Traffic Systems

[Brilliant_Marconi]

I'm not sure if the engineering section is the most appropriate section to post this question, but engineering often oversees IT and is involved in all aspects for the facility. Yes, a long opening sentence. Our group is beginning the process of shopping for a new traffic/billing software vendor. Our on-air platform is B.E's AudioVault. I would appreciate suggestions on who to demo/evaluate and who's not worth the time to demo/evaluate. Thanks very much in advance.

 

[kruxman]

Have you asked Audiovault what they recommend? Since the traffic sytem ultimately has to mesh with the automation, I would see what they have to say about it. We use Natural Log, which was suggested by Google for our Maestro system. It's one of the more inexpensive programs yet seems to do a good job. I know it is compatible with many automation systems. I've heard good things about Virtual Traffic, but I think it may be pricey.

 

[joep]

I would appreciate suggestions on who to demo/evaluate and who's not worth the time to demo/evaluate. Thanks very much in advance.

I highly recommend Natural Log from Natural Software. It works with just about any automation system (including AudioVAULT) and they won't nickle and dime you for features and callsign changes. Plus, you can't beat the price.

http://www.nat-soft.com/

 

[OttoM]

Have you asked Audiovault what they recommend? Since the traffic sytem ultimately has to mesh with the automation, I would see what they have to say about it.

Actually, you should be asking the traffic vendors about interfacing & reconciliation with AudioVAULT. You may only get a list of compatible systems from BE and the level of compatibility can vary wildly.

If you can't/don't get the AudioVAULT compatibility you need, you might want to search to see if Rick Rowland and his Powerlink product is still being made. In the early days of PC automation systems stations bought Powerlink to close the reconciliation loop between virtually any traffic system and automation system.

 

[TomT]

Natural log is a good program and will handle multiple stations. However, it won't run over a network, or handle multiple terminals.

Depends on how your group handles traffic. Some stations have each AE enter their orders into the system as they get them--then you want a system that handles multiple terminals for order entry.

Other stations --realizing that sales folk are not detail oriented--require all the orders to go to traffic and they input the schedules into the system. Natural log (or two copies where you have two people entering skeds for different stations on two different computers) would work fine for this.

 

[joep]

However, it won't run over a network, or handle multiple terminals.

That's not true. There is a network version of Natural Log that does this just fine.

 

[bossbill]

Hmmm... we use Natural Log and have two users at two computers at the same time... one might be inputting orders, another building a log. We also have five stations on it. We build the logs, then access the automation and merge the logs. This is all happening across our network.

Natural Log has a few little quirks but has other great features. It is worth the prices, and the annual support is nominal. MediaTouch recommends it as well.

 

[stephend2]

one more for natural log, works great with wireready.. on another note, is anyone else in existence using wireready besides us?

 

[ChiefOperator]

And now let me add another vote for Natural Log. We use it with our iMediatouch system -- I think it's great. The price is good (you purchase, not lease). And the annual support contract is inexpensive as well.

Finally, I must give a major thumbs up to their tech support. They actually answer the phone and are knowledgeable about the product. I would purchase again.

 

[littlejohn]

Rick Rowland and Powerlink are live and well, and doing an excellent job of providing interfacing software. He relocated to the North Georgia mountains recently (suave move) so thre's Atlanta air service when travel is necessary. He's rolling out some interesting neew products as well. Have a look at http://www.power-link.com/

 

[ABQRADIO]

Here is another vote for Natural Log - we have used it since the DOS days, and the current windows version has all the features most stations will ever need, is completely stable, and interfaces with ANY automation easily. For those scheduling music, Natural Music works great! And, we echo the support statements above - support is competent and responsive. www.nat-soft.com

 

[kruxman]

We also use Natural Music and while it doesn't have all the features of Selector or Powergold, it's a good/inexpensive music scheduler.