefer's First Ventures Capital Partners.

Southwest

On 11 March, DLC Media's Standards/WAMW (1580am, Washington) and translator W240CE (95.9fm, Washington) flip formats to country, as "The General."

The Original Company proposes a few changes to two of their stations: Classic Rock/WBTO-FM (102.3fm, Petersburg) and C&W WWBL (106.5fm, Washington). Under the proposal, WWBL would move City of License to Petersburg, which would then allow WBTO-FM to move frequencies (102.5fm), City of License (Haubstadt), and transmitter sites, which would give more coverage into the Evansville market.

Henson Media's C&W/WMSK (1550am, Morganfield, Kentucky) flips format to Sports.

Jennifer Cox-Hensley's Indiana Community Radio Corp. sells both Religious/WENS (90.1fm, Wadesville) and translator W295AW (106.9fm, Fort Branch) for $60,000 to Mark Lange's The Innovation Center. Mr. Lange is also active in commercial radio ownership, through his partial ownership of The Original Company and Old Northwest Broadcasting. Radio Business Report says the $60,000 sale breaks down as $25,000 at signing, $10,000 after the FCC filing and $25,000 after FCC approval. Of the total cost, $45,000 is for the FM and $15,000 is for the translator.

Where Are They Now? Former WFIE-TV GM Steve Langford recently retired from the GM chair at Raycom sister station WAVE-TV in Louisville, Kentucky.

After the FCC recently canceled the license, IRW bids a fond adieu to Trinity Broadcasting Network's W38BK (Channel 38, Evansville) which fell silent in November 2009.

This week in Indiana Radio History

If there's something we need to add to the "calendar," please let us know. As this information strictly from our archives, and because we are human and errors do sometimes occur, please e-mail us if this information is not correct!

April 9: In 2001, Mark DePrez becomes GM at WKJG/WMEE/WOWO/WQHK.

April 10: In 1967, 105.5FM/then-Auburn signs on (now it's WTHD, licensed to LaGrange).

April 11: In 2003, WKRY (88.1fm, Versailles) signs on with a Southern Gospel format after a brief silence.

April 12: In 1968, 95.3fm, Carrollton, Kentucky signs on.

April 13: In 1983, 100.1fm, French Lick signs on.

April 14: In 2003, WGLL (1570am, Auburn) signs on after six months of silence.

April 16: In 1967, 95.3fm/then-Monticello signs on (now it's WBPE, licensed to Brookston).

Employment Opportunities

Are you a casualty of recent cutbacks in radio news operations? South Central Media's Evansville, Indiana market leader WIKY values talented news people and we want to talk to you if: you have at least two years news experience, you are a news junkie, you want to be part of a highly successful team that works hard and has high expectations, you have strong writing and on-air presence, and you understand and embrace that digital is an important part of our future. We are a nationally recognized news operation in a great quality of life market. Family owned and operated for over 65 years - But this is no Mom and Pop operation: We offer excellent benefits, a great place to live, work and raise a family. If you are interested in working at a place where talent can thrive and grow email us today. Resume and air check to: newsroomjobs at wiky dot com. South Central Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please.

