Smartphone Radio Chip Gets Boost from TV Station (Video) 

taken from RBR online ( http://www.rbr.com/radio/smartphone-radio-chip-gets-big-boost-from-tv-station-video.html)

To See the Video- Click Here

to se the video Having an FM chip in every single smartphone sold in America should not be an option, it should be a service provided by every telecom company out there as a matter of public interest. So says Mike Smythe, VP/GM of Raycom’s CBS KFVS-TV 12 out of Cape Girardeau MO. Smythe called on smartphone providers to do the right thing and turn on the chips that are already in most models, at no charge to consumers, no less.

KFVS serves the Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg-Mt. Vernon DMA, and Smythe used his own chunk of spectrum to go to bat for the safety and well-being of his own viewers in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. In an editorial, he said that an activated FM radio chip should be a free service provided in every single smartphone out there as a simple matter of public safety.

Smythe had to go no farther back in history than the recent devastating tornadoes in Joplin and elsewhere. Cell towers were downed, rendering mobile phones useless. But radio stations were still up and running, providing critical information to the devastated area. He said there is absolutely no question that every person in that area with a mobile device would have loved to have access to radio during that excruciatingly difficult time.

Most of the rest of the world has FM available on their mobile device, noted Smythe, and he said 50% call broadcast radio one of the top three features on their phone.

In short, putting an FM chip in FM chip in the phones should not be an option, it should be an obligation.
In his piece, Smythe quoted Emmis honcho and FM chip proponent Jeff Smulyan , who said, “There is no reason for cell providers not to turn on the FM signal chip as a public service. It is the right thing to do for our safety.”

Smythe added, “This should be in every smartphone at no charge by the provider.” He concluded, “Tell your cell phone provider that the FM chip is not an option, the chip is for your safety, and with your help we can get this done.”

RBR-TVBR observation: We had a man-made disaster in our market a few years back – it involved an attack on the Pentagon, and for many hours nobody knew if there were going to be further attacks on Washington DC. It didn’t take knocking down cell phone towers to render them useless – they simply could not handle the sudden surge in use. No amount of TV station spectrum is going to solve that problem. But the presence of a smartphone FM chip would have kept thousands upon thousands of pedestrians and mass transit users informed with critical and possibly life and death information.

We are proud of the fact that broadcasters are the unchallenged leaders when it comes to serving the public interest, particularly in times of emergency. And we wonder why telcos wouldn’t want to come forward and do their part in serving the public interest. And we further wonder why Washington – which has first-hand experience with this – doesn’t hold them to the same public interest standards that broadcasters serve.

taken from the front page of the June 22, 2011 issue of TVTechnology (http://tvtechnology.com/article/121980)

FCC Launches Alert System for Mobile

by Joey Gill

NEW YORK—Last month the FCC announced its rollout of a new alert system designed to send emergency warnings to mobile devices. In a press event at Ground Zero in New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski and FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate, along with top executives from the major wireless carriers, announced that PLAN, the Personal Localized Alert Warning system will be online in New York City by the end of 2011. PLAN is required to be implemented nationwide by April 2012, which means New York City will be an early adopter.

U.S. citizens have been served by the same EAS system since 1997 (an update to the Emergency Broadcast System, which was put into place in 1963), which primarily relies upon radio, television, and the National Weather Service radio alert service. The FCC chairman touted the new service as a way to bring emergency alert systems into the 21st century and reflect new modes of communications.

"Communications technology, and in particular mobile broadband, has the potential to revolutionize emergency response," he said. Bloomberg said, "given the kinds of threats made against New York City at the World Trade Center, Times Square, and other popular places with visitors and tourists, we'll be even safer when authorities can broadcast warnings to everyone in a geographic area, regardless of where they came from or bought their phone."

Administrator Fugate added that the new technology "could become a lifeline for millions of Americans and is another tool that will strengthen our nation's resilience against all hazards. Following the devastating tornadoes in the Southeast, we are witnessing yet again the critical role the public plays as a part of our nation's emergency management team. Making sure that they get useful and life-saving information, quickly and easily, right on their mobile phones, will help more people get out of harm's way when a threat exists."

The new mobile device alert system is based on the CMAS requirement, which is part of the WARN Act.

ACRONYMS GALORE

The WARN (Warning Alert and Response Network) Act, was signed into law in October 2006, reportedly as a response to heightened national security threats. The WARN Act contained requirements leading to PLAN (Personal Localized Alerting Network), IPAWS (Integrated Public Alerts and Warning System), and CMAS (Commercial Mobile Alert System). The backbone of these systems is the XML-based CAP (Common Alert Protocol).

