Updated September 3, 2010

ATSC Mobile DTV Webinar, featuring Wayne Bretl, Rich Chernock and Jay Adrick (September 3, 2010)
SBE, in conjunction with ATSC, is pleased to present a webinar on ATSC Mobile DTV on September 23 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern. The webinar introduces the layered structure of the ATSC Mobile DTV System, the use of IP transport in ATSC Mobile DTV for both streaming and file content, and provides an overview of the equipment utilized to originate and transmit ATSC Mobile DTV services. Featured presenters include Wayne Bretl from Zenith/LG, Rich Chernock of Triveni Digital and Jay Adrick of Harris. More                        
     

Five Chapters Hosting SBE RF Safety Course (September 1, 2010)

The next SBE RF Safety Course is taking place Thursday, September 16 from 6:00-9:15 p.m. Eastern. Four chapters have reserved a login port for area members in the following areas:

Chapter 21   - Spokane, WA
Chapter 86   - Greenville Area, SC
Chapter 52   - Central Ohio
Chapter 128 - Las Vegas, NV

Chapter 62   - Utah

The SBE RF Safety Course provides an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters. Topics include 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) and more. Instructing the course will be noted RF safety expert Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions.

If your chapter or company is interested in hosting the course, click here to learn more. Individuals may also register for the course.

2010 Election Results Announced (August 27, 2010)

The SBE announces the results of the 2010 election for the national board of directors. Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT was re-elected for his second one year term as the Society's president. Lopez is the Director of Engineering for WSYT/WNYS TV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, in Syracuse, N.Y.

The results of the election are as follows:

Elected to one year terms as officers are:

President: Vincent A. Lopez, CEV, CBNT, Director of Engineering, WSYT-TV, WNYS-TV – Sinclair Broadcast Group, Syracuse, N.Y.

Vice President: Ralph Hogan, CPBE, DRB, CBNT, Director of Engineering, KJZZ-FM/KBAQ-FM, Tempe, Ariz.

Secretary: Ted Hand, CPBE, AMD, 8-VSB, Chief Engineer, WSOC-TV, WAXN-TV, Charlotte, N.C.

Treasurer: Andrea Cummis, CBT, CTO, Technology and Operations Consultant,

Roseland, N.J.

Elected to two-year terms on the Board of Directors are:

Timothy Anderson, CSRE, DRB, CBNT, Manager, Radio Market and Product Development, Harris Corporation, Broadcast Communications Division, Mason, Ohio.

Ralph Beaver, CBT, President, CEO, Media Alert, LLC, Tampa, Fla.

Gary Kline, CBT, CBNT, Vice President of Engineering and IT, Cumulus Media Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

Gary Liebisch, CPBE, Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Nautel, Milford, Ohio.

Scott Mason, CPBE, Regional Director of Engineering, CBS Radio, Los Angeles, Calif.

Jeff Smith, CSRE, CBNT, Supervisor of Studio Systems, Clear Channel Radio – New York, New York, N.Y.

The national Board of Directors of SBE is responsible for the development of policy and determines the programs and services the Society provides to its more than 5,200 members. Those elected will begin their terms on October 27 during the Annual SBE Membership Meeting. They will join the other six directors who have another year remaining in their terms as well as immediate past president, Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT.

The SBE National Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Clinic, hosted   by SBE Chapter 24 of Madison, Wis. and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. The event will take place at the Madison Marriott West Hotel in Middleton, Wis.

Ennes Educational Foundation Trust announces scholarship recipients (August 6, 2010)

The Ennes Educational Foundation Trust has awarded three scholarships for 2010. Winners were chosen from applications received by July 1, 2010 from the previous 12 months.
 
The Harold E. Ennes and Robert D. Greenberg scholarships are awarded to individuals interested in continuing or beginning their education in broadcast engineering and technology. The Youth Scholarship is specifically for a graduating high school senior interested in broadcast engineering as a career. Each scholarship awarded this year is for $1,500.
 
This year the Harold E. Ennes Scholarship recipient is Johnny Finley. Finley, from Tacoma, Wash. is a sophomore at Bates Technical College studying Broadcast/Video Production. Finley is currently participating in an internship as a cameraman and audio technician for the Tacoma Rainer's minor league baseball team. He is also a volunteer camera operator and sound engineer for the youth department at the Champions Centre church in Tacoma. Finley will be using this scholarship towards his tuition and textbook expenses.

Receiving the Robert Greenberg Scholarship is Jeffrey Edward Miller, CTO from Parma Heights, Ohio. Miller is currently enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) studying electrical engineering. He plans to use this scholarship for classes and books for the fall of 2010. While in high school, Miller was the audio engineer for the Parma Area Community Television of Parma High School. He also attended radio and television vocational classes at Normand High School.

Michael Malec, from Oregonia, Ohio, received the Youth Scholarship. Malec is a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School where he participated in the building, design and operations of the school's radio station, WFXR. In the fall, Malec will be using this scholarship for his tuition at the University of Cincinnati where he will major in electrical engineering.

SBE RF Safety Course online webinar on September 16 (August 4, 2010)

Webinars by SBE will present the next SBE RF Safety Course live online on September 16, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. EDT.

The SBE RF Safety Course, instructed by RF Safety expert Richard Strickland, provides an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters, 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

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.

Click here for registration and log-in port reservations and more information.

Madison, Wis. will host the 2010 SBE National Meeting (August 4, 2010)

The 2010 National Meeting of the Society of Broadcast Engineers will be held on October 26-27 at the Marriott Madison West Hotel, 1313 John Q Hammons Drive in Middleton, Wis. The event will be hosted by Chapter 24 of Madison. The National Meeting is being held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Clinic, held October 26-28, which is sponsored by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) and SBE Chapter 24.  

The Clinic is one of the longest running broadcast engineering conferences in the United States. It includes technical papers and panel presentations over all three days and an equipment trade show on the first two days. Registration and more information may be made by going to the WBA website and clicking on “Broadcasters Clinic.”  Chapter 24, the WBA and SBE invite any and all SBE members and others interested in broadcast technology to attend. All activities will be held at the Marriott Hotel. A special guest room rate of $ 109 single, $129 double has been arranged for attendees of the National Meeting and Clinic. To make reservations, call (800) 236-1922 and ask for the special WBA rate. The cutoff date for reservations is October 11. After that, rooms are available subject to a space and rate-available basis.

The SBE National Meeting begins on Tuesday, October 26 (all times CDT) with a meeting of the SBE Certification Committee from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The regular fall meeting of the SBE national Board of Directors will be held beginning at 6:00 pm and will run until about 10:00 pm.

National Meeting activities continue on Wednesday, October 27, with the annual SBE Fellows Breakfast from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. All SBE Fellows are invited to attend and will be guests of the SBE. SBE National officers and the Chapter 24 chairman and convention chairman are also invited.  A special invitation will go to this group in late August. Reservations are required. 

The SBE Annual Membership Meeting will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The meeting will include the induction of newly elected members of the Board and officers, the introduction of the SBE Membership Drive Grand Prize winner, John Ramsey of Hartford, Conn. and several brief reports and updates on national SBE activities. With the assistance of Chapter 24, the SBE Annual Membership Meeting will be streamed live via the Internet. More information on how to log-on and watch the meeting will be available beginning in September.

At 5:00 pm, the SBE National Reception will be held in the hotel’s beautiful atrium and will include cocktails, hor’s doerves and live music.  The reception will be followed at 6:00 pm by the SBE National Awards Dinner from 6:00 pm to 8:45 pm. The dinner program will include a special guest speaker, the presentation of the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year to John Luff and the SBE Educator of the Year Award to Charles “Buc” Fitch, P.E., CPBE, AMD. Two members will be recognized with the highest membership rank awarded by the SBE, the SBE Fellow: Sterling Davis, Vice President of Engineering, Cox Media Group in Atlanta, Ga. and Robert Locke, CPBE, CBNT, Chief Engineer for KPTS-TV in Maize, Kan. Chapters and individual members will also be recognized during the dinner for best technical article, best chapter newsletter, website, regional conference, most certified chapter and chapters with the greatest percentage growth and highest average member attendance at chapter meetings.

Tickets for the reception and dinner are just $15. You can order tickets online - scroll down to “SBE National Meeting.” Tickets may also be ordered by calling the SBE National Office at (317) 846-9000.

2009-2010 SBE National Award Winners Announced (July 30, 2010)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced the winners of its 2009-2010 SBE National Awards.  Winners will be recognized at the Society’s National Awards Dinner on October 27 in Madison, Wis. The event is part of the annual SBE National Meeting, which is being held in conjunction with SBE Chapter 24 and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) at the Madison Marriott West Hotel.

The winner of the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year Award is John Luff.  Luff has been a member of SBE since 1984. Luff was nominated for this prestigious award for the work he has done in the broadcast engineering industry as well as on a local level within SBE Chapter 20, Pittsburgh Pa. Luff is currently a media technology consultant and has his own company, HD Consulting, in Sewickley, Pa. His resume includes senior vice president business development at AZCAR, founder and president of Synergistic Technologies Inc., engineering manager at TPC Communications, as well as volunteer services as chairman of SBE Chapter 20 and conference vice president at SMPTE.

Recently, Luff has provided new energy and leadership to his chapter, which was facing declining participation. He changed the meetings from a monthly format in order to have meetings whenever an important topic and expert presenters were available to present more detailed technology. He accomplished this by using his significant contacts to arrange for industry experts to present at his chapter meetings. Over 70 members attended the event he organized on 3D technology. He held the event at NEP Broadcasting in Pittsburgh, Pa. and had presenters George Hoover, CTO from NEP and representatives from PACE 3D cameras. To increase participation, Luff set up a Yahoo Groups site to provide quick communications to local members.

Recipients of the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year Award are recognized for making significant contributions to the field of broadcast engineering or for furthering the goals and objectives of the Society. They must be members of the Society and are nominated by their peers.

The 2009-2010 SBE Educator of the Year Award will be presented to Charles ‘Buc’ Fitch, P.E., CPBE, AMD. Fitch has been a member of SBE since 1975 and certified since 1976. Fitch was nominated for his 40-year-plus contributions to educating the industry through articles, presentations and committee work, not only in mainstream technical areas of broadcasting but also important adjacent technologies such as National Electrical Code (NEC), project management and collateral regulations.

Fitch has been an important contributor to industry publications. In this past year, he has continued a successful recurring feature in Radio World called “Certification Corner,” which is aimed at helping readers understand and prepare for the SBE certification exams. With this feature his goals are to educate and familiarize exam takers with the scope of the certification exams, motivate potential candidates and reinforce the professional aspects of the SBE Certification Program. To read Fitch’s “Certification Corner” visit www.rwonline.com/section/certification-corner.

Another series of articles called “Milestones” utilizes his passion for the history of the industry and the roles of broadcast engineers. In this series he looks back and reflects on important technological achievements in communications on both the broadcast and consumer sides. He has written on such diverse topics as the Marti RPU receiver and the proliferation of early automobile radio receivers. In one stretch he profiled several 1 kW transmitter models that helped change the industry. “Milestones” can be read at www.rwonline.com/section/milestones.

The award for Best Technical Article, Book or Program by a SBE Member goes to Doug Irwin, CPBE, AMD, DRB for his article, “The Future of Radio” in Radio magazine’s December 2009 issue. To read Irwin’s article, visit http://radiomagonline.com/features/radio_trends_technologythe_future/.

