Monday, November 5, 2007

Transportation Communications Newsletter

Monday, November 5, 2007 -- ISSN 1529-1057

IP Video Solutions for ITS Systems workshop offered in Long Island (11/6) and NYC (11/8)If your district is migrating toward Ethernet video technology, or if you just want to learn more about it, this free workshop is designed for you.
> Video Acquisition: IP-enabled cameras or integrating encoder/decoders into existing analog systems; properties and benefits of MPEG-4 encoding; varying frame and bit rates and resolution for efficient bandwidth utilization; image stabilization.> Video & Data Transmission using Ethernet Basics: Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethernet; Prevalent Ethernet Technologies and protocols necessary for an Intelligent Traffic System; Addressing the necessary products for an Ethernet run traffic system.> Wireless Video: Using point-to-point, point to multipoint, mesh networks, and the latest technologies for a wireless architecture.> Video Wall Design and Display for TMCs: planning for and understanding distribution, management, display, and display placement of high-resolution computer and video signals.Only a few seats remaining. For more details and to register: www.cctvworkshop.com


1) EU Plans Anti-Terror Screening for Air Passengers
Link to story on EurActiv:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/eu-plans-anti-terror-screening-air-passengers/article-168103

2) US Department of Homeland Security Retreats from Facets of ‘Real ID’
Link to story in The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110300890.html (may require free registration)

3) SUV with Mind of Its Own Wins Robot Car Race
Link to Reuters story:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-11-04-urbanchallenge_N.htm
Link to further information from DARPA: http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/
Link to news release from Carnegie Mellon University:
http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/practical/2007/fall/victory.shtml

4) Lawmakers Take Aim at Texas DOT’s Advertising
Link to AP story:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5270913.html

5) Federal Communications Commission Embraces Emergency Alert Protocol
Link to story in Washington Technology:
http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/31736-1.html

6) Peace of Mind When They Ask to Borrow the Car
Link to story in The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/03/business/yourmoney/03money.html?ex=1351828800&en=320c9b86ebfafeb9&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

7) Where ‘Russian GPS’ Comes From
Link to story on Russia Today:
http://www.russiatoday.ru/scitech/news/16434

8) Some Geeks Adopt New Hobby: ‘Carputers’
Link to New York Times News Service story:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20071104/NEWS/711040324/1001/Business

9) Terminals at Your Fingertips
New Web site provides free detailed information on major airports worldwide.
Link to story on Inflight Online:
http://www.shephard.co.uk/Inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=07b9ee6d-4dde-4ea3-bcc2-a935d17beb9a
Link to SideStep Airport Guide: http://www.sidestep.com/airportguides

10) Miami-Dade Metrorail Riders Can Track Arrivals Online
Link to story in The Miami Herald:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/296481.html (may require free registration)
Link to Where is the Train?: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/traintracker.asp

11) Smart Technology Boosts Indiana Bus Service Efficiency
Company hopes to develop traffic system to benefit motorists, emergency responders.
Link to AP story:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071105/LOCAL/711050339/-1/LOCAL17

12) BMW Sets Its Sights on YouTube for Bigger Slice of Ad Budget
Link to story on just-auto:
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=92931&lk=dm

13) In-Car Electronics Beyond Infotainment Realm
Link to column in EE Times:
http://www.eetasia.com/MAGAZINE/EDNOTE0711A.HTM

14) Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems Carriage Requirements Discussion Leads to Call for Proposals
Ship navigation issues discussed by international committee.
Link to story in IMO News:
http://www.imo.org/includes/blastDataOnly.asp/data_id%3D20003/IMO_News_No3_07_LOW.pdf (page 28)


News Releases

1) Traveller Information Services Association (TISA) to be Launched November 21
2) AGILE Workshop Demonstrates LBS Progress
3) San Diego’s First Toll Roll to Open on November 19
4) Safety Rules Reinforced with Satellite Technology for Mexican, US Trucks Participating in the Cross-Border Trucking Demonstration Project
5) PublicRoutes.com Launches Nationwide Driving Directions and Announces Web Site Redesign
6) 680News Traffic Reports Make Their Television Debut in Toronto
7) ITS America President & CEO and Members to Present “Business Models for Vehicle Infrastructure Integration, Aftermarket and OEM” at 2008 International CES


Upcoming Events
Road Safety on Four Continents 2007 – November 14-16 – Bangkok
http://www.trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=7330


Today in Transportation History
1967 **40th anniversary** - A railway derailment near Hither Green, UK killed 49 passengers.
http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docSummary.php?docID=99

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Questions, comments about the TCN? Please write the editor, Bernie Wagenblast at i95berniew@aol.com.
© 2007 Bernie Wagenblast