Backyard Broadcasting Indiana has a need for two part time staff members. Past radio experience is needed for these gigs, along with the ability to work mostly weekends and evenings. Please contact Steve Lindell, VP/OM, 800 E. 29th St., Muncie, IN 47302 or via e-mail: steve.lindell at bybradio dot com (Please reference Indiana RadioWatch). Backyard Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Backyard Broadcasting Indiana has an immediate opening for a Market Manager for our six radio stations in Muncie-Marion, Indiana. Strong sales background and four years station or sales management preferred. We are a private independent operator and you will report directly to me. Please email current resume to Barry Drake, bdrake at bybradio dot com (please reference Indiana RadioWatch). Backyard Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Brothers Broadcasting, a family owned regional broadcasting company in Rensselaer Indiana, half way between Chicago and Indianapolis is looking for a part-time production assistant. The ideal candidate should have some on-air experience and be familiar with Adobe Audition and Simian. Interested candidates should email their demos to Chris Locken at 977production at gmail dot com. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Brothers Broadcasting is and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Heritage Classic Rock Station 107.5 WABX is looking for its next Midday Star. This person must also serve as the Full-Time Promotions Director for CHR Giant Hot 96 WSTO and WABX. This requires an organized, dedicated Team-Player that loves radio and has respect for our listeners and our clients. Send your resume and aircheck to Rusty James at rjames at southcentralmedia dot com. South Central Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Make babies in Fort Wayne! Come to Fort Wayne, Indiana, make a baby and program the legendary WOWO brand. Not necessarily in that order. Parent Magazine ranks Fort Wayne second in the Best Places to Raise a Baby. Forbes.com ranks Fort Wayne high among Best Places to Work and Live. Fort Wayne placed 13th in "Cost of Doing business" and 10th in "Cost of Living." Additionally, according to Consultant, Dave Gifford, Federated Media is one of the few companies in the radio business "worth working for" (Radio Ink magazine, May 9, 2005). Do you understand the role news, weather and traffic play in the building and maintenance of a news talk brand? Can you identify and recruit talented people from all walks of life regardless of their experience? In a crowded market place can you produce and nurture a morning show that gets noticed? Do you have examples of really good branding, marketing, imaging, promotion and community involvement projects that you conceived and executed? Can you take the results of research, develop a strategic plan and implement it? Do you understand the value and the role of profit and what it takes to produce a healthy bottom line? Do you understand the relationship between social marketing and ratings? Recent Program Directors have used WOWO as a launching pad to gigs in Phoenix and most recently Denver. Federated Media is a product driven company and is looking for the next Operations Manager of legendary News Talk 1190 WOWO and sister station 1380 ESPN radio and their digital brands. This is not a "fixer upper". According to Eastlan ratings with an A12+ 14 share and 100,000+ cume WOWO is tops in the market. WOWO also has the highest cume audience and double digit AQH share among Adults 25-54 in all of the prime dayparts. You will have all of the tools you need to achieve anticipated growth including a promotional budget and the consulting services of Greg Moceri. Preferred candidates will know how to host a talk show on short notice, anchor a newscast, know Next Gen and have a sense of humor. This is a great opportunity for an APD or News Director who wants a shot at the PD chair. Regardless of experience if you feel you have the talent and can prove it to us we want to hear from you. Federated Media is an equal opportunity employer. Please e-mail your resume and a brief note describing what Content is King means to you to: Mark DePrez, General Manager, WMEE/WOWO/ESPN 1380/K-105, makebabies at federatedmedia dot com. If you want to be really ambitious air check the station and send me your thoughts.

Northeast Indiana Public Radio in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is searching for a part-time "Morning Edition" host. Announcing, along with editing of local newscasts. Internet skills necessary, along with ability to multi-task. Must be familiar with pubradio style and format. On-air experience required. Familiarity with local market preferred. Familiarity with AudioVault a plus. Submit resume/cover letter/references, with demo if possible, to: manager at nipr dot fm. Northeast Indiana Public Radio, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

South-Central Indiana's heritage country station, WKKG, is looking for an experienced sales associate to join our professional marketing team. Ideal candidates will be motivated to create and build strong relationships with clients from a seasoned account list. Only self starters seeking to be the very best need apply. You'll receive a competitive compensation package including salary, plus commission, health and life insurance benefits and 401(k). Send resume and cover letter to Personnel, White River Broadcasting Company; P.O. Box 1789; Columbus, IN 47202-1789 or jobs at wkkg dot com. EOE.

The Flagship Stations for Purdue Sports in Lafayette, Indiana are looking for a General Sales Manager who exceeds in local direct sales. Responsibilities include overall sales management, setting and obtaining sales goals, marketing, promotions, hiring, training and long term planning. If you have three or more years of sales management experience and would enjoy working closely with the Purdue University, this position might be right for you! Qualified candidates should send resume to: Arthur A. Angotti III, 3824 South 18th Street, Lafayette, IN 47909 Email: arthur at artisticradio dot com. Artistic Media Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Top Spanish stations in Top-40 Market, looking for a high-power seller to take the role of our Senior Account Executive. 107.1FM WEDJ-Radio Latina and 810AM-La Joya are Indiana's top performing Spanish language radio stations. As the Hispanic population continues to grow, so does the value of Spanish radio advertising! Come sell a product that's increasing in value every day! Great income potential with this position, High Commission Rates, Bonuses paid when realistic goals are exceeded, guaranteed income while you build your billing, and access to the highest billing accounts in the market! This is a great opportunity for the right sales person. If you're a winner with a successful history in Radio Sales, please forward your resume and cover letter to: jobs at wedjfm dot com. Continental Broadcast Group, LLC is an EOE.

Traffic Reporters Wanted - Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Part time & fill-in traffic reporters, for Indianapolis & Fort Wayne. Must be available for early morning and afternoon/early evening. Prior experience a plus. EOE M/F E-mail MP3 Aircheck & Resume to: chicago_jobs at westwoodone dot com or Metro Networks, 161 N. Clark St. Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601

White River Broadcasting seeks a 'news junkie' to head up its award-winning 4-station news department. Stations include a news/talk AM and 3 music-intensive FM's. You'll help us craft a contemporary sound built on coverage of the top local news stories on-air and on-line. You must be Internet-savvy. Duties include handling morning news, covering key meetings and supervise news staff. The selected individual will enjoy a competitive salary and a great benefit package including 401(k). Previous news experience is required. Send your news philosophy, resume and demo to John Foster, Director of Programming, P.O. Box 1789, Columbus, IN 47202-1789 or e-mail jfoster at wcsiradio dot com. White River Broadcasting is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

That's all for this issue. Thank you for your continued support.