Local chapters have also earned awards based on their own achievements. Some categories recognize two chapters, based on their size. Class A represents those chapters whose membership is less than the national median (31 or fewer members), while Class B are those chapters that have membership greater than the national median (32 or more members).

Our thanks to the SBE National Awards Committee, chaired by Jim Leifer, CPBE and committee members Leonard Charles, CPBE, Bill Ryall and Marcelo Sanchez, CPBE.

Vote for your Natinal Board of Directors

(July 28, 2010)

Ballots for the annual election of members to serve on the SBE national Board of Directors were mailed at the end of July.  Please vote for candidates for the four officer positions and six of the twelve director seats. The Board consists of 17 members, including four officers, 12 directors and the immediate past president.

The Nominations Committee was chaired this year by Board member Jim Leifer, CPBE, Director of Engineering and IT of Clear Channel Communications, South Florida.  His committee prepared a list of candidates who have agreed to commit their time and resources to serve, if elected. 

The official ballot and candidate profiles were sent via USPS First Class mail by July 27th to all voting members of SBE. That includes Regular, Senior and Fellow members and the voting member representative of each of SBE’s Sustaining Member companies.

We encourage you to take the time to review the descriptions and opinions of the candidates, make your selections and return the ballot to the SBE National Office so that it arrives no later than Thursday, August 26. Use the special election return envelope provided. Allow at least five business days for your ballot to reach the National Office. Allow two weeks if you are outside the United States.  Please mail early. Each year a number of ballots arrive after the election is over and consequently cannot be included in the tabulation.

The ballots will be tabulated the night of August 26th by the official Board of Tellers consisting of members of Chapter 25 in Indianapolis and central Indiana. Candidates will be notified the following day of the results. Those elected will take office following an induction ceremony held during the SBE National Meeting on October 27, in Madison, WIs.  The National Meeting is being held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Clinic, sponsored by SBE Chapter 24 of Madison and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

Information about each candidate and their responses to questions about the Society is included in the official ballot packet. If you don’t receive a ballot by August 5, please contact Holly Essex at the National Office at (317) 846-9000 or hessex@sbe.org.

The list of candidates includes: 

EAS is topic of August 19 free SBE Webinar (July 26, 2010)

The SBE will present a free webinar on the Emergency Alert System (EAS), titled, "The 'New' EAS: What Every Broadcaster Needs to Know", on Thursday, August 19 at 2:00 pm EDT. The program will provide an update on EAS and the move to CAP v1.2, including information on what we know, what we don't know, and what broadcasters can do to prepare.

Ralph Beaver, CBT, chairman of the SBE EAS Committee and a member of the SBE national Board, will conduct the program. Though the webinar is free, registration is required, register here.

Register now for the Tennessee Ennes Workshop August 20 (July 26, 2010)

SBE Chapter 103, Nashville, Tenn., and the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters are hosting the Tennessee Ennes Workshop on August 2 in conjunction with the TAB Summer Convention. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Conerence Center. Registration for SBE or TAB members is $25 and $35 for non-members. Click here to see to see the full descriptions of the technical presentations.

More Information.

Register Now.

SBE Legislative Update (June 23, 2010)

To: Members of the SBE

Re: Follow-up to SBE Legislative Alert sent Friday, June 17

On Thursday, June 17, 2010, the SBE submitted an open letter to Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the FCC, addressing our deep concern over the exclusion of the SBE from the list of those invited to attend the "FCC Broadcast Engineering Forum" scheduled for June 25. The purpose of the Forum is to discuss the technical aspects of the FCC's plan to reclaim and reallocate 120 MHz of free broadcast television spectrum for broadband services allocated by auction; likely exchanging over-the-air television reception which is free to the public for subscription-based services similar to those offered by cellular and telecom providers.

SBE found it disturbing that the FCC would convene a "broadcast engineering forum" and not invite the singular organization that represents broadcast engineers with more than 5,500 members and a long and positive history of working with the FCC.

We are pleased to inform you that the FCC has since contacted the SBE and has invited the organization’s participation in the day-long forum. SBE has accepted the invitation. Representing the SBE will be national vice president and SBE’s representative to ATSC, Ralph Hogan, CPBE, DRB, CBNT, Associate General Manager, Rio Salado College Division of Public Service in Tempe, AZ; and Joseph Snelson, CPBE, 8-VSB, member of the SBE national Board of Directors and Vice President and Director of Engineering, Meredith Broadcast Group, Las Vegas, NV.

We look forward to Friday’s event and our opportunity to have input and review of the process first-hand. Members are encouraged to view the public portion of the meeting, scheduled from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm EDT. Go to: http://reboot.fcc.gov/live/ to view the live portion.  Questions from the Internet audience will be accepted submitted via email to broadbandoutreach@fcc.gov and via Twitter using the hashtag, #brdcstforum.

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT

SBE President

An Open Letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski - June 17, 2010

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has submitted an open letter to Julius Genachowski, Chairman, FCC addressing the, "FCC Broadcast Engineering Forum" scheduled for June 25, 2010. The SBE finds it disturbing that the FCC would convene a "broadcast engineering forum" and not invite the singular organization that represents broadcast engineers with more than 5,500 members and a long and positive history of working with the FCC.

The stated subjects to be covered in this meeting are (1) Cellularization of Broadcast Architecture, (2) Methodologies for Repacking the TV Band; (3) Improvements in VHF Reception; and (4) Advancements in Compression Technology.

While the SBE does not summarily oppose discussion and resolution of a viable and reasonable plan to make broadband services more available, the Society is suspicious of the process that seems to have already made its own conclusions; as evidenced by the recent disclosure of the report "Spectrum Analysis:  Options for Spectrum OBI Technical Paper No. 3". There seems to be a thinly veiled purpose in this meeting, to co-opt broadcast television ownership in the FCC's plan to reclaim and reallocate 120 MHz of free broadcast television spectrum for broadband services allocated by auction; likely exchanging over-the-air television reception which is free to the public for subscription-based services similar to those offered by cellular and telecom providers.

Letter to Chairman Genachowski

For further information contact:

John L. Poray, CAE

Executive Director

Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.

jporay@sbe.org

(317) 846-9000 

Congratulations to the 2010 SBE Membership Drive Winners (June 30, 2010)

During the annual SBE Membership Drive, the Society of Broadcast Engineers welcomed 198 new members, 52 of whom were recruited by other members. .

SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT said, “Recruiting new members helps keep the Society strong and I am very pleased that many SBE members took an active role in this year’s membership drive.”

SBE Members who recruited during the drive, held March 1-May 31, were entered into the prize drawing for each person he or she recruited. Prize winners were drawn on June 12. Following is the complete list of winners:

Grand Prize Winner: John Ramsey from Hartford, Conn. won a trip to the SBE National Meeting in Madison, Wis. and an HDTV, courtesy of the SBE.

First Prize Winner: Mark Heller, CBRE, CTO from Two Rivers, Wis. won a Panasonic Lumix Digital Camera, courtesy of Panasonic.

Second Prize Winner: Larry Bloomfield from Florence, Ore. won a Paladin Tools PT-540, courtesy of Broadcast Supply Worldwide.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

SBE MEMBERS!  YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW!

The SBE has a unique, possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is about to expire:  One of the SBE's most important goals is, "To promote the maintenance or increase the technical expertise within the FCC..."   There are bills in the U.S. Senate and House that specifically address this goal; "The FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act" - Senate Bill S2881 and House Resolution, HR4809. 

 There was early interest in this legislation but time is running out!  If the bills do not proceed within the next couple of months, they will likely fail.  While it's possible they could be resubmitted in 2011, considering the rarity of this opportunity we cannot assume the legislation will be introduced again.  Representatives and Senators need to hear that SBE members support these bills and expect the support of their members of Congress! 

You may have seen the recent activity on the FCC's National Broadband Plan.  If so, you know if there's ever been a time that engineering expertise and understanding is needed at the policy level, it is NOW!  WE NEED THE CONCERTED ACTION OF OUR MEMBERS!  WE NEED YOU TO CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES NOW!

> Ask your state’s two U.S. Senators to vote for S.2881 when it appears before them! 

> Ask your U.S. House Representative to immediately co-sponsor HR.4809 and vote for it when it appears before him or her!

To help this effort, we’ve provided sample letters for you to use. See the links below. When you contact your Congressional representatives, we'd like to receive a copy of your letters.  SBE leadership will be scheduling another visit to Capitol Hill this summer.  We want to bring copies of your letters with us to help show the importance of this issue to our membership!  Please mail or email a copy of your letters to John Poray at the SBE National office! 

We've provided lots of resources on the SBE and government Websites to inform and help you!

Learn about the bills

 How to contact your U.S. Senator

 Sample letter to your Senators

 How to find and contact your U.S. Representative

 Sample letter to your Representative

Don't forget to send a copy of your letter (by email or snail mail) to:

John L. Poray, CAE

Executive Director

Society of Broadcast Engineers

9102 N. Meridian Street, Suite 150

Indianapolis, IN 46260

jporay@sbe.org

Thanks for your support!

On-Demand Webinar added to Webinars by SBE (May 27, 2010)
SBE, in conjunction with Rodney Vandeveer, SBE Leadership Development Course Instructor, is offering a series of three webinars on leadership that are now available on-demand. This series provides an introduction to leadership, and will explore basic principles of leadership, how effective communication can dramatically increase efficiency and employee satisfaction, and how motivation plays an essential part in employee commitment. Registration is open for on-demand viewing for each webinar. Alternatively, participants can register for all three in the series and save $15. Click here for more information on the SBE Leadership Development Webinar Series and to find out what past participants thought.

Registration opens for 2 Ennes Workshops –

Dallas and San Diego (May 26, 2010)
Registration is now open for two upcoming Ennes Workshops. The Dallas Ennes Workshop takes place Saturday, September 25 at the University of Texas – Arlington. The cost for members is $25. The San Diego Ennes Workshop takes place Saturday, October 16 at the Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown. The cost for members is $35. Both workshops are encouraging local students to attend. Click here for information on any of the upcoming Ennes Workshops.
         

SBE updates the SBE CertPreview™ certification exam preparation software

(May 25, 2010)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has unveiled the new SBE CertPreview, SBE's certification exam preparation software. For the past six months, the SBE has been working to create a more convenient and interactive SBE CertPreview. Compatible with both Windows and Macintosh computers, the new SBE CertPreview allows you to download SBE CertPreview from the SBE website immediately after purchasing the software. You can also purchase the software on a CD that will be mailed to you. The downloaded version costs $29, and the CD version costs $33 plus $3.00 shipping and handling.

The new SBE CertPreview contains more than 100 sample questions for each certification level that it covers. You can review and change answers prior to scoring the sample exam, and can revisit the questions within the sample exam after the scoring process. You can also see the results by topical category, which helps you identify strengths and weaknesses.

