We have all been susceptible to what is known as the “duck quack” signals on the television that alert viewers of emergencies, warnings, and regional messages. These signals are part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in the United States which are currently undergoing an update by adding the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has chosen CAP as a universal format that is more modern and complete.
Broadcast stations are required to integrate this new protocol and be able to receive CAP messages via internet connection. These messages have the added capability of containing audio, video, and text over the current EAS.
The Compix ChannelBrander line was purpose-built for EAS. Our NewsScroll software, meant for branding purposes, comes standard on the system and is already EAS enabled.
CynerG2 systems also include NewsScroll, giving the user full capabilities of a dual channel system plus all the channel branding features. Anyone who currently owns NewsScroll has the EAS functionality on any system. No other purchase is necessary.*
Compix has been able to integrate with manufacturers like TFT, Sage, and DAS. Their equipment interprets the EAS message and sends it to the Compix system, where it pauses the on-air broadcasting graphics to display the emergency information. Set-up is a simple process; after hooking up the EAS equipment to the Compix system, change the serial port settings within NewsScroll and it’s ready. The new CAP format will not affect how our systems operate with these supported EAS equipment manufacturers.
Digital Alert Systems remains dedicated to the company's initial vision of being involved in emergency communications since 1990, continuing to create better ways to improve overall EAS operations, and enhancing forthcoming compliance changes like CAP and IPAWS by leveraging the best technologies with a network-centric approach and providing customers the best possible sales, service, and support.
For more information on Compix connectivity, please see the TV Plus section here.
The original Sage ENDEC led the way in ease of use, reliability, functionality, and meaningful features that allow broadcasters, cable operators, and public safety agencies to get alerts out to the public in a rapid and predictable manner. Their mission is to bring their years of experience to the new CAP compliant FCC EAS requirements through the Sage Digital ENDEC.
For more information on Compix connectivity, please click here.
TFT, Inc., was established in 1970. Their first product was for television broadcast and is still manufactured today, yet they have expanded to include radio broadcast, cable, and wireless equipment as well. Today they manufacture monitoring, STL (studio-transmitter-link), and EAS (Emergency Alert System) products for professional broadcast, emergency management, industrial and consumer applications.
For more information on Compix connectivity, please look at our tutorial.
*No other purchase is necessary for EAS functionality with a Compix system. For the Compix system to receive EAS information, purchase of appropriate EAS equipment from one of the EAS equipment manufacturers listed here is necessary.