Q: Why is there a long delay in the broadcast of sporting events (including Georgia Tech’s season opener), meaning that the live action precedes the broadcast by 20 to 30 seconds?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: Why is there a long delay in the broadcast of sporting events (including Georgia Tech’s season opener), meaning that the live action precedes the broadcast by 20 to 30 seconds?

— Mark Lancaster, Decatur

A: In normal circumstances, a true radio signal is fairly immediate, but things change with satellite, said Athens’ Christopher Byrne, publisher of eyeonsportsmedia.com. With the package between Georgia Tech and collegiate sports marketing company ISP, the broadcast goes from Bobby Dodd Stadium to Winston-Salem, N.C., sent to the satellite and finally beamed back to the affiliates of the Georgia Tech Radio Network, he said. In the best of circumstances, listeners would expect a one- to three-second delay, but any time you introduce a new piece of hardware or software, things can happen, he said. Byrne said Matt Edgar, program manager of 790 the Zone, which was deluged with complaints after the season opener, explained to him that’s what happened in the Georgia Tech-Jacksonville State game. A problem with a new hardware interface at ISP was not working properly. The station reports that the problem has been fixed.

Q: Which companies will be licensed to manufacturer the H1N1 vaccine that will be administered in the United States?

—Jeff Boston, Milton

A: The FDA has approved CSL Ltd. of Australia, Maryland-based MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines of Switzerland and Sanofi Pasteur of France (the flu shots are produced at its factory in Swiftwater, Pa.), according to the Associated Press. The AP reported that London-based GlaxoSmithKline also was expected to supply the vaccine.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail questions to q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).