Pick Hit for V2!
BW Broadcast were proud to be awarded with a Pick Hit award at NAB 2013 for the new V2 Range of FM transmitters.
Like all BW Broadcast equipment, the V2 range is designed and built with three mantras, performance, reliability and ease of use. Engineers loved the unique Gold Clamp transistors, slide in power supplies, innovative cooling system and other features to make maintenace simple. Added to this is an Ethernet connection on every V2 with smart phone apps for simple remote management. Intelligent alarms and email alerts ensure busy engineers can manage their stations with minimal intervention. A real time clock and comprehensive logging is available for those who like to see more detailed status. A high resolution OLED display for metering processing also makes setup simple. Experienced engineers will love how much control they have at their fingertips, and will find themselves eager to install their next V2 transmitter.
First presented at the NAB convention in 1985, the Pick Hit Awards are the original technology award at the convention. The awards are selected by a panel of judges who make their selections independently and anonymously and then convene for a meeting on the third day of the convention. Winning products are selected because they are useful to radio broadcasters, are priced within reason, are available within the current calendar year, and are new introductions at the NAB convention.
“The Pick Hit Awards are limited to 20 winners, which maintains the value and prestige of the award,” says Chriss Scherer, editor of Radio magazine. In addition, the Pick Hit Award judges follow a strict set of rules and make their selections independently and anonymously, which is a further testimony to the proven value of the award to radio broadcasters.” (more…)
Broadcast Asia 2013
See us at Booth 5C4-01 – With the NAB show in Las Vegas finished, we now look forward to June and the Broadcast Asia Conference in Singapore.
The show will take place in Marina Bay Sands 18th – 21st June. It serves as the regional launch pad for the latest and most wide-ranging technologies – which is why BW Broadcast is delighted to be show casing the next generation of FM transmitters.
Broadcast Asia International Conference and Creative Content Production Conference bring together industry experts and thought leaders in the broadcasting industries to highlight business strategies for future broadcasting and content production. Broadcast Asia’s 4 day programme promises to deliver an immersible networking and trade experience for relevant professionals.
If you are going to be at the Broadcast Asia show, then stop by our booth where you will be able to see us demonstrating the great features of the V2 range. Including ‘Gold Clamp’ transistors and slide in power supplies making it the most reliable and easily maintained transmitter possible. We will also be displaying our Audio Processors for AM, FM and HD.
Join leading exhibitors, industry experts, opinion makers, top executives, key buyers and influencers as they gather to witness the trends and opportunities in this dynamic industry.
Keep checking back to see more news and updates about our products and the show.
Register Here for the show
Quick Change Transistors
Visitors of NAB ’13 were impressed with BW Broadcast’s commitment to make the most reliable and easily maintained FM transmitter possible. As was Radio’s panel of engineers who awarded the new V2 transmitter range a Pick Hit award. One example of this design principle is BW Broadcast’s unique Gold Clamp Transistor Technology.
How Does it Work? Gold Clamp allows MOSFETS to be changed in minutes with only a screwdriver and without needing a soldering iron. Should a transistor fail, several screws are removed, a new transistor dropped in place and then the clamping PCB replaced over the top. It’s as simple as that! This greatly reduces the time and tools required should a device fail, and prevents damage to surrounding components as a result of the high temperatures required with traditional soldered transistors. The clamping mechanism also ensures optimum thermal conductivity to reduce transistor temperature and extend service life.
There’s more…
Visitors of NAB ’13 were also impressed with V2 Transmitter’s slide in power supplies which make replacement a breeze. A truly innovative heatsink design ensures ultra-long life thanks to ingenious airflow. Carefully chosen fans rated with over 10-years life at 120°F are another sign of BW Broadcast’s commitment to service life. All of these design considerations combine to make one of the most reliable, and easily maintained transmitter to date.
BW Broadcast’s Chief Service Engineer William fears the ultra-reliable V2 will put him out of a job “I don’t have any work to do, these transmitters just don’t fail. Even if there is an issue due to lightening it’s usually fixed in the field with a slide-in power supply or quick-change module. I won’t have a job next year.”