=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============

Indiana RadioWatch may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the copyright holder (Thompson, above)

We write Indiana RadioWatch weekly. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, send us an e-mail to irw@well.com and we will subscribe you. We archive Indiana RadioWatch after publication on the Indiana Radio Archive at http://www.indianaradio.net. Send us e-mails, a FAX, or postal mail with your news stories. We will post employment opportunities as is, so please proofread. We will only post employment opportunities when received from a credible source (usually the owner, GM, or PD of a station).

Finally, we thank you for your continued support.

=============== Indiana RadioWatch ===============

SBE-news April 6, 2011

2011-04-06T16:15:00.001-04:00

We're just a few days away from the start of another NAB Show in Las Vegas and I hope you'll be there. The exhibits and conferences provide a wealth of information to broadcast engineers. In this issue of SBE-news, read about the SBE's activities during the Show. Not able to attend? We've got a free webinar coming up in April you'll find interesting - and you'll earn credit towards your SBE recertification. Also, read about this year's SBE Leadership Development Course - perhaps the most important training you may ever take during your career!
Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT

SBE President

See you at the Show!

SBE Spring Membership Meeting at the NAB Show

This Saturday marks the start of the annual NAB Show and the NAB Broadcast Engineering Conference (BEC). If you will be attending, we hope you'll take in the SBE Spring Membership Meeting on Tuesday from 5:15 pm to 6:00 pm. It will be held on the second floor of the South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center, Room S225. We'll have a free SBE key chain for the first 125 members in attendance as well as several gift cards for free dinners. Our big prize this year is a GPS. We'll be recognizing a number of SBE chapter certification chairmen, three of our 25-year Sustaining Members and provide an update on SBE programs and legislative efforts. Special thanks to our sponsor of the SBE Spring Membership Meeting, Vislink News and Entertainment.

The complete SBE events schedule, including the spring meeting of the national Board of Directors and several committee meetings, is available on the SBE website.

The BEC begins Saturday with the all-day Ennes Workshop, presented by the SBE. Beginning Sunday and running through Thursday will be dozens of technical paper presentations of interest to television and radio engineers. The full run-down is located at the NAB Show website. You must have the Flex Pass or Smart Pass conference registrations to attend BEC sessions and the Ennes Workshop. Register at the NAB Show website or on-site at the convention center. Exhibit-Only registration is also available.

SBE staff and national Board members will be at SBE's exhibit booth to answer your questions about membership, certification, educational programs and regulatory issues. The SBE booth will be located on the second floor concourse of the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Lobby Booth 29. The BEC technical sessions are located nearby.

The SBE booth will have a great selection of SBE published handbooks, technical books from major publishers and the SBE CertPreview, at discounts to members. Our popular SBE logo items will be available and members can pick up a SBE Member ribbon to display on their Show name badge. Membership renewals and new memberships may also be transacted at the booth. Those who join SBE during the Show at the SBE booth will get a $25 "SBE Store Bucks" coupon good towards any purchase (except membership or certification fees) at the SBE booth.

SBE President Vinny Lopez is offering a special 10% discount on SBE logo items while he's in the booth on the following days and times: Monday - 1:00 pm to 2 pm; Tuesday - 9:30 am to 10:30 am and Wednesday - 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Be sure to drop by and say hello to Vinny.

SBE Booth Hours
Sunday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Monday - Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm *
Thursday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

*Booth closes at 5:00 pm on Tuesday for SBE Membership Meeting

SBE's Leadership Development Course - is it for you?

Since 1997, SBE has made a commitment to provide management and leadership training opportunities to our members. This year, our outstanding three-day course, instructed by professional leadership and management trainer, Rodney Vandeveer, will be returning to Atlanta. The course is designed specifically for broadcast engineers who have or aspire to have management responsibilities. Designed to take technically-adept people and instill in them sound leadership, supervisory and management skills, the SBE Leadership Development Course is equally beneficial for those who are already in management and for those without prior management or supervisory experience.

This highly interactive course will be challenging and rewarding, and includes training in the following areas:

Students of the 2010 SBE Leadership Development Course

Understanding the Dynamics of Leadership
CAPS Study: Discover Your Leadership Behavioral Style
Communications
Effective Motivation Techniques
Building Winning Teams (team process and team advantage)
Responsible Management
Leadership is an Attitude
Managing Conflict, Counseling and Discipline

This three-day course, to be held August 2-4 at the Atlanta Holiday Inn Airport South, will challenge you to refine your leadership skills as you better understand and improve how you interact with others. Bring a team and share the experience of this highly interactive event. Come, enjoy, learn and have some fun growing as a leader in the process.

