Copyright ©1996, RF Specialties Group.
CCS FIELDFONE
Forget ISDN, you can now send broadcast quality audio from point A to point B over standard phone lines, thanks to the new FieldFone.
The FieldFone is a new product developed by MUSICAM USA, previously CCS Audio Products, that converts audio to a digital signal, compresses it using the MUSICAM algorithm, and sends 6.5kHz audio over the line. Bi-directional, FieldFone delivers audio with 80dB signal-to-noise ratio. Call or fax RF Specialties for specifications and delivery details.
SAW PLUS
When RF Specialties introduced SAW to broadcasters less than two years ago, quite a few reported back that this Windows-based audio workstation was powerful enough for their studios (splices are performed with down-to-the-sample accuracy), yet affordable enough for their managers (less than $600).
All that changed in November, when new SAW Plus was announced. SAW Plus extended power to 16 mono or stereo tracks of simultaneous, live playback and opened up live blending of different file formats (mono, stereo, 16-bit, 8-bit). It introduced software processing tools such as a seven-band para-graphic equalizer, noise gate, compressor, limiter, peak limiter, reversing, vari-pitch and echo effects. Amazingly, SAW Plus is still a bargain! Call (or fax) RF Specialties for our introductory pricing.
Weathercopy is a VHF radio receiver, made by Dataradio, that works with a standard printer to print a hard copy of the latest weather forecasts direct from a regional NOAA weather center. The receiver decodes the weather information, which is sent in short bursts of data between the audio on NOAA weather radio stations. It can be programmed to select from a large menu of different forecasts, so it will print only the information the station wants. The receiver also can be connected directly to a PC for interfacing with a station's news wire or audio storage computer system. There's also an audio output for standard NOAA voice broadcasts. The receiver is only $758, including printer, and there's no cost for the NOAA service. Presently, the service is available from selected NOAA weather stations in California, Arizona, Washington and Utah, but plans are to expand the service nationwide. If you're in one of the lucky states, call RF Specialties for a receiver package. If not, call your regional NOAA office and ask when the service will become available in your area.