Learn more here
Ariane Relaunched
Anyone who owned an FM radio station and was passionate about audio processing in the 90s or Naughties will have heard of the Ariane – the original and award winning – windowing automatic gain control (AGC) utility processor that became popular in New York City and beyond.
The original analogue version of this amazing audio processor was designed by David Reaves, a respected audio processing guru and veteran chief engineer in the major US markets. Together with Jim Huste, their company TransLanTech built, marketed and sold their Ariane processor to some of the world’s leading radio stations.
David reaves Impressed with the Ariane and the DSPX
In 2005, David and Jim were introduced to BW Broadcast’s digital ninja CEO Scott Incz through their common friends, Pyers Easton and Marcus Bekker of SBS, who at the time were assisting TransLanTech with the manufacturing the original analogue version of the Ariane. David wanted to revamp his Ariane concept, and to add some new features that were only possible by employing digital signal processing techniques. BW Broadcast’s experience and expertise in DSP audio processing and success with their DSPX processing platform resulted in a corroboration that brought the Ariane sequel processor to market in less than 12 weeks from their initial meeting. The rest they say is history.
Fast Forward To 2013
BW Broadcast not only continues to manufacture the Sequel, but has taken over the rights to the Ariane products and brand. The agreement between BW Broadcast and TransLanTech ensures the continued manufacturing and support of this iconic brand.
Scott’s glad to report -
“We are pleased to have sole ownership of the respected and iconic brand. We are looking forward to marketing the amazing Ariane sequel to a larger audience, and at a new lower price point, that we are sure will prove popular with radio stations around the world.”
David Reaves had the following to say -
“In the original analog product that became known as “Ariane” (named after my wife, violinist Ariane Reaves), I pulled together a combination of a number of concepts that at the time had already been well-known in the realm of processing for broadcast. These included such ideas as RMS detection, subtractive crossovers, and release gating. Most important, however, was using ‘hysteresis gain control,” an idea patented by the late Emil Torick at CBS Labs who had called it “gain platforming with gated gain stabilization” for their 1960′s-era ‘Audimax’ products (and which Glen Clark had adapted with his 1980′s era ‘Texar Audio Prism’ after the CBS patents had expired).
In 1990, when I was the Chief Engineer at Z100 radio in New York, I was introduced to a ten-band monster AGC processor (analog, of course) called “the Tailor”. It used basic dbx RMS processing control in conjunction with an octave equalizer. After using it as a pre-processor on the air for a while, I concluded that it was a bit TOO much control. I decided to add some sophistication that would trade off a bit of this brute power in exchange for a more finessed, reduced-audibility means of control. I interrupted the control circuits for each band and inserted my own version of the Audimax/Texar hysteresis release system, modeling it as close as I could get it to the Audimax methods.
At Z100 I also played with processing in a stereo matrix, and toyed with enhancing low-frequencies with resonant high-pass filtering and using low-frequency mono-summing to reduce multipath-induced reception distortion. These concepts, too, later became part of the original Ariane.
Jump ahead about 15 years…the analog Ariane was a success in the sense that its control methods had become much-admired within the Broadcast industry and it had found customers in radio and TV stations in dozens of cities around the world. But being an analog product in a now-digital world, it was at a serious disadvantage, both in function and marketing opportunities.
In what has to be one of the fastest product-development cycles ever, Scott took my Ariane concept description, embellished it to include programming and remote control features I had only dreamed of, and had a functional, all-digital demo product built in about three months. The Ariane Sequel was born!”
The Ariane sequel is available now from BW Broadcast dealers around the world.
V2 FM Transmitters
BW Broadcast is proud to announce the launch of V2, the next generation FM Transmitter line. Lucky visitors of NAB ‘13 will be the first to see the new range and learn how it will benefit their station at the BW Broadcast booth C3322. If you are attending NAB come along to our drinks reception at 4PM on Tuesday.
