LYNDONVILLE, N.Y.—Digital Alert Systems has introduced the DAS3-DC-PS, a new DC power supply option for its DASDEC-III emergency alert system. Designed to meet the growing demand for DC-powered infrastructure, the DAS3-DC-PS supports a -36V to -72V input range, making it ideal for standard -48VDC facilities, the company said.

The DAS3-DC-PS marks an industry first, making Digital Alert Systems the only modern EAS equipment manufacturer to offer both AC and DC-powered product versions, according to DAS. By eliminating the need for multiple AC-to-DC converters, the new option reduces heat generation, improves operational efficiency, and simplifies backup power integration using direct battery banks.

“The introduction of the DAS3-DC-PS reflects our commitment to evolving with our customers’ needs,” said Jon Rue, vice president of technology at Digital Alert Systems. “As more facilities transition to DC power architectures, we’re proud to offer a solution that not only simplifies integration but also enhances safety and reliability. This option opens the door for broader deployment of DASDEC-III systems in telecom and broadcast environments where efficiency and uptime are critical.”

Replacing the standard AC power supply, the DAS3-DC-PS connects via a two-lug terminal strip and offers a safer, more efficient alternative for facilities that have adopted DC powering schemes. Operating at 48V DC—below the 50V threshold recognized by safety regulations—the DAS3-DC-PS reduces the risk of electric shock and allows for the use of lower-voltage cabling, simplifying installation and maintenance.

DAS says the new DC option also brings significant facility-level benefits. The negative polarity of -48V DC helps prevent corrosion of copper cables and battery terminals, while its compatibility with telecom standards ensures seamless integration with other equipment. Facilities can use standard 12V lead-acid batteries wired in series to create a 48V backup power source, enabling uninterrupted operation during power failures without the need for inverters or AC-to-DC conversion.

Priced at $450, the DAS3-DC-PS can be factory-fitted into new DASDEC-III units or retrofitted by returning existing units to the factory.

More information about Digital Alert Systems is available at www.digitalalertsystems.com.

The cable industry has told the Federal Communications Commission it supports the National Association of Broadcasters’ proposal to allow broadcasters to use software-based Emergency Alert Systems.

At issue is a petition from the NAB (PS Docket Nos. 15-94 & 22-329), filed at the end of March, to fast-track its request to allow broadcasters to transition from hardware-based decoders to software for emergency alerting. The association is asking for urgent action in part because hardware supplier Sage Alerting Systems, one of two hardware suppliers, has recently stopped production of devices and “the current legacy ecosystem is not sustainable.”

Digital Alert Systems, the other provider of hardware-based EAS systems to broadcasters, recently told the FCC that it thought the proposal is premature and highlighted unresolved issues related to cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and operational challenges associated with software-only EAS platforms.

NCTA–The Internet & Television Association, the trade group representing major cable operators, said “commendable steps” have been taken in recent years to upgrade alerting systems, including the use of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a technology that helps improve clarity and provide more detail about emergency alerts.

“NAB’s proposal to permit EAS Participants to elect software-based EAS solutions may present the Commission with another opportunity to ensure that emergency alerting keeps pace with modern technology,” NCTA said in its filing. “Although NAB’s proposal discusses the use of a software-based EAS encoder/decoder in the context of broadcast station operations, such a solution may be of use to cable EAS participants as well.

“NCTA agrees with NAB that any such solution should not be directly exposed to the internet or be fully cloud-based," the association added. "This approach would be consistent with other software-based aspects of broadcast and cable network operations. NCTA also agrees that consideration of this issue is made more necessary by Sage Alerting Systems’ decision to cease production of its encoder/decoder device.”

NAB’s proposal has drawn support from SBE.

LYNDONVILLE, N.Y.—Digital Alert Systems has launched the DASDEC-III, the third generation of its award-winning DASDEC flexible emergency messaging platform. 

The solution, which comes equipped with the DASDEC Version 5 software, combines all the features of the previous DASDEC series plus capabilities that were once only available in the company's One-Net products, originally sold to cable and IPTV operators, the company said. 

With the DASDEC-III, the company has unified the two product families — DASDEC and One-Net — into a single product line. The DASDEC-III also has a more modular design, allowing for even more hardware and software customization to create tailored solutions for different messaging requirements, DAS explained.  

"Emergency messaging is continuously evolving, and we must follow this ever-changing environment," said Bill Robertson, vice president of business development, Digital Alert Systems. "The DASDEC-III's more modular approach is very appealing to customers as they can more easily craft the solution to their exact situation without being locked into a configuration that is more or less than what they really need. This customization is born from the truth that one size does not fit all."

Designed to fit roles in traditional broadcast radio and television, including the latest NEXTGEN TV, CATV, IPTV, campus, industrial, and emergency operation centers, the DASDEC-III has many features capable of transforming the old ways of doing emergency messaging. For example, with Digital Alert Systems' EAS-Net communications bundle, the DASDEC-III can eliminate all the complex wiring and logic associated with serial ports, audio wiring, and contact closures to multiple media keyers and switches. Linking a DASDEC-III to EAS-Net-compatible devices eliminates all those connections and devices and moves critical communications to a simple IP-based network. Using these more modern devices, facilities can eliminate a host of equipment and connections, thereby saving space, power, and, most of all, the headache of supporting multiple devices.

