In late April, the FCC retracted its recent rules that would have prohibited live broadcast text-to-speech conversions. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as broadcast and technical groups, had objected to that part of the FCC’s Fifth Report and Order, saying that less useful information would be passed to the public by automated equipment. The Commission was concerned that automatic text-to-speech conversion could misinterpret emergency information. Text-to-speech conversion can be used by stations implementing CAP technology due for adoption by the June 30th deadline.
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SBE Offers New IT Certification
The Society of Broadcast Engineers offers a new engineering level Certified Broadcast Networking Engineer (CBNE) networking certification. Eligible engineers may now apply to take the CBNE exam to become certified.
This exam is intended for those in the broadcast engineering field who work closely with networking. The CBNE is an advanced level certification and therefore the content is more complex than the Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist certification. The CBNE does not replace the CBNT, which is a relevant certification for entry-level networking individuals.
The CBNE requires a minimum of 5-years of broadcast engineering experience in order to qualify for the certification exam. The first exams take place during the June 1-11 exam session with local SBE chapters. Examinees must answer 50 multiple-choice questions and one essay question during the exam.
“The successful completion of CBNE will demonstrate to employers the advanced level of knowledge their employees have in building and maintaining a modern broadcast plant,” said SBE President Ralph Hogan, CPBE, DRB, CBNT.
Hogan and Terry Baun, CPBE, AMD, CBNT lead the efforts to create the new certification level. This is the first time in 12 years that a standalone certification has been released by the SBE.
The SBE CertPreview study tool, quizzes users on over 50 questions similar to those on the actual exam. After the examinee takes the sample test, he or she may reexamine any missed questions. The user is then provided the reference book information used to create the question for additional study purposes. SBE CertPreview for CBNE is available for download or on CD on the SBE website.
The complete list of certification requirements, exam topics, and applications are available in the Certification section of the SBE website.
For additional information contact the SBE National Office at (317) 846-9000 or email SBE Certification Director Megan E. Clappe at mclappe@sbe.org.
Local Member to Sit on National SBE Board
Chapter 36, and the western US, will be represented this next year on the SBE national board of directors when Gary Stigall is inducted for a two-year term at the national meeting in Columbus, Ohio September 26 – 28. He was among six chosen at large among seven running nationally. Votes were counted August 25th at SBE headquarters.
Gary has been active with Chapter 36 since 1997 and is currently serving in program and certification chairman positions. He travels to Columbus September 25.
Heads Down for Snakes
(From member Mike Curran)
Alex Brawner and I bumped into this 4’5″ example up on our repeater site near Escondido on April 20. This one is a red diamond rattlesnake. They are not usually aggressive, and some may not rattle when encountered. However, the venom is potentially dangerous to humans, so it should be treated with caution and respect. They scared away easily with loud noises and showers of small stones or gravel.
The last resort would be to KILL them! They perform a free service by keeping those, insulation chewing, power supply nest building, and Hantavirus carrying vermin out of our facilities.
So heads down as you walk and don’t reach where you can’t see.
Click HERE to see full size photo.
FCC Commissioner to Visit San Diego for DTV Outreach
Washington, DC – FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein announced he will visit San Diego on January 6 to hold a public town hall meeting on the digital television (DTV) transition.
WHO: FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein
WHAT: Public Town Halls on the DTV Transition
WHEN: January 6, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: Chula Vista Civic Center Branch Library 365 F St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
The FCC identified target television markets for specific DTV outreach, including all those markets in which more than 100,000 households or at least 15% of the households rely solely on over-the-air signals for television reception. The five FCC Commissioners and senior Commission staff will visit these and other markets to raise awareness and educate consumers in the days leading up to the DTV transition on February 17, 2009.
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a description of the accommodation you will need with as much detail as possible. Also include a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please provide as much advance notice as possible; last minute requests will be accepted, but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).