Woodland Park, NJ – FSR, manufacturer of audio and video switching, control products, and connectivity boxes, has appointed Griffith Sales Associates of Marietta, GA as a manufacturer’s representative in the southeastern US. Jan Sandri, president of FSR Inc., made the announcement today from headquarters in Woodland Park, NJ.

“Griffith Sales is a seasoned, professional organization that is thoroughly familiar with the requirements of the regional markets that they serve,” commented Sandri. “We are confident that their industry and product knowledge will prove very advantageous for our customers. We are delighted to welcome Griffith Sales Associates to the FSR family.”

Added Scott Hough, Griffith Sales Contractor Division Manager, “Griffith Sales is excited to be representing FSR in the Southeast! For over 25 years, Griffith Sales has been representing the best product lines in the industry. FSR has a great reputation for quality and service and we are proud to be working with them.”

Griffith Sales territory comprises the Southeast US, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Griffith will sell, service and support FSR’s entire product portfolio that includes floor, wall, ceiling and table boxes; switchers and scalars; audio and video switchers; interfaces, plates and cables; and CAT-5 and fiber transmission systems.

Griffith Sales can be reached at 770-919-1030 or sales@griffithsales.com .

About FSR
FSR, established in 1981, manufactures a wide variety of products for the audio / video, education, hospitality, government, and religious markets, including AV floor, wall, table, and ceiling connectivity boxes, as well as a full line of interfaces, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, seamless switchers and CAT-5 solutions.

All FSR products are designed and manufactured in its Woodland Park, NJ facility. The company is an Energy Star Partner and complies with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to demonstrate its deep commitment to preserving the planet. FSR offers live 24/7 technical and sales support throughout the country from expertly trained technicians and sales representatives. For more information: http://www.fsrinc.com.

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FSR Contact: Jan Sandri
973-785-4347 • mailto:sales@fsrinc.com

Press Contact: Desert Moon Communications
Harriet Diener
845-512-8283 • mailto:harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Billerica, Massachusetts – With galleries dedicated to animals and habitats throughout the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif., is the fourth largest aquarium in the United States. Last year, the nonprofit organization launched a marine biology videoconferencing pilot program anchored by a new Broadcast Pix™ Slate™ integrated video production system. So far, the aquarium has delivered more than 50 live presentations to classrooms across the country.

The aquarium already had an active education department, with a staff of more than 40, plus three classrooms and a 160-seat presentation theater. But for many students, the facility is too far away to visit – and with California’s current budget issues, field trips are not feasible even for many in-state schools. Sarah Swain, Aquarium of the Pacific education technology and media coordinator, said the aquarium wanted to broaden its outreach, but also wanted to maintain the creativity and interactivity of its classroom lessons in its videoconference offerings.

“We didn’t want to be a talking head sitting in front of the camera,” said Swain. “Our goal was to bring our programming to students who can’t come to us.” The vast majority of the aquarium’s distance learning programs are designed for K-12 students, though Swain is investigating potential programs for additional audiences.

A storage closet at the aquarium was converted into a small videoconferencing studio and outfitted with the Broadcast Pix system, which was purchased from VMI, Inc., and installed by RBL Engineering in September 2011. The studio and pilot program were funded through a grant from The Roddenberry Foundation.

There is no separate control room; one instructor operates the Slate and monitors the production through the built-in Fluent-View multi-viewer, while a second instructor conducts the class. The setup allows the instructors to switch between a webcam, document camera, video clips, and still images to produce compelling HD videoconferences. The distance learning programs rely heavily on chromakey to create unique live visuals, while prerecorded footage is accessed from the Fluent™ Clip Store during lessons. Swain has also incorporated live feeds from cameras installed in exhibits throughout the aquarium.

In the aquarium’s classrooms, instructors rely on customized DVDs for clips, but Swain said there is no convenient way to replay clips during a lesson if a student has a question. She prefers the Slate, which makes it easy to access and replay clips or still images instantly.

For the instructors, the move to videoconferencing required some adjustments from traditional classroom teaching, none bigger than learning to use the Broadcast Pix itself, as they had no previous video production experience. Swain admitted there was a learning curve at first, but the instructors are now comfortable with their “directing” duties.

“It’s been a really neat team building experience,” Swain added. “We’ve all really enjoyed learning how to use this piece of equipment. I love the flexibility. It’s a really unique tool.”

About Aquarium of the Pacific The Aquarium of the Pacific is a nonprofit institution that is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. For more information on the Aquarium visit www.aquariumofpacific.org .

