While reading the NYRMB, I noticed someone commenting on PPM codes getting through one's internet stream. That got me thinking. All of my encoders are inserted at transmitter sites, right before the on-air processor - meaning my internet audio streams are not getting PPM encoding. Even though I don't have the PPM encoder instruction manual in front of me at this moment, I could swear it made no mention of inserting this box early in your audio chain, so it affects your streaming computer. I guess I don't see a problem in correcting this situation, but I'm wondering how this PPM encoded material will affect my Telos Profiler audio, since after I reposition this PPM encoder, all of my record inputs will now receive PPM encoding - including the Telos Profiler. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm assuming (there's that horrible word) that if this is the correct way to hook up one's PPM encoder, that all digital T1 STL's wouldn't have a problem passing the encoded material through either. Does anyone want to raise any other engineering PPM issues while were at it?
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Arbitron PPM Encoder Hook Up
- Thread starter Brian Bowers
- Start date
OK, after a little thought, I'm not sure feeding the Telos Profiler PPM encoding will work, since a lot of this Profiler recorded material makes it's way back to the air as "Best of" shows. At that time, wouldn't it be PPM encoded twice, as it airs again? That won't work will it?
Brian Bowers said:
Unless your internet stream is 100% simulcasting your analog signal (no spots removed, substituted, etc.) you can not encode the stream with the same encoder as the analog and 100% simulcast HD1 signal. If there is anything but a 100% simulcast on the web, the stream must be separately encoded.
If the stream is different than the on air signal, then it must have a separate encoder. Leave the regular encoder where it is for the moment and call the tech support people at Arbitron who will explain encoding, what they mean by a "simulcast" and all the other details.
Brian Bowers said:
At http://www.arbitron.com/portable_people_meters/home.htm at the lower right there is a link about web stream encoding. You might find it useful before calling Arbitron.
Something I found interesting after setting these boxes up months ago was when I called Arbitron to test, they verified operation using our Music on Hold (MOH), which is fed from our off-air tuners. Crazy.
OK, talked to Arbitron. The simple answer is there are separate encoders for each (air & stream). Arbitron said never ever should your air encoder affect your stream. HD1 gets the same PPM encoding as your analog signal. HD2 and HD3 signals get their own separate encoding, as does a webstream of HD2 (G2) or HD3 (G3).
A
audiophile.
Guest
They say it is not audible, but if it works through MOH, it has to be audible...
audiophile. said:
I have only heard one person say they can hear it on occasion, but I believe that person is b.s.ing. It's totally inaudible.
There is a description of why at the Arbitron website.
I have four streams and four stations, each with main and backup encoders. Arbitron has QoS approved all of them. So far, no one has said they have heard anything out of the ordinary. So far, my monitors have all been steady green lights save the stream ones. They alarm two minutes into each stopset, cos the commercials are inserted at the streaming providers' location downstream from the encoders. If the people meters are as good as the monitors at reading the code, I feel a lot better about the whole idea. I kind of side with Bob Neil about the philosophy of the things, but technically they seem to work. I've still not got a good answer to the technique of clipping the meter on the dog's collar and turning on the radio however.
I've found a gent named Alex Zucker at Arbitron has all the answers you might need regarding the system, setting it up, and having them QoS certify it. I've a bank of phone couplers for remote IFB, we just fed them air signal from the stations and had Arbitron call them for the tests. They took the streams directly in Maryland.
And should you be interested in the guts of them (and what engineer isn't), a Little Bird told me you can pop the front off the thing and it doesn't break the seals on it. Then you can use a service mirror to observe what you can't see directly. If you don't have a pin spanner for the security screw on the front, a pair of needle nose pliers fit into the two holes fairly tightly.
We have the monitors hooked to the transmitter alarms. If they aren't encoding, you might as well noit be transmitting. You're not going to get any numbers.
I've found a gent named Alex Zucker at Arbitron has all the answers you might need regarding the system, setting it up, and having them QoS certify it. I've a bank of phone couplers for remote IFB, we just fed them air signal from the stations and had Arbitron call them for the tests. They took the streams directly in Maryland.
And should you be interested in the guts of them (and what engineer isn't), a Little Bird told me you can pop the front off the thing and it doesn't break the seals on it. Then you can use a service mirror to observe what you can't see directly. If you don't have a pin spanner for the security screw on the front, a pair of needle nose pliers fit into the two holes fairly tightly.
We have the monitors hooked to the transmitter alarms. If they aren't encoding, you might as well noit be transmitting. You're not going to get any numbers.
And what is the cost of the encoders? If you aren't encoding you have no listeners. Non Coms and small stations haven't been contacted.
If you're not in a rated by PPM market, the costis $0. Otherwise, that's an Arbitron Question. Give them a call. I didn't buy them, someone else makes those decisions in my store.
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