The SBE Website Education Page has complete information about the course, our instructor and cost and registration information. To register now, use our convenient on-line registration system.

FREE SBE WEBINAR

Skip Erickson, Presenter

KREX - the Real World of Disaster Recovery

For most engineers, the Disaster Recovery Plan is a file on their hard drive that is a rarely updated and sketchy plan on what should be done if the station is destroyed. Find out what real world lessons in disaster planning were learned when the CBS and Fox affiliate in Grand Junction, Colorado burned completely to the ground and the Super Bowl was just two weeks away. This webinar also includes checklists and other templates to aid in disaster recovery.

Presented live on April 28 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT, this webinar is offered free to members of SBE and is made possible through financial support from Harris Corporation. Our presenter is Skip Erickson, Manager of the Systems Engineering Group for Harris Technical Solutions, part of Broadcast Division of Harris, Inc.

The completion of this webinar qualifies for 1 credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications. For more information or to register, visit the SBE website - education pages.

Still need to renew your SBE membership? Renew now using our easy automated SBE renewal system.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers

9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

Upcoming SpectraCal Training Schedule

2011-04-06T11:27:00.001-04:00

SPECTRACAL ANNOUNCES UPCOMING TRAINING LOCATIONS

Updated: 6 April 2011

Seattle, WA | Sioux Falls, SD

CalMAN Users Unite - Training at several locations around the globe.

Training and Certification are key ingredients to our customers' success. SpectraCal is sponsoring and presenting several upcoming courses that we would like to share with you and facilitate your enrollment in the seminar(s) that best fit your requirements.

ISF Level I and Level II – Basic and Advanced Video Calibration Training with certification geared toward CEDIA Installers and Companies – 3 Day Course. Primary Instructor – Joel Silver. 16 CEU Credits.

Indianapolis September 6-8 CEDIA World HQ

If you are already ISF Level I certified, please visit our Alumni Signup Page for a discount

SpectraCal Pro Video Monitor Optimization - Designed to quickly bring you to a level of competence and confidence in calibrating all the important performance aspects of current generation video displays and projectors - 1 Day Course – Instructors – Various, but all ISF II Certified. 2 CEU Credits.

Columbus, OH May 20th, 2011 TBA Soon

Indianapolis, IN May 23rd, 2011 CEDIA World HQ

St. Louis, MO May 25th, 2011 TBA Soon

New Program 4/6/2011 - Sign up 30 days in advance and receive a $50 disount on your training seat.

TurboCal Audio Training - Schedule Coming Soon

TURBOCAL Audio Calibration Course Information

See the latest photos from the TurboCal Launch on our Pro Monitor Bootcamp Facebook Page

New Training Being Developed Now for: Colorists, VFX artists and production supervisors, DI Post-production engineers, CGI/VFX software developers and Digital Imaging Technicians - Will be announced very soon (April 2011)

For full course descriptions, registration, and certification information visit www.spectracal.com or call +1-605-274-6055 or USA Toll Free 877-886-5112 or inquire at training@spectracal.com.

If you want to see additional dates or locations in your area let us know! Use the same email training@spectracal.com

For additional locations to view CalMAN first hand visit one of these Tradeshows.

Best Regards

The SpectraCal Team

If you like this share it please

SBE Regulatory Update to Members - FEMA webinar to address EAS National Test

2011-04-05T15:35:00.001-04:00

Regulatory Update

FEMA webinar to address EAS National Test

April 5, 2011 - This month's IPAWS Practitioner Webinar, presented by FEMA, will provide an update on preparations for the Emergency Alert System (EAS) National Test. The webinar will be held tomorrow (Wednesday), April 6th, 12:00 Noon EDT.

The update will be delivered by Program Manager, Manny Centeno and will include comments from Bryan Fisher, Chief of Operations for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The state of Alaska has held two previous EAS tests.

The program is intended for members of the emergency management community and interested broadcasters. Go to the FEMA/IPAWS website to learn more and to find out how to participate.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers
9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

SBE Legislative Update - New Senate Bill would add engineering expertise to FCC Commissioner's Offices

2011-03-19T07:36:00.001-04:00

Legislative Alert

New Senate Bill would add engineering expertise to FCC Commissioner's Offices

March 18, 2011 - Senator Olympia Snow (R-ME) and Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) have introduced Senate Bill 611, "A Bill to provide greater technical resources to FCC Commissioners." The bill was introduced yesterday, March 17. Senate Bill 611 is, in affect, a replacement bill for S.2881 that was introduced by the same two senators last year. That bill died as a result of procedural issues. The SBE has been very active in encouraging the introduction and eventual passing of this bill and has worked closely with Senator Snowe's office for more than a year.