BW Broadcast’s renowned transmitters have been getting stations on the air for over 15 years, and have been LPFM certified for 12 of those. The tried and tested platform is now being taken to a whole new level thanks to years of experience and feedback.
Sound Great – All BW Broadcast equipment is designed and built with three mantras, performance, reliability and ease of use. The inclusion of multi-band DSPX audio processing means stations without a dedicated processor sound great, right out of the box. Those who already have external processing benefit from BW Broadcast’s unique dual-loop virtual VFO exciter and field proven ultra-low distortion modulator integrated into a great performing, highly stable FM transmission system.
Simple Maintenance – Engineers responsible for service and maintenance will fall in love at first sight. “Gold clamp” transistors can be changed in minutes with only a screwdriver and without needing a soldering iron. Slide-in universal power supplies make replacement a breeze and a truly innovative heatsink design ensures ultra-long life thanks to ingenious airflow. Carefully chosen fans rated with over 10-years life at 120°F are another sign of BW Broadcast’s commitment to service life.
BW Broadcast’s Chief Service Engineer William fears the ultra-reliable V2 will put him out of a job “I don’t have any work to do, these transmitters just don’t fail. Even if there is an issue due to lightening it’s usually fixed in the field with a slide-in power supply or quick-change module. I won’t have a job next year.”
Advanced Control – Added to this is an Ethernet connection on every V2 with smart phone apps for simple remote management. Intelligent alarms and email alerts ensure busy engineers can manage their stations with minimal intervention. A real time clock and comprehensive logging is available for those who like to see more detailed status. A high resolution OLED display for metering processing also makes setup simple. Experienced engineers will love how much control they have at their fingertips, and will find themselves eager to install their next V2 transmitter.
Available from 5W-1500W, the first models are shipping following NAB. To be one of the first to see the V2 transmitter range, and find out where you can purchase yours, drop by BW Broadcast’s booth at NAB – C3322.
Apex chooses TX1000
Apex Broadcasting Inc. based in Charleston, SC. are utilising a number of BW Broadcast products to give their stations the edge in competitive markets, including a TX1000, DSPXtra FM and a TX150.
Charleston, SC – The Apex Broadcasting group consists of WAVF 101.7 FM, Chuck-FM, WCKN 92.5 FM Kicking Country, WXST 99.7 FM Star, WMXZ 95.9 FM Mix and WSPO Charleston Visitor Info in the Charleston area and the group also covers AM and HD services. In the Ft. Walton/ Destin, FL. area they also have WECQ 92.1 Q92, WHWY Highway 98.1 Country, WHAV 102.1 The Wave and WZLB 103.1 The Blaze.
Bruce Roberts, Chief Engineer for the Apex Broadcasting group explains why he chose BW Broadcast recently to help keep his stations ahead in the respective markets.
- TX1000
‘We were in the process of replacing some ageing units when I was recommended to try the BW gear. We now have three BW Broadcast FM Transmitters and one audio processor, it is very likely that we will have some more in the coming months. The DSPXtra FM sounds great and was so easy to install and the transmitters are excellent. Needless to say I was very happy with the recommendation!’
Bruce is using the TX1000 FM transmitter, the TX150 and a TX25. All of which now come with built in audio processing taken from our DSPX range, a two year comprehensive warranty and VSWR fault protection, not to mention the ultra high performance stereo encoder. All of course, as standard.
‘The design is not overly complicated, and this is a compliment. The modular and clean design gives you all the features but does not compromise reliability. We get better sound and stability and at a price that we love.’
The DSPXtra has a dual processing path that allows for the FM station and web stream to run simultaneously, giving your station two market leading outlets. The six bands of processing when combined the award winning built in Ariane Leveller delivers a signature sound for your station, be it country, rock, hip-hop or classics. No matter the content, the DSPXtra will take your station to the next level.
‘I have and will continue to, recommend BW Broadcast to others. I also know that next time I need an FM Transmitter, Audio processor, FM Receiver or RDS Encoder, I will be calling BW Broadcast first.’
