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Advice for replacement of an RDS Phantom System

D

didache

Our RDS Phantom system went down this week on our AM. It ran a syndicated satellite feed and since our engineer couldn't come up with a fix, our GM wants to go ahead and replace it with an upgraded system. We were considering going with Wide Orbit since we are running SS32 on our FM and thought they would be similar and easier for our staff to learn and use. My questions are:

Is Wide Orbit still pretty close to SS32 functionally, and can it still be programmed with natural logs and RCS Selector?

Would Wide Orbit or similar systems be overkill for a system that pretty much takes care of itself?

Are there systems better suited for limited interaction? (meaning, mainly running satellite with limited use during the week)

Chances are the role of the AM is not going to change any time soon, but I like to be prepared in case something does change. Suggestions will be much appreciated, thanks.
 
simian would easily do what you need.Give them a call,may cut you a deal on the software.If you decide to spend more contact RDS, Nexgen would work fine,but may be overkill for your application.
 
Or, if you'd like to bring both of your stations under one platform, that will give you the same ease of use as SS32 on your FM and the easiest satellite automation available, you might check with BSI about OpX.
 
I would think that with a little looking, you could find a nice used SS32 system for sale from somebody that has upgraded. Then they would both be on the same system and it wouldn't cost you a fortune.
 
Or if you don't mind doing a bit of work, Rivendell is really ready for prime time. Free, too. But you may not have the time to do the set-up work.
 
I would put in another vote for BSI's Simien. I have installed three systems and about to install another one in March. Two of them on satellite fed stations and two of them on a mixed use. Very easy to operate and maintain. They also use Natural Log (and Natural Music).
www.bsiusa.com
 
I'm now a huge fan of mAirList, a German system. It is feature rich, modular, and designable to meet your needs. Less expensive than BSI and rock-solid stable. Truthfully, I think it's under-priced. But one thing I can't tell you is how well it would interface with satellite delivery.

One of it's features is a completely customized GUI. Using check boxes, you determine which features you want and then drag the elements into place. It can be customized further using 'skins' so that the GUI looks and functions like Dalet, iMediatouch, SS32, you name it.

It's a winner..
 
You will get a lot of opinions on automations systems around here. Everyone has their own criteria for using and recommending what they have so far. Obviously it would be best to get a system identical to what you already have, as that reduces the learning curve for the staff.

Do your homework... get as much info as possible on all the supported systems out there. Many of them will furnish demos - make sure the folks that will be interacting with the system on a daily basis are in the loop. Once you've gotten down to 3-4 choices, start getting quotes. Make sure they all know you are looking at more than one system - if they really want your business, they will tend to be more competitive with price.

Yes... I have a system that I prefer... I worked for the company several years ago. However... what I (and the other folks at my fulltime gig) prefer may not be the right system for you and your staff.

RFB

didache said:
Our RDS Phantom system went down this week on our AM. It ran a syndicated satellite feed and since our engineer couldn't come up with a fix, our GM wants to go ahead and replace it with an upgraded system. We were considering going with Wide Orbit since we are running SS32 on our FM and thought they would be similar and easier for our staff to learn and use. My questions are:

Is Wide Orbit still pretty close to SS32 functionally, and can it still be programmed with natural logs and RCS Selector?

Would Wide Orbit or similar systems be overkill for a system that pretty much takes care of itself?

Are there systems better suited for limited interaction? (meaning, mainly running satellite with limited use during the week)

Chances are the role of the AM is not going to change any time soon, but I like to be prepared in case something does change. Suggestions will be much appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
 
would you be kind enough to provide me a install disk for my RDS? Trying to repair mine and is the broken unit you have for sale for parts
 
I think the Wide Orbit stuff is quite a bit different that the SS is. I'd contact them and see if you can somehow add another SS license and associated hardware to the system. Otherwise, I'd look around for a decent used SS to add to your existing system, with the idea that at some point you're going to dump the whole thing and jump off to another less lame horse.
 
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