SBE has also been working to encourage a companion bill in the House. Earlier this week, a group of SBE leadership, led by SBE President, Vinny Lopez, made 12 visits to Congressional offices in Washington (reported on Wednesday in SBE-news), and received a favorable response from many of them. Our hope is that a House Bill will soon follow.

The text of S.611 has not yet been released but it is expected to be similar to last year's bill, which was later coupled to a separate bill introduced by Senator Snow which called for a study of FCC engineering resources.

The primary objective of S.611 is to add scientific expertise at the FCC's policy level by authorizing each FCC Commissioner to add one additional professional assistant to the three they currently have. The Bill would require that the new assistants be either electrical engineers or computer scientists. The three professional assistants each Commissioner now has are either lawyers or economists.

Watch for further updates in SBE-news.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers
9102 North Meridian St, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 846-9000
Fax: (317) 846-9120

HomeTown Sports Scores New Home with RTV 6

2011-03-17T17:54:00.000-04:00

HomeTown Sports Scores New Home with RTV 6: "

Indianapolis (March 17, 2011) – RTV 6 Vice President and General Manager, Larry Blackerby, and HomeTown Sports Indiana President, Rick Vanderwielen, announced today, an exciting new partnership between RTV 6 and HomeTown Sports Indiana.

The new partnership will give more than a million Hoosiers access to the HomeTown Sports product and RTV 6 viewers’ access to a mixture of live and encore sporting events. Regional high school and collegiate games will be featured on RTV 6.2, which is available on nine cable systems throughout central Indiana, totaling nearly 830,000 viewers.

“The viewers in central Indiana are going to love this channel,” said Blackerby. “We are going to have high school sports of all types. They’ll get high school football, high school basketball, high school volleyball, high school bowling. You name it and we’re going to have it on this channel. Then you throw in the college sports from across the state, it’s a wonderful opportunity.”

RTV 6.2 can also be seen over the air to all television households in the Indianapolis market, meaning HomeTown Sports will soon be available to more than the 1.1 million Hoosiers.

“We’re excited to make our product accessible to viewers all across central Indiana,” said Vanderwielen. “By partnering with RTV6, we will be able to add digital wide-screen technology that will make our sports programming an exceptional presentation. RTV 6’s commitment to show live events will give viewers a destination for local sports.”

HomeTown Sports Indiana, a division of HomeTown Television Corporation in Noblesville, Ind., is the official producer of the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Under the partnership, RTV 6.2 will feature a variety of sporting events from the IHSAA, University of Indianapolis, Franklin College, and Wabash College. RTV 6.2 will also feature a live Friday Night Football Game of the Week, beginning this fall.

At one million watts, the RTV 6 digital stream is the strongest broadcast signal available. HomeTown Sports Indiana debuts on RTV 6.2 on May 1.

LECTROSONICS WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY BEHIND 2011 NFL PRO BOWL REFEREE CALLS

2011-03-17T16:57:00.000-04:00

Roger Maycock March 17th, 2011

Honolulu, HI – March 2011… The 2011 NFL Pro Bowl, held January 30th at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu was a roaring success broadcast on FOX TV. This all-star event pitted the top NFL players in the American Football Conference (AFC) against those in the National Football Conference (NFC). For the 50,000 spectators in attendance—not to mention the millions of television viewers—this year’s game, where the NFC defeated the AFC (55–41), was eagerly anticipated. As the one who is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining the order of the game, it is vitally important the referee’s calls be clearly understood, so the wireless microphone technology must deliver bullet proof performance. That’s why Digital Hybrid® Wireless technology from Rio Rancho, NM-based Lectrosonics was deployed.

This year, Aloha Stadium and Pro Bowl veteran Senator Mike Michaels, CAS, an audio mixer and engineer based in Los Angeles, was responsible for ensuring the success of the referee’s wireless microphone system. Michaels and Honolulu-based partner Robert Dickerson had responsibility not only for the wireless microphone worn by the referee, they also had to ensure the successful delivery of that signal throughout the stadium, including the radio and television broadcasters, the NFL statisticians, while also being responsible for the stadium’s sound reinforcement system. Michaels discussed his equipment selection.

“For the first time, the NFL opted to use Aloha Stadium’s wireless mic system,” Michaels explained, “and this decision resulted in our using three Lectrosonics REFUM referee transmitter systems in tandem with a fully stocked Venue receiver mainframe holding six VRS receiver modules and two Lectrosonics ALP500 shark fin antennas to aid reception. The Lectrosonics REFUM system incorporates the REFUM transmitter and the REFSWITCH muting device that can silence the transmitter’s audio without any clicks or pops. While we had two backup units available and ready on the field, we only used the one system that was originally outfitted on the referee because we encountered no issues whatsoever throughout the entire game.”