Contact your local BW Broadcast dealer today to take your station to the next level or stop by our booth at NAB – Booth C3322.
Success at NRB 2013
From the 2nd to 5th of March, BW Broadcast in association with its US Master distributor SCMS, exhibited at the National Religious Broadcasters show in Nashville, TN.
The NRB brings in visitors from around the world, along with manufactures, re-sellers and publishers alike to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
NRB 2013
The convention seeks to offer a number of key achievements for visitors and is a hugely successful in doing so:
- Explore new technology
- Network with thousands of communication professionals
- Enhance your broadcasting skills
- Explore the latest technology, access top-notch resources and revolutionary ideas at the NRB Exposition
- Choose from more than 30 dynamic educational sessions
- Advance your ministry goals and Recharge your spiritual batteries
- Find new clients
Matt, Michael and Bob from SCMS
During the show, we spoke with owners and engineers in radio from around the globe, from a far a field as Israel, to stations local to Nashville, TN!
On show was our Audio Processor range, including the superb DSPXmini and the World leading DSPXtra, our FM Transmitters including the LPFM ready TX150 and TX300 and the award winning FM Re-Broadcast receiver, the RBRX1. All products available from stock from your local BW Broadcast dealer.
With a great booth presence and representatives from BW Broadcast and SCMS, we were able to answer questions, demo and display our equipment and meet current users, potential customers and industry colleagues.
Overall the show was a great success with the BW Broadcast brand further expanding itself and proving its international reach.
Next stop is NAB in Las Vegas, NV. The show starts on the 8th of April and runs until the 11th. Free passes have now finished, but we can still help you into the hall for free, just get in touch with us here and we will arrange it for you. Please be sure to stop by our booth to find out how we can make your station stand out on the dial and also how we can help you with your LPFM.
DSPXtra FM Rocking TK99
The DSPXtra FM is Rocking to over half a million people on WTKW-FM! Galaxy Communications also utilises the rest of the BW Broadcast product range
Syracuse, NY – WTKW-FM is the flagship station of SU Sports.
TK99 (and TK105 in Oswego) is the number one for Classic Rock spearheaded in the mornings by Gomez and Dave.
TK99 and TK105 are independently owned and operated by Galaxy Communications and Tim Backer explains why they choose BW Broadcast products to stay ahead of the competition.
‘We use a DSPXtra FMon TK99 because it gives me the tools to achieve a market leading sound without giving my CFO heartburn! When we were looking for a new processor, I knew we had to compete with the ‘O’ boxes without spending ‘O’ prices. I also prefer low distortion ahead of being 1/10dB louder than the next guy, but still we must be at least on par loudness wise. Thanks to the DSPXtra FM, our station competes comfortably with the other guys who are running much larger, more expensive boxes.
The DSPXtra FM is in use on WTKW-FM!
‘We used to run some older 8100’s that I had done extensive modifications to in order to stretch their competitive lifespan, but as soon as I took a demo of the DSPXtra FM, there was no comparison. The improvement is unbelievable. The attention to audio quality along with the Ariane leveller gives me the tools to sound big and loud, but not fake. The DSPXtra maintains control and doesn’t easily go ‘over the top’ like other boxes on the market. The beautiful Ariane stereo image allows me to sound louder by filling the sound stage consistently, allowing me to back off the traditional limiting and clipping levels.’
‘The box is the right number of bands (6) for cohesive and smooth sound, big stereo image thanks to the Ariane and plenty of control over parameters. All in a small package! My rack thanks BW for not having to give up 2 or 3RU, making more space for other products.’
‘The installation itself was quick and easy. I starting tuning a custom preset on the bench before installation and after a few tweaks was very happy indeed!’
‘The DSPXtra FM is excellent value for money. My CFO loves how it competes with other stations in the market that have more expensive boxes; it is like our little secret!’
‘Galaxy communications now have a number of DSPXtra’s, the brilliant RBRX1 and the ever reliable TX150 which seems to just keep going forever! I have recommended BW to a number of people, admittedly outside of our market though!’
