Station Automation Basics

Is an automation system required for ContentDepot^®?
To use programs delivered as files, you must have some form of hard-disk based playout system. Automatic playback is not required, but it is recommended.

Did the PRSS provide an automation system?
Most stations that had an automation system were able to interface that system to the ContentDepot. We worked with the most commonly used automation manufacturers to develop these interfaces. A current list of these vendors is available.

Stations that did not have an automation system or that had a non-compliant system received a basic automation system manufactured by ENCO Systems, Inc., as part of the ContentDepot rollout.

What is the basic automation system?
The ENCO basic automation hardware consists of a one-rack unit Pentium 4 based workstation with an 80GB hard drive, CD-ROM and 256mb of RAM running Windows 2000. The sound card is a professional DSP card from AudioScience that has a single balanced analog input and two balanced analog outputs. The system also includes fanout cables that terminate in XLR connectors and a 15" SVGA monitor.

The provided software consists of a selection of modules from ENCO's DADpro32 system. These include 1) the Library module, which allows access to the database of audio cuts, 2) the Playback module that provides the ability to construct and play a playlist, or automated sequence of cuts, 3) the Editor, a two-track editor that enables audio cuts imported from ContentDepot to be trimmed and/or edited and 4) DepotMonitor, an application that transfers the audio files from ContentDepot and prepares them for airing.

ENCO Systems also provided one-year of non-emergency phone support from 8am-9pm ET and emergency phone technical support 24 hours a day. The unit was covered by the one-year ENCO hardware warranty as well.

Can the basic automation system be modified?
Basic automation is designed to allow stations to import and automate file-based ContentDepot material. It does not provide the ability to record audio or control the live stream-based ContentDepot audio, nor does it provide contact closures for console or external equipment control. Basic Automation can be expanded to perform any or all of these tasks by purchasing the enhancements directly from ENCO Systems. NPR Distribution has negotiated special discounted pricing for these enhancements on behalf of public radio stations.

How can I get more information about my automation system?
The best thing to do is to contact your favorite technical person at your automation system vendor.

Is NPR Distribution sharing my automation system information with other automation vendors?
NPR Distribution is not sharing the list of stations that have self-identified as having a product with any other vendor. However, we cannot prevent any automation vendors from marketing their services.

More detailed information about the automation interface specifications is available.