Best radio automation program for professional radio stations?

[GuitarEasley]

I am curious what is currently being considered the 'top of the line' radio automation programs for a professional radio station.

Thanks,

Guitareasley

[murph16]

I know of one. Worked on-air with it. Supposed to be the "top of the line".

"Prophet" software by a company called NexGen.
Runs on Windows NT..Saw it in action at seven stations at once, all in one building, all linked together with a shared music database. Pretty amazing.

That was six months ago...I'm sure there's some hot new kid on the block by now! Haven't heard any details, though.

[GuitarEasley]

Thanks for the info buddy!

Sincerely,

GuitarEasley [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Qburn]

Our station is currently taking bids on systems. Among the ones we're looking at are Scott Studios, Enco, Audio Vault and Dallette(sp?).

For us, it really depends on what we want the system to DO. Some of the sexier systems may not address specific issues we have.

[shaggy]

AKG's Orban & others....

(interesting article)
http://industryclick.com/magazineart...icleid=115041& siteid=15

[joestudio]

Clear Channel uses "prophet" on their stations. It's not a very good system, the sound is barely better than mp3's, and it frequently freezes for no real reason. Eventually CC will buy your station, and you'll get to learn it, too.

[murph16]

Might I add that Clear Channel OWNS Prophet as well, as far as I know. And yes, the above post is true...it sounds like crap (adds 5:1 compression to EVERYTHING in it, but hey, it's only radio, right?) and it breaks down alot! Still amazing that it works.
AudioVault (I forgot about that one) is pretty strong too. Has been for a while! When I used AV, it wasn't for 100% automation. We were playing the music...AudioVault was playing the spots and sweepers. Probably could handle all the music if you have enough terrabytes of storage. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Dan Clark]

Prophet was created by non-DJs. The user interface is weak. It's sorely lacking in many features needed by DJs, especially morning shows.

I've never worked with any other, but I can't imagine they're any better. Think about it...you're doing everything with one knob...the mouse. It's like driving a car with one pedal that intermittantly acts as the brake, clutch and gas.

[shaggy]

Now Clear Channel can own everything.

Newspapers. TV Stations. Even Avid (ooh, that's scary)

[Qburn]

A bit OT, but there are so few radio threads on this board....

We approached Digi about developing radio automation software when we got our PTIII system years ago. The automation systems out there were not compatible with SDII files & real time TDM, and developing a system would create a further inroad to the broadcast market.

Sadly, Digi confirmed to us that their target market was not broadcast.

I LOVE my PT, our vendor has saved our rear ends a couple of times, & Digi customer service, sales & marketing have been tops. But I see the day when cheaper software running the same plugs & providing similar DAW functionality will be preferred over PT in radio. For stations not already invested in PT, maybe that day is here.