About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is the leader in live video production systems. Its Video Control Centers™ empower operators with patented techniques that combine cameras, clips and graphics to create compelling live video. The integration of a multi-format switcher, clip store, graphics system with a Harris or Chyron CG, and device controls provides the lowest cost of ownership at a fraction of the cost of a conventional control room to buy, staff and operate. Systems range from compact systems controlled by a touch-screen or voice-automation to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios in more than 110 countries. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Broadcast Pix, Slate, Fluent, and Video Control Centers are trademarks of Broadcast Pix, Inc. Patented.

Two More Drewry Stations Upgrade as Group Standardizes on Utah Scientific more

WAYNE, NJ – JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., today announced that the Church of Champions in Houston recently purchased four GY-HM790U ProHD camcorders, along with a KM-H3000U production switcher and DT-V24G11Z 24-inch studio monitor.The new equipment is being used to webcast weekly sermons and other projects.

With its growing footprint – it has locations in Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, Colorado, and Hawaii – the 23-year-old Church of Champions felt it was time to replace its outdated SD system. “We needed a more sophisticated way to reach our members, so we decided it was time to make the logical switch from SD to HD,” said David Grigsby, creative pastor at the Church of Champions.

The church produces live coverage of sermons on Sundays for its Web site, www.champ.tv. Three of the four GY-HM790U cameras, positioned on the left, right, and rear of the church, have full studio configurations. The fourth camera is a handheld unit used on and around the platform and altar. All four ProHD cameras are equipped with KA-M790G multicore studio modules.

Grigsby is pleased with the image quality of the HD cameras and the performance of the switcher. He said the new JVC system has greatly improved the video production of Sunday services, and he plans to produce more sophisticated projects. In fact, the church first used its new JVC system on Sept. 30 for its “Thinking Out Loud” webcast.

“It was an online roundtable discussion with pastors and ministry leaders from six other ministries, where we discussed various topics that dealt with church and ministry leadership,” Grigsby explained. “We had roughly 600 viewers, most of whom were church leaders. The new JVC system worked flawlessly, and we are very pleased with what we felt was a successful first event.”

Grigsby hopes to produce roughly six webcasts a year similar to the “Thinking Out Loud” event. The Church of Champions also plans to provide worship and sermons for other locations throughout the nation and the world, as it expands its multi-site capabilities. Other projects in the pipeline include coverage of the church’s community groups, called Champions Life Groups, which meet every week in different locations around the area to discuss the Bible and Christianity. “We want to enable our members in different cities to join these groups virtually,” Grigsby said. “We’d also like to do some electronic newsgathering.”

An ideal solution for multicore or fiber-based facilities, the GY-HM790U offers an innovative modular design and a redesigned studio adapter sled. Its three, 1/3-inch progressive scan CCDs produce 1280×720 and 1920×1080 images, and its proprietary MPEG-2 encoder supports 1080i, 720p, and even SD (480i) for operations that have not yet made the move to HD. The compact, shoulder-mount camera is also an outstanding choice for ENG applications, with a dual card slot design that records to low-cost, non-proprietary SDHC solid-state media cards in ready-to-edit file formats (.MOV and .MP4) for major NLE systems.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY

Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Products Company is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video and audio equipment, security products including IP network cameras and recorders, premium front projection systems for home theatre use, and projection displays and optics used in aviation simulators. The JVC Technology Center provides advanced technology in support of major JVC business alliances. For further product information, visit JVC Professional’sWeb site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800)582-5825.

Billerica, Massachusetts – January 31, 2012 – Broadcast Pix™ today launched an online user forum, www.broadcastpix.com/forum, to foster communication between live video production professionals from a variety of markets. The new public forum encourages users to share information about the company’s Granite™, Mica™, and Slate™ integrated production systems, as well as its Fluent™ workflow tools and the new VOX™ system for voice-activated video productions.

“Broadcast Pix has a very enthusiastic user community that is spread out across more than 110 countries. Our new user forum is an ideal place for those customers to come together, discuss our products, and share production tips,” said Paul Lara, marketing director. “Plus, it’s an ideal venue for producers and directors who have not yet used one of our systems to get information from an experienced user base.”

About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is the leader in integrated live video production systems. Its systems provide the best control surface for combining cameras, clips and graphics to create compelling live video. These surfaces offer Command Center Control™ of the built-in multi-format switcher, clip store, graphics system with a Harris or Chyron CG, and device controls. Its Fluent™ workflow enables files and data to be easily incorporated from other parts of the studio. Broadcast Pix systems are a fraction of the cost of a conventional control room to buy, staff and operate. System range from compact systems controlled by a touch-screen or voice-automation to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios in more than 110 countries. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Broadcast Pix, Mica, Slate, Fluent, and Command Center Control are trademarks of Broadcast Pix, Inc. Patented.

