Belar Releases FMHD-1 Update

Belar Electronics is to release Version 6 of its FMHD-1 modulation monitor software. The upgrade will include benefits for HD Radio diversity delay, as well as improve present and historical performance monitoring.

The new software includes an option for Belar's Automatic Delay Correction (ADC) module. Customers can request the field-upgradeable ADC module for both new and existing FMHD-1 mod monitors. In the latter case, broadcasters have a seamless upgrade path to achieve consistent signal delay adjustments that align analog and digital feeds, due to the software-defined architecture of the FMHD-1 monitor.

The ADC module enables direct communication between the FMHD-1 monitor and the device containing the diversity delay in the broadcast air chain. The communication is accomplished by establishing an IP connection between the two devices. The FMHD-1, acting as the host device, calculates and feeds the error information to the delay device, closing the loop and continuously maintaining the delay correction.

The FMHD-1 currently with integrated ADC software supports the GatesAir Flexiva HDE-200 Exporter and Nautel Exporter Plus, and multiple Omnia, Orban and Wheatstone audio processors.

Furthermore, the new update also provides broadcasters with a clearer picture into overall performance monitoring. Viewable on the FMHD-1 front panel or desktop/laptop/mobile devices over IP using Belar WizWin software, the software release delivers a series of dynamic graphics to better capture and communicate modulation activity. This includes short-term activity such as peak-versus-time performance, as well as historical data graphing that demonstrates performance trends over longer time periods. Overall, the new software release swaps out simple meters in favour of detailed, graphical information to help broadcasters better understand and maximise signal performance.

"This new software update will help broadcasters more easily identify and solve problems in both the analog FM and HD Radio chain, at once eliminating labor-intensive manual adjustments and enabling remote connectivity to monitor performance from any location," said Mark Grant, CEO, Belar Electronics.

The ADC software module costs $749 and is activated through a validation code. The activation fee is eliminated for monitors purchased after January 1, 2015 through the end of this year.

www.belar.com

(JP)