Now known as the Lectrosonics Mute Switch, the REFSWITCH muting device was conveniently placed on the referee’s preferred side to facilitate quick and easy control over his audio output. When issuing calls, the referee signals the official score keeper/statistician, who is located in the press box over the 50 yard line. In the process, he also faces the TV cameras. The referee’s ability to quickly and easily mute/unmute the audio feed is critical. A Countryman EMW Omni Classic lavalier microphone was used with the REFUM transmitter system. The Venue receiver system was housed in the stadium’s audio control booth.

When queried about the product characteristics that are most important in this type of application, Michaels offered the following. “This is a very high profile event and, as such, absolute reliability is essential,” Michaels said. “When you’re responsible for feeding signal to the broadcasters, the NFL, and throughout the stadium, there’s tremendous pressure on delivering dropout free, fail safe audio. In this respect, the Lectrosonics equipment has a proven reputation for delivering in these critical conditions.”

“Secondarily, it’s extremely important that the equipment doesn’t suffer any frequency interference,” Michaels continued. “The NFL appoints game day frequency coordinators who are empowered to oversee the usage off all radio frequencies by those who are credentialed to attend and support the event. The NFL’s GDC’s (game day coordinators) were responsible for managing close to 400 frequencies. They gave preference to my request for two clear frequencies in Block 26 that we had used previously plus a third frequency. All were 100% solid.”

In high profile events of this nature, quality customer support is essential. Here too, Lectrosonics exceeded Michael’s expectations. “Larry Fisher, President of Lectrosonics, was extremely helpful in providing us with the latest developments in non-rechargeable lithium battery technology,” Michaels reports. “With the batteries he provided, we witnessed a solid 9.5 hours of battery life. The Pro Bowl required the transmitters to be enabled well in advance of the pre-game activities, so the longevity of these batteries was greatly appreciated. Now that’s customer service.”

Reflecting on a very successful project, Michaels offered this parting thought, “The Lectrosonics wireless systems proved to be 100% reliable—resulting in the complete satisfaction of the NFL, FOX, Aloha Stadium, and others who were at the receiving end of the referee’s signal. Events like this—where sound quality, range, and solid performance in a congested RF environment—really show what a wireless microphone system can do. For this gig, the total confidence, clear choice was Lectrosonics.”

For additional information about Senator Mike Michaels, CAS, contact him at Senator@Sound4Film-TV.com.

About Lectrosonics

Well respected within the film, broadcast, and theatre technical communities since 1971, Lectrosonics wireless microphone systems and audio processing products are used daily in mission-critical applications by audio engineers familiar with the company’s dedication to quality, customer service, and innovation. Lectrosonics is a US manufacturer based in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Visit the company online at www.lectrosonics.com.

Photo Info: (from left to right) Al Grossniklaus and Stacey Cutshaw (NFL Game Day Frequency Coordinators), Robert Dickerson, owner of Honolulu-based Lectrosonics dealer Jim Walters Company, and Senator Mike Michael, CAS. Photo credit: Studio M Productions.

http://blog.broadcastengineering.com/briefingroom/2011/03/17/lectrosonics-wireless-technology-behind-2011-nfl-pro-bowl-referee-calls/

Ball State Students at Center of March Madness On Demand

2011-03-17T12:39:00.000-04:00

Ball State Students at Center of March Madness On Demand: "

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament shifts into high gear today, but, for 21 students at Ball State Sports Link, today’s action just continues weeks of preparation for serving as online producers and social analysts for NCAA March Madness On Demand.

“We’ve done enough live run-throughs, and we think it’s going to be great,” says Michael Adamson, VP of sports new products and services, Turner Sports. A Ball State graduate, he believes the effort is the first step in larger opportunities for college sports-broadcast students to build a résumé and have real-world experience at a national sports network.Media monitors

The students will be located at Ball State and act as “social-media screeners” for games, press conferences, and other events related to the tournament. A typical shift will have two to four students monitoring Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and other social media for the best content (and content free of vulgarities) to share with users of March Madness On Demand.

“It’s an experiment,” says Adamson, “but, at the same time, we like the idea of fine-tuning the wild west of social media and giving fans a condensed look.”

Why Ball State? Along with the alma mater connection, he says that the school’s new media program is “amazing” and that Turner Sports has worked with it on an advisory committee for handling NCAA.com.

“Ball State Sports Link is taking on production for the MAC and is turning into an honest-to-goodness hands-on experience for students,” Adamson says. “So it made sense to delve into the social-commentary area with them as no one knows social media better than students.”