New 3D BULLET RIG shown with Panasonic HPX250 cameras. The most affordable, modular 3D beam-splitter made. Adustable IO (3.5″), convergence (0-2 deg), XYZ axis, camera elevation and mirror angle (44 to 46 deg) for perfect image alignment. Fits easily on Steadicam, handheld mode (shoulder mount incl), EasyRig, jib and any tripod. Weighs just 15 lbs. Accomodates Red Epic, Scarlet, Sony EX3, F3, Canon XF305, XF105, 5D, Si-2K, & many other cameras. Visit www.3DFilmFactory.com

Crystal Vision’s Safe Switch 3G provides clean and intelligent 2 x 2 switching between two 3Gb/s, HD or SD sources containing up to four groups of embedded audio and is the only way to guarantee a clean switch. The full framestore synchronizer on each input allows it to correct for any timing difference between the two inputs resulting in no disruption to the output picture when a switch takes place, while it can even lose the reference and not affect the output. It can be used for planned maintenance switches to manually re-route a good signal around broken equipment, or as an intelligent emergency transmission switch with the option of selecting from 16 different fault conditions to automatically trigger the switch. Available in two versions – as Safe Switch 3G and Safe Switch-L 3G – it provides a robust, one-board solution that replaces a switch and two synchronizers, simplifying system designs and saving broadcast engineers both money and rack space.

Safe Switch 3G can be switched either automatically or manually. To help broadcasters ensure continuity of service, Safe Switch 3G is ideal for use on the final output stage of a transmission system, before the signal gets to the MPEG encoder. Typically the backup signal going into the switch will have gone a simplified route compared to the main programme, resulting in a time difference between the two feeds which can upset the MPEG encoder on a switch to backup. Safe Switch 3G is a one-board solution which prevents this corrupted video by balancing the delays between the main and backup feeds. It can alternatively be used to manually switch to backup in non-emergency situations when equipment in the chain needs fixing or updating.

Safe Switch 3G’s clean switching comes from the full framestore synchronizer in each input stream which will ensure that both inputs to the switch are correctly timed to the external analogue reference resulting in no disruption. The synchronizers act as a self-adjusting delay, allowing a clean transition between the two channels even if their relative timing has slipped. Safe Switch 3G can even lose the reference signal and not affect the output. Loss of reference protection – where Safe Switch 3G will change its timing smoothly between the reference and the inputs, keeping the output valid at all times – is an unusual and technically-advanced feature which further extends the board’s primary purpose of protecting the output from any disruption.
Safe Switch 3G is also an intelligent switch. It constantly checks both of the inputs so that the output of the switch always remains proper and valid, and can be set to automatically switch away from the user-selected input if it does not meet the set requirements. It extracts information about various parts of the video signal to decide which of the two inputs is better, based on the engineer’s selection of which faults are significant. The 16 video and audio parameters which can be selected to perform a switch, and which are listed in order of priority, are input missing, input video standard incorrect, EDH missing, EDH full field error, EDH active picture error, line CRC error, audio group 1 missing, audio group 2 missing, audio group 3 missing, audio group 4 missing, active video black, active video frozen and audio silence in a selected group. With some processes – such as video compression or converting to analogue and back – introducing small changes frame-to-frame even if the input picture is frozen, the customer-requested processed frozen picture detection feature allows Safe Switch 3G to intelligently distinguish between this noise and real changes in the picture content – and so correctly flag up an error condition and auto switch. Safe Switch 3G will switch away from an error on the user-selected input only if the other input is free of that fault. If both inputs have different alarms, it will use the most significant alarm to decide which feed to select. Following a switch it can either reselect the main feed automatically or by user intervention.

In addition to the automatic switching, two fault indications – with their own list of chosen parameters – can also be set and assigned to GPIs if desired, allowing very flexible monitoring. Each fault indication can be assigned to a specific input, to either input, or to only become active if both inputs show a selected fault.

Explained Crystal Vision’s Managing Director, Philip Scofield: “The Safe Switch 3G was developed after specific requests from two large broadcasters in different parts of the world. Both broadcasters now use the Safe Switch 3G to give them confidence that they can manage failures in video, audio or reference signals and still meet their service level requirements that only allow a few minutes of downtime per year.”