The SBE CertPreview is a preparation for the following exams:

• Certified Broadcast Technologist® (CBT) - Radio
• Certified Broadcast Technologist® (CBT) - TV
• Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist® (CBNT®)
• Certified Audio Engineer® (CEA®)
• Certified Video Engineer® (CEV®)
• Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE®)
• Certified Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE®)
• Certified Senior Radio Engineer (CSRE®)
• Certified Senior Television Engineer (CSTE®)
• AM Directional Specialist™ (AMD™)
• 8-VSB Specialist (8-VSB) ™
• Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist ™ (DRB™) - COMING SOON

You can learn more about the new SBE CertPreview and purchase the software at www.sbe.org/CertPreview.php.

Statement from the Society of Broadcast Engineers regarding its affiliation agreement with the Broadcast Engineers Society of Pakistan (May 21, 2010)

The SBE was included in Tom Ray’s e-mail message sent to a number of

recipients, including representatives of broadcast engineering publications, and

the SBE is aware of his social networking posts concerning the Society’s recently

executed memorandum of understanding with the Broadcast Engineers Society

of Pakistan (BESPAK). The SBE wants to correct some misunderstandings.

Tom Ray is a good friend of the SBE, and is an eminent and respected broadcast

engineer. He is a former SBE board member and a current SBE chapter chair.

Tom raises serious issues that are deserving of a timely response. The SBE

disagrees however, with its colleague in virtually all respects.

The 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington left all of us profoundly scarred.

Those events, and our memories, however, have nothing to do with the valuable

international relationships that SBE has cultivated for many years with

professional broadcast engineers and their national societies in many countries,

including India, Mexico, South Korea and others. The SBE eagerly encourages

these international relationships, and we will continue to do so. BESPAK reached

out to the SBE to forge a mutually beneficial international bond and engage in

mutual cooperation in education. There is no animosity between the United

States and the country of Pakistan and our two countries have an ongoing

diplomatic relationship. There certainly is no connection between BESPAK and

any group or individual who may wish to harm the US, including those who have

taken refuge in Pakistan or in any other country. We believe that Tom’s

concerns are without foundation and note that it is unfair to make unwarranted

assumptions or characterizations about our fellow broadcast engineers in other

countries.

To correct some misinformation that has followed Tom’s posting. The SBE has

not refused SBE membership to any member of BESPAK. Nor have we refused

to allow any member of BESPAK to use SBE logos or name, or imposed any

other restriction on our association with BESPAK not applicable to members of

other international societies with which the SBE is affiliated.

The SBE welcomes its new affiliation with BESPAK and is proud of our

international relationships with other broadcast engineering societies, which the

Society believes benefit all SBE members, and all broadcast engineers.

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT

President

SBE approves affiliation with Pakistan engineers (May 20, 2010)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and the Broadcast Engineers Society of Pakistan (BESPAK) have signed a memorandum of understanding, creating an affiliation agreement between the two organizations. The arrangement provides for an exchange of information and technical papers between the two organizations as well as SBE Bookstore discounts for BESPAK members. 
 
BESPAK is a recently formed organization of radio and television engineers in Pakistan. The chairman of BESPAK is Bilal Hasan, an engineer with GEO TV Networks. SBE has been providing organizational guidance to BESPAK as they develop their member services. 
 
SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT said, "We are very pleased to enter into this affiliation agreement with our fellow broadcast engineers in Pakistan. The information and knowledge that these two organizations will share in the future will benefit the members of both SBE and BESPAK."
 
With the addition of BESPAK, the SBE now has affiliation agreements with nine broadcast engineering organizations around the world including those in Mexico, India, South Korea, Brazil, Uruguay, The Philippines and two in Canada.

SBE Certified logo available for use now! (May 21, 2010)

If you currently hold an SBE Certification, you are now able to use the SBE Certified logo on your business cards, letterhead, resume, website and email signature.

The SBE Certified logo may only be used when you includ your valid SBE Certification designations after your name. Only the official SBE Certified logo can be used.

Download the new SBE Certified logo here.

New SBE University Course - Computer Networking for Broadcast Engineers

(May 14, 2010)

SBE is pleased to announce a new course has been added to SBE University. The Computer Networking for Broadcast Engineers Course gives the student an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer networking. The course is meant as an introduction, covering many subjects at a high level in order to assist the broadcaster in passing the Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist exam. The course covers computer topologies (physical and logical), media types, the OSI model and local area networking. It explores some legacy material but is primarily about Ethernet, TCP/IP and other current computer networking protocols. Hardware, such as switches and routers, will be covered. Software, such as VLAN, VPN and NAT, are reviewed as well. Some basic troubleshooting, security and administrative procedures are also covered. This course was written for SBE by Paul Claxton, CPBE, CBNT.

More Information                                 Enroll Now

SBE University consists of a series of online, on-demand courses designed to bring expert instruction on a variety of technical radio and television topics to broadcast engineers at an affordable price. There are now seven courses offered by the SBE University, with more to come.
             

Past Signal issues available on SBE website archive (May 13, 2010)
Members are now able to view past issues of the SBE Signal online at the SBE website. The Signals are available in PDF format dating back to the beginning of 2008.

Two Webinars added to Webinars by SBE (April 30, 2010)
Maximizing HD and 1080p/60 Cable Performance takes place June 15, and Human Factors in Broadcasting will be presented on July 13. Both webinars begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern and last for two hours. 

Maximizing HD and 1080p/60 Cable Performance reviews how digital video cable is designed and manufactured, and how installing it can affect the performance of the system. More

Human Factors in Broadcasting provides an introduction to Human Factors as it relates to the field of broadcast engineering. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to increase workflow, reduce costly errors and increase productivity. Understanding Human Factors will help participants become better judges of proposed benefits of products and services that use “Ergonomics” as part of the selling points. In addition, the physical and cognitive limitations of humans will be discussed, as well as just how costly it can be to ignore human factors. More
       

SBE position, support request, for FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act, S.2881 and HR 4809 (April 1, 2010; Updated June 16, 2010)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has developed a position statement regarding the "The FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act." We encourage all members of SBE to send letters to their Senators and Representative in Congress, expressing support for S.2881 and R.4809. We have provided a sample letter for you to use as a guideline.

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT
President

"The FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act" March 31, 2010
One of the SBE's Legislative Goals is "To promote the maintenance or increase of technical expertise within the FCC to ensure that decision making by the FCC is based on technical investigation, studies and evaluation rather than political expenditures." The Society of Broadcast Engineers supports "The FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act" as an extension of that goal.

Senate Bill S.2881 was introduced in December 2009 by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia). This bill would authorize each FCC commissioner to add one staff assistant position to the three that are currently authorized. The proposed legislation, which would amend Section 4(f)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 154(f)(2)), explains that the "staff engineer" would provide each commissioner with technical consultation when appropriate and interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology, Commission Bureaus and other technical staff of the Commission for additional technical input and resources. The staff engineer would need to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher education in his or her respective field of expertise.

Subsequently, a companion bill (HR.4809) was introduced in the US House on March 10 by Representative Jerry McNerney (D) of California.. With a House bill now introduced, the legislation will hopefully move through the committee process in both chambers of Congress. Introduction of the resolution came after representatives of the Society of Broadcast Engineers met with McNerney's Washington staff on March 3. The SBE Government Relations Chairman, Barry Thomas, CPBE CBNT and General Counsel Chris Imlay, visited offices of several House members over two days to garner support for a companion to the Senate bill.

If passed, the new authorization would effectively undo a loosening of requirements for technical staff at the highest level of the FCC that began more than 25 years ago. The SBE's efforts in support are, among other things:

• An effort to counter inaccurate or hyperbolic claims by providing technical expertise at the policy level.
  
• To help the FCC avoid significant and expensive mistakes resulting from decisions made based on political instead of technical realities (for example, Broadband over Power Lines).
  
• Enable better commissioner access for the extensive experience and expertise currently available at the FCC Bureaus.

The SBE's strategy is to provide education and information to its members and chapters so that they can engage in individual advocacy with their Senators and Representatives. The SBE will also submit materials and conduct meetings as necessary and will join with strategic partners in their efforts to support this legislation. The SBE encourages chapters to host meetings about this topic to educate and engage interested parties.

SBE members are specifically asked to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators and urge them to co-sponsor and vote for HR.4809 and S.2881, respectively.

Sample letters are available here.

Letter to US Senators

Letter to Members of the House of Representatives

Please mail or email the SBE a copy of your letter, Send to:

John L. Poray, Executive Director
Society of Broadcast Engineers
9102 Meridian Street, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46260

jporay@sbe.org

Some resources for further research are:

The text of Senate bill S.2881:
http://sbe.org/documents/TextofS.2881.pdf

The text of House Resolution HR.4809:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-4809

Contact information for your U.S. Representative:
http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html

Contact information for your U.S. Senator:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

The FCC:
http://www.fcc.gov

Updates:

Senate Bill S. 2881 would add technical expertise to FCC Commissioners' offices
(December 16, 2009)
http://sbe.org/pub_sc.php#SenateBill

House Companion Resolution Introduced to S.2881 (March 10, 2010)
http://sbe.org/pub_sc.php#HouseRes

Senate Bill S.2881 Clears Senate Committee (March 25, 2010)
http://sbe.org/pub_sc.php#SenateClearsS2881

Senate Bill S.2881 Clears Senate Committee  (March 25, 2010)

The Senate bill introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) titled "The FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act" has cleared the Senate Committee on Science, Commerce and Transportation. Only one change was made to the bill to include provisions of Senate bill S.3042, a bill also introduced by Sen. Snowe.

S.3042 provides for a study by the National Academy of Sciences on the technical policy decisions and technical personnel at the Federal Communications Commission. The bill now moves back to the Senate.

The bill's basic purpose is to provide greater technical resources to FCC Commissioners. A companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Jerry McNerney (D-CA). McNerney's resolution, R.4809, was the result of the Society of Broadcast Engineers visiting offices of House members in March to generate support of the issue.

Barry Thomas, CPBE CBNT, chairman of the SBE Government Relations Committee, said, "This legislation advances one of the Society's most long-standing and important goals, and will help ensure that broadcasting technical regulation is based on sound technical reasoning."

SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV, added, "We expect this bill to continue on its fast track through Congress. The SBE encourages all broadcasters -- not just SBE members -- to contact their Senators or Representatives and urge support for this important legislation."

SBE RF Safety Course Now Available On-Demand (March 24, 2010)

This 3-hour course on RF safety, taught by Richard Strickland, is now available online anytime. Participants will get an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters. Subjects include:

• 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

More Information

SBE Leadership Development Course to take place in Atlanta, Aug 3-5 (March 19, 2010)

Being a positive influence on coworkers, an effective manager, and a true team player is such an important part of a company’s overall success, yet often one of the most overlooked skills. To help those in the broadcast engineering field hone their leadership and managerial skills, the Society of Broadcast Engineers is once again offering its leadership development course.

The SBE Leadership Development Course has been redesigned, and is now offered as an intense 3-day course, covering basic and advanced concepts of outstanding leadership. More Information

Additional Ennes Workshops Scheduled for 2010 (March 18, 2010)

This year, SBE is planning more Ennes Workshops than we ever have - 7 in all. SBE normally holds up to 5 workshops. Here are the locations scheduled to host an Ennes Workshop yet this year:

May 21 – El Paso, Texas, hosted by SBE Chapter 38
August 20 – Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by SBE Chapter 103 and the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters
September 25 – Dallas, Texas, hosted by SBE Chapter 67
October 16 – San Diego, California, hosted by SBE Chapter 36
November 10 – New England, hosted by SBE Chapter 11, in conjunction with the New England Broadcast and Cable Expo

Ennes Workshops are one-day (typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with breakfast and lunch included), regional workshops that provide affordable industry-specific education.  For more information or to register for any of these workshops, visit SBE's website. Details will be added to the website for each workshop as they are confirmed. 

