Computer System Report                                        27 Jan 99

The addition of another computer (K2-300) and a cable modem, we have been 
able to establish a small computer network, comprising a computer (P166) 
in each studio, and the third in the basement.   All have Internet access 
and can share files.  This latest effort builds upon the work Bryan 
Oliver undertook a year ago to provide digital audio editing in Studio B 
(Production).  

The current infrastructure is being setup to provide tools  for on air & 
production operations, studio training, programme research, and 
administrative functions. 

Planned and already implemented functions include; 

- self-service point and click web pages to provide; 
    * technical orientation support as to equipment usage (e.g. how to 
      cue a record), 
    * using the computer as an audio production tool
    * a general background on Trent Radio facilities, and Industry 
      Canada, CRTC and other legislation and regulations affecting Trent 
      Radio. 
    * access to the Web for programme research 
  
- an On-Air tools section which provides;
    * music sheets to be entered on the computer to a database. Companion 
      help pages will accompany the programme, explaining how to make 
      data entries and terms. (e.g. What is a Hit?) 

      The data will be processed to provide an accounting of music aired 
      pursuant to Trent Radio's "promise of performance" with the CRTC, 
      and to provide a publicly accessible catalogue of selections aired.  
      Record companies will be directed to find their own tracking info, 
      rather than contacting the Music Archivist, Jean Reno. 

    * access to local audio playback of promos, PSAs, sponsorships, and 
      other programme elements (radio art &c), and any audio source 
      available on the Web. 

    * surveillance information such as weather, news and local event 
      information 
    
    * instant searches of the Trent Radio archives from the studio 
    
    * a message group for us to discuss problems and suggestions with the 
      computer systems 

- a Production tools section providing audio software and links to Web 
  content 

Where we're going:

- continuing to ease computer operations for programmers - Bryan Oliver 
  is writing new software for this at present. 

- the addition of Programme Sponsorship Logs.
      
- developing methods to better analyse the data we're collecting to 
  produce and present reports to to\hose who need them.

- archiving our own audio to mp3 form for future airing (Drama Series,  
  Spoken Word, in house music productions &c) 

- continuing to add to the self-service web site...

- training programmers and operators in the use of the computers.

- to find new ways to use the present technology we have to help 
  programmers to produce better programmes and great productions! 

In the coming months, it is hoped more up-to-date computers can be found
to add more access and functions.  Our accounting and LOGS software will
stop working in the next fiscal year.  To this end an assessment needs to
be made of the Cataloguing, Archive, PD and GM systems. 
  
Thanks everyone, and I hope I can answer any questions you may have. 

Sean Daniels
Network Support Specialist
CANCABLE
pager (705) 750-2848
sean@cancable.com <mailto:sean@cancable.com>