Safe Switch 3G and Safe Switch-L 3G are both space-saving 100mm x 266mm modules which can be housed alongside any other products in the standard Crystal Vision frames – available in 4U, 2U, 1U and desk top box sizes. Up to 12 Safe Switch 3G modules or six of the ‘double decker’ Safe Switch-L 3G can fit in a 2U frame, with the Safe Switch-L 3G additionally providing a second feed of output B, input and reference loop-throughs, and extra GPI connections. Both boards include relay bypass protection on power failure or board removal, giving the system an extra layer of security and preventing signal loss. The Safe Switch 3G version can also include integrated fiber output connectivity by fitting the FOP fiber output option – ideal for when it is being used as the last point on the output of a studio with the signal needing to be sent over a long distance to the central router or station transmission output.

There is a choice of control options to suit all preferences. The Statesman PC control software can be used to either ignore or create an alarm on any of the fault conditions that Safe Switch 3G can measure. Also available are very flexible GPIs – ideal for GPI-focused broadcasters who want to have direct control of the board. The six GPIs on the Safe Switch 3G and 12 GPIs on the Safe Switch-L 3G are all bi-directional, allowing them to be configured as either GPI inputs or GPI outputs which gives flexibility when setting up buttons and lights for GPI control and monitoring of alarm conditions. Other control options include board edge switches, an active front panel on the frame, a remote control panel and SNMP.

Safe Switch 3G and Safe Switch-L 3G are both shipping now.

Based at Whittlesford near Cambridge in the UK and with an office in the USA, Crystal Vision provides digital keyers, picture storage modules and a full range of interface equipment including converters, synchronizers, distribution amplifiers and audio embedders to the professional broadcasting industry worldwide.

www.crystalvision.tv

Huntsville, Alabama – The 2012 International CES, a high-profile annual event to promote the consumer electronics industry, was held earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nev., and PESA routers played a significant role behind the scenes for several exhibitors and the keynote presentations from Ericsson, Intel, Microsoft, and Qualcomm.

Staging Techniques, an event staging company with offices in California, New York, Atlanta, and Seattle, was contracted to provide to provide video support for the keynotes in cooperation with the overall event management firm, The Production Network (TPN). “The CES Keynotes are an average sized show for us, with an audience size of approximately 2,000,” explained Bryce Will, general manager of Staging Techniques. “Where it does get fairly involved is with the technical complexity. Four different clients – all high technology companies – make for a pretty demanding environment. Lots of different sources, many different signal formats, and the quick changeovers required between the rehearsals and shows keep things exciting.”

The keynotes were streamed live and archived for on-demand viewing by the Consumer Electronics Association, Staging Techniques’ primary client, as well as the individual keynote companies. Two PESA Cheetah 64NE HD-SDI routers were used to feed video switchers for live HD cameras and other sources during each of the presentations. Will said the PESA routers are permanently installed in the company’s HD flypacks.

“Company-wide, we use almost exclusively PESA signal routing systems,” Will added. “They are just that reliable. We have been a PESA customer since 1996, and the vast majority of our production systems are based around PESA technology.”

With its universal device control (UDC) software and other technology, Clarkston, Michigan-based High Resolution Systems (HRS) provided support during the keynotes for Staging Techniques. HRS also provided rental and staging services for a major CES exhibitor, and used a PESA Ocelot 16×16 HD routing switcher to manage signals for a large video wall display in its booth. “Out of all of our HD-SDI routers, the PESA router has proven to be the most reliable,” said Drew Taylor, HRS applications engineer.

NEP Broadcasting, a Pittsburgh-based company that provides teleproduction services for live sports and entertainment events, supported another major CES exhibitor with one of its 3D-dedicated mobile production units, SS31, which features a PESA Cheetah 144×256 HD video router. “SS31 produced a 3D broadcast for the 3D network,” said George Hoover, chief technology officer. “The Cheetah is at the core of the production, handling signal distribution and routing for the entire show.”

“It was an honor to be part of such an important production initiative supporting the keynote addresses at CES,” said Chuck Tillett, president and COO of PESA. “We understand the critical level of support our customers must provide in live venue presentations, and are pleased to be recognized for our long-standing reputation of quality products, service and support.”

About PESA

As a leading provider of audio/video connectivity, PESA offers a wide selection of routing switchers, matrix switchers, extenders, converters, media extenders, and signal processing gear to support government, military, industrial, commercial, broadcast and mobile truck applications. PESA offers one of the widest ranges of AV products – from large scale fiber optic routing to single-point CAT-5 DVI extenders – each with the integrity and innovative high performance technology expected from PESA. Our products are available around the world from a leading team of channel partners offering local support and installation; and all of our products are supported by 24/7 technical support. To learn more about our technologies and services visit www.pesa.com. PESA is located in Huntsville, Alabama with regional offices throughout the United States.