Davis and Locke Elected SBE Fellows (April 21, 2010)

The Board of Directors of the Society of Broadcast Engineers has elected Sterling E. Davis and Robert W. Locke, CPBE, CBNT as SBE Fellows. Davis and Locke were elected during the Board of Directors meeting held during the 2010 NAB Show on April 11.

Davis is Vice President of Engineering for Cox Media Group in Atlanta, Ga. and a member of SBE Chapter 5 in Atlanta.

Locke is the Chief Engineer for KPTS in Maize, Kan. and a member of SBE Chapter 3 in Kansas.

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.

Following the election, SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT remarked, "The Society is pleased and honored to add Sterling and Robert to the highest level of SBE Membership, the SBE Fellow."

Both recipients will be recognized for their elevation to Fellow during the SBE National Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin on October 27, 2010.

Terrence M. Baun, CPBE, AMD, CBNT receives SBE Lifetime Achievement Award (April 21, 2010)

Terrence M. Baun, CPBE, AMD, CBNT, Director of Engineering and Operations for the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, received the Society of Broadcast Engineers Lifetime Achievement Award. Baun received the award on Tuesday, April 13 during the annual SBE Spring Membership Meeting at the 2010 NAB Show.

The SBE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements by an individual throughout his or her professional lifetime.

Baun is a 34-year member of the SBE. Within the SBE, Baun has served on the National Certification Committee for 12 years, serving as chairman for three of those years. He also served as a Director, Vice President and was elected the SBE National President in 1995. Baun was named the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year in 1991, which was the first time the award was presented. He was named an SBE Fellow in 1999 and in 2003 was named the SBE Educator of the Year.

SBE President Vinny Lopez, who made the presentation, said, “Terry’s dedication to SBE and its mission, as well as his passion for broadcast engineering, are exceptional.  His contributions to the industry and the SBE have been tremendous and we are honored to recognize him with this award.”

Read the full awards presentation from the SBE Spring Membership Meeting at the 2010 NAB Show.

Listen to the SBE Spring Membership Meeting at the 2010 NAB Show to hear the SBE Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation.

House Companion Resolution Introduced to S.2881

 On March 10, Representative Jerry McNerney (D) of California introduced HR.4809, a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to Senate Bill 2881, the "FCC Commissioners Technical Resource Act"; which would authorize an engineering staff position for each of the five FCC commissioners.  With a House bill now introduced, the legislation will hopefully move through the committee process in both chambers of Congress.

McNerney’s introduction of the resolution comes after representatives of the Society of Broadcast Engineers met with his Washington staff on March 3.  SBE’s Government Relations Chairman, Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT and General Counsel, Chris Imlay, visited offices of several House members over two days to garner support for a companion to the Senate bill introduced in January by Senator Olympia Snowe, (R) Maine and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Warner, (D) of Virginia.

Upon hearing the news of the House resolution, SBE president Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT replied, "I am delighted that representative McNerney has chosen to introduce this important legislation on the House side. This bill will go a long way to ensure technical excellence at the highest levels of the Commission."

McNerney is a second term congressmen representing California’s 11th congressional district, which includes a portion of California’s Central Valley.  He has an engineering background and serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Sub-Committee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.

At the time this article was written, the text of the House Resolution was not available.

SBE members are asked to contact your U.S. Representative and Senators and urge them to co-sponsor or at least support House Resolution 4809 and Senate Bill 2881, respectively.  For contact information for your U.S. Representative, go to:  http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html.  For contact information for your U.S. Senator, go to: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.

Our best members of Congress respond to the priorities of their constituents.  With 5,500 members all across the US, we can make our voices known and have a real impact! 

Kick off of the 2010 SBE Membership Drive

The Annual SBE Membership Drive has begun and this year the theme is WE MAKE IT HAPPEN. Whether it is through Certification, Education, Government Relations and or at your Local Chapter, SBE continually strives to make your membership the best it can be.

Help SBE’s Membership grow and achieve more by recruiting a new member this year.

The SBE Membership Drive runs from March 1, 2010 through May 31, 2010. For every new Regular or Sustaining Member that you recruit, your name will go into a drawing for this years prizes.

This year the Grand Prize is a Flat Screen HDTV and a trip to the 2010 SBE National Meeting in Madison, Wis, October 26th-27th.

Here is a complete list of the other prizes and their donors.

In addition to being eligible for Membership Drive prizes, you will also receive a five-dollar discount on your 2011 membership renewal (up to five) for every Regular or Sustaining Member that you recruit. With so many rewarding reasons to recruit new members, it’s easy to make it happen!

SBE at the 2010 NAB Show and the NAB Broadcast Engineering Conference

Schedule of SBE Events and Meetings during 2010 NAB Show (February 12, 2010)

Since 1995 the Society of Broadcast Engineers has been NAB’s organizational partner for the presentation of the NAB Broadcast Engineering Conference (BEC). Like those previous, this year’s BEC will be the largest and most comprehensive broadcast technical conference in the world, beginning with the Ennes Workshop on Saturday, April 10 and ending on Thursday, April 15. SBE will have a full slate of meetings and events during the week and will have a busy exhibit booth that will open beginning Sunday afternoon with hours through Thursday.

SBE Exhibit Booth

SBE’s exhibit booth will be on the second floor concourse of the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall, Lobby Booth 29. The location is just up the escalator from the South Hall main entrance and just outside the entry to the exhibits on the second floor. This is the same location as in recent years. The BEC technical sessions will be located near- by, in the South Hall second floor meeting rooms.

Be sure to stop by the SBE booth while at the convention. We’ll have the new SBE CertPreview and all of the SBE published handbooks as well as technical books from major publishers. There will also be an assortment of SBE logo items. Membership renewals and new memberships may also be transacted at the booth. SBE staff and national Board members will be at the booth to answer your questions about membership, certification, educational programs and regulatory issues.

Booth Hours

Sunday -  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Monday – Wednesday  9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Thursday  9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Booth Location

LVCC South Hall Lobby Booth 29 near the entrance to the second floor exhibit hall.

SBE SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Our annual spring SBE Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (room to be announced).  We will be recognizing a number of our local chapter certification chairs during the meeting. Some very nice prizes are planned to give away to those attending. The highlight of the meeting will be the presentation of the SBE Lifetime Achievement Award to an SBE member. The recipient will not be aware of the award until the announcement is made during the meeting.

SBE will hold several other meetings during the 2010 NAB Show that may be of interest to you. (Located at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel unless otherwise indicated)

Saturday, April 10

Ennes Workshop, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Conference registration required) LVCC South Hall 2nd Floor

SBE Certification Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm, Conference Room 7

Sunday, April 11

SBE Board of Directors Meeting, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Conference Rooms 1 & 2

SBE Education Committee Meeting, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; Conference Room 1

Monday, April 12

Ennes Trust Annual Meeting, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Conference Room 7

SBE EAS Meeting, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Conference Rooms 4 & 5

Tuesday, April 13

SBE Certification Exams, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon, Conference Rooms 9 & 10

SBE Frequency Coordinators Meeting, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Conference Rooms 7 & 8

SBE Spring Membership Meeting, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, LVCC Room TBA

Registration Discounts for SBE Members

Members of SBE can register for the NAB convention at a special “partner” rate, a savings of $100 off the NAB non-member rate. To get the discount, SBE members register using the regular NAB on-line registration form. When completing the form, check the “Partner” box at the bottom and select “Society of Broadcast Engineers” from the drop-down box.

We hope you’ll join many of your fellow SBE members April 10-15, in Las Vegas for the 2010 NAB Show and NAB Broadcast Engineering Conference!

SBE Announces 2-Part Event Frequency Coordination Webinar (February 5, 2010)

Local frequency coordination is recognized as an important tool allowing broadcasters to fulfill their regulatory obligation to avoid mutual interference in their use of shared Broadcast Auxiliary Service frequencies (for wireless microphones, cameras, cueing systems or the like). Many major sporting events, pre-planned news events or other public events attract media regionally and/or nationally who bring large amounts of wireless equipment. For these events to be successful, frequency coordination is a must.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers recognizes frequency coordination as an important, yet often misunderstood part of executing events such as sporting events, political conventions, and other pre-planned events. In addition, training on frequency coordination has become very necessary given continually changing FCC rules, technology and the needs of broadcasters. This two-part webinar series embarks on event frequency coordination from beginning to end, and includes the step-by-step technical process of coordination. Instructing this course is longtime SBE Member, broadcast consultant and frequency coordinator Ralph Beaver, CBT. The cost for SBE Members is $99 and is $139 for non-members.  The webinars take place March 11 and March 30 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern.  For more information and to register, click here. 

Three Chapters to Host SBE RF Safety Course (February 5, 2010)

The next SBE RF Safety Course is taking place Wednesday, February 24 from 2:30-5:45 p.m. Eastern.  Several chapters have reserved a login port for area members in the following cities:             

             West Hartford, Connecticut - SBE Chapter 14

Riverton, Wyoming - SBE Chapter 129

Jackson, Mississippi - SBE Chapter 125

The SBE RF Safety Course provides an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters.  Topics include 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) and more.  Instructing the course once again is highly regarded RF safety expert Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions.

If your chapter or company wishes to host the course, click here to learn more.  There is no cost to reserve a log-in port. 

Individuals may also register for the course.

Two Ennes Workshops Announced – South Florida and New England (January 15, 2010)

SBE Chapter 53 - South Florida is hosting an Ennes Workshop on Thursday, March 4 in Miramar, FL.  The cost for members is $30.  Topics include: Proper Wiring Techniques for Broadcasters, HD Radio Power Increase, Mobile DTV Middleware, Integrating ATSC M/H into a Broadcast Transmission System, and more.  Click here for more information.

SBE Chapter 11 - Boston is hosting a workshop on Wednesday, November 10 in conjunction with the New England Broadcast and Cable Expo in Worcester, MA.  The cost for members to attend the workshop is $25. Entrance into the Expo is free! Click here for more information.

Senate Bill S. 2881 would add technical expertise to FCC Commissioners’ offices

(December 16, 2009)

 A bill introduced on Monday in the U.S. Senate would potentially add one electrical engineer or computer scientist within each of the offices of the five FCC Commissioners.

Introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and co-sponsored by Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Senate Bill 2881 would authorize each FCC Commissioner to add one staff assistant position to the three that are currently authorized. The new position of “staff engineer” would require that the holder either have a degree in electrical engineering or be a computer scientist. If eventually passed, the new authorization would affectively undo a loosening of requirements for technical staff at the highest level of the FCC that began more than 25 years ago. 

Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT, president of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), remarked, “Ensuring the technical integrity of the FCC decision-making is perhaps our most important legislative goal.  This legislation will go a long way toward returning technical expertise to the FCC Commissioner's offices."  Lopez added, “We encourage other members of the Senate to support this well-crafted legislation. SBE will seek the introduction of a companion bill in the House and we will urge rapid passage of both Bills in the House and the Senate.”