Listen to TK99 at 99.5FM or, when in downtown Syracuse at 99.1FM. In Oswego, it’s TK105 at 105.5FM. You can also listen online thanks to the DSPXtra’s dual processing path – tk99.net
The DSPXtra is available from stock now from your local BW Broadcast dealer so why not take your station to the next level today.
NAB For Free
Here at BW Broadcast, we have been busy preparing for the upcoming National Association of Broadcasters convention (NAB) in Las Vegas. The show runs from April 6th-11th at the Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC). Lucky visitors of NAB ‘13 will be the first to see the new range and learn how it will benefit their station at the BW Broadcast booth C3322. if you are attending NAB come along to our drinks reception at 4PM on Tuesday.
Our crate containing lots of exciting new products, booth equipment and giveaways is on route to the LVCC already, taking the scenic route across the pond in preparation for the show. This year we have some extra special news to share come April 6th so make sure you stop by the booth and find out what our innovation centre has created. We cannot wait to see you on the booth.
Check out our new V2 Transmitter!
TX300 LPFM Transmitter
BW Broadcast has been manufacturing FM transmitters for over 15 years and the range has been LPFM certified for 12 of those. To learn more about the range click here.
Tim Kochis is the CE for WDRW-LP, a non commercial Christian Radio station coming out of Athens, GA, aimed at the Athens community aged between 18-34. Transmitting on 107.9, the station is powered by a BW Broadcast TX300.
‘First off, installation was a breeze. I set up the in-built processing options, selected my frequency and TPO, racked it up and that was it, it was up and running!’
‘I was looking for a reliable and easy to operate exciter-transmitter that would run not just in an ideal environment, but in a harsh one too. Not every station has the ideal home for the transmitters so I needed something built to last. The TX300 has proven itself to meet all of my needs. We have used a number of other broadcast transmitters in the past but the TX300+ has exceeded our expectations!’
With built in audio processing taken from the DSPX range as standard, the TX300 has that great sound of the box quality that is either a high cost option or not an option at all in other transmitters, perfect too if your stand alone audio processor decides to take a day off!
Tim Kochis
The TX300 is part of a line of transmitters starting at 5w and getting up to 1KW from BW Broadcast. All transmitters have AES/EBU inputs, built in audio processing, VSWR Fault protection, a unique dual-loop virtual VFO exciter and two year warranties.
Speak to anyone with a BW Broadcast product and they will tell you the same thing as Tim. ‘I have many BW Broadcast products and all have performed flawlessly over the years. I can’t recommend them enough. Quality, reliability and excellent customer service make their products real contenders in the low power RF field.’
‘All of the BW Broadcast products we have purchased have proven to be excellent. The multiple units I have in the field have all been subjected to different environments and all have performed better than any other product in its class. The amortization cost to MTBF is excellent! At 2RU and modular in design, BW Broadcast keeps it simple for the client. It works and works well.’
Designed for pristine audio quality and unsurpassed reliability, thousands of BW Broadcast’s FM transmitters are operating trouble-free in some of the world’s most remote installations. With comprehensive features and creative design, the TX range offers exceptional value without compromising on performance. Perfect for LPFM, the TX600 and TX1000 also offer rock solid options at higher power.
Tim relies on a TX300, built, designed and tested in London and coming with a two year comprehensive warranty and 24 hour technical support. The processing utilises presets developed over the past decade with customers around the world to provide excellent out the box sound, giving you one less thing to worry about.
BW Broadcast also designed and manufacture the award winning and world famous RBRX1, which has changed how stations receive and re-broadcast around the globe. Also in the portfolio are superb sounding and excellently priced audio processors for FM, AM and HD, including the DSPXtra with built in Arianne leveler.
Please visit www.bwbroadcast.com, call 1-866-376-1612 or email info@bwbroadcast.com for more information. Alternatively visit us at NRB in Nashville, March 2-5 or NAB 2013, C1150.
