[BC] WideOrbit Automation

[JD Davis]

I have two automation systems in our group that I take care of. One is Wide
Orbit (build 39!)... The other is the former AirForce now Storq automation.
The most worry-free I have ever used is the Storq system. It JUST RUNS! It's
not as feature rich as some of the others, but it seems to be the most
reliable I've worked with or around. I've heard horror stories about
Prophet, NexGen and A/V and I have my own issues with Wide Orbit, but that
goes back to the Google days. It looked real good in Dallas back in 2007
when I went there to train on the new system, but in practice it's
frustrating as hell.

Just my .02...

JD

-----Original Message-----

 From: patrick roberts

The biggest problem I have with WideOrbit is customer no-support when they
feel like not bothering.  First off, they ran most of the good people off in
their support department.  Secondly, they aren't real good about quick
return phone calls.  They increased their tech support annual fees recently.
On New Years day they were CLOSED.  I had a simple question during the
daytime on a Scotts machine and they were CLOSED.  Lucky me.. I wasn't off
the air.  Friends at a large group here "upgraded" their Scotts system with
all new equipment and the new software version.  They hate it.  LOTS of
problems and no solutions from Scotts.

Do yourself a favor and don't walk, RUN from them.  If you have a choice in
the matter, try Prophet.  Someone there 24/7 to actually help with their
system.  I have a group using Player101.  Although
Player101 isn't nearly as good as Nexgen, their support people have
been excellent in helping me though some issues.   I've been able to
get help when I needed it and with a smile.

BE's AudioVault AV2 is a bit clunky but it's 100 percent solid.  If you're a
station that's automated most of the time or NPR like we are here, they are
an excellent choice.  Support goes from good to excellent, depending on who
you get in touch with at BE for AV stuff.

Good luck!

PR