The proposed legislation, which would amend Section 4(f)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 154(f)(2)), explains that the “staff engineer” would provide each commissioner with technical consultation when appropriate and interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology, Commission Bureaus and other technical staff of the Commission for additional technical input and resources. The staff engineer would need to hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution of higher education in their respective field of expertise.

The last serious attempt to increase the technical resources within the Commissioner’s offices was in October of 1991 when then Rep. Don Ritter introduced HR. 3501, which would have required that at least one member of the Commission be skilled in the engineering sciences. Senator Snowe’s bill would not seek to replace any of the existing staff assistants in each Commissioner’s office but rather authorize each Commissioner to add one assistant.                 Text of S.2881

Madison, Wis. selected for the 2010 SBE National Meeting (December 9, 2009)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers Board of Directors has accepted an invitation from SBE Chapter 24 in Madison, Wis., to host the SBE2010 National Meeting. The decision was made during the SBE Board of Directors conference call on Dec. 1, 2009.

The SBE National Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Clinic and the Upper Midwest Regional Meeting, hosted by SBE Chapter 24 and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) on Oct. 26-28, 2010.Chapter 24 Chairman Fred Sperry, CPBE, and Convention Chairman Leonard Charles, CPBE, are looking forward to hosting the SBE National Meeting again. This is the fourth time Chapter 24 has hosted the SBE National Meeting since 1997. The SBE National Meeting was last held in Madison in 2008.

The SBE National Meeting serves as an opportunity to spotlight SBE-sponsored regional conventions held in different areas of the country. SBE National Meeting events include the annual membership meeting and the SBE National Awards Dinner, honoring the 2008-09 chapter and individual award recipients.

SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV CBNT, stated, "By holding the SBE National Meeting in conjunction with established, successful regional events, the SBE and the local host benefit. These partnerships allow the SBE to bring a national presence to these regional events."

Magic Valley is newest SBE Chapter    (December 9, 2009)

A group of broadcast engineers in Twin Falls, Idaho, have formed the newest chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers; SBE Chapter 145, Magic Valley.

SBE members in the Twin Falls area have been meeting regularly since 1997. Currently with 11 SBE members, the group applied to form their own chapter. Chapter Chairman Thomas Lowther, CSRTE CBNT, submitted the SBE chapter application in November 2009, and the chapter was approved during an SBE Board of Directors Meeting on Dec. 1, 2009. Upon the affirmative vote by the Board to approve the chapter’s charter, SBE President Vinny Lopez, CEV CBNT, said, “The strength of the SBE lies in the local chapters, and the efforts of our members in southern Idaho to form a new chapter provides a new opportunity for broadcast engineers to network and benefit from SBE membership.”

Though chartered by the national organization, SBE chapters operate as independent sub-groups, electing their own officers and planning their own monthly programs.

Learn more about chapters and find a chapter near you.

SBE Announces Next RF Safety Course – February 24, 2010 (December 8, 2009)

The next SBE RF Safety Course, available as a webinar (live presentation on the Internet with audio heard via telephone), will take place February 24 from 2:30-5:45 p.m. EST. 

This three hour course, recently updated, provides an overview of RF radiation issues and practices for broadcasters, including the biological effects of RF radiation and the distinct differences between RF radiation and ionizing radiation, FCC and OSHA regulations, workplace hazards, transmitter sites and more.  Instructing the course will be noted RF safety expert Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions.

For more information on how to register one or more people, click here. 

Sprint Closes In on 2GHz Relocation Finish Line  (December 2, 2009)

Sprint Nextel filed this week its bi-monthly report to the FCC outlining progress to date in transitioning BAS licensees to frequencies above 2025 MHz.1. The BAS licensees and Sprint Nextel have now successfully relocated BAS operations in 161 markets  representing more than 83 percent of the United States population. The complete Sprint Nextel report is available on the SBE website.

SBE Releases Education Survey Results (November 24, 2009)

As part of the SBE Education Committee’s long range planning efforts a survey related to continuing education was sent to members via email on September 24.  The goal was to find out how members feel about the current services, better understand the topics they desire, and how and when it is convenient for members to take courses. Members had three weeks to complete the survey.  The results are in and the data has been compiled.  Immediate goals for using the information gleaned from this survey include identifying relevant topics and instructors to create SBE University self-study courses and webinars, especially as they relate to preparing members for certification or recertification.  Click here to review the detailed survey findings.   

Details on next Ennes Workshop - Englewood, CO - Nov 12 (October 20, 2009)

Click here to learn more about the next Ennes Workshop, New Media Bootcamp, presented by SBE, and hosted by SBE Chapter 48 of Denver and the SMPTE Rocky Mountain Section. This workshop takes place Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Starz Entertainment in Englewood.

Topics include: Placeshifting: Challenges and Opportunities, Mobile DTV Middleware, Content Management and Control of HD Radio™ Networks via HD Protocol, Content Management Systems: Moving VOD to the Next Level of Efficiency, Impacts of 3D Television on Video and Broadcasting and more.

The cost is just $25 for SBE and/or SMPTE members and $35 for non-members. 

SBE Agreement with U.S. Department of Defense on Spectrum Sharing

(October 16, 2009)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers and the U.S. Department of Defense earlier this year signed an agreement regarding shared use of broadcast spectrum. The U.S. Air Force plans to construct new satellite tracking stations in a number of U.S. locations that would use spectrum in the 2025 -2110 MHz band. For details, see a copy of the agreement.

SBE Member Survey Focuses on Education Offerings (September 24, 2009)

In an effort to learn more about its members’ continuing education needs, SBE sent an electronic survey to its members. The survey was emailed today to all members who have their emails listed with SBE, and focuses on the following areas:

• About the Respondent
• General Education
• SBE University
• Ennes Workshops
• Leadership Development Course
• Webinars
• Your Ideas & Comments

Each person’s input will have a direct and immediate impact on the shape of future education programming. Members are asked to complete this 10-minute survey by October 15.  If you did not receive a copy of the survey, contact Kimberly Kissel.

SBE Announces National Award Winners (September 29, 2009)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced the winners of its 2008 National Awards.  Winners will be recognized at the Society’s National Awards Dinner on October 7, 2009 in Verona, N.Y. The event is part of the annual SBE National Meeting, which is being held in conjunction with the Chapter 22 Regional Broadcast and Technology Expo in Verona, N.Y. held at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

The winner of the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year Award is Craig Strom. Strom has been a member of SBE since 1998. Strom was nominated for this prestigious award for the work he has done regarding how to mitigate 2,110-2,120 MHz Advanced Wireless Services (AWS)-into-TV BAS interference. Strom is the Assistant Director of Engineering WLS-TV in Chicago, and has been with the station since 2000. Strom has served as the Chicago area Above-1 GHz BAS frequency coordinator since 1996. He is well known for his report dated December 26, 2008, T-Mobile AWS Filter Implementation Progress Report. The report documents the custom filter designed by Commercial Microwave Technologies (CMT) for T-Mobile, a major Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) operator, does not degrade digital electronic news gathering (ENG) signals, even when high-level digital modulation is used. Strom has also actively participated in 2 GHz TV BAS issues, including ET Docket 95-18, ET Docket 00-258, ET-Docket 02-55, and ET Docket 04-356.

Recipients of the SBE Broadcast Engineer of the Year Award are recognized for making significant contributions to the field of broadcast engineering and for furthering the goals and objectives of the Society. They must be members of the Society and are nominated by their peers.

The 2008 SBE Educator of the Year Award will be presented to Fred Baumgartner, CPBE, CBNT. Baumgartner has served as the program organizer for more than 20 regional Ennes Workshops over the past seven years. He also served as the on-site moderator for most of the workshops. Baumgartner has continuously contributed his time, expertise and knowledge of the industry to organize quality programs as well as his own time to travel to the programs to serve as moderator. He has also rendered a long and valuable service to the SBE on both the local and national level and has written over 100 technical articles.

The award for Best Technical Article, Book or Program by an SBE Member goes to Tim Anderson, CSRE, DRB, CBNT, for his article, “Considerations of Elevated IBOC Sidebands, Insight to IBOC” which appeared in Radio magazine in its August 2008 issue.             

Local SBE chapters have also earned awards based on their own achievements. Some categories recognize two chapters, based on their size. Class A represents those chapters whose membership is less than the national median while Class B are those chapters that have membership greater than the national median.

Best Chapter Website: Chapter 59 – Kansas City, Kansas. Best Regional Conference: Chapter 22 – Syracuse, NY. Best Chapter Newsletter: Chapter 24 – Madison, Wis. Most Certified Chapter: A) Chapter 117, Moscow, ID; B) Chapter 131 Inland Empire. Greatest Percentage Growth: A) Chapter 139, Reno, NV; B) Chapter 17, Minneapolis, MN.Highest Member Attendance Percentage: A) Chapter 136, Rio Grande; B) Chapter 56, Tulsa, OK.

SBE Files Reply Comments on Medical Device Spectrum Use (September 14, 2009)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers submitted reply comments on September 10 to the Federal Communications Commission in ET Docket 09-36, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing an allocation for Medical Micro-Power Network (MMN) Devices at 413-457 MHz.  SBE Reply comments supported its stated position that the proposed use of these devices in this band, particularly in the 455-456 MHz RPU band, would endanger medical patients using MMN devices due to harmful interference from lawfully-operated RPU mobile stations that would be impossible to predict. 

In this respect, SBE articulated its agreement with concerns raised by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc. (APCO), by the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) and by the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV), in their previously-filed comments to the FCC. 

SBE noted that the MMN proponent, Alfred Mann Foundation, rejected the use of the UHF TV band, calling it "unsuitable" due to high power, but the proposed RPU band would be subject to similar circumstances, given the location of RPU antennas in potentially close proximity to MMN patients. SBE also noted that it is much more likely to be in closer proximity to a high-power RPU than to a UHF DTV transmitter, and therefore more likely to be exposed to dangerous RF fields in the RPU bands.

Complete text of the SBE’s Reply Comments, as well as its earlier-filed comments in this proceeding can be found at http://sbe.org/gov_fcc.php.

National SBE Board of Director Election Results  (August 28, 2009)  

The Society of Broadcast Engineers announces the results of the 2009/2010 election for its national Board of Directors. All four officer positions and six of the 12 director seats were being contested. 

The results of the election were as follows:

President: Vincent Lopez, CEV, CBNT, Director of Engineering, WSYT-TV, WNYS-TV – Sinclair Broadcast Group, Syracuse, N.Y.

Vice President: Ralph Hogan, CPBE DRB, CBNT, Director of Engineering, KJZZ-FM/KBAQ-FM, Tempe, Ariz.

Secretary: Ted Hand, CPBE AMD 8-VSB, Chief Engineer, WSOC-TV, WAXN-TV, Charlotte, N.C.

Treasurer: Andrea Cummis, CBT, CTO, Consultant and Project Manager, Media Project Partners, Roseland, N.J.

Elected to two-year terms on the Board of Directors were:

Mark Heller, CBRE, CTO, President, General Manager, and Chief Engineer, WTRW Incorporated/WGBW Radio Station, Two Rivers, Wis.

James E. Leifer, CPBE, Director of Engineering and IT, Clear Channel Communications South Florida, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Jerry Massey, CPBE, DRB, AMD, 8-VSB, CBNT, Corporate Regional Engineer, Southeast, Entercom Communications, Inc., Greenville, S.C.

