[NFCB] ContentDepot and Spring 2008 Daylight Savings Time

[Ginny Z. Berson]

March 4, 2008

To: All Stations and Program Distributors

From: NPR Distribution

Re: ContentDepot and Spring 2008 Daylight Saving Time

 

All ContentDepot headend systems are ready-to-go for a normal transition
to Daylight Saving Time at 0200ET Sunday, March 9th, 2008. Here are some
notes about the transition and what you need to do to prepare:

 

Each DST transition has two components: 

1. The time change in your local computers, and

2. Operational considerations 

 

DST and your local computers: 

The ContentDepot operates in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), an
absolute standard that does not adjust for DST or summer time. Likewise,
the ContentDepot delivers UTC data via Network Time Protocol (NTP) on
the satellite channels. Any time zone or DST offsets are applied at end
devices -- typically production computers or time-of-day displays synced
via NTP.

 

This actually makes your ContentDepot transition to DST very
straightforward: If your local computers have been updated with the
latest DST patches, they will automatically step forward at 0200 local
time on March 9th.

 

Operational considerations: 

The ContentDepot headend will transmit stream setup data and commands
for the 0300ET hour at the end of the 0100ET hour. We recommend you
review your station schedule for Sunday, March 9th, to verify your local
programming flow from 01:59ET to 03:00ET.

 

This may seem confusing but it's actually straightforward: In the
ContentDepot, the 0200ET hour on Sunday, March 9th, does not exist and
will not execute. The system will operationally step from 01:59:59ET to
03:00:00ET.

 

The only operational function in your ContentDepot storage receivers
affected by DST offset is the automated deletion of files based on their
kill dates. The SFX receivers still operate under the "old" DST
transition dates, but deleting files an hour later for three weeks won't
make any difference in local operation. Displays and log entries will be
incorrect for three weeks, but that's easily remedied, if desired, by
hand-setting the time zone an hour 'ahead' at a convenient time.

 

There is no operational effect of any DST change in your stream decoders
-- they always function and display in UTC. 

 

What do you need to do? The most important action you can take is make
sure that your local production systems (including time-of-day displays)
have the latest updates so that they'll properly step ahead on March
9th.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the PRSS
Help Desk at prsshelp at npr.org or call 800.971.7677.

 

 

 

Ginny Z. Berson

Vice President and Director of Federation Services

National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB)

510 451-8200 ext. 305

1970 Broadway, Suite 1000

Oakland, CA 94612

www.nfcb.org

 

Have you registered yet for the 33rd Annual Community Radio
Conference--March 26-29 in Atlanta?
http://www.nfcb.org/conference/communityradioconference.jsp