[BC] Oh No another automation comparison question

[Glen Kippel]

A lot of this is going to be dependent on personal taste.  For instance, I
am not impressed with systems that try to duplicate a set of cart machines.
I say: if we're going to replicate obsolete hardware, why not make it more
interesting?  Put pictures of a bunch of Magnecord PT-6's on the screen and
have the reels go around when a spot plays.

There is also an information loop you can get caught up in, where you start
by deciding what you want the system to do, then you get info on a few
systems, which then lets you know about some features that you didn't even
know existed, you start thinking about how/if these features can/should be
utilized at your facility, you get more info, etc., etc., until you get
tired of it all, throw a few names in a hat and pick one.

Maybe you just want the system to handle stop sets, and the jocks play CD's
direct-to-air.  Maybe you want everything on the system, and the jock just
temporarily stops the playout to do the weather, a contest, etc., and
restarts the system where it left off.

Maybe you want voice-tracking (even remote voice-tracking), or a totally
unattended operation.  Are you doing satellite, or downloading features off
the bird?

All these criteria are important when deciding on a system.  Unfortunately,
there is no one-size-fits-all system that is "the best."  "Best" is the one
that does what you want it to do.

Having said that, it should be easy to use, stable, and have good customer
support.


On 9/13/06, Stan Holden <stanholden at verizon.net> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have a request from some longtime friends and clients asking about a
> comparison of automation systems.
>
> They operate BSI's Simian at one of their stations now, but are looking to
> replace their old AXS system and are needing some recommendations on whether
> they would want to expand it into multiple stations or they are thinking of
> going the NexGen route.
>
> I'm afraid I am totally out of touch as to the capabilities of todays
> systems and would like some opinions and recommendations on what is
> available.  These stations are not absolute cheapskates, but they don't have
> an unlimited budget to throw dollars away.    If I had to describe a
> criteria I would ask...if you had a reasonable budget what system would you
> install.  And what kind of learning curve would there be for this
> system.  The management has been very stable at this station, but I'm sure
> they have had their share of staff turnover, so how hard is it to teach new
> operators.
>
> Is that enough to chew on and spit out some thoughts?
>
> Stan Holden
>
> We are in the market to purchase an automation system so that both our
> stations will be uniform.  We have looked at 2 automation systems - Simian
> (BSI) which we have now on WDLW and NexGen (Prophet) which we haven't used
> in the past, but a couple of our employees have used at other stations.  The
> Simian system has 5 separate computers 2 On-Air computers, 2 production
> computers and a news computer.  The NexGen system uses a central
> server.  Can you give me your thoughts on these two systems, or you may even
> know of a system that is not expensive, but would work and is reliable.
>
> Stan Holden
> stan at broadcast.net
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