David Priester, CPBE, Director of Technical Operations, Roy H. Park School of Communications, Ithaca College, Ithaca, N.Y.

Christopher H. Scherer, CPBE, CBNT, Editor, Radio magazine, Overland Park, Kan.

Joe Snelson, CPBE, Director of Engineering, Meredith Broadcasting Group, Henderson, Nev.

The national Board of Directors of SBE is responsible for the development of policy and determines the programs and services the Society provides its members. Those elected will begin their terms on October 7 during the Annual SBE Membership Meeting. They will join the other six directors who have another year remaining in their terms as well as then Immediate Past President, Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT.

The National Meeting will be held in conjunction with the 37th annual Broadcast & Technology Expo, an event that features broadcast technical presentations for radio and television engineers and a the largest broadcast equipment expo of its kind in the northeast. Hosts for the SBE National Meeting will be SBE Chapter 22 of Central State New York. The event will take place at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, located in Verona, N.Y.

Two New Courses Added to SBE University - Voice Telco Networks & Studio Interface Systems and AM Antenna Systems  (July 30, 2009)  

SBE is pleased to announce two new courses that have been added to SBE University.

AM Antenna Systems Course

For many radio engineers, particularly those who have been more involved with FM facilities throughout their careers, AM antenna systems with their "singing" coils and big hardware are often mysterious and many times vexing. AM directional antennas can be intimidating to even the most experienced radio engineers, particularly when something goes wrong and the cause is not immediately apparent. This course is designed to provide the student with a good understanding of all facets of AM antenna systems, both directional and non-directional. With the material provided, the student will gain skills that will allow him to construct, troubleshoot and maintain just about any AM antenna system with confidence. This course was written by SBE member Cris Alexander, CPBE, AMD, DRB.

More Information                   Enroll Now

Voice Telco Networks and Studio Interface Systems

This course is of particular interest to those in both television and radio station facilities.  Telco lines and circuits are integral parts of most broadcast installations. Regular phone lines are used for talk shows and contests, while ISDN lines are used for remote broadcasts and STL backup, and T1 lines are used for STL applications and business telephone service. The broadcast engineer must have a good understanding of the various types of lines and protocols in order to deal with telephone companies. It is also helpful to understand telco terms and "lingo" so that he or she can "speak the same language" when talking with testers, installers and field repair people. The course provides a complete overview of all these topics, giving the student a working understanding of how the signal gets from end to end, how to troubleshoot telco problems and how to properly interface broadcast equipment to the telco world. This course is written for SBE by Steve Church of Telos Systems.

More Information                    Enroll Now

These new courses, offered through SBE University, are available at a special introductory price of $59 for SBE members and $79 for non-members. SBE University consists of a series of on-line, on-demand courses designed to bring expert instruction on a variety of technical radio and television topics to broadcast engineers at an affordable price. There are now six courses offered by the SBE University, with more to follow. 

Analog Shutdown Videos (June 2010)

Many stations throughout the country submitted videos of their analog television shutdown or their digital tv sign-on. You can watch the videos here.

Updated FAQs and Answers for the DTV Transition   (June 5, 2009)

SBE member, Gary Sgrignoli, of the consulting firm, Meintel, Sgrignoli, & Wallace, LLC, (MSW) has updated his exhaustive list of frequently asked questions and answers dealing with the DTV transition. Gary has graciously provided the FAQ list to the SBE for posting on our website. The material in the FAQ is a combination of original MSW information and existing on-line material from various sources. The on-line material comes from the following websites:

     www.dtv2009.gov (NTIA website)

     www.dtv.gov (FCC website)

     www.dtvanswers.com (NAB website)

     www.digitaltips.org (CEA website)

     www.antennaweb.org (CEA & NTIA shared website)

Whenever possible, the existing DTV-related material from these websites was used, and just combined with the original MSW material for best organization.

Gary tells us that there were times that the on-line material was edited for enhanced descriptions and easier flow of reading. Readers are urged to use all of the above web sites, plus the specific web site URLs listed in the FAQ list, along with the glossary at the end of this document.

This FAQ list is written for the broadcast engineer and technician who will be dealing with the DTV transition first hand. The information that follows tries to provide simple questions that a DTV viewer might have, and some straightforward answers for those questions. However, the answers are not necessarily written in the simplest of terms for the laymen, but need further “translation” (simplification) by the television station engineers if it is to be used directly with viewers or with television station public relations personnel who will deal with viewers.

The table of contents of the FAQ document includes the following sections (with page #s):

GENERAL DTV INFORMATION …………………………………………………………. .   3

DTV TRANSITION INFORMATION ………………………………………………………   10

COUPON ELIGIBLE CONVERTER BOX (CECB) PROGRAM ………………………..  18

DTV SPECTRUM ALLOCATION ………………………………………………………….  24

PROPAGATION FUNDAMENTALS ……………………………………………………….  27

ANTENNAS ………………………………………………………………………………….  31

PREAMPS, CABLE, AND SPLITTERS …………………………………………………..   36

DTV RECEIVERS …………………………………………………………………………    39

DTV RECEPTION TECHNIQUES …………………………………………………….….   46

MORE INFORMATION ……………………………………………………………………..   61

GLOSSARY ………………………………………………………………………………….  62

Scherer and Heimerl elected SBE Fellows (May 20, 2009)

Two members of SBE were recently elected to the membership grade of Fellow by the SBE Board of Directors. At their April 19 meeting in Las Vegas, the Board acted on the nominations of Christopher H. Scherer, CPBE, CBNT and John J. Heimerl, CPBE for SBE Fellows. Fellow membership is the highest recognition bestowed by the SBE to one of its members and recognizes conspicuous service and contributions to the Society and the broadcast engineering industry.

Christopher H. Scherer, CPBE, CBNT, is the editor of Radio magazine.  Scherer serves on the SBE Board of Directors as Immediate Past President. He served as SBE president from 2005 to 2007. He is also a past chairman of the SBE national Certification Committee and a past chairman of Chapter 59 in Kansas City.
 
John J. Heimerl, CPBE is the Chief Enterprise Officer of the Hampton Roads Education Telecommunications Association, Inc. in Norfolk, Va. Heimerl is a charter member of SBE Chapter 54 (Tidewater, Va.) and has served on its board numerous times including various officer positions and as a past chairman.

"Both of these men represent the finest qualities we have come to expect from SBE members and broadcast engineers. Their commitment to the Society demonstrates a desire to support and develop our profession,” SBE President Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT said.

Both men will be recognized during the SBE National Awards Dinner, held as a part of the SBE National Meeting, October 7, in Verona, New York.   The National Meeting is being held in conjunction with the Broadcast & Technology Expo, sponsored by Chapter 22 of Central New York.

Dealing With an Unexpected Layoff, by The Dolans    (Feb. 18, 2009)

Introduction by Tom Ray, CPBE, SBE Marketing & PR Committee Chairman

If you’ve been living under a rock recently (and with this economy, unfortunately, you may very well be), you know that things are bad out there.  I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched in some way by all of the layoff activity that has been going on.  If you’ve been laid off, or are thinking you may very well be next on the chopping block, you may need some assistance.  Or, you may know someone who has been recently laid off and may need some assistance. 

My good friends, Ken and Daria Dolan (aka, The Dolans), of the WOR Radio Network have put together a special article for SBE, “You’ve Been Laid Off…Now What?”  The article contains valuable information on some things you may not consider if the layoff ax swings in your direction, along with links to valuable resources that you can use.  In reviewing the article before publication, I learned several things and found it very enlightening. 

The Dolans are very straight forward, progressive people with a lot of common sense, and have been involved in all things financial for a very long time, including stints with The CBS Morning Show, CNN, and hosting their own program on the former NBC Talknet before coming to The WOR Radio Network.  I’m sure you’ll find the article enlightening and extremely helpful, whether you have been touched personally by a layoff or know of someone who has been.  And if you know of someone who has been laid off, please forward the link to them so they can also benefit from the wisdom imparted by The Dolans.

Don’t forget also that SBE is a valuable resource in your job search.  SBE maintains a job listing service (SBE JobsOnline), can assist you with your resume (SBE Resume Service), and offers such programs as our SBE Program of Certification to help make you more valuable to a potential employer.  You should also know that, with SBE Membership renewal time upon us, if you are in an employment situation where the membership fee will be a hardship for you, you can apply to have the fee waived so that you can maintain your SBE membership and take advantage of the services SBE has to offer you.

Here’s hoping that you are in good shape employment-wise.  If you’re not, I hope that this information will be a help.  In either case, good luck, and know that you’re not alone.

SBE University Offers 8-VSB Course      (Feb. 6, 2009)

The SBE has introduced the fourth course in its SBE University series of on-line, on-demand courses for broadcast engineers . The SBE 8-VSB Course is written by Douglas W. Garlinger, CPBE, 8VSB, CBNT, a Fellow in the Society of Broadcast Engineers and Senior Broadcast Engineer for Qualcomm Media FLO.

The purpose of the SBE 8-VSB course is to give the student an overview of the 8-VSB system from end to end, providing all of the basic information he or she will need to understand the nature of 8-VSB modulation and to recognize deficiencies in the transmitted signal. This information will be invaluable in installing, maintaining and operating a digital television transmitter facility.  Much of the material contained in this course will aid the student in his or her efforts to obtain the SBE 8-VSB Specialist Certification.

The primary focus of the SBE 8-VSB Course is RF transmission and the process employed to transform the 19.39 Mbit/s transport signal into a signal suitable to modulate the transmitter. The course will also touch briefly on some of the important elements in the transport stream, such as video compression, picture formats, Active Format Description, PSIP and Dolby AC-3 audio.

A more thorough description of the SBE 8-VSB Course, including a course syllabus, and enrollment information, can be found at the SBE web site.

AM Directional Antenna Rules Effective February 5    Feb. 6, 2009

The FCC has published the new AM Directional Antenna Performance Verification order in the Federal Register. The order was published on February 5 and was effective immediately. A copy of the published statement can be found at the SBE website, Legislation Issues and Positions page. A copy of the AM Directional Antenna Performance Verification rules can also be found on that page.

SBE Television Operator’s Certification Handbook, 7th Ed.

NEW for 2009!   Jan. 2, 2009

The new 7th edition of the SBE Television Operator's Certification Handbook is now available. The 7th edition has been totally rewritten and updated to include the latest developments in digital television. It is designed for the entry level, non-technical pool of applicants that fill master control positions in today's television marketplace.

The SBE Television Operator's Certification Handbook is written by three experts in television broadcast engineering including, Dane E. Ericksen, P.E., CSRTE, 8-VSB, CBNT,

senior engineer with Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers and is a member of the SBE national board of directors.  Douglas W. Garlinger, CPBE, 8-VSB, CBNT, of MediaFlo-USA, has been in television engineering management for more than 35 years. He earlier served as director of engineering for LeSea Broadcasting for 23 years. Joe Snelson, Jr., CPBE, 8-VSB, is vice president and director of engineering for the Meredith Broadcasting Group, a position he has held since 1998.  All three men are members of the national SBE Certification Committee.

