On January 6, 2010, the state of Alaska used its state relay system to initiate a test of the Emergency Alert System using an EAS code never before tested on a wide-scale basis – a legitimate EAN, or emergency action notification.  An EAN event would typically be authorized by the president and initiated by FEMA, and is the only event which substantially differs in use from other EAS event codes.  The EAN message propagates throughout the entire nation and its territories via the PEP (primary entry point) stations.  Each state would receive the EAN and propagate the message through their respective state warning systems.

This live EAN test was initiated primarily due to the confusion resulting from an IEMA test, which accidentally activated the EAS system in Illinois in 2007.  Data retrieved from this accidental activation shows  that the EAN activation, reserved for a nationwide alert, did not occur as expected by EAS engineers.  Some EAS encoder/decoders took their respective television stations off the air, while other encoder/decoders simply logged the event and did not respond to, or forward the EAN.  After much debate, FEMA decided to initiate a real-time live test of the system.  Alaska was chosen for the test because of its remote location and its proven ability to initiate legitimate and test-scenario Amber alerts and tsunami warnings.

The EAN test was initated at approximately 10:00 AM on January 6th, and lasted approximately 3 minutes and 20 seconds.  The duration of the message was deliberately designed to be longer than a standard EAS message because the length of an EAN is unlimited.  Therefore, the audio from an EAN is patched directly to the output of the EAS decoder and it plays live for the entire message duration.  Using forensic tracking methods, FEMA noted several incidents of EAS encoder/decoder misfires.  Some encoder/decoders attempted to replay the first two minutes of recorded audio to systems which had initially ignored the EAN because the EAS header message was improperly formatted, or was not formatted as expected.

A substantial amount of information was retrieved regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the national alerting system.  As a result of the Alaska EAN test, the FCC initiated a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on January 12, 2010.  This SFNPR is primarily derived from the Alaskan EAN test, and focuses on methodology necessary to improve the EAS system.

Cable Tec Expo; Denver CO, (Wednesday October 28, 2009), – Trilithic, the experts in digital Emergency Alert Systems is introducing a new digital component for integrated EAS messaging systems that enables MSOs to deliver emergency alert messages, graphics and logos directly on their EAS channel in either SD or HD-SDI, perfect for EAS channel and Logo branding.

The new Visionary™ HD/SD Overlay System works with Trilithic’s EASyPLUS™ EAS System to provide EAS messaging and logos for SD and HD-SDI video along with digital AES/EBU sound.

The Visionary Overlay System (digital character generator) accepts EAS alerts from the EASyPLUS and places them on your cable EAS “tune-to” channel. The Visionary introduces a brilliant EAS overlay in 32 bit color along with your company logo.

The Visionary system can also process non-EAS alerts and display them on your EAS channel as static or crawl text, images graphics. The Visionary lives on your network for complete remote setup and control.

The Visionary along with Trilithic’s full complement Emergency Alert System solutions will be available for demonstration at the Cable Tec Expo in Denver Co. October 28-29, 2009. For further information please visit us at www.trilithicEAS.com

Indianapolis, IN, (October 21, 2009), – Trilithic, a leader in broadband test and measurement solutions continues to offer new products to improve technical operations productivity and efficiency. Introducing the new 860 DSPr Remote Signal Analyzer which provides a timesaving alternative to driving to remote hub sites to log signal quality measurements. The 860 DSPr is a rack-mounted and browser accessible remote signal analyzer that is designed to provide continuous access to signal analysis at remote hubs or headends. The analyzer is connected to up to four different test points that need to be accessed via browser for analysis or routinely tested. The complete range of tests offered by the 860 DSP can be performed remotely, including Level, QAM (constellation, EQ, BER over time), Spectrum Analysis, Tilt, Scan, Hum, C/N, Depth of Modulation, FM Deviation, and optional VITS and VSB test modes.

The troubleshooting process can be significantly improved through remote monitoring and browser-based access to signal analysis. With an 860 DSPr in place, a tech can save a trip to an offending headend or hub site and simply use a browser for access to analysis to determine whether the problem requires a visit to the site.

Reporting for remote locations’ Trilithic Debuts Next Generation Signal Level Meter 2 signal quality can also be completely automated with the 860 DSPr. Using WorkBench Software techs can create automated macros to run a set of tests on the 860 DSPr and create a log of system levels and other parameters. Then one can easily create a comprehensive report of signal quality at the remote site without traveling to it.

