[EAS] Single point entry of CAP messages

[Marlin Jackson]

One of the benefits of CAP is the text to audio converter built in to the CAP converter or EAS box with built in CAP. All stations get a first generation audio to broadcast. We are using CAP here in Washington State. We get clean and clear audio on each and every alert. The CAP originated alert is relayed across the state radio relay network 20 minutes later as a back up. There is a definite difference in the quality of audio. At one time we would kill some alerts because of poor audio quality. Since CAP we have shortened up our hold time and in many cases do an automatic instant forward.
 
My only negative for CAP is that now were getting RWT's from just about every county in the state.
 
I'm confident that if a disaster happens in Washington every radio and tv station will know about it at the same time and at their discretion forward it. No more waiting for the LP-1 to decide what they are going to do.
 

 
Marlin Jackson, CSTE
Assistant Chief Engineer
RF Systems
KXLY Broadcast Group
500 W Boone
Spokane, WA 99201
 
marlinj at kxly.com
509-329-4908
>>> "Bowen, Jonathan" <jBowen at rejoice.org> 5/18/2011 9:29 AM >>>

So I've been trying to keep up with all this stuff but from what I understand so far the entire thing sounds seems backwards. EAS works and has been in place for decades. I may be preaching to the choir but it seems CAP is a lot of complication on top of a system that just works... I understand the need for CAP to bridge the gap and send the messages over other channels. They can add content to the alert if they want but that doesn't affect broadcasters. What I don't get is why we all need CAP-EAS receivers. The only place a CAP-EAS converter should exist is at the EAS origination points. When the governor or emergency organization wants to send a message they send it over CAP and it is injected into the EAS chain just like we do now. No extra regulations, no extra hardware, and no hassle. I still don't see why I need a CAP-EAS converter.

I might be missing something but the entire things seems like a mess that will just cause problems for years to come.

Thank you

Jonathan Bowen

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