CAP-EAS Messages Now Available on HD(TM) Radio Receivers
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Citizens, emergency managers, and broadcasters to benefit
LAS VEGAS -- NAB --Global Security Systems, LLC (GSS), the systems integrator and service provider of GSSNet-satellite CAP-based EAS data delivery, and ALERT FM- FM radio based Emergency Alert System; Sage Alerting Systems, Inc, the leading provider of broadcast alerting equipment; and iBiquity Digital Corporation, developer and licenser of HD Radio Technology, announced today that HD Radio enabled broadcasting is now capable of Common Alert Protocol (CAP)- Emergency Alert System (EAS) audio and text messages. This new technology verifies that HD Radio Technology is compatible with the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)-Open and other emergency notification systems, including ALERT FM and over AM transmissions. A live demonstration of the text delivery was also performed.
"iBiquity is committed to supporting the CAP-EAS rollout," said Bob Struble, iBiquity President and CEO. "For the first time, consumers will be able to receive critical potentially life-saving information on HD Radio enabled devices."
This potentially lifesaving information is available over HD Radio broadcasts because of the use of the Sage Digital ENDEC, which is the same technology used to send EAS messages over FM radio. CAP-EAS messages are received on the ENDEC via GSSNet, a satellite data delivery system, or the Internet. The messages are then processed, converted, and pushed out over HD Radio Broadcast systems, where they are heard on enabled HD Radio receivers.
"At Sage Alerting Systems, we believe that EAS messages are critical to the community and we will strive to continue to deliver these messages to the public through new technologies and channels," said Gerald LeBow, Sage Alerting Systems Vice President. "We continue to support all alert dissemination pathways including AM, FM, and HD Radio."
On April 6, 2011, WTGE-FM (100.7), a Guaranty Broadcasting station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, became the first HD FM radio station in the country to broadcast Satellite delivered CAP-EAS messages over HD radio. Test CAP EAS messages with text were sent across an HD Radio broadcast channel successfully.
Arthur "Bo" Hoover, veteran broadcast engineer and Technical Service Group president facilitated the installation along with Sage and GSS at WTGE-FM. "Having been at ground zero during Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav, we recognize broadcasting as the only reliable and viable communications medium for emergency communications to the general public."
With the inclusion of HD Radio Technology, GSS, Sage, and iBiquity together offer the most comprehensive broadcast- based IPAWS alert and warning system today. EAS messages are now capable of being broadcast audibly through Analog FM and with audio and text over HD Radio via the Sage ENDEC; as well as textually through ALERT FM's use of the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS).
"The use of Broadcast radio pathways to distribute EAS messages to the public clearly demonstrates the power of advanced radio technology available to our emergency management customers in saving lives," said Robert L. Adams, GSS president and CEO.
About Global Security Systems:
Global Security Systems (GSS) is a systems integrator, service provider and manufacturer of the ALERT FM and GSSNet satellite delivery system. Global Security Systems has participated in the development of IPAWS based systems, is a member of the Commercial Mobile Alert Service systems committee, and is actively involved with several EAS and CAP committees. The Global Security Systems nationwide GSSNet satellite delivery system for emergency alerts currently is in operation at 210 locations in 14 states and growing daily, and includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.
About Sage Alerting Systems:
Sage is the leading provider of Emergency Alerting System devices to the broadcast industry. From its landmark Sage ENDEC that was the first FCC certified EAS device in 1996, to the release of its latest network-enabled digital audio device, Sage leads the way in ease of use, reliability, and meaningful features that allow broadcasters and public safety agencies to get alerts out to the public in a rapid and predictable manner.
About iBiquity Digital Corp.
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio Technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new HD2/HD3 FM channels through multicasting, crystal-clear sound and data service on both the AM and FM bands - all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio Technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ.
CONTACT: Steve Baldacci of iBiquity Digital Corp., +1-301-252-1680, baldacci@ibiquity.com; Jerry Lebow of Sage Alerting Systems, +1-914-328-5745, jlebow@att.net; or Matthew Straeb of Global Security Systems, +1-954-850-6606, mstraeb@gssnet.us
