Pristine Systems TechBlog

It recently came to our attention that some Anti-Virus programs may interfere with certain network functions. Specifically, McAfee* anti-virus may produce a Path/File Access Error and not allow you to save script files on another workstation over the LAN. It seems that McAfee does not trust the .SCR extension that CDS32 automation systems use. Our suggestion, switch to Norton Anti-virus. We know it works well.

History Note: We have used the .SCR extension dating back to the original CartWorks systems manufactured in 1993. This was before microsoft (or anyone else) began using it. Therefore, to maintain backward compatibility, it is necessary to continue it’s use.

*McAfee is the only anti-virus we are aware of producing this problem at this time. This is the only error that we know of when using McAfee. Normal, local system operation does not seem to be affected.

A BlackBox Logger customer was having problems with a Net.exe startup command.
It was discovered that the Instacal driver installation modifies the Windows PATH statement by adding the following to the front of the path statement.

C:\CB\;…

There is an extra backslash character added to the first path.

This part of the path may be changed to: C:\CB;…

To find the path statement do the following:
Go to Control Panel / System Properties / Advanced tab / Environment Variables button
Scroll to Path in the System variables window and click on the Path statement, then click the Edit button.

It is possible that many CDS machines have this same path error, but there has never been a report of problems due to this.

We recently uncovered a problem when installing Adobe Audition 2.0 on a workstation with an AudioScience ASI4000 series audio card. It seems that Audition would not complete loading and running. The workstation had recently upgraded ASI drivers to version 3.0. Apparently this driver will not work with Adobe Audition version 2.0.

We are uncertain which was the first ASI driver version affected.

The solution (at this time) is to roll back the ASI driver or Adobe Audition to an earlier version as we suspect ASI has dropped support for the 4000 series audio card in later version drivers.

One customer has experienced a problem after installation of CDS v4.0 that caused input closures from a satellite receiver to be missed. It seems that his default.def file was removed and replaced as the prior version of CDS uninstalled itself.

The affected prior version did not received wide distribution, so very few will experience this problem. However, the solution is simple should it occur.

1. Open a weekday normal script in the Script Editor.
2. Click the SetUp menu.
3. Click the Save button.
4. Choose ‘’default.def'’ from the list and click OK.
5. Restart CDS.

The following problem may affect a small number of CDS workstations upon installation of version 4.0 software. This notice was shipped with the software.

CDS32 v4.0 Software Upgrade Instructions Addendum: TROUBLESHOOTING

If (when Windows starts) CDS is unresponsive and it’s title bar says “dublicate instance…”.
1. Click on the Windows Start button.
2. Click on All Programs, then click Startup.
3. If you see two shortcuts for CDS32, keep the one named ‘CDS32.exe’ and delete the one named simply ‘CDS32’.
4. Restart Windows.

In case you'’ve missed the news, Pristine Systems has aquired Summit Software Systems, Inc., an industry leading provider of Traffic & Billing and Ad Sales Management systems to the radio, television and cable industries.

Summit Traffic is an optimized Ad Sales Management, Traffic, and Billing System. Throughout the entire process, from sales proposal, through traffic and billing and collections, Summit provides the tools you need - real solutions, not empty promises.

Learn more about SUMMIT TRAFFIC, and how it can benefit your operation.

CDS32′’s new “Smart Promo” feature will literally have your competitors pulling their hair out if they want to complete. In just a few seconds, Smart Promos can automatically produce professional sounding “Coming up next” style promos that will take the other guys hours to produce daily. We'’ve uploaded an example of a Smart Promo for you to hear just how effective they are.

Give it a listen now!

What are you waiting for? Several stations have already implemented this feature with great results.

Have you taken a look at BlackBox Logger?

At first glance you might think this product is just another way to record off air programming for archive purposes. However, BlackBox is more than just another digital audio logger. While others were rushing to meet suspected FCC mandatory logging requirements (that have yet to materialize), we decided to create a product that stations would want regardless. BlackBox not only provides reliable 24-7 audio logging, but includes tools to actually help improve your stations on-air product and help you earn more money!

Learn More…

Download and install Microsoft Defender (beta 2) anti-spyware, anti pop-up, real-time monitoring and protection system.

This is proven free software that is effective in reducing Spyware infections.
In order to be effective, Anti-Virus software must be checked for updates often (we recommend daily). When the manufacturer releases an update or patch, you should apply it immediately. Install all Windows critical and security related updates immediately when released. Once these updates are available to the public, virus writers analyze them to learn of new vulnerabilities. Failing to install Windows updates promptly makes you a target whenever new updates are released.

CDS32’s RDS RadioText feature allows your station to broadcast text messages directly to your listener’s radio display. CDS32 systems can generate live RDS RadioText messages for your station automatically.
RDS equipped radios* really come alive with song titles & artists, sponsor messages, advertising, contests, Traffic announcements and more.

*The majority of new cars are equipped with RDS capable radios.
Pristine Systems is proud to be a dealers of Inovonics RBDS/RDS Encoders. We offer both the model 712 and 713 units.

Why not put RBDS to work for your station today? Give us a call for details.