Broadcast Computer Automation with Alan Freeman - TWiRT Ep. 644

We've ALL used broadcast automation/playout systems, but have you met the BRAINS behind their designs and software? Today we're meeting Alan Freeman, author of several Radio and TV automation systems including Digital DJ, AXS, EZ DJ Pro, Virtual Cart Machine, and Voice Tracking on Scott Studios automation systems. Plus, Alan helped design audio and relay cards for PCs, making integration possible between these PC-based audio systems and hardware of the day. From controlling satellite-delivered music formats, to mega-CD-changers, to music on hard driver, Alan has written software and user interfaces for them.

Show notes:

Chris & Kirk like Alan’s Funk Logic rack panel - here’s the Funk Logic web store

[DeanKWilson]

An almost inexhaustible wellspring of knowledge rests in the mind of anyone who has been present from the beginning of any technological advancement. That statement certainly describes Alan Freeman, the guest on Episode 644 of the TWiRT Podcast.

Alan Freeman talked with hosts Kirk A. Harnack and Chris Tarr about the creation and development of radio automation systems. This Episode should prove extremely interesting to any broadcast engineer who enjoys learning how a particular technology has evolved through the years due to the excellent stewardship of those who championed the development of that technology.
 
This was a most informative and very entertaining Episode. Alan Freeman’s knowledge and interest in a wide range of subjects came through clearly during every minute of this Episode 644.

[MattS-On-Air]

I was an early user of Tim Valley's Audisk. I installed and used a few at stations in New England during the time Gentner owned it and later Jack and Larry Baley at DHK Group. Tim's code eventually became STORQ under a Windows platform and is still in use at a few stations I am involved with.

[kapitanzee]

have worked at Electric Works (The Management), Radiotraffic and Marketron. I remember Allen creating Digital DJ, Lawrence creating Digital DJ II, Cory Smith of Shiny Stone Digital creating AXS, Little Pete and Cory creating the Production system that went along with AXS. These four men are programming gods and I glad to say they are my friends; though, I have not talked to Lawrence in a while. Allen I first met at Radioshack when I was working at Radioshack Business Marketing; if I remember right, I sold a laptop out from under him. (LOL)!

[pony]

THAT automation....happened to be my friend Todd Edward's BASEMENT....which he has moved out west, and it is gone. You should have recognized the system because you had Todd on your show!