Chapter 7: Better Phones; Quality Sound

Broadcasting & Sound: Following The Action

Hundreds of radio stations are now using ISDN for the broadcast of sporting events, concerts, political conventions, and other newsworthy happenings. Just a few of the stations using ISDN are:

WGBH, Boston, one of the leading public radio stations in the nation. According to John Voci, operations director for radio, the station uses ISDN for live and taped spoken-word transmissions to National Public Radio, as well as to networks in Canada, Britain and Australia. "We're also initiating an international news program with the BBC," says Voci. "Hosts and commentators on both sides of the Atlantic will often be linked through ISDN connections."

ESPN Radio, which offers extensive pre-game and live coverage of major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, World Series and others. According to the network's operations manager, Bob Sagendorf, ISDN is used for live transmissions from many remote sites to ESPN studios in Bristol, CT - as well as for feeds of complete programs to ABC Radio in New York.

WSYR, the flagship station covering Syracuse University sports for a network of some 16 affiliates throughout New York. "In the past, our options were to use frequency extenders (to combine three standard phone lines for 5KHz audio signals) or microwave," said Conrad Trautmann, the station's chief engineer. "One option gave us poor quality," he said, "the second was expensive." ISDN has solved both problems.

At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, ISDN capabilities will be installed at every competitive site. While these preparations are focused on scoring, competitor accreditation and other data and security systems, ISDN will also make low-cost, high-quality sound channels available to virtually any broadcaster who needs them.