This update brings significant improvements in security measures and introduces new features designed to refine the visual presentation of alert videos. Broadcasters are set to benefit from an enhanced user experience and a more secure system architecture. These updates underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering a leading-edge, adaptable emergency messaging platform.

Interface and Display Improvements

Key updates include the introduction of a “safe-title” area and the expansion of available font sizes, aiming to enhance the legibility of alert messages on DASDEC-III models equipped with HDMI outputs. Responding to customer feedback, the update also provides an option to maintain a General Purpose Output (GPO) in a closed state not only during the alert’s playtime but for its entire effective duration. This feature is particularly beneficial for long-duration alerts, such as tornado warnings, ensuring that GPOs remain closed throughout the entire event period.

Enhancements for Canadian Broadcasters

For Canadian operators of DASDEC™ and One-Net™ systems, Version 5.3 introduces two significant enhancements. Firstly, it adds support for HTTPS connections to the National Alert Aggregation & Dissemination (NAAD) System of Canada, ahead of the June 2024 deadline after which HTTP connections will be phased out by Pelmorex. Secondly, it addresses challenges related to handling a large volume of geocodes in Canadian emergency alerts, facilitating the translation of SGC geocodes to the FIPS format. These updates are crucial for Canadian users to comply with new standards and improve alert message processing.

64-bit EMnet Support and Installation Details

Version 5.3 also extends full internal support for EMnet in a 64-bit software environment, beneficial for EMnet users in the U.S. and internationally. The software can be installed on DASDEC or One-Net devices featuring a 64-bit processor, compatible with units shipped since 2016. This upgrade is accessible via Digital Alert Systems’ secure field upgrade server.

Upgrade Availability and Costs

The update to Version 5.3 is complimentary for users currently operating on any software from the Version 5.0 series who have recently purchased a DASDEC unit, are part of the Software Assurance Plan, or have joined the UP•TRADE program since April 2022. Other users are advised to contact the factory for pricing details, ensuring they have their serial numbers ready.

Company Statement

Bill Robertson, the Vice President of Business Development at Digital Alert Systems, highlighted the importance of Version 5.3, stating, “This update reflects our commitment to continually integrating new features, addressing user feedback, and enhancing the software’s security and usability. By advancing the safe-title display boundary and updating operational features to align with national alert system modifications, we aim to support the public alert and warning systems effectively in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.”

News source: https://www.digitalalertsystems.com/