Radio-Assist 7.1, a version towards structure and ergonomics

In 2001 NETIA launches the first Radio-Assist 7 version. In November 2002, the second version is put on the market with an even more solid system architecture, new functions very popular among users and numerous improvements in use. The 7.1 evolutions, like most of NETIA products, focus on both the structure and the ergonomics.

As for the system architecture, two software automata newcomers, DBShare and Media Management, revolutionize the reliability methods of large-sized digital-audio systems. DBShare centralises all communications with the Radio-Assist 7 database. By systematic and synchronous redundancy of all the metadata produced by the system, DBShare ensures the consistency of database contents. All databases are automatically synchronised. When an incident occurs on one database, DBShare automatically switches over to another one and archives all the queries made during and after the incident.

The switch is completely transparent for all client workstations. When conditions return to normal, the memorised queries are automatically executed and the database is fully restored. Both databases are resynchronised so that no datum gets lost.

Media Management handles the entire flow of data (metadata and sound data) within a digital audio or video system. It is designed to monitor and transfer data automatically from one domain to another and to ensure that the domains remain fully independent. For instance, when an item is marked as RTB (Ready-to-Broadcast), the audio file is automatically copied on the broadcast server. Likewise, when an item is marked as RTA (Ready-to-Archive), it is automatically copied on the archive server.

Media Management operation is fully transparent and ensures the user has access to the required file wherever it is located on the system. The automatic Media Management device makes it easier to create specific domains for each activity (Production, Broadcast, Archiving, etc.). Each domain has its own structure: servers, databases, etc. This separation of activities generates independent subsystems and guarantees greater security.

The combined action of DBShare and Media Management in the heart of the system increases the resistance to crash and failure. The specific principles consist in monitoring, memorizing and anticipating each action and each document transfer within the system. This 'tracking' always ensures that the right document is available at the right place, at the right time.

Numerous operating improvements have been carried out to each existing tool :

The browser is the multi-criteria search and consulting tool of the Radio-Assist database. For this version, NETIA adds new search criteria, creates new icons (archived and deleted items) and new tools (cartstack master). Customizing the browser with dynamic tabs ( Tab Editor) is one of Radio-Assist's main innovations. NETIA keeps improving this tool by integrating dynamic tabs into the existing database (tabs are modelled on existing ones). The access and/or consulting rights of these tabs can be easily defined by the administrator. Likewise, with dynamic tabs, each department or unit accesses directly and solely its own file classification. This Radio-Assist database specification is particularly popular with radios which have several on-air themed channels.

Recording immediately accessible for editing :

In this version NETIA offers the possibility to record either on site, remotely or both. To do it fast, thanks to a clicking button, an item which is being recorded can be directly loaded in the editing tab.

The " Snippet" tool belongs to this new tool generation, the conception of which bases itself on technicians' requests who are more and more used to the various editing software of the market. The 7.1 version follows this trend with a new stretching function working only on the selected zone. "Ctrl 0" is a very convenient keyboard shortcut which automatically points out the original item in the Browser.

Recording and mixing :

Entirely dedicated to radio professionals, Radio-Assist 7 Multitrack is a mixing tool the ergonomics of which make it possible to produce fast interviews, documentaries or jingles. Aiming at complete efficiency, NETIA integrates a recording function on a single track. The technician can integrate immediately a sound or a voice in its mixing ( Voice Over).

Feed-Plan & Feed-In :

These two automatic recording planning software applications are given new developments such as a specific setup interface (selection of the switching grid, destination address of error messages, operating modes etc). A new function "Full Channel Recording" enables the technician to preset the duration of recording slots (1h, 1h30, 2h etc.) which is very handy for a 24h on-air recording for instance.

Air-DDO : reactive broadcast

For the 7.1 version, the new Air-DDO play-out system represents the aim of many years of research and reflection, as much on the ergonomic level as on the technological one. This play-out system now has various functions displayed under the tab form: Recording, Snippet, In-Track, Playlist Editing. Broadcasting does not prevent the technician from recording, editing or mixing. In the radio domain, reactivity is an essential quality. During broadcasting, Air-DDO follows in real time all the latest modifications put into effect on the day's playlist and then updates them automatically on both Air-DDO screens. Until now, the modifications of the on-air playlist were made from a production workstation. With the new version, the modifications are made from Air-DDO itself. A new planning tab is directly accessible on the Air-DDO interface. In the studio, the technician himself modifies his playlist according to the day's events. Furthermore, AIR-DDO feeds synchronously an intranet site with what is being broadcast. The web surfer follows remotely but live the whole broadcast (audio files and metadata).

Two screens for Air-DDO, the one shows four chanels of broadcasting and the other one, the tools of monitoring, production or planning.

Three play-out modes (automatic, semi-automatic or live assist) are permanently available and the user can instantaneously pass from one mode to another. The semi-automatic mode allows the possibility to integrate a commercial break at a fixed time during a manual broadcast. At the preset time, the commercial is automatically broadcast. A time interval can be defined for this broadcast with ± x seconds. In automatic mode, Air-DDO is particularly useful for all night music programmes. Play-out takes into account the fade and mix points placed by the production. For background tasks, the technician benefits from the monitoring and recording functions.

In this 7.1 version, NETIA offers essential technical solutions to the huge evolution of digital-audio systems which has been going on over these past years. Users evolve too. They now ask for more and more high-performing and clever production tools. Radio-Assist 7.1 latest version is the answer.