This web-based, enterprise-wide tool forms a single aggregation point through which multiple users can oversee the health and status of each EAS device, alert key personnel of critical changes, centralise configuration settings, manage software updates, and consolidate FCC-mandated test results for easier EAS Test Result System (ETRS) filings.

HALO combines operations and compliance in one configuration control, EAS log-reporting, and error/alarm-monitoring program — thereby providing unparalleled insight and control of a company's entire EAS infrastructure. By bringing together all EAS-related processes, HALO reduces complexity and duplicate efforts, which in turn reduces potential errors. More importantly, it decreases the time and resources spent on EAS-related matters, increasing efficiencies and making it easier to proactively address any potential compliance or subscriber issues.

Digital Alert Systems also previewed its new ATSC 3.0-oriented advanced emergency information module. It is an optional advanced emergency alerting (AEA) upgrade for the industry-leading DASDEC emergency messaging platform.

The EAS-Net AEA module will both aggregate content (messages, multimedia) from outside sources and generate a station's own messaging, all for transmission to AEA-enabled applications on ATSC 3.0 receivers. Adding the new EAS-Net AEA module to a DASDEC unit lets stations seamlessly integrate AEA capabilities into the next-generation TV standard — making it possible to reach targeted audiences in new ways with more detailed urgent and emergency messages and information, thereby adding another layer of value to the ATSC 3.0 experience. 

By driving the rich capabilities envisioned under the ATSC 3.0 standard by groups like AWARN, the DASDEC's new EAS-Net AEA feature will enable next-level urgent communications from stations to audiences — with text, graphics, audio, and other advanced multimedia features — that provide a more interactive way of communicating emergency information that goes far beyond basic EAS. For example, stations will be able to wake up viewers' displays for important alerts.

Also at the 2018 NAB Show, Digital Alert Systems highlighted its new DASDEC Version 4.0 software upgrade for advanced Emergency Alert Systems/Common Alerting Protocol (EAS/CAP) compliance. The latest software iteration for the DASDEC-II platform has new security features under the hood and striking user-interface improvements. To complement the security and interface upgrades, Digital Alert Systems has added support for AEA and the new HALO enterprise-wide EAS management system. The software upgrade also includes the latest compliance additions for the BLU event code and others. Version 4.0 will be available to all current DASDEC-II customers for a nominal upgrade fee.