
The Web interface is how you configure the system, but also a great way access the audio library outside of the studio.
It’s also possible to build your own plugins and run them as widgets. You can load as many widgets into as many places as you like. The Workstation is a touchscreen-based user interface. There are four major components to the system: WideOrbit have traditionally build traffic software for radio & TV, and WideOrbit Automation for Radio is their adventure into the world of radio playout and automation software. WideOrbit Radio Automationįormerly Google Radio Automation, Scott’s Studios & SS32. Note: NexGen and Master Control are older software packages from RCS (used by the majority of Australian Commercial Radio Stations, I dare say), but they don’t really recommend installing these pieces of software for a new install as they are quiet old. If you are clever with Google, there is a RCS purchase order you can find on one of those PDF sharing websites. The unit-price isn’t too far from what you might expect to pay these days.
Price: If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. Close integration with their other products, such as GSelector and Aquira. Auto segue features, with full manual control too. Great support for networked programming (File & log sharing over WAN, remote voice tracking, “split” stations for local spot breaks). Built in recorders (automated and manual). Time stretching/squeezing to help hit time markers. Each workstation can act as a remote control for the real machines doing the actual audio playout. Full automation, live assist and manual modes. It does almost everything under the sun, and has a price tag to match. Zetta is the big new software package from RCS.
If you notice something I’m missing, please add it to the comments below. This list of features isn’t comprehensive, as I don’t have first hand experience with all of these systems. If you are selecting software for your radio station, ensure you put together a comprehensive list of functionality you require and also arrange demos for the key stakeholders (make sure you include content people, as well as technical). They vary wildly in price and features and it particularly hard to compare some as they are geared towards different segments of the market. Here are some of the more popular radio automation and playout software packages available today.
Most stations these days, even when running with a live announcer, will use an automation system to assist the announcer in playing and recording audio. Automation & Playout software is a core component of a radio station’s operations.