The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource

Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 821, Volume 16, #41 for May 14, 2025

Here are some things you might want to know about:

FROM ONE EXTREME TO ANOTHER
During the NAB Show and CES before that, you could see all sorts of automobile “entertainment systems,” from simple radios to wide screen displays for the front seat and back seat. Despite the on-going argument whether electric vehicles interfere with AM, Congress is pushing an “AM in every car” Bill.

On the other hand, Slate, a start-up manufacturer is planning to sell a pickup truck with no radio – and, actually, a whole lot of other things usually seen in a car – but at a sub-$20,000 price. That means no electric windows, no heated seats, no paint (yep, the plastic body panels will not be painted by the factory). With a “Bring Your Own Tech,” attitude, aside from a smart phone mount and USB power, the owner will be expected to install whatever options desired. If it happens, initial deliveries will be later in 2026.

SITE SAFETY DOES NOT COME BY CHANCE
Last week, representatives of NATE (The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association) spoke on our weekly broadcast about things stations should know about site safety and contractors that can be trusted. With a background of OSHA’s Safety Stand-Down Week, they explained how NATE got started, the resources and safety support offered, and wrapped things up with updates on the ANSI/ASSP A10.48 standard, including high-level updates and Project Execution Plans. The video is posted at: www.youtube.com/thebdrnet channel.

UPDATE ON STREAMING
This week we turn from the towers to program content: Figuring out the best way to stream is not as simple as just hooking the program chain to the Internet. Understanding the differences between on-air broadcast and streaming can lead to better audio on both platforms.

Jay Tyler from Wheatstone is our presenter this week on our Virtual Lunch Gathering. Jay will share with us information on aspects of using Linux appliances vs. Windows PC for streaming, as well as displaying the brand new Wheatstream Duo, a Linux-based product that can support two streams each with four outputs. And, he will answer your questions.

Please join us at 2 PM Eastern / 11 AM Pacific for an informative/enjoyable discussion on streaming. This is one of those where the programming and production people should be joining us. We will all learn things!  Link requests are at www.theBDR.net/TLG/

FOR SALE
If you need a satellite dish, this might be something to check: a complete 10 foot dish with filters and a new cover.  That, and other items are available on our ForSale page. Check it out here.