All products mentioned herein are trademarked property of their respective owners.

Press Contact

Mark J. Pescatore
Pipeline Communications
561-531-3106
mark@pipecomm.com

Company Contact

Dan Holland
VP, Product Marketing
256-726-9200
dholland@pesa.com

Woodland Park, NJ • FSR’s new T3-MJ+ Table Microphone Box series furnishes an elegant yet simple solution for mounting gooseneck microphones. The stylish, mini table box, available in a variety of models, accommodates a wide range of tables and lecterns for any applications requiring a gooseneck mic, including conference and boardrooms, courtrooms, state houses, pulpits and control rooms. Jan Sandri, FSR president announced today that all the models are in production and are currently shipping.

The T3-MJ+ is available in three finishes – black, brass and aluminum – to fit every décor. The basic model offers improved noise isolation and features a built-in, acoustically isolated microphone connector to accommodate mics with 3-pin XLR plugs of a diameter of 1-inch or less and provides superior shock and vibration damping.

Enhanced units, T3-MJ+1B and T3-MJ+2B, offer one or two additional buttons and are custom assembled with momentary or maintain type switches with a variety of switch caps and bi-color LEDs. T3-MJ+1BM and T3-MJ+2BM models feature an internally pre-wired built in mute feature. All models, except the base unit, provide a screw terminal connection to the mic.

A simple process requiring a 2-inch round hole, and less than 1.5 inches of under table clearance makes easy work of installation. An under table shroud is provided as part of the assembly.

About FSR
FSR, established in 1981, manufactures a wide variety of products for the audio / video, education, hospitality, government, and religious markets, including AV floor, wall, table, and ceiling connectivity boxes, as well as a full line of interfaces, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, seamless switchers and CAT-5 solutions.

All FSR products are designed and manufactured in its Woodland Park, NJ facility. The company is an Energy Star Partner and complies with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to demonstrate its deep commitment to preserving the planet. FSR offers live 24/7 technical and sales support throughout the country from expertly trained technicians and sales representatives. For more information: www.fsrinc.com.

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FSR Contact: Jan Sandri
973-785-4347 • sales@fsrinc.com

Press Contact: Desert Moon Communications
Harriet Diener
845-512-8283 • harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Vaddio announces new enhancements to the ProductionVIEW HD MV all-in-one camera control console with multiviewer capabilities, digital inputs/outputs, HD, RGBHV and SD video mixing, transitions, lower screen graphics and automated control functionality.

New Multi-View Input Screens allow the user to select between screen layouts that display four, five or six inputs. When set up with four or five preview windows, the preset video thumbnails become larger on the bottom of the screen. In addition, the Preview and Program windows can be swapped on the multiviewer output. With Vaddio’s TeleTouch touch screen monitors, all live video feeds can be selected and up to 12 video thumbnail presets can be created, recalled and stored by simply touching the monitor. The thumbnails are a snapshot of what the camera preset shot looks like, to make storing and recalling presets even easier. Simply touch a thumbnail and the camera will pan, tilt and zoom to that position. The Cut, Wipe and Fade buttons illuminate on the multiviewer display, giving a visual indication of which effect is active.
An additional capability of the system is Dual Bus Multiview output. “A big request from our integrators was to add greater flexibility in allowing them to configure the system output options,” explained President of Vaddio, Rob Sheeley. “As a result of this feedback we now allow the system to be configured in several different ways including a Preview/Program mode, a Split Bus mode, where the system can be configured as two independent 1 x 6 switchers, and a third discreet multiviewer output for control and display.”

All inputs are autosensing for video resolution, control and camera type. Video inputs include five analog HD YPbPr video, RGBHV, SD (Y/C and CVBS) and a single DVI-I input on channel six that allows for multiple formats (DVI-D, YPbPr, RGBHV and HDMI) with 36 additional input resolutions. The Program and Preview outputs have both analog (YPbPr, RGBHV, Y/C and CVBS) and digital (DVI-D or HDMI) outputs. HD resolutions up to 1080/60p are supported.   

An additional capability of the system is Dual Bus Multiview output. This allows the user to switch the Preview and Program buses as discrete outputs – with one output going to an IMAG Projector and the other going to a recording device. The control surface includes a broadcast-style 3-axis Hall Effect Joystick with twist-handle zoom control and separate Pan, Tilt and Speed control knobs. Get an all-in-one camera control console with video mixing, built-in multiviewer and broadcast-quality effects.

This firmware upgrade is available at no charge for any customer who currently owns a ProductionVIEW HD MV. Contact Vaddio Tech Support at +1 (763) 971-4400 for assistance in loading the new firmware.