The 860 DSPr along with Trilithic’s full complement Testing and measurement solutions will be available for demonstration at the Cable Tec Expo in Denver Co. October 28-29, 2009. For further information please visit us at www.trilithic.com

Indianapolis, IN, (Tuesday October 20, 2009), – Trilithic, a leader in broadband test and measurement solutions introduces the new 8310 RSA Return Sweep Analyzer as part of their comprehensive maintenance system. Working with an 860 DSPi in the field, the new SpeedSweep System speeds troubleshooting and maintenance with fast, high resolution return sweep analysis and identifies micro-reflections, and narrow suck-outs with sweep resolution up to 100 kHz.

The SpeedSweep system includes the 8300 FST, which generates a sweep stimulus for the downstream measurement; an 860 DSPi field analyzer with a sweep option FS-1, which receives the forward sweep and with SR-1 option transmits reverse sweep signals for upstream measurements; and the 8310 RSA, which receives the upstream sweep signal generated by the 860 and relays the measurement results back to the 860.

SpeedSweep System

The 8300 FST is an essential part of the system for comprehensive sweep capability in the 860 field analyzer family. The instrument is rack-mounted in the head-end and generates a sweep that steps around system carriers to avoid interference, filling in vacant spectrum areas for a complete view of the network frequency response. An 860 DSPi (with option FS-1) receives the sweep and – based on the measured sweep and system carrier levels – plots the frequency response. This response is compared to a stored reference to provide a difference display. With the goal of the network design being unity gain from amplifier output to amplifier output, the ideal response will be as flat as possible. The sweep test provides a measure of the RF transmission characteristics of the network between the transmitter and the receiver, and is used as a day-to-day maintenance tool for the RF portion of the HFC network.

The 8310 RSA continuously monitors the return path spectrum for sweep signals from 860 DSPi units in the field. The 8310 RSA measures return sweep signals and relays the received level information back to the 860 DSPi field analyzer that is generating them. The system provides an extremely fast high resolution sweep display, even with multiple users sweeping the return band.

The Trilithic SpeedSweep system provides sweep functionality with a minimal capital investment, putting the sweep troubleshooting/maintenance tool into the hands of more field technicians, and improving their ability to find problems quickly – in many cases before subscribers are affected. This leads to improved system reliability and shorter repair times.

The 8310 RSA along with Trilithic’s full complement Testing and measurement solutions will be available for demonstration at the Cable Tec Expo in Denver Co. October 28-29, 2009. For further information please visit us at www.trilithic.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 2, 2009) – INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Tuesday September 8, 2009) – XFTP by Trilithic, a leader in broadband test and measurement solutions for cable, satellite and home networking, is proud to announce they have released a new Signal Level Meter for basic cable installation needs. The new TR-3 features a 46 MHz -1 GHz frequency Range, selection from complete channel plan or six favorite channels, automatic tilt calculation and analog or digital power readings.

The TR-3 comes equipped with the standard NCTA channel plan and includes a protective rubber bumper, carrying strap, charger, user’s manual, a spare F-type connector, and a one year warranty.

The TR-3 is now available. See our list of Distributors online at www.FieldTechProducts.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 2, 2009) – XFTP by Trilithic, a leader in broadband test and measurement solutions for cable, satellite and home networking, is proud to announce they have released a handy pocket Oscillator to the XProTec line of installation tools. The new dual frequency XProTec Oscillator is used as a signal generator to test the performance of the CATV upstream band. By generating stable and accurate signals over the return band with two upstream frequencies, installers can quickly determine system integrity during installation

The XProTec Oscillator features replaceable female F Connectors and comes equipped with standard replaceable batteries. With adjustable output levels from 10 to 50 dBmV in 5 dBmV steps, and battery life of up to 60 hours, this is one tool installers will depend on for cable installations.

The XProTecTM line from XFTP is a comprehensive lineup of professional- grade technical tools. These full-featured, field-proven, and easy-to-use tools meet the highest quality standards in the industry, and feature the dependability you expect for complete installation solutions.

The XProTec Ocsillator is now available. See our list of Distributors online at www.FieldTechProducts.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 3, 2009) – Anticipating increased demand for clean energy parts and systems, Trilithic has launched an initiative to retool and expand production of clean energy products.

The most recent evidence of the company’s commitment to green engineering is a product redesign of the Seeker MCA, a component of Trilithic’s automated leakage management system. Now marked with Trilithic’s new “green engineering” logo, the product has been equipped with energy-saving components that include rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Offering one of the best energy-to-weight ratios, no memory effect and a slow loss of charge, the batteries contain no metallic lithium, consume less energy and operate at exceptionally high efficiency.