In short, CAP-formatted messages generated by local or state emergency information managers will be forwarded not only to local broadcasters, but also to the FEMA IPAWS aggregator. National emergency information will be delivered directly from the national level by the "aggregator," which will distribute the message through all means authorized. The aggregator will have interfaces to distribute messages to traditional broadcast media via the EAS, to cellular devices via the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), to NOAA Weather Radio, to Internet services via network interfaces, and to unique state and local systems that are IPAWS CAP compliant (such as Emergency Telephone Networks, Radio Broadcast Data Systems, siren, and/or signage systems). The governing federal agencies responsible for EAS are the FCC, FEMA, and NOAA's NWS.

THREE TYPES OF ALERTS

While most broadcasters are familiar with EAS, AMBER, and now, WARN, IPAWS and CAP XML protocol, CMAS is the latest subject to hit the press and may be the least understood. Basically, CMAS allows emergency information to be distributed to cell phone users, free of charge (as long as there is an active wireless subscription). There will be three types of CMAS alerts:
- Presidential Alerts
- Imminent Threat Alerts
- America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) Alerts.

All but Presidential Alerts will allow the subscribers to opt-out of notification. These alerts are eventually expected to reach 87 percent of the population (about 270 million subscribers). The 90-character (limit) alert messages will contain five elements in the following order: Event Type or Category, Area Affected, Recommended Action, Expiration Time (with time zone), and Sending Agency. While a second language may be available in the future, current technology limits the messages to English only. The alert tone will be very specific for both polyphonic and monophonic devices, and can only be used for CMAS Alerts. In vibrate mode, there is a specific pattern as well, which can only be used CMAS Alerts.

One feature of CMAS that is similar to EAS is the fact that there will be required monthly tests. For CMAS, however, the tests will not reach the end user. Each local wireless infrastructure will have test and compliance logging. According to Brian Josef, assistant vice president, regulatory affairs for CTIA—The Wireless Association, "we don't want to have the subscribers de-sensitized to the alerts; we feel that it will detract from their effectiveness."

Unlike EAS, which interrupts broadcasts, a CMAS Alert will not interrupt a phone conversation or data session. Richard Rudman, vice chair-California EAS State Emergency Communications Committee, says "if CMAS warnings do not interrupt calls or data sessions, it could render the system useless. People should be able to opt-in for interruptions and the monthly tests."

While participation by the wireless carriers is voluntary, the carriers have already had to opt in or out, according to Josef. With the carriers already committed, Josef indicates that 97 percent of subscribers will be covered by CMAS in the U.S.

FM ALTERNATIVE

Another choice for wireless customers to receive emergency information is the availability of FM receivers in their mobile devices. While there is some heated opposition by the Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA—The Wireless Association, and the music recording industry against the NAB's push for mandated FM chip placement in mobile devices, many mobile devices are already available that are FM enabled. "With 41 FM equipped handsets currently available to wireless customers, the CTIA doesn't see the need for any technology mandate," Josef said.

For FM-enabled devices, there are technologies such as AlertFM (CAP compliant) that can provide targeted-first alerts, and even "awaken" mobile devices for emergency alerts. Recently, Pickens County, Alabama, Emergency Management Director Ken Gibson confirmed that the ALERT FM system functioned exceptionally well, and without interruption, during their multiple tornado storm warnings. According to AlertFM, one advantage of the FM-based delivery system, in contrast to just cellular signals, is that FM cannot suffer from overloads placed on the system, most notably during high-volume usage like in an emergency.

While Rudman acknowledged that "for survivability, the U.S. needs many different alert platforms, including TV, radio, and mobile—and although mobile technologies like CMAS will alert the public—the populous will turn to tried and true sources for further information, such as television and radio for in-depth real-time reporting."

FCC Launches Alert System for Mobile.pdf (617.14 kb)

Alabama Designates The GSS Alert Studio for CAP-EAS Alerts

First Statewide Satellite CAP-EASDelivery to LP1/LP2 FM Stations with Sage Endec

GSSNet Partners with HughesNet to Add Internet Dissemination to its FM Platform

 June 15, 2011 –Marking the first statewide Common Alert Protocol (CAP)-compliant rollout in the United States for creating and retrieving emergency alerts,  the GSS Alert Studio from Global Security Systems (GSS) has been designated the official origination and retrieval tool for Alabama’s Emergency Alert System (EAS).

“Fast and secure access to shared information is essential for federal, state, and local agencies to prepare for emergencies and to respond in an effective and coordinated manner when disaster strikes,” observed Larry Wilkins, Chairman, Alabama State Emergency Communications Committee(SECC).   “That demands the kind of integrated and highly reliable information network architecture that the GSS Alert Studio delivers.”

Once generated in the GSS Alert Studio, the CAP-EAS messages are sent across the GSSNet dedicated satellite network to Sage Endec units in Local Primary 1 and 2 (LP1/LP2) FM radio stations across Alabama.  The GSS Alert Studio can create and retrieve alerts in multiple formats -- WAV/MP3 files, live text to speech (including in Spanish), and live recorded messages -- that are disseminated on a national, regional or hyper-local basis to receivers of AM, FM and HD radio signals. 

