Tech
PRSS plans rollout of next generation of satellite receivers
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ATX Networks, a new vendor, will deliver receivers with enhanced internet connectivity and automatic program file retrieval.
System/Policy
Alaska pubcasters pitch in to help Koahnic, station hit hardest by quake damage
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Koahnic’s KNBA may not be able to return to its studios and offices for months.
System/Policy
PBS push to preserve translator services awaits FCC decisions
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By the time the FCC’s extended filing deadline passed June 1, operators of 688 translators carrying programming of 55 PBS member stations had applied for new channels.
System/Policy
In Missouri, investigation of tower accident continues as station seeks to restore service
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The April 19 collapse of an Ozarks Public Television tower killed one worker and injured three.
PBS
Public TV begins transition to new interconnection system
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Proponents say the system designed to move content from expensive satellite transponders to a terrestrial fiber-based system will be cheaper and more versatile.
System/Policy
PBS, T-Mobile collaborate to save TV translators
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The wireless carrier and a team from PBS are working under tight deadlines to find new homes for public TV translators that are being displaced by the FCC’s repack of TV channels.
System/Policy
Organizations unveil details of new purchasing plan for stations
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CPB, WGBH and Public Media Co. presented plans to PBS TechCon and Public Radio Engineering Conference attendees.
Tech
Station leaders at TechCon weigh moving ahead with ATSC 3.0
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Broadcasters expressed optimism about making the transition to the new broadcast standard work for them, even as many raised questions about the logistics and expenses involved.
Tech
Joint master controls look to help stations prepare for ATSC 3.0
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As public TV engineering leaders navigate their stations through the post-auction channel restructuring and the looming transition to ATSC 3.0, they’ll be re-evaluating the future of their master control facilities.
Tech
Pubcasters look for upside from donated ‘zombie’ licenses
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The FCC’s TV spectrum auction is producing unusual and unexpected gifts for a handful of fortunate broadcasters in major markets.
System/Policy
Survey of station equipment finds public TV lacks capital for upgrades
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Costs of equipment replacement are projected to reach $256 million by 2019, as aging transmitters reach their end of life.
Tech
Attendees at PBS TechCon hear details of ATSC standard’s promise
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The interactive components of ATSC 3.0 allow for better audience measurement and interactivity, which could include delivering customized programming exclusively to members.
Tech
PBS leaders open busy TechCon in Vegas
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PBS expanded the TechCon agenda beyond traditional engineering this year to include tracks on content and engagement, development, marketing and digital infrastructure.
Programs/Content
Indiana stations work out system for sharing ‘ATC’ host
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The arrangement between WFYI and WBAA is expected to free other newsroom staff to report and produce more feature stories.
Tech
PBS interconnect moves forward amid technological change, political turmoil
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“We’re working on a different model from the old broadcast world,” said PBS’s chief technology officer.
Tech
NPR project will bring more program info to on-screen displays
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MetaPub will deliver richer metadata to radios, streaming listeners and smartphone apps.
Quick Takes
PRSS will reduce audio levels a year after initial proposed date
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What was initially billed as a “temporary” level boost ended up lasting nearly three years.
Tech
Nielsen tweaks measurement of radio audience amid hush-hush adoption of Voltair boxes
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A Nielsen Audio chief engineer tacitly acknowledged that the company’s PPM technology does not fully measure listening in noisy real-world environments.
Tech
NPR offers new interconnection option for public radio networks
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The new offering promises pubcasters a simpler way to provide more localized programming over state and regional networks.
Tech
Public Radio Satellite System joins PBS in testing IP-based interconnection
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PBS is moving ahead with plans to return most of its distribution to ground level via a new fiber-based system that promises more versatility.