Similar efficiencies have been used with success in other Trilithic products. Technicians using the 860 DSPi digital installation analyzers have noted for years the exceptional long life of the batteries that need to be charged on average just once a week. Of all the efficiencies built into the 860 DSPi, the ability to operate the instruments in the field for longer periods of time on a single charge, with the back light and without intrusive battery-saving methods was a key design feature.

“Investment in clean energy components is both an economic and environmental imperative,” noted Trilithic Product Manager Thomas Powell. “While the U.S. hasn’t issued aggressive mandates for electronic waste, we’re anticipating new legislation in the near future.”

Operating well above the industry curve in the United States, Trilithic has initiated compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). Adopted in July 2006 by the European Union, the directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment.

The company also has established standards to meet recycling and recovery mandates for electrical goods as established by European law in February 2003 in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE).

Trilithic’s corporate wide commitment to green engineering is driving production of environmentally friendly products and components that use nontoxic materials in manufacturing processes, and address environmental issues through the design and production of green engineering practices—like the company’s Leakage Analysis Workshop (LAW) software. Equipped with features that make FCC CLI ride outs more efficient, LAW’s workforce automation and other timesaving features reduce both man-hours and gasoline consumption.

Committed to making green engineering a corporate mandate, Trilithic is currently developing standards and processes to improve the efficiency of all its test equipment.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Thursday, August 31, 2009) – Trilithic is pleased to announce the introduction and immediate availability of a new WiFi option for the continuously evolving 860 DSPi Field Analyzer. The option includes a built-in WiFi (802.11 b/g) adapter, and test modes include a survey, that provides a list of access points within the range of the meter, along with field strength, status of security and SSID, channel and type, and MAC address. Additionally, the adapter can be used to connect to any authorized access point for communication of measurement data, meter configuration, or access to internet web sites for work order close-out or other productivity improving functions.

This feature is especially attractive to cable systems that are deploying WiFi services, but is also useful for verifying wireless router access throughout customers’ homes.

The new WiFi Option is just another in a long line of technological adaptations for the 860 DSPi, proving the instrument’s continued relevance, long life, and low cost of ownership. The WiFi Option can be added to any previously shipped 860 DSPi. As this is a hardware upgrade, units in the field will need to either be returned to the factory, or scheduled for onsite installation. Contact your local rep for more information or visit www.trilithic.com.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Thursday, August 31, 2009) – XFTP by Trilithic, a leader in broadband test and measurement solutions for cable, satellite and home networking, is proud to announce they have released two new Cable Mappers to the XProTec line of installation tools. The new XProTec™ 20- way Cable Mapper and XProTec™ 8-way Cable Mapper are designed to quickly map speaker, coaxial, or security/alarm cables. These Cable Mappers offer an installer a quick and accurate way to identify inaccessible installed cables or multiple cables in a bundle.

Simply install one of the terminators to the ends of the cable runs or wall plates and connect the opposite end of the cable to the coax jack on the Cable Mapper. The results display the unique number of the terminator attached to the other end. Coax cables can also be identified by attaching the coax alligator clip adapter to the coax jack on the Mapper. For unterminated cable, the installer can use the contacts for a quick easy read.

The 8-way Cable Mapper also features a built in toner for sending a tone signal on a coax cable, while the 20-way Cable Mapper features Short Circuit and Voltage Detection and Warnings. Both units come equipped with Alligator Clips and F-connector contacts.

The XProTec™ line from XFTP is a comprehensive lineup of professional-grade technical tools. These full-featured, field-proven, and easy-to-use tools meet the highest quality standards in the industry, and feature the dependability you expect for complete installation solutions.

The XProTec 20-way Cable Mapper is now available. See our list of Distributors online at www.FieldTechProducts.com

Let’s take a look at how EAS works to start.  EAS messages are distributed with FIPS codes.  FIPS codes are like zipcodes, but are assigned to the entire county (in most instances).  For instance, a TOR may be issued for FIPS code 018097, which is Marion county Indiana.  The actual header would look like this: ZCZC-EAS-TOR-018097+0200-1191513-NWS.  Notice the single FIPS code, 018097.  There is a possibility to transmit as many as 31 county FIPS code in an EAS message, but no more.  There are 50 states (plus Wash., D.C.) and many other territories and special FIPS codes totaling 75 unique state codes.  A state code looks like this: 018000, representing all counties within the state of Indiana.  If an EAN (Emergency Action Notification) was activated by the President of the U.S., exactly how would the current Emergency Alert System handle distributing this event to all EAS systems in the daisy-chain distribution system?

Anyone want to venture to guess how the EAS system will work, in practical terms?