ENCO Brings Vision for AI and the Cloud for Radio to IBC

Radio broadcasters will learn how WebDAD and ENCO-GPT can enhance production workflows in exciting new ways

‍Novi, MI, September 11, 2023 – ENCO has placed a stronger emphasis on technology development for the future of radio broadcasting and production as the company heads to Amsterdam for IBC next week. The broadcast automation pioneer will introduce its ENCO-GPT AI solution for ad copy generation to international audiences following a successful NAB launch and will showcase its now-shipping WebDAD 3.0 for remote broadcast and production in the cloud. ENCO exhibits at Stand 8.C73.

“ENCO has been focused on streamlining operations for broadcasters,” said Ken Frommert, President of ENCO. “In 2023, that means taking advantage of how on-premises systems can merge with the cloud to manage operations from anywhere and embracing AI toolsets in ways that intelligently enhance workflows and accelerate content to air. AI and the cloud will be the two most prominent topics on the exhibit floor, and ENCO has proven solutions in both areas that can help broadcasters thrive in a changing business environment.”

WebDAD 3.0

Now shipping, WebDAD 3.0 is ENCO’s browser-based, remote radio automation control interface. A completely revamped architecture, designed to improve the user experience while laying the foundation for future functionality, was unveiled at NAB and will be shown to IBC audiences for the first time.

WebDAD 3.0 lets users remotely manage and control studio-based ENCO DAD radio automation systems from anywhere with an internet connection. Supporting remote access for everything from uploading content and modifying playlists to voice tracking, WebDAD 3.0 lets users efficiently manage their operations and keep their station on-air even when personnel can’t be physically in the studio.

New for IBC, ENCO has made control of the automation system the focus. The latest version of WebDAD offers bidirectional control of playback machines and array panels with improved progression tracking to control playout of on-air content. ENCO has also added a new library editor and FastTRAK one-button voice tracking for simplifying remote talent tasks.

The most visible WebDAD 3.0 change is the modernized redesign of its browser-based user interface for more intuitive operation and to streamline workflows for key features. Security is bolstered with more granular control over user permissions, while support for third-party accessibility assistance tools improves usability for people with impairments or disabilities.

ENCO-GPT

ENCO’s two new AI innovations, AITrack and ENCO-GPT, leverage generative AI models to generate audio content and automate voice tracking and commercial creation for TV and radio workflows. The latest ENCO-GPT solution, powered by AI, creates spec spots and commercials on demand to greatly simplify radio production.

ENCO-GPT shines by helping users to instantly create ad and promotion copy on behalf of sponsors, alleviating the time, energy, and costs spent with traditional methods. An intuitively designed web interface allows users to run ENCO-GPT from anywhere with an internet connection, including mobile browsers.

The workflow is simple: The user first answers a few questions to generate copy for a 15, 30 or 60-second ad. A text window presents the copy, which users can manually edit or re-generate. Next, the user selects the most appropriate voice from several male or female voice options available. ENCO-GPT then allows the user to add the right music bed for the spot before downloading the final down-mixed audio file.

“It’s really that simple,” said Frommert. “Spec ads can be downloaded from ENCO-GPT and sent to the client almost immediately. The user interface is simple enough for users of any skill level to learn quickly, with intuitive prompts that guide users through the process. It is quick to deploy and very affordable, so the return on investment is almost immediate.”

Visitors to the ENCO booth can quickly step through the ENCO-GPT workflow and see a demonstration of using WebDAD 3.0 for cloud-based production. IBC takes place September 15-18 at Amsterdam RAI.