Ball State Sports Link instructor Christopher Taylor and graduate assistant Steven Albritton will serve as online producers and social analysts for NCAA March Madness On Demand. In addition to the entire program’s involvement, they will serve as two of the tournament’s online hosts, with assistance from senior Alex Kartman and junior Ben Wagner as overall and morning-drive-time producer, respectively. Junior Kyle Binder and sophomore Chris Renkel will perform the same roles as afternoon-drive-time producers.

Close-up, hands-on

Taylor says the Sports Link program includes students who want to be everything from on-air anchors and journalists to producers and directors. So the opportunity offers them more than just a chance to work alongside Turner Sports and CBS Sports; it’s an opportunity to observe what it takes to excel in sports broadcasting from a very close perspective.

“Our students will be tweeting back and forth with the talent and seeing how they go to break and how the director and producer cut the show,” he explains. “You can’t re-create that in the classroom, and they are already getting tons of ideas from the production books, schedules, and a wealth of information.”

Students will look at a variety of things during the games: storylines that are trending in popularity in social media, stats that are noteworthy, and more. Four to six students will be scheduled in four-hour shifts, even on non-game days.

“We will have what we are referring to as a morning drive and an afternoon drive that will be focused on more than the games,” says Taylor.

Analyze the online conversation

A technology called Crimson Hexagon Analytics is helping students find the most popular content. It analyzes the entire social Internet (blog posts, forum messages, tweets) by identifying statistical patterns in the words used to express opinions on different topics. It then delivers the nature of the online conversation, the key themes, their relative size, and how they change over time, with what Crimson Hexagon says is up to 97% accuracy.

“The students are the demographics for this kind of content as they will watch the tournament on three different screens and are looking for different layers of value,” says Taylor. The goal is to find content that adds a layer of value to the TV coverage.

Ready for anything

The biggest question related to the online content, both video and the social-media content, is whether the infrastructure will be able to handle peak-traffic demands. This is the first year that all four games will be available to all viewers who have cable and/or satellite TV. That could, potentially, lessen the demand for streaming because fans will not need to rely on the Internet for out-of-market games. But the popularity of iPads and laptops could keep traffic up as fans watch two games (or more) at once in their living room.

“We are prepped both technically and procedurally, and all the infrastructure teams have run loads tests,” adds Adamson. “We are planning for a big number of streams, and then there are different fail-over scenarios should we need to move from one CDN to another.”

March Madness On Demand is pulling out all the stops. A live customer-support operation will be available via e-mail, chat, and phone if users have problems with their devices.

“We walked through forecast models, and an interesting trend is that iPhone and iPad uploads are significantly higher this year as fans don’t mind watching in alternative ways,” says Adamson. He expects people watch the games on TV with their iPad open to view stats and the social-networking aspects of the coverage.

NCAA March Madness On Demand, produced by Turner Sports Interactive, is available across multiple digital platforms, including online (http://mmod.ncaa.com/), as an iPhone and iPod Touch app and, for the first time, as an iPad app.

Above all, says Taylor, it’s a time for the students to shine. “We have told the students to respect this opportunity as it is their names and our program that is being put front and center for the next 23 days.”"

Data Center News Digest from Lifeline Data Centers - March 2011

2011-03-17T11:23:00.001-04:00

Data Center News Digest March 2011

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Data Centers - Ownership Matters
Who is the owner of your data center?

If your company is a Fortune 500 company, it is likely that the company owns and operates its own enterprise data center.

If you own or work for a small company, chances are that your company also owns and operates the data center, often in a room which doubles as a mop closet or storage room.

If your company uses outsource data centers, also known as wholesale colocation facilities, ownership can vary.

Some large managed services providers like IBM, Sungard, AT&T and Verizon own and operate their own data centers, and provide colocation and managed services from these facilities.

Wholesale colocation REITs like Digital Realty Trust, along with other publicly held data centers, are owned by shareholders and operated by one or more management teams.

Many outsource data centers and colocation facilities are privately held, owned by investors, but operated by a separate management team.

Real estate ownership can also vary with outsource data centers. Many publicly and privately held data centers own no real estate; they lease their space from data center developers.

Some colocation facilities are privately held and operated by the owners. This owner-operator model has some unique advantages:

Owner-operators have a natural focus on each and every client, forging strong relationships between clients and the data center.

Owner-operators deliver expert attention every day to the most important things: mission critical power, and cooling, hardened buildings, fire suppression, security, telecom access and supporting services.

A few owner-operators are innovators; they constantly test and improve their facilities, internal systems and compliance to improve reliability, control power usage and reduce costs.

Do you like the idea of a privately held, owner-operated data center that is reliable, compliant and innovative? Click here to learn more.