With the DASDEC-III, Digital Alert Systems has changed several wiring options, adopting the StudioHub wiring standard for audio connections in and out of the unit.  This makes DASDEC-III the only Emergency Alert System/common alerting protocol device to use StudioHub wiring, the company said. 

Using this method of wiring creates a quick and easy connection to many other audio devices with simple Cat 5/6 wires with RJ45 terminations. This creates a mechanically solid and dense wiring method without resorting to old, bulky XLR connections. The new unit also provides an HDMI output with scalable resolutions and embeds the emergency audio in the same output, DAS reported. 

The company also stressed that DASDEC-III with Version 5 software has a significantly improved user interface with an easier-to-follow menu structure and much less visual clutter. At the same time, the interface retains the basic operational outline so new users are less intimidated and previous users are instantly familiar. The new Version 5 represents the next phase of product development, where the company will continue to streamline the user interface well into the future.

Under the hood, the DASDEC-III features a newer, faster quad-core processor and a full 64-bit operating system, the company said. 

These qualities combine to create a more robust platform with a snappier response in addition to being more compatible with modern development tools and continued security enhancements.

"The DASDEC-III represents the latest in Digital Alert Systems' innovative design and dedication to our customers — and ultimately, to their customers," Robertson said. "With this new platform, we'll be able to continue supporting and developing more features and functions that are critical to today's emergency messaging workflows."

DASDEC-III with Version 5 is shipping now. Since the product is highly tailored to customer requirements, DAS encourages customers to contact the factory or a dealer to determine the best configuration. The unit will come fully assembled and ready to place into operation. Version 5 will be released for other customers later in the year.

More information about Digital Alert Systems is available at www.digitalalertsystems.com.

SHREVEPORT, La.—As the Shreveport affiliate for the Daystar Television network, KADO-CD TV 40 offers family and spiritually oriented programming. We take pride in serving our community, and also recognize the important role local broadcasters play in emergency communications. We view relaying potentially life-saving messages through the U.S. Emergency Alert System (EAS) our sacred duty as a “first informer.”

We used to rely on older EAS equipment that was functional but highly outdated and becoming unstable. It was time to upgrade to more reliable EAS and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) equipment that would be properly secured, fully compliant and up to date. We also needed an SDI-based solution that would be easier to manage and update to meet the FCC’s latest EAS/CAP requirements. Additionally, we needed a better way to display our station ID.

A MODERN SOLUTION

To meet these requirements, we have adopted Digital Alert Systems’ DASDEC EAS/CAP encoder/decoder platform working in concert with a ChyTV computer graphics and display solution from DigIT Signage Technologies. DASDEC is a reliable, secure, all-in-one EAS system that can be easily updated to the latest FCC standards as required.

The DASDEC and ChyTV unit features seamless SDI and embedded audio capabilities. With other EAS systems, creating audio alerts is a manual process that requires de-embedding the audio, connecting to analog, dropping in the EAS alert audio, reconverting to digital and then finally re-embedding the audio. DASDEC handles the entire process, removing points of failure and saving us from having to jump through six different conversion devices.

We found the combination of DASDEC and ChyTV gear extremely fast and easy to install and deploy, and both solutions checked off all my boxes for EAS and graphics capabilities. We only encountered one small computer-related issue with the install, and the Digital Alert Systems and ChyTV teams gave us outstanding support. They not only fixed the issue, but they showed me how it happened, how to test for it and how to fix it if it should ever occur again.

VISUAL DISPLAY OF EAS MESSAGES

We’re proud to say that KADO-CD TV40 is the first-ever deployment of the Visually Integrated Display Symbology (VIDS) recommended practice developed by the NextGen Video Information Systems Alliance (NVISA), whose members include Digital Alert Systems and DigIT/ChyTV.

VIDS was created with the goal of improving the visual presentation of emergency alerting information on video displays, with the system guiding the implementation of emergency warning graphic interfaces, including the addition of dynamic elements. When used with Digital Alert Systems’ EAS-Net communications protocol, VIDS displays both a text crawl and symbolic element corresponding with the current alert state. In addition, icons for specific types of alerts can remain after the text has completed its required display cycle.

VIDS gives us seamless station ID schedules and also the ability to display clear, highly readable emergency messages that meet all FCC requirements. Even better, we’re able to present the messages in ways that are especially compelling to our local audience. The visual icon representing the alert type helps communicate the information clearly to viewers who may not be able to understand a text-only alert.

By collaborating to create a highly effective new EAS protocol, Digital Alert Systems and ChyTV are plotting the future course of emergency alerting. They have sent a strong signal that they are committed to their customers and, by extension, the future of the industry. We could not be more pleased with our choice of these companies to take KADO into the next generation of emergency alerting. 

