The MIP-921 receives both national and local messaging via two internal AM, FM or weather band radios. It also can receive emergency messages via its telephone modem. The MIP-921 incorporates the required EAS encoder and decoder. It responds to the National Weather Service’s digital SAME protocol as well as the mandated EAS digital format.
Multiple inputs from the two internal radios, a telephone interface, and inputs for external radios exceed the FCC’s requirements for a minimum of two alerting sources, allowing flexibility to handle additional alerting sources including local government agencies which may be dictated by franchise requirements.
The MIP-921 is capable of completely automatic operation. Events selected by system management in advance activate the MIP-921. These events include national warnings, weekly and monthly tests and those emergency events deemed important by system management. Logging is done by the on-board printer or external customer supplied printer. The audio portion of the message is stored and played back by the internal digital voice storage module. A separate “Tune To” voice storage module is standard.
The MIP-921 immediately and automatically passes information to a character generator (to override video signals) and to each modulator’s I.F. interface (or combining network) to override audio signals on all channels carried by the cable system. The system is also capable of manual operation. All functions are password protected.
The Application
Provides audio and video information on all channels on the cable system. Text appears full screen to satisfy requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, deaf subscribers are alerted by the video information on every channel; the blind are alerted by audio on every channel.
The Equipment
The EAS encoder/decoder drives a character generator that feeds a Baseband switch controller. The controller in turn sends a control signal to operate the audio and switches, as well as sending the emergency audio and video to the switches. All events are logged on either the MIP-921's on-board printer, or a customer-supplied external printer.
The Activation Process
When an emergency or test message is received, the MIP-921 sends the data to the character generator. The CG then sends the video to the Baseband controller. The MIP-921 sends the audio and control directly to the Baseband controller. The Baseband controller activates the audio and video switches, replacing the program audio and video with the emergency audio and video. Once the End of Message code is received, normal audio and video is resumed.
The Advantage
Operators of cable systems who don't have IF loops and/or switches installed in their modulators, may find this option cost effective.