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Another boring automation software question?

H

H82BL8

I have done a topic search on the message boards in an attempt to answer my questions about automation software without any great success. I know I am kind of grasping at straws because I am really new at this and it has taken me some time to wrap my head around new terminologies, but I am really excited about everything I am learning and even more excited to get started.

I am leasing an operational radio station but I am looking for new automation software. As always cost is a major consideration. Plus, I am building a unique piece of scheduling software specifically for the needs of my company that needs to interface with the new software we choose. So, I need to choose the automation suite first and then build to it.

RI searches have introduced me to a variety of platforms: OtsAV, StationPlayList, ZaraRadio, SAM Broadcaster, Raduga, etc. The problem I am having is figuring out which suite, or piece of software offers the best combination of solutions for a small market station.

What we need to do (forgive me if I get this a little wrong):
Broadcast live 24/7
Possibly operate remotely
Play all genre
Streaming
Into pitch for each song
Minimal breaks: Top of the hour, 20 min past and 20 minutes before.
Schedule a playlist
Log plays
Potential for simulcast
Possiblly stream video

So far, OtsAV Radio looks like a reasonably priced solution. Am I way off base??? I am really good at research, just point me in the right direction. Any help is appreciated!!

H82BL8
 
Spend the money on Prophet if you can. Otherwise the other suggestions given here sound plausable. Also, you might look into a free program called JazlerShow! for just hitting jingles and bits, etc. It's a pretty neat soundboard program.
 
Rivendell is good, as long as you know Linux. There are support packages for it, I've heard nothing but good things.

I haven't used everything...so take it for what it's worth....for your situation you could probably easily use Prophet's NexGen buget system...their "101" pricing scheme. Prophet makes really good stuff.

I like Scott Studios, as well. Nothing else I've encountered comes close to the reliability, dependability, and ease of use. Good luck!
 
Thank you all so much! I was really expecting to hear, "Asked and answered, see this post..."

I looked at Rivendell at some extent and was impressed but don't know Linux and might have trouble finding good help that does.

RCS NexGen looks world class but might be out of my price range.

I have an email into RCS for more information about Player101, their website is kind of generic.

Thanks again!

H82BL8
 
i looked into most of the automation software also...

sams...is good has the request feature and the audio processor and is made in America

station playlist...is ok but you got to piece mill or build to get what you are wanting to do

otsavdj/broadcaster...is good has the audio processor but broadcaster has the better scheduling and logging (i have the broadcasting)

the next gen and scotts is what most stations are using and you do pay....

it really depends on your preference and your ability to learn how they work..

justs my 2cents worth...
 
From someone who has installed many of these who has heard the praises and criticism of both the jocks and station owners / managers (this is in a terrestrial station environment):

SAM Broadcaster - furthest thing from "real" broadcast automation. Too many little windows and little "toys" which make it more suited for a club dj instead of a broadcast facility. (For the record, I've used Spacial Audio's other software like Simplecast, which is a fabulous stream solution).

StationPlaylist - best bang for the "low-end" bucks as you can purchase the capacity/features you need in three different versions, although the majority of stations will opt for the "Pro" suite. Can be installed with minimal effort but spending a little time massaging it will give you an amazingly tight sound, whether live or VT'ed. I've seen this software keep stations on-the-air even when the PD programmed it incorrectly.

OTS - I know of two stations that have this - one ran for the hills and replaced it and the other is still using it. I'm not fond of the dual-deck interface. Interface is a little too busy.

NextGen - Probably the best of the upper-end low budget solutions but you'll pay over $1k for a package. Nice features, true broadcast automation look and feel and reliable.

Scott - I've heard people swear AT this stuff and I don't know if it's become any better with the Google buyout. The only thing I've heard positive is that it is somewhat better than BSI, which I consider a trainwreck.
 
Wow. Scott studios has been running here for 5 years, and I've only seen one on-air machine crash unexpectedly...that was after it hadn't been rebooted or turned off in a year. To me, works like a champ...and that's coming from me...I'm an unabashed fan of NexGen.
 
As others have said, I would definitely look at Rivendell. There is at least one company offering turn-key systems as well as paid support (below). Or you can find someone familiar with Linux to build the system for you. All the software is free.

www.paravelsystems.com

I too have heard many great things about StationPlaylist. And as someone else mentioned, look at JazlerShow! (free) to play your bites.

Good luck...
 
radiorob2.0 said:
BSI Simian is my new favorite automation system. It does what it is told and very affordable.
Click to expand...

I will second on Simian - a very nice, and very powerful program - although there is a bit of a learning curve to it.
 
i use Mastero from google, the tech guys here wanted me to go with others but after looking at the setup and cost i went with it. you get the computer and software and phone support for about 3200.00 us, you dont need to babysit it, just in the setup you need to have laid out just what you want it to do, after that just put in carts for breaks and go. i have been using it for a year and have been down one time! also hook the system up to the net and use go to my pc if you are running the station, i found this will save time head aches many.

if you would like to talk about it give me an email message with contact info.
 
Check out Digilink-Xtreme from Arrakis Systems. It's very solid and a great price of $100 a month. It includes everything, customer support, software updates, hardware, 16 channel switcher. I've been very happy with it and you can't beat the price for what you get. http://www.arrakis-systems.com/automation.html
 
StationPlaylist is the winner. I have used Smarts, Arrakis, and many others, and this is my favorite, support is excellent. Nexgen is good too but you will pay more. BTW I have used StationPlaylist on our site since 2004, and it has NEVER crashed or stopped (I have stopped it for windows updates). Listen to it in action on our site musiconradio.com.
 
Everybody keeps saying Station Playlist is good. I downloaded it, and tried using it..but I couldn't figure it out well enough. What about for people that have never used an automation system before?
 
First, in my opinion on Station Playlist ,I feel that it's is an "OK" piece of software for internet. I don't understand what makes it appealing. The GUI is boring, when it comes to fades, it is horrible.Of course it just my opinion!There are a lot of automation software options out there, as many of you know. And all, require some getting used to. But as far as I am concerned, Nexgen , or the scaled down version "Player101", beats Staion Playlist hands down! And yes it's true, Quality does not come cheap. So when I chose an automation play out system I Chose Player101.Bottom line you get what you pay for.
 
calavan888 said:
I don't understand what makes it appealing.
Click to expand...

But as far as I am concerned, Nexgen , or the scaled down version "Player101", beats Staion Playlist hands down!
Click to expand...

.. and costs a good deal more. StationPlaylist is simply the best value radio station automation and has a few features that some of the more expensive systems don't. It's been running here without a glitch for three years ... and the support is unbeatable. I seriously looked at Prophet's 101 offering (under its various names :)) and simply couldn't justify the cost premium for a fully automated/voicetracked station. Maybe it has the edge for live-assist, don't know.
 
Bottom line you get what you pay for
Click to expand...

Amen to that! I have used alot of systems and some, to be honest, really suck. I have found Prophet to be the best, hands down. I can go home on the weekends knowing when I come in on Monday, it will still be running. Can't say that about other systemss.

Like calavan888 said, quality does not come cheap.
 
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