Chad Giddens has worked for Life United, the owner of KADO, for 25 years. He manages all of the audio, video and lighting for the station. He can be contacted at wolmedia@mac.com.

For more information, visit www.digitalalertsystems.com.

LYNDONVILLE, N.Y.—Digital Alert Systems is now offering a Software Assurance Plan for its line of emergency alert system devices. This plan will allow customers to ensure they are in compliance with current requirements via automatic notifications when new software is available.

The Software Assurance Plan is available to all customers running Version 4.0 software. With the plan, customers can immediately update to Version 4.1, with strengthened EAS/CAP security and compliance management, as well as new features in line with FCC compliance requirements. Future software releases will be automatically provided at no extra charge, including Version 4.2, which is expected to be available upon the release of Software Assurance Plan.

Additionally, Software Assurance Plan members will be able to receive discounts on repairs and additional software license keys. If a member’s current hardware is no longer supported, Digital Alert Systems says it will replace the hardware at a discount.

For more information, visit www.digitalalertsystems.com.  

LYNDONVILLE, N.Y.—When Digital Alert Systems’ Jim Heminway, the company’s general manager, vice president and chief operating officer, retires at the end of the year, the company has officially announced that Anne L. Wakeman, currently the chief financial officer, will transition into the role of COO. With guidance from Heminway, Wakeman began taking on COO responsibilities from Heminway late last year in preparation for her new role.

“In addition to having deep experience in finance and a record of robust business, marketing and management experience, Anne is an outstanding leader,” said Heminway. “Working with her over the past three years, and particularly during her transition to COO, I’ve seen her remarkable business acumen and how adeptly she has integrated herself into our dynamic group as the new team leader. In short, I can move into retirement knowing she’ll help the company build on our success and rise to new heights.”

Wakeman joined DAS in February 2016 as its CFO, leading the company’s efforts to modernize its manufacturing and financial systems, as well as its IT infrastructure. Her previous experience has included 16 years at a major manufacturer with its sales team and seven years in market research. She began her career in banking.

As COO, Wakeman will oversee DAS’ manufacturing, ongoing development, sales and support of the company’s emergency messaging platforms.

Heminway will retire after having been with DAS for 21 years.

LYNDONVILLE, N.Y.—Emergency communications system and video services providers Monroe Electronics and its Digital Alert Systems subsidiary are changing up its Custom Message Plus software. A rebrand to Custom Message Pro and an upgrade that features a new interface have been officially announced.

Custom Message Pro is an optional add-on to Monroe’s One-Net and DASDEC emergency messaging platforms designed to allow users to secure access to a specific screen to create detailed, customized audio/video messages for processing by downstream equipment, including other Emergency Alert Systems. It also accommodates multiple forms of emergency messaging through One-Net and DASDEC video and audio capabilities.

One of the new features for the upgraded Custom Message Pro is the ability to access and distribute outside messages. Users can also now store message contents and display parameters as named templates. Stored templates can be recalled and modified, then saved as something new; a general-purpose input or contact closure to up to 32 templates can be assigned. There is also a new ability to link a message to an audio file or derive the audio from Custom Message Pro’s text-to-speech engine.

Custom Message Pro is available as an add-on to any upgrade for DASDEC and One-Net customers with v3.1 software or for customers with Custom Message Plus and v3.1 software.

LYNDONVILLE, N.Y.—Monroe One-Net and Digital Alert Systems DASDEC emergency alert system users who have upgraded to version 3.0 software now have access to two new resources. The first is the V3 Online Tutorial, which is designed to educate users on the set-up, configuration and operation of One-Net and DASDEC devices. The second is a new application note for assisting users of proper configuration for the upcoming National Periodic Test.

DAS worked with CypherWorx to develop the V3 Online Tutorial. The e-learning tool features all V3 updates to both the One-Net and DASDEC and is available for free on both Monroe and DAS websites.

“The National Geocode and NPT Configuration for One-Net or DASDEC” application note provides info on the proper configuration of EAS devices for receiving IPAWS alert messages based on the Common Alerting Protocol. This application is also available on both the Monroe and DAS websites and can be used by those who have not upgraded to version 3.0 software.

The National Periodic Test is scheduled to take place Sept. 28 at 2:20 p.m. ET.

LYDONVILLE, N.Y.—Digital Alert Systems (DAS) and BroadStream Solutions are teaming up to provide a model for Emergency Alert System (EAS) playout. To do so, DAS will integrate its EAS and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) messaging platforms with BroadStream’s Oasys integrated playout system.

DASDEC

The legacy and software-based integration of the DAS platform with Oasys allows BroadStream media servers to handle all necessary playout and EAS tasks. With the integration, the companies say that no external character generator is required. The integration also provides a IP-based communication link between the devices, enabling an alternative to traditional serial I/O and audio cabling.

BroadStream Solutions will showcase the integrated DASDEC/Oasys system at booth N6315 during the 2016 NAB Show.