The 7th edition includes practical information on the Emergency Alert System, FAA tower lighting, remote control operation, FCC power levels, program sources, ingesting, Children's Television time restrictions and more. It contains new and updated information on how TV facilities work, operating the station, the duties of master control operators and maintaining the station logs. It explains the digital signal path as programming passes through typical equipment found in a modern digital master control.

The last chapter provides a basic introduction to the principles of 8-VSB transmission, video compression, PSIP and the DTV formats used to display the video picture on the home receiver.

Purchase of the handbook includes an optional exam that leads to certification by the SBE as a Certified Television Operator (CTO).

The price for one copy is just $49.00, plus $3 for shipping and handling, and includes the cost of the certification exam.  Educational institutions will receive a 10% discount on the purchase price when ordering five or more copies. All others will receive a 5% discount on orders of five to nine copies and 10% on orders of ten or more copies. For more information, please contact the SBE National Office.

SBE Files Objection to Implanted Medical Devices Sharing Spectrum with RPU Frequencies   (August 12, 2009)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers filed timely comments on August 11, 2009 on FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ET Docket 09-36.  The FCC notice sought comments on a proposal to allocate 20 MHz of spectrum in the 413-457 MHz bands for implanted medical devices within patients.  The notice proposes allowing these devices as license-free medical micro-power networks (MMN) operating as secondary users of the spectrum.  That spectrum includes the radio Remote Pickup (RPU) bands of 450-451 MHz and 455-456 MHz.

The Society opposes the use of these frequencies for this purpose.  Although the risk of interference by the micro-power network with a licensed RPU is almost nonexistent, the potential for interference from an RPU to the micro-power network is significant and nearly impossible to predict.  Such interference to the micro-power device could cause significant unpredictable health risks to patients with these implanted devices.  Because of the random nature and potential high-duty-cycle of RPU operations, sufficient protection against what amounts to life safety interference is highly unlikely.

The Society's longstanding role in nationwide coordination of these frequencies provides a unique perspective on the issue and an understanding that the permission of such devices will seriously damage licensed operations in the RPU bands.  SBE members would undoubtedly be called upon to mitigate the significant problems resulting from the proposed shared use. 

Whitepaper that articulates the Society's position

The complete SBE filing on medical device use in RPU bands 

The text of the FCC News Release

Busting the Myths about AM Modeling     Dec. 15, 2008

by the AM Directional Antenna Performance Verification Coalition

In a long-awaited and much publicized action, the FCC recently enacted new rules that will allow AM broadcasters to use computer modeling for performance verification of many directional antenna systems. The new rules give broadcasters some new options and provide for a much lower cost means of tuning and proofing an AM antenna. This represents a new paradigm in AM antenna work. To borrow a popular advertising phrase, “This is going to change everything.”

However, since the proposed rules first hit the radar screen of the trade press and message boards, there has been a good bit of misinformation floating around. Even the release of the 2nd Report & Order back in September did not clear most of this up. As a result, there is much confusion and unnecessary worry throughout the AM broadcast community. The AM Directional Antenna Verification Coalition, which proposed the new rule, wishes to put these worries to rest by clarifying what the new rules and procedures mean for broadcast station owners, operators and engineers.

First off, antenna modeling represents an option for broadcasters. It is not mandatory for station owners to have their arrays modeled. Stations can continue operating under the terms of their existing licenses as before. But if there exists a condition, such as an out-of-tolerance monitor point or tower work above the base insulator that would otherwise require adjustment and either a full or partial proof of the array, the option now exists to instead construct a model of the array, calibrate the sample system and adjust the array to the model-indicated parameters. In these days of high gas prices, that sure beats driving a bunch of radials! But if a traditional proof is a more comfortable route, that remains an option as well.

Only series-fed (i.e. insulated-base) towers are eligible for the modeling option. This rules out skirt-fed (“folded unipole”) elements and shunt-fed towers using a slant wire. Arrays using other than insulated base series-fed towers will have to stick with the old proof method.

Unequal height towers are eligible for the modeling option, provided that they are series fed.

Top-loaded towers are also eligible for the modeling option, again provided that they are series fed.

Monitor points will be a thing of the past for stations licensed pursuant to the modeling option. Instead, some reference field strength measurements are made with the modeling option. These measurements are filed along with the model, but they do not have licensed maximum values as monitor points do.

Recertification of the sample system is required every 24 months for stations employing the modeling option. This consists of the same measurements and tests made initially during the array tune-up, namely checking the current/voltage/phase linearity of the base sample devices (TCTs) or checking of the consistency of the impedance of the sample loops, and checking the sample lines for electrical length and loss. Also once every 24 months, the reference field strength measurements must be repeated. Again, these aren’t monitor points, so a higher field strength at a point than one filed with the license application does not constitute a “violation.”

Finally, it is not necessary to file an FCC Form 301 to employ the modeling option in most cases. The station license can be modified for eligible stations with a Form 302-AM.

AM station owners and engineers should recognize the cost savings that the modeling option represents. Most if not all the variables associated with the old way of doing things can be eliminated, leaving a fast, fixed-cost means of tuning up and “proofing” a directional array. Rather than days, weeks or even months of trial and error adjustments and measurements, the modeling and adjustment process can be completed in a couple of days. Instead of days or weeks of walking and driving radials and making field measurements, and instead of countless hours documenting the measurements, with the modeling option as soon as the array is adjusted to the model parameters and three field measurements are made on each pattern minima and maxima radial, you’re done. You can file the 302-AM and go home.

With this new option, gone are most of the excuses for having an out-of-adjustment array. For a fixed sum, most arrays can be retuned using a model, eliminating the likelihood of a big fine and clearing up interference caused by the out-of-adjustment directional pattern. That, we believe, will make the AM band a decidedly friendlier place.

The AM Directional Antenna Performance Verification Coalition consists of representatives from broadcast stations, groups, networks and consultants. Ray Benedict, CPBE of CBS and a past SBE national president, chairs the group.

SBE Introduces The SBE University    Jan. 9, 2009

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced the opening of the SBE University, a series of on-line, on-demand courses designed to bring expert instruction on a variety of technical radio and television topics to broadcast engineers at an affordable price.

Beat the recession with these all-new, affordable "nuts and bolts" courses available to take anytime at your convenience. No travel, hotel or other costs to eat up your limited training budget, these courses are developed by experts for the SBE.  The first three courses offered by the SBE University are now available for enrollment.

AM Antenna Modeling

FM Transmission Systems   

Matching Networks and Phasing

Courses on technical televison topics and additional radio courses will be announced soon.

Society of Broadcast Engineers Statement of Policy regarding Wireless Microphones used at 944-952 MHz

The reallocation of television channels 52-69 (698-806 MHz, commonly known as the “700 MHz band”) for public safety and commercial broadband use has resulted in a severe reduction in available spectrum for Part 74, Subpart H Low Power Auxiliary (LPA) operation. This in turn has created a scramble for spectrum on which licensed wireless microphones (WMs) and other LPA facilities can operate.

SBE is aware that manufacturers are producing and selling WMs that operate in the 944-952 MHz Aural Broadcast Auxiliary Services (BAS) band. This is permitted pursuant to Section 74.802 of the Commission’s rules, which permits broadcast licensees and broadcast networks to operate LPA devices including WMs in the 950 MHz Aural BAS band. However, it is only broadcast licensees and broadcast network entities that can use this band. Cable television operators, motion picture producers and television program producers are not eligible to use any BAS band for LPA operation except unoccupied television channels. Retailers and dealers of equipment have actively marketed these products to ineligible entities, and their marketing has been accompanied by misrepresentations and lack of candor regarding the obligations of users of the devices.

SBE advocates the interests of licensed users of BAS spectrum and provides volunteer BAS spectrum frequency coordination. The active marketing, sale, or leasing to ineligible or unlicensed persons, or the operation by those persons of LPA WMs is wrong and unlawful, and endangers reliable broadcast and BAS operation.

WMs are mobile, itinerant and utilize variable polarization. STLs and ICRs require high reliability which is threatened by any uncoordinated operation of LPAs at 944-952 MHz.

SBE-affiliated frequency coordinators should continue to work with all eligible entities that wish to obtain LPA licenses, or to operate licensed stations, in the 950 MHz Aural BAS band where possible without disruption of aural STLs and ICRs.  However, SBE will provide assistance and serve as a resource to the FCC Enforcement Bureau in locating entities who illegally operate Part 74 wireless microphones without benefit of the required FCC license, especially where interference is caused.

Wireless microphones with powers of 100 to 250 mW (20 to 24 dBm) have field strengths far too high to operate as unlicensed, Part 15 devices; these are certified by FCC for use under Part 74, not Part 15. They must be operated only by a Part 74 licensee.

Those eligible for Part 74, Subpart H Low Power Auxiliary (LPA) licenses for wireless microphones are broadcast station licensees, broadcast network entities, cable television operators, motion picture producers or television program producers. The latter three groups can operate only on TV channel frequencies, however. The 26 MHz, 162 MHz, 450/455 MHz, and 944-952 MHz Aural BAS band frequencies can be licensed to and legally used only by broadcast licensees and networks. The rest must use unoccupied television broadcast channels exclusively for LPA operation.

All LPA licensees must coordinate their use of these frequencies in advance with local SBE coordinators. Coordinators will not coordinate LPA devices for eligible, licensed users on 944-952 MHz channels where there are existing fixed Studio-to-Transmitter (STL) or Inter-City Relay (ICR) links already using these frequencies in close geographic proximity, if interference will predictably result.

Contrary to false and misleading allegations by some vendors of wireless microphones, the 944-952 MHz Aural BAS band is heavily occupied in most areas of the United States. The band offers very little capacity for the operation of wireless microphones by eligible LPA licensees, and there are normally no options for unlicensed or ineligible licensees to use this spectrum at all.

SBE will actively monitor this situation and will continue to pursue equivalent replacement spectrum for that lost in the 698-806 MHz band due to relocation, in bands other than 944-952 MHz, to facilitate licensed LPA operation.

SBE Files Comments on 700 MHz D Block Spectrum Regarding EAS

On June 18, the Society of Broadcast Engineers submitted comments to the FCC relating to the Commission's pending proceeding regarding the re-auction and licensing of the 700 MHz D Block spectrum and creation of a nationwide, broadband, interoperable public safety network. The interest of SBE in this proceeding is with respect to the improvement and enhancement of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in the United States.

SBE’s comments were written by members of the Society’s FCC Liaison and EAS committees and the positions reflected in the comments were approved by the Society’s board of directors.  If you have questions or comments regarding SBE comments, please direct them to Chris Imlay, SBE General Counsel and interim chairperson of the FCC Liaison Committee, or to Clay Freinwald, chairperson of the SBE EAS Committee.

National SBE Board of Director Election Results

On Thursday evening, August 28 members of Chapter 25, serving as the official Board of Tellers, tabulated the votes for the 2008/2009 Board of Directors. All four officer positions and six of the 12 director seats were being contested, though the four incumbent officers were running unopposed. There were eight candidates for the six available director seats.

The results of the election were as follows:

President: Barry Thomas, CPBE CBNT*, Vice President of Engineering – Radio, Lincoln Financial Media, Atlanta, Ga.

Vice President: Vinny Lopez, CEV CBNT*, Director of Engineering, WSYT-TV, WNYS-TV – Sinclair Broadcast Group, Syracuse, N.Y.

