Program Delay Manager II
Last updated
Last updated
Broadcasters have been using profanity delays for decades. The first schemes used analog tape loops and delayed programming by several seconds. Operators who heard something inappropriate switched the audio feed to real-time, stopping those last few seconds from getting to the transmitter (and presumably keeping listeners and government regulators happy).
Before the next program segment, the operator would play a jingle or promo to the transmitter, while the host talked into the tape delay. This would build up a fresh delay for the next obscenity.
Tape delays were soon replaced by trouble-free digital ones, and many of today’s units can slow down the input signal to build a delay without interrupting programming. Other features may include automatic playout of filler material, a ‘cough button’ to let hosts speak privately to a producer while delayed audio is on the air, and a smooth ramp back to real-time when desired.
PDM II combines the functions of the best delay units and builds upon the success of our original PDM with some unique and vital features.
Whenever an operator presses the Dump button, the content is recorded to two time-stamped audio files: one with the "before" audio of what took place in the studio, and one with the "after" audio as sent to the transmitter. There's never any question of what actually took place.
Our patented [1] PD-Alert system will then automatically send e-mails to your Program Director, Legal Department, or anyone else you designate. PD-Alerts are text summaries of each event, and can have the actual audio files attached. No separate computer or operator intervention is necessary.
The PD-Alert system is controlled by password-protected access from a computer on your network. Operators cannot change or bypass these alerts from the PDM II’s front panel.
Audio files are also stored in non-volatile memory inside Program Delay Manager. They can be retrieved, with password protection, from a connected computer.
PDM II stores hundreds of megabytes worth of audio files internally. It automatically purges the oldest ones, so it constantly maintains a secure record of the most recent dump events.
Glitch-free time manipulation.
Stereo processing with CD quality, even during time manipulation. It’s clean enough that you can use obscenity protection on live music programs and other events.
Easy operation from the front panel, wired remote, producer’s computer, or Axia console.
Total flexibility, as PDM II can build delays:
By seamlessly time-stretching live audio
By filling time with built-in audio playback of pre-recorded jingles or other filler material
Or, talent can pre-roll live material before a segment starts with a visual count-down showing when the delay will be filled.
Multiple Dump modes:
Eliminate objectionable material seamlessly, jumping to newer material in the buffer, and then automatically rebuilding the delay
Or use PDM II’s Overkill™ Dump mode, which plays back your custom “filler” material without affecting the delay.
PDM II can exit from delayed segments cleanly by subtly speeding up the end of a segment until it catches up with real-time, or by playing out the delayed audio at a normal tempo.
Flexible front-panel LCD dashboard with controls for time readout, audio level display, and quick parameter changes without a computer.
Delay of Program Associated Data [PAD] over IP, automatically matching the audio delay.
Delay of GPIO closures (both hardware and Livewire) to keep network cues in sync with the audio.
Complete, easy to use, password-protected configuration, and control from any web browser using PDM II's HTML5-based interface.
Flexible audio configuration I/O includes analog, AES3, Livewire+ and AES67.
Passive relay bypass for analog and AES3 I/O.
Flexible, powerful serial language for custom, bi-directional control, and status reports. Language can be supported by many automation systems and custom applications.
Redundant power (IEC and PoE)
Dual network interfaces to separate AoIP and administration networks
Silent, fanless design
CE marked
[1] US Patent 8,352,629 “Media Stream Capture, Modification, and Forwarding”, January 8, 2013.
