Post by scannerman5555 on Dec 26, 2004 20:48:20 GMT -5
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
] Press Release: Santa's new radio system
Date : Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:39:05 EST
December 24, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Claus to install new digital radio network in 2005
On the Eve of Santa Claus' biggest day, the North Pole-based operation
announced today their intention to replace their 25-year old analog radio
system to a new digital system. "We've been considering this for quite a
while now," said spokeself George Clarence. "In addition to our
large
plant operation, we also have the need to coordinate with federal, state,
and local authorities on Christmas night as we make our 'deliveries'."
Right now, communicating with the North Pole headquarters and the myriad
of agencies requires several radios - an analog one for communicating
with headquarters and a digital radio for the various types of
communications systems they fly over. But due to precise weight balances
in the delivery system, the addition of any more radios would throw off
the whole delivery process.
"That amount of weight may seem insignificant but it would add days to
the delivery process," said George. "Having a digital radio system
at
headquarters would mean we would only need one radio for use at both
headquarters and in the air. And, removing the analog equipment we
currently have in the sleigh will in itself reduce weight by at least 100
pounds".
Local agencies were pleased with the announcement. "It means we don't
have to keep our old analog frequency anymore," said Gene Rosenberg,
communications coordinator for the beachfront community of Ocean Ridge,
Florida. "We basically held back from upgrading until Santa replaced his
system. Now that he'll be upgrading, we can do the same." The FCC was
also pleased. "Up until now we've held back in forcing every single
agency to move to digital," said FCC coordinator Robert Wyman. "Now
we
can tell them the last roadblock has been removed, and we'll get these
analog systems replaced in no time."
But not all were enthusiastic. "There are a multitude of systems that
will be forced to upgrade in order to be able communicate with Santa,"
said Larry Van Horn, editor of Monitoring Times magazine, a monthly
publication dedicated to radio monitoring. "And, the large number of
scanner radio hobbyists who live in analog areas now will be forced to
scrap their current scanners and buy digital ones. It's certainly for a
good cause but it will still have a major impact."
However, Santa's upgrade plan includes provisions for communities that
will be hardest hit. "We'll be making extra stops in those communities
and increasing our deliveries there," said spokeself George. "We
realize
the impact this will have but believe that we can more than make up for
it in good holiday cheer," something the children in those communities
will no doubt be glad to hear.
The task now is to determine which digital system to upgrade to.
"Whichever system Santa chooses will become the defacto standard,"
says
Jan Fine, a communications expert from South Florida. "He has enormous
power and influence, so when they choose the format, everyone will
follow." Currently there are at least 5 competing digital standards in
use, so the selection by Santa will narrow this down to just one. "Santa
and his elves know their stuff, so I know they'll be choosing the best
system available".
Radio manufacturers would not return calls for comments, which did not
surprise Brian Cathcart, a South Florida hobbyist and book publisher.
"None of them want to look like the bad guy. Since Santa knows whether
each of us has been bad or good, and since none of us want to be on his
'bad' list, they're all just sitting back and waiting to see what Santa
chooses." And being Santa, everyone trusts his judgement. "Who's
going
to stand out and say 'we know better than Santa that our system is better
than brand B's system'. They're just not going to take that risk."
And what happens to those companies who aren't chosen? Spokeself states
it plainly: "Santa will be extra good to them for many Christmas's to
follow."
] Press Release: Santa's new radio system
Date : Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:39:05 EST
December 24, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Claus to install new digital radio network in 2005
On the Eve of Santa Claus' biggest day, the North Pole-based operation
announced today their intention to replace their 25-year old analog radio
system to a new digital system. "We've been considering this for quite a
while now," said spokeself George Clarence. "In addition to our
large
plant operation, we also have the need to coordinate with federal, state,
and local authorities on Christmas night as we make our 'deliveries'."
Right now, communicating with the North Pole headquarters and the myriad
of agencies requires several radios - an analog one for communicating
with headquarters and a digital radio for the various types of
communications systems they fly over. But due to precise weight balances
in the delivery system, the addition of any more radios would throw off
the whole delivery process.
"That amount of weight may seem insignificant but it would add days to
the delivery process," said George. "Having a digital radio system
at
headquarters would mean we would only need one radio for use at both
headquarters and in the air. And, removing the analog equipment we
currently have in the sleigh will in itself reduce weight by at least 100
pounds".
Local agencies were pleased with the announcement. "It means we don't
have to keep our old analog frequency anymore," said Gene Rosenberg,
communications coordinator for the beachfront community of Ocean Ridge,
Florida. "We basically held back from upgrading until Santa replaced his
system. Now that he'll be upgrading, we can do the same." The FCC was
also pleased. "Up until now we've held back in forcing every single
agency to move to digital," said FCC coordinator Robert Wyman. "Now
we
can tell them the last roadblock has been removed, and we'll get these
analog systems replaced in no time."
But not all were enthusiastic. "There are a multitude of systems that
will be forced to upgrade in order to be able communicate with Santa,"
said Larry Van Horn, editor of Monitoring Times magazine, a monthly
publication dedicated to radio monitoring. "And, the large number of
scanner radio hobbyists who live in analog areas now will be forced to
scrap their current scanners and buy digital ones. It's certainly for a
good cause but it will still have a major impact."
However, Santa's upgrade plan includes provisions for communities that
will be hardest hit. "We'll be making extra stops in those communities
and increasing our deliveries there," said spokeself George. "We
realize
the impact this will have but believe that we can more than make up for
it in good holiday cheer," something the children in those communities
will no doubt be glad to hear.
The task now is to determine which digital system to upgrade to.
"Whichever system Santa chooses will become the defacto standard,"
says
Jan Fine, a communications expert from South Florida. "He has enormous
power and influence, so when they choose the format, everyone will
follow." Currently there are at least 5 competing digital standards in
use, so the selection by Santa will narrow this down to just one. "Santa
and his elves know their stuff, so I know they'll be choosing the best
system available".
Radio manufacturers would not return calls for comments, which did not
surprise Brian Cathcart, a South Florida hobbyist and book publisher.
"None of them want to look like the bad guy. Since Santa knows whether
each of us has been bad or good, and since none of us want to be on his
'bad' list, they're all just sitting back and waiting to see what Santa
chooses." And being Santa, everyone trusts his judgement. "Who's
going
to stand out and say 'we know better than Santa that our system is better
than brand B's system'. They're just not going to take that risk."
And what happens to those companies who aren't chosen? Spokeself states
it plainly: "Santa will be extra good to them for many Christmas's to
follow."