“GSS delivers the CAP-EAS solution that broadcasters need to meet the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements,” observed Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) and the National Association of State Broadcast Associations (NASBA).  “The GSS System is a benefit to Alabama stations and their public service responsibilities.”

In addition to dissemination of alert messages over the GSSNet, the GSS Alert Studio secured web-portal design now allows the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to create and distribute CAP-EAS messages statewide through a dedicated Internet broadband satellite uplink provided by HughesNet.

“Satellite communications solutions from GSSNet with HughesNet provide the vital links when disaster strikes, providing an instant Internet infrastructure when terrestrial communications are damaged, overloaded or completely knocked out," said Tony Bardo, Vice President of Government Solutions,Hughes.

Recently, GSS’s ALERT FM system delivered life-saving emergencyaudio and text alert messages to Alabama residents during the devastating tornadoes that tore across the South.  ALERT FM uses FM radio platformand Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) to deliver text alerts up to 240-characters to any electronic device with ALERT FM software and an enabled FM radio receiver chip. 

 “We are honored that the state of Alabama has selected the GSS Alert Studio with GSSNet and HughesNet dissemination along with ALERT FM as integral elements of its Emergency Alert System,” noted Robert Adams, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSS.  “We plan to provide this multi-formatted and dependable resource that is always in place and ready for action to other states soon.”

The GSS Alert Studio, the GSSNet FM-based delivery platform, and the ALERT FM audio and text messaging systemprovide a complete end-to-end CAP source, transport, and broadcast dissemination system to cable, television, and radio, as well as wireless devices, including mobile phones. 

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the world’s leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet® is the #1 highspeed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, HUGHES has shipped more than 2.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For more information, please visit www.hughes.com.

About Global Security Systems and ALERT FM:
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 now at over 300 locations and growing daily.  It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.

GSS Alert Studio in Alabama FINAL FINAL.doc (164.00 kb)

Could this clock radio possibly save your life?
Announcing the new iLive ICP312 that features the potentially
life-saving ALERT FM technology

Contacts:
Philip Troutwine
314-657-2374
marketing@dpiinc.com

May 27, 2011 (St. Louis, MO) — The brand name iLive® (pronounced “I live”) will take on important new significance when the life-saving potential of ALERT FM is married to the brand’s innovative, new ICP312 Clock Radio for use with iPhones® and iPods® later this year. iLive, a St. Louis-based Digital Products International (DPI) brand, is a leading maker of iPod and iPhone-compatible devices designed to enhance customers’ entertainment experiences and convenience. The ICP312 is one of many near-term iLive products that will feature the potentially life-saving ALERT FM technology.

ALERT FM uses the reliable FM platform to deliver emergency alert text messages to radio listeners at large, or specifically defined audiences such as those within municipalities, counties, college and corporate campuses, sports arenas, convention halls, shopping malls, or even individual schools, dorms, or business buildings. ALERT FM technology will deliver text alerts comprised of up to 240 characters and will even “wake up” “sleeping” ALERT FM–enabled devices to broadcast the local EAS audio message and display corresponding text alerts, further enhancing the awareness of safety alerts.

iLive’s innovative, application-enhanced ICP312 Clock Radio features an iPod/iPhone dock so you can fall asleep and wake to your favorite iPod and iPhone music or the clock’s radio station or alarm buzzer. Couples will appreciate the ICP312’s dual alarms that also can be set for differing weekday/weekend times, and the ICP312’s thoughtful gradual-wake system slowly increases the alarm volume to ease you into your day. Play music; stream Pandora®, LastFM, and other radio apps; listen to podcasts, audiobooks and more — all while charging your iPod or Iphone.

Model Name: App-enhanced Clock Radio for iPhone + iPod Specifications (PICK UP)

###

About iLive
iLive is a brand division of the Digital Products International (DPI, Inc.) family of consumer electronic products. The company’s in-house team of industrial designers and electronics engineers combines the most innovative and performance-driven feature sets with trendy and unique designs focusing on today’s style and performance. iLive delivers maximum audio/video performance with visual impact. iLive products are found at regional and national retail outlets. For more information on iLive and its products and services, visit www.ilive.net.

About DPI, Inc.
DPI, Inc.’s corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri houses its engineering, logistics and design groups as well as 190,000 square feet of domestic warehouse space. DPI, Inc. also has offices in Asia that provide engineering, design, logistics, quality control, and global product management services. Currently, DPI, Inc. is the corporate umbrella for the brands iLive, GPX, Culinair, WeatherX, and ZLive. DPI and its brands have formed an environmentally responsible alliance with a commitment to the development of energy efficient products, and innovative and responsible green programs designed to protect for today and sustain for tomorrow. For more information on DPI, Inc. and its products and services, visit www.dpiinc.com.

About Global Security Systems and ALERT FM:
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 now at over 450 locations and growing daily. It includes the ability to generate and deliver CAP messages.

MANDATORY & DISCLAIMERS
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. All other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

iLive-PR-052711.pdf (90.94 kb)