June 2014 Meeting: Path1 PiXiE

At our June meeting, Bart Schade, President and CTO of Path 1, discussed the technology behind the new Internet video streaming standard MPEG DASH, and how it contrasts to traditional real-time broadcast video transport. This was another presentation that could make you rethink your concept of codecs, since what you are sending with DASH technology are actual files–not just a stream of framed packets.

PiXiE is a contribution codec supporting SD/HD SDI and using MPEG-4 AVC video compression, HE-AAC/AAC-LC audio compression and pass-through audio. For those wanting advance information, see Bart’s recently released white paper “Real-Time Broadcast Video Services over the Internet using MPEG-DASH.”

Many thanks to KGTV for hosting the meeting.

Bob’s Back in Town!

KGTV named Bob Vaillancourt Director of Operations in late April after living and working in Honolulu for the previous seven years. He replaces Patrick Givans, who left recently to become Director of News Operations for KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles.

You might remember that Bob was Director of Engineering at KNSD, but left in October 2007 to become DOE at KHON Fox 2 in Honolulu.

Bob says, “The move to Honolulu was a great experience as I was first tasked to upgrade the station’s automation and server playout system, replaced a very aged analog transmitter while at the same time relocate the DTV transmitter facility including antenna. When Lin Media took over the station from New Vision Television, a directive to move the station to full HD including the upgrade of infrastructure and news set was made and this allowed for me the opportunity to put KHON on the map with some of the best equipment and talent with the help of LIN corporate and cooperation. Finally, the remote satellite facility located approximately 16 miles from the studio was converted from an L-band, multi-channel fiber system to full IP interconnect with the cooperation of Hawaiian Telecom allowed for major cost savings over time with an immediate ROI compared to the older L-band interconnect.

“Although Honolulu and KHON was a fabulous experience which allowed us time to be with some of our family members who live on Oahu, San Diego was always considered ‘home’.

“Timing was perfect when KGTV offered the opportunity for me to join their excellent staff as Director of Operations. The bags were packed, the movers arrived, and we moved back to our home in San Diego.”

Bob’s known for his customer-service attitude and collaborative style learned in his early years with IBM. The staff at KGTV are enthused about his return to San Diego.

KNSN Applies for Sale to Crawford

KNSN 1240kHz, with its self-supporting tower just southeast of downtown San Diego, applied to the FCC on May 22, 2014 for sale to Kiertron, the operating division of religious broadcaster Crawford, for $1.5-million. The current owner, Multicultural Broadcasting, purchased the station from Lincoln Financial in June of 2009 for $7.25-million.

Speculation is that this could set-up a San Diego relay for KBRT-AM 740kHz, which recently moved its transmitter location from Santa Catalina Island to Anaheim Hills.

You might remember that KNSN, previously known as KSON-AM, lost its tower in a storm December 29, 2004.

 

KYDO Granted Non-comm Status

KYDO 96.1 MHz Campo completed its transition from Imperial Valley CHR powerhouse to satellite-sourced Christian broadcaster with FCC approval April 23 of a change to non-commercial status. The station, owned by the Educational Media Foundation, broadcasts “Air-1” format.

EMF bought KSIQ late in 2013 from Cherry Creek Broadcasting, who had in 2010 moved the station from Brawley to near San Diego to increase its listenership. The 25kW ERP transmitter site is north of Campo on a water tower. KYDO has a 700 watt booster atop Mt. San Miguel with its city of license Santee.

CBNE Course in a Day, Test the Next

Advanced IP Networking for Broadcast Engineers is an intensive instructor led day long course. It is assumed that student attendees have experienced the “IP Networking for Broadcast Engineers” course or webinar series, or have a solid understanding of IP Networking fundamentals. This course will focus on deeper understanding and application of the fundamentals in real-world IP networking environment. Emphasis will be placed upon designing an IPv4 Addressing plan, IP Subnetting, Ethernet Switching with VLAN implementation, IP Routing, Network Security, and transport of audio and video content in an IP network infrastructure. Additional topics will include an overview of related content found on the Society of Broadcast Engineers CBNE examination including a practical exercise designed to help prepare for the CBNE exam essay question(s).

In order to take the certification exam on Saturday, June 28th you must fill out the CBNE or CBNT application and mail, email, or fax it to Megan Clappe, Certification Director by June 13th.

This seminar is designed to be a tool to prepare you for the CBNE exam not CBNT. However, both exams will be available to take on Saturday.

A big “thank you” to SBE Chapter 47 for hosting this workshop and certification exam opportunity. Continue reading CBNE Course in a Day, Test the Next

Society of Broadcast Engineers