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Cloud Computing's Datacenters: How Safe is Safe?

A question came up recently at a Cloud Computing conference in Manila: given the Philippines' history of natural disasters, how confident can investors really be about building mission-critical datacenters in the country?

One member of a special panel noted that there were no datacenter or call-center outages in the Philippines during the Ondoy and Peping typhoon disasters in late 2009.

Another noted, "if your datacenter goes down here, then you have a lot bigger problems than your datacenter going down."

This comment was, unfortunately, prescient given the ongoing disaster in northern Japan. The catastrophic failure of nuclear power plants in the Ring of Fire is indeed a bigger problem, while also focusing on the question of building datacenters on such dangerous ground.

Global Danger Zones
Without getting pedantic, we must nevertheless ask, "how safe is safe and how dangerous is dangerous?" Certainly California is also in the Ring of Fire, albeit not subject to the subduction quakes that create large, local tsunamis.

Cloud Computing Journal article

Data Center Designs a Major Factor in New IT: Gartner

IT researcher identifies cloud computing, smarter physical designs, power saving, and Big Data workloads as biggest factors in new data center builds.

Many IT industry people believe that the incorporation of cloud computing services and systems is the single most impactful trend in data center construction and management, and all the indicators certainly point in that direction.

In sanctioning this, market researcher Gartner is venturing further, declaring that there are no fewer than four important forces now directly influencing the building and/or refurbishing of data centers as many enterprises begin to move into a new phase of IT.

Gartner said in a report published March 15 that primary factors impacting data centers "in a significant way" during the next five years include not only the potential of cloud computing systems but smarter physical designs, emphasis on power saving and other environmental factors, and the realities of impending Big Data workloads on IT systems.

eWeek article

Forecasting Conditions for the 2011 Data Center

They say you can't predict the weather. Like so many clichés, however, this one isn't quite true. Meteorologists have a host of tools at their fingertips that help them recognize, track and analyze weather patterns in order to support predictions that are often accurate, or at least reasonably close. The same is true in the computing industry, where patterns emerge in data centers and enterprises much as cloud formations become apparent in the skies. With a careful eye and extensive knowledge informed by years of experience and frequent conversations with frontline IT professionals, we can predict future trends with a relatively high degree of accuracy. The beginning of a new decade is an opportune moment in which to forecast where virtualization - the primary IT initiative of our time - will encounter stormy weather and where it might be welcomed by clear skies.

The Evolving Private Cloud Story
In 2011, enterprises will face the challenge of figuring out the beginning, middle and end of their internal private cloud stories. Mobility between private and public clouds is still too big of a leap for most, as it is fraught with security, regulatory, export and overall complexity that only highly controlled and automated environments can even contemplate. The public cloud will continue to garner lots of hype, but the time and money in 2011 will be spent on the nuts and bolts of private cloud implementation and management.

SOAWorld article

Energy Efficiency Guide: Aisle Containment

Containing the air in the data center - separating cool supply air and warm exhaust air - is an important energy efficiency strategy that figures prominently in energy efficiency optimizations at major companies. It makes sense to isolate chilled air and waste heat as much as possible, rather than to allow hot and cool air to mix, which requires the continual use of additional energy to cool a larger volume of air.

Back in 2004, data center managers at Oracle confronted the issue at a data center in Austin, Texas that was experiencing rising heat loads. They improvised chimneys affixed to the top of the rack to allow heat to rise up to an enclosed ceiling-level plenum and recirculate to the CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner) unit. Oracle's team disproved myths and confirmed the energy savings.

Since then, many products and techniques have evolved in the realm of hot aisle/cold aisle containment. Capping either aisle can prevent waste heat from recirculating and mixing with cool air from the CRAC units, which usually allows you to reduce the overall airflow by adjusting the fan speed in computer room air handlers (CRAHs) .

Data Center Knowledge article

March Madness vs Office Productivity

We're suspicious of those studies that come out around every major sporting event, purporting to quantify the economic cost of distracted workers. Sure, people are obsessing about the NCAA tournament (we are), but they're probably swapping hoops for their usual non-work office activities, rather than failing to get anything done at all.

That said, we suspect the copier is getting more than its usual workout, thanks to March Madness, as employees scour stats and forecasts to come up with the perfect picks. Then, they huddle around TV and computer screens to get the latest scores and highlights, all while talk smack about the results. Many bosses do worry about productivity, and many feel that this sort of activity is entirely inappropriate for the workplace, according to a survey from OfficeTeam. The majority are willing to just let it go, within reason. Employees, on the other hand, don't feel these events present any work distractions.

More than 1,010 senior executives and 435 workers took part in the survey, which can be accessed here.

Baseline article

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