FAQ'S
What will an S-FTP receiver/server cost?
In short, nothing. The S-FTP receivers/servers are being provided at no charge to stations carrying Christian radio programming. However, should a station wish to purchase a back-up receiver, the cost is under $1,500.
Will the signal interfere with my Unity 4000?
Not at all. The two devices will work side-by-side without a problem.
Does this make my Unity 4000 obsolete?
No. The Unity 4000 will continue to be used by several full-time networks such as SkyLight, Moody, Salem and USA .
How do you “guarantee” delivery?
By using the S-FTP receiver's connection to the Internet to “report home” when there are missing pieces of the audio file (also known as “packets”). In that instance, those missing portions will be re-transmitted, via satellite or Internet, if so configured, until the file is complete. This return connection is not critical for the receiver to operate.
What programs will be available on the S-FTP box?
To start, all those currently heard on the Focus Satellite Network and Ambassador Inspirational Radio satellite network. We hope to expand the list to others who also wish to have high quality, addressable and guaranteed delivery of programming.
Will you send any types of files other than audio?
It is possible, yes. Since the S-FTP receiver/server is just an intelligent FTP host, it can store just about any type of file which may include: Promo packs, copy for on-air support, training videos, graphics for Web promotion, etc.
Will the current FTP sites go away?
Not likely, but we will certainly encourage you to use what will be your “in-house” FTP site. Since the S-FTP receiver/server will reside on your local area network, the transfer speed will be nearly 100 times faster than from remote FTP servers.
Why do I have to register?
This helps us determine who has what equipment, ensuring that we build sufficient number of receivers. It’s also an opportunity to verify we have the best contact information for you and/or the station.
How do I locate the serial number for my Unity4000 receiver?
Two ways:
1. The front panel of the receiver has an LCD display. If you have the current firmware, in that window you should see in the top right hand corner the letters SN, followed by 6 digits -that is your serial #. If for some reason, that is not the “default display”, simply press the SELECT and ENTER buttons on the front panel at the same time, for 2 seconds. That should bring it back to the serial# home page. If for some reason that doesn’t do it, try simply pressing the ENTER button.
2. In addition, there is a label on the underside of the receiver chassis, which says Wegener Communications. A 6 digit number is located directly beneath a barcode on that same label – that is your serial #.
On file naming, it appears that all the program files will have a date stamp. Is there a way to add a Day of the Week code on the file?
It would be helpful to have a way to save files by the day of the week. The interface utility we’ll supply will have the ability to rename the local file and extension to whatever is needed also can save the file as a day by using the %w wildcard (and then be overwritten every week) MO, TU, etc)
There's a concern on the varying audio levels that the different programmers send out. Is there maybe a way to include a normalize (compander) feature when converting them?
We’ve established a -6dBFS normalizing process for all of the contributing ministries and are hoping to make level checking a part of their automated contribution process.
How do I get a copy of the receiver manual?
Two ways:
1) You can browse to the support page on our website: http://www.amb-os.com/support.html or
2) There is also a pdf version of the manual on the receiver that can be accessed by browsing to your receiver’s IP address. Click on the graphic of the receiver near the middle of the page to download it. BTW..the version on the receiver itself is always the most recent manual available since we download it via satellite directly to your unit when it becomes available.
When will you stop transmitting programming via the Unity4000?
At the present time our intention is to terminate the legacy program feeds (using the Unity4000 receiver) over AA1, AA2, FN1, FN2, FN3, & FOF May 31st, 2008.
Other networks will continue to use the Unity4000 beyond this time without interruption.
How do I arrange for programs to appear on my receiver?
When new receivers first come online we’re permissioning them with a baseline set of programs from Focus On The Family so there will be continuing activity with which to experiment.
A list of programs that will be available when we’re fully ramped up is viewable on our website at
www.amb-os.com/broadcasts.html
Here’s a link to a partial listing of program and ministry descriptors to give you an idea of how the filenames appear: http://www.focussat.net/ambos/pgms.html
There’s also a discussion about file naming on our website at http://www.amb-os.com/new_new.html
We’re in the process of merging station lists from all of our ministry partners but until that’s complete, please email your list of desired programs to programs@amb-os.com and we’ll get them permissioned ASAP!
Once we're fully ramped up we'll only be sending you the correct version of the programs you need. There won't be a need for you to differentiate between the different versions as you'll only receive the right one.
