WYBN-LD launched October 18th, 2011 from the Windham Ski area NY, right after Hurricane Irene. We feel we have benefited immensely from our chip-driven digitized equipment world. In the space of a work bench and two 60- inch racks, we route, multiplex and send out six video streams via an IP radio STL to transmitter then out to the Albany market. The 15,000-watt station can accommodate up to 10 channels of digital programming. It currently airs QVC, America One, a general entertainment and sports network; Hispanic channel Mexi-Canal; Tuff TV, a male-oriented network; movie network AMG TV, and PBJ TV, which carries children’s programming. Retro TV may be next.
Digital gear is smaller, cheaper, more reliable, and versatile than the old analog world. We get adjustments and setups via VNC hard coat web connections. How cool and convenient.
We lined up contractors in seven competencies as early as March 2011 ahead of the fall build out.
We created a PERT timeline that everyone got:
PERT is Programmed Evaluation Review Technique, used to build first Nautilus submarine.
We set tombstone dates
Competencies
Tower / antenna,
Transmitter install, IT support / PCs,
Satellite dishes / receivers,
IP radio / Ethernet bridges,
Fiber support,
Automated ad insertion, etc.
Manufacturer list
Antenna – Micro Communications Inc. – Merrimack, NH
Rohn 55 Tower – Mark Dennis @ Capital Digitronics, Albany NY
Linear Transmitters – Elgin, IL
R.L. Drake – Multiplexer- Miamisburg, OH
D2D Technologies – Multiplexer – Jacksonville, FL
Ad Ware – Salt Lake City, UT
Satellite Receivers- various brands
Pleora Technologies – Ethernet Bridges – Kanata, ON
Traffic & billing — UniVision of Missoula, MT – product is “Ad Magic”
WYBN antenna @ 3,200 feet atop Windham Mountain
Satellite receivers
Said Brian Stuart, President, Digital AdWare: “We knew there was a need for digital insertion equipment in a segment of the market that didn’t call for a high end investment. We designed our equipment for systems like Dan’s and have been met with great acceptance. The key is the flexibility that we can offer coupled with its stand alone capabilities. It’s proven to be the best choice for many operators.”
If you have the funds, the site and license; experts and firms like these can make the build out quite smooth & timely. Plan for the worst, add 10%-20% to the hard quotes budget because things come up, like hurricanes. The times demand lean and effective operating systems. This is an example of one such overhead-saving installation.
See you on the air !!
–Dan Viles
General Manager
President
WYBN – LD TV 14