Secretary: Ted Hand, CPBE AMD 8-VSB*, Chief Engineer, WSOC-TV, WAXN-TV, Charlotte, N.C.

Treasurer: Ralph Hogan, CPBE CBNT DRB*, Director of Engineering, KJZZ-FM/KBAQ-FM, Tempe, Ariz.

Elected to two-year terms on the Board of Directors were:

Ralph Beaver, CBT*, President, CEO, Media Alert, LLC, Tampa, Fla.

Jim Bernier, CPBE CBNT*, Director, Maintenance, Design & Engineering, Turner Entertainment Networks, TBS, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

Gary Liebisch, CPBE, Regional Sales Manager, Nautel, Milford, Ohio

Scott Mason, CPBE, Regional Director of Engineering, CBS Radio, Los Angeles, Calif.

Mark T. Simpson, CPBE CBNT AMD, Director of Engineering/MIS, Citadel Broadcasting – Tucson, Marana, Ariz.

Jeff Smith, CEA CBNT, Supervisor Broadcast Systems, Clear Channel Radio – NYC, New York, N.Y.

* - denotes incumbent

The national Board of Directors of SBE is responsible for the development of policy and determines the programs and services the Society provides its members. Those elected will begin their terms on October 15 during the Annual SBE Membership Meeting. They will join the other six directors who have another year remaining in their terms as well as Immediate Past President, Chriss Scherer, CPBE, CBNT.

The National Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Clinic, a three-day event that features broadcast technical presentations for radio and television engineers and a broadcast equipment expo. Hosts for the SBE National Meeting will be SBE Chapter 24 of Madison and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA). The event will take place at the Madison Marriott West Hotel, located in Middleton, Wisc. on Madison's west side.

SBE Offers Strategy for Implementing CAP EAS

The Society of Broadcast Engineers, in an effort to aid the implementation of the “Common Alerting Protocol” (CAP) technology for a revised Emergency Alert System, has prepared and released a document titled, “A Strategy for Implementing CAP EAS.” The document has been shared with representatives of the FCC, FEMA, NAB and the National Alliance of State Broadcast Associations (NASBA).  The FCC and FEMA have the ultimate responsibility for developing the next generation of EAS.

Commonly referred to as SBE’s CAP EAS “roadmap,” a key element of the strategy is the recommendation to create six working groups which would address specific portions of the task. The SBE offered its volunteer member services as appropriate to work on relevant working groups that relate to the interests of our members.

The “roadmap” was prepared by members if the SBE EAS Committee, which is chaired by national board member, Clay Freinwald, CPBE and was approved by the SBE Board of Directors.

FCC Extends 2 GHz BAS/LTTS Transition Date to March 5, 2009

By Chris Imlay, FCC Liaison Committee Chair and SBE General Counsel

SBE is well-aware that broadcast engineers are typically responsible for broadcast auxiliary operations (BAS), and that 2 GHz TV BAS service is at the heart of local news, sports, and weather coverage that are the essence of broadcast localism.  Last week, SBE and its strategic partners, Sprint Nextel, NAB and MSTV achieved a major victory for BAS licensees across the country by convincing the FCC to recognize the inordinate complexity of reconfiguring BAS systems and extend the deadline for Sprint Nextel to relocate BAS licensees to spectrum between 2025 and 2110 MHz until March 5, 2009.  The FCC also stated that it might extend the deadline until August 2009 so long as all parties continue to work in good faith to move BAS above 2025 MHz as expeditiously as possible. 

This decision is extremely good news.  The BAS transition has not proceeded as quickly as we would like, despite good faith by licensees, Sprint Nextel, manufacturers and systems integrators. The short extension will give broadcasters, manufacturers, and Sprint Nextel the time they need to produce, integrate, and install new equipment in local markets across the country. 

But neither the BAS licensees, nor Sprint Nextel can take the additional time for granted.  The FCC has sought comment on whether and how to allow MSS and MSS ATC operations to commence nationwide regardless of whether the transition is complete beginning January 1, 2009.  To allow mobile-satellite service licensees to enter the 2000-2020 MHz band this year, moreover, the FCC has required Sprint Nextel to transition four additional market clusters – Salt Lake City, Utah; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Washington, DC; and Houston, Texas – no later than September 30, 2008.  In addition, the FCC required Sprint Nextel to file station-specific reports every other month on BAS relocation progress beginning April 1, 2008.  The reports must identify each station’s progress in obtaining price quotes for BAS equipment, finalizing frequency relocation agreements with Sprint Nextel, submitting purchase orders, and other areas.  The existing schedule also includes several important benchmarks for BAS performance, including:

• March 18, 2008 – Quote Packages for Replacement BAS Equipment Due
• July 1, 2008 – Signed Frequency Relocation Agreements Due

With MSS market entry looming, nationwide MSS-BAS sharing on the horizon, and detailed reporting requirements beginning in April, every day counts. 

The FCC now knows, thanks to the joint parties’ ongoing and extensive lobbying efforts at the FCC, how challenging the BAS relocation is.  The FCC has acknowledged the unanticipated complexity of the relocation effort, the highly specialized equipment, and the limited number of qualified manufacturers and installers.  While the FCC has done the right thing in granting additional time, the agency’s patience will not last forever.  Therefore, we urge you to pay close attention to the cut-over schedule and make every effort to meet the interim benchmarks for relocation performance leading up to the anticipated relocation weekend in your market.  If problems arise, contact your market’s frequency coordinator, SBE, and/or the local market’s Sprint Nextel representative, before issues can contribute to delay. Working together, we will complete a smooth BAS relocation.

HD Radio Implementation First Offering in SBE/Focal Press Joint Effort

SBE and Focal Press will introduce their first co-produced book during the 2008 NAB Show in Las Vegas. HD Radio Implementation is written by Thomas R. Ray, III.

HD Radio is the FCC-approved standard for high-definition digital radio. Since its official approval in 2005, stations around the world have started converting their analog stations to also contain a digital signal. So far, 1,216 stations have converted, and there is currently a 50% yearly conversion growth trend. This growth is driven by radio audience market share depletion from podcasting and satellite radio. HD Radio is the only way stations can compete commercially. Currently, the only place individuals can become trained for an HD Radio conversion is through Harris Corporation's five-day course for $995 plus travel/lodging. The new SBE/Focal Press book provides the same in-depth information for a fraction of the cost--an excellent value for any station budgeting a conversion. It covers the installation process, uses examples from real-life implementations and information not found in manufacturer's manuals.

The book is available through the SBE Bookstore and other retail outlets. SBE members can purchase the book at a member discount, but only through the SBE Bookstore.

224 Pages

Non-Member $89.95, Member:  $71.96, Shipping $6.00

Category:  Radio

SBE Members recognized in Radio Ink's 2008 Most Admired Engineers

Radio Ink recognized many members of the Society of Broadcast as the 2008’s most admired engineers.

The Society of Broadcast Engineers would like to congratulate our members on their inclusion in the 2008 Radio Ink list of most admired engineers that were published earlier this spring. It’s an honor to be included in such an elite group of engineers. Having so many of our members selected is a positive reflection on the Society.

These members’ outstanding performances and professionalism in our field is something all members of the society look towards and should strive for.

Thank you for setting such a great example. Congratulations to the following members:

• Stu Albert

          President
          Albert Broadcast Services, Inc.

• Cris Alexander, CPBE, AMD, DRB

          Director of Engineering

          Crawford Broadcasting Company

• Talmage Ball

          VP Engineering, Bonneville Broadcasting

          Bonneville International Corporation

• Patrick Berger, CBNT

          Director of Engineering
          WKQX WLUP Emmis Chicago

• Sam Caputa

          Director of Engineering

          Emmis - St. Louis

• Tom Cox, CSRE

          Senior Vice President Engineering

          Clear Channel Radio

• Sterling Davis 

          VP/Engineering

          Cox Radio

• Steve Davis, CPBE

          Senior Vice President, Engineering & Capital Management

          Clear Channel Radio

• Steve Fluker

          Director of Engineering

          Cox Radio Orlando

• Joe Geerling, CPBE, CBNT

          Chief Engineer

          CBS Radio – St. Louis

• Dan Mettler

          Vice President of Engineering, Central/Northeast Region
          Clear Channel Radio

• Tom Ray, CPBE

          Vice President/Corporate Director of Engineering
          Buckley Broadcasting Corporation/WOR Radio
          WOR Radio

• Dave Remund

          VP Engineering
          Regent Communications

• Paul Shulins, CBRE

          Director of Technical Operations

          Greater Media Boston

• Dennis Sloatman

          Chief Engineer

          Cox Radio Orlando

• Milford K. Smith Jr.

          Vice President of Radio Engineering
          Greater Media, Inc.

• Martin Stabbert, CPBE

          Director of Corporate Engineering
          Citadel Broadcasting Company

• Barry Thomas, CPBE, CBNT

          Vice President of Engineering - Radio

          Lincoln Financial Media

• Conrad Trautmann , CPBE

          SVP Engineering and Technology

          Westwood One

North Carolinian Wins Membership Drive Grand Prize
May 31 closed the 2008 annual SBE Membership Drive. This was again a very successful effort with more than 100 new members joining the Society as a direct result of the Drive.

All current SBE Members who sponsored a new member during this year’s drive will receive $5 off their 2008 Membership Renewal for each new Regular, Associate or Sustaining member that was sponsored (up to $25). Prize winners were drawn on June 21st.  This year’s grand prize trip to the 2008 SBE National Meeting in Madison, WI and a 40-inch Sony HDTV was won by Don Moore of Greesboro, North Carolina.

Thank you to the following organizations who, through the donation of prizes, helped make the 2008 Membership Drive possible: Westwood One; ADC; McGraw-Hill; Elsevier, Jack Layton, National Association of Broadcasters; Telos Systems/Omnia/Axia; Broadcast Supply Worldwide; Neural Audio; Shively Labs; Dielectric; du Treil, Lundin and Rackley, Inc.; Superior Electric; Kathrein Scala; Continental Electronics; Broadcast Electronics; Sony and the SBE. 

FCC¹s PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU RELEASES 2007 EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) HANDBOOKS

Washington, DC ­ The Federal Communications Commission¹s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released on December 3rd, the 2007 Emergency Alert System (EAS) Handbooks for EAS participants.  This year¹s handbooks include newly developed guidance for satellite digital audio radio, direct broadcast satellite and wireline video service providers.  In addition, the existing handbooks have been updated for analog and digital television and radio stations, as well as cable systems.

The handbooks provide procedures.  The materials also include sample scripts that may be used by broadcasters and other participants during EAS activations and tests.

The Commission¹s rules require that copies of the handbooks be located at ³normal duty positions or EAS equipment locations when an operator is required to be on duty and be immediately available to staff responsible for authenticating messages and initiating actions² (47 CFR §11.15).

The EAS is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, as well as wireline video, satellite digital audio radio and direct broadcast satellite service providers to make their communications facilities available to the President during a National emergency.  The system also may be used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information such as AMBER alerts and severe weather warnings targeted to specific geographical areas or regions.

To access the 2007 EAS Handbooks online, please visit the FCC web site at: www.fcc.gov/pshs/eas/Welcome.html.

For additional information concerning the new handbooks, please contact Bonnie Gay at (202) 418-1228.