News Releases - 2004

Ross Video wins three-way shootout to supply video switchers for new Meridian studios

Basingstoke, July 8th 2004 – Ross Video and Gee Broadcast Systems - the UK distributor for Ross - announce a major order for three Ross Synergy 3 vision mixers, as part of the fitting out of the relocated Meridian TV studios at Whiteley, Southampton.

The Synergy 3 is part of a comprehensive and popular family of digital, analogue and multi-definition switchers designed to meet all broadcast production requirements.

The new studios will primarily be a news and regional programme production centre for ITV in the south of England. Ross Video made it onto a shortlist of three manufacturers invited to supply vision mixers for a ‘shootout’ at Meridian TV.

Paul Stevenson, ITV News Group Controller of Projects, explains: “We went through all the major players and put together a shortlist based on analysis of the various products’ functionality, ahead of the shootout. We found Ross’ progressive approach very encouraging. In fact, we really liked Ross’ commitment and what we heard about their post-sales support.”

The various switchers were brought to the main Meridian studio so that all appropriate staff could try and compare them. Paul Stevenson observes: “Our selection criteria were: usability, the range of features offered versus cost, operator friendliness and ergonomics. Taking all these factors into account, we were confident that the Ross Synergy 3 switchers would meet our needs very well, so we placed an initial order for three systems, with an option on more once the first three are established.”

Jeff Moore, Ross Video Vice President Marketing & Sales, stated: “We are delighted that ITV has made such a strong commitment to Ross by choosing our Synergy 3 vision mixers for all the main production studios in their new Meridian TV studios at Whitely.” He added: “Our thanks to ITV for a thorough evaluation process. We look forward to delivering a superior customer experience and exceeding Meridian’s expectations.”

The switchers will be supplied and supported locally by Gee Broadcast Systems, which has a long-standing relationship with Meridian.

About Gee Broadcast Systems Ltd
Gee Broadcast Systems has been supplying the UK and international broadcast market for over 17 years.

Gee Broadcast's Geevs video servers and storage solutions enable customers to maximise their programming capability. A wide range of application-specific tools for managing and editing material allow broadcast operations to run more efficiently and cost-effectively. Based on a broad experience of the broadcast industry and customer input and feedback, the Geevs range of customisable servers delivers a dramatic increase in work-flow and a genuine return on investment. Geevs Servers come with a range of customer service, support and training options.

Gee Broadcast's subsidiary, Lightworks, produces editing systems for TV drama and film production.

Contact
For more information about Gee Broadcast or Lightworks UK Ltd, please contact:

Keith Gee
Gee Broadcast Systems Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1256 810123
Fax: +44 (0) 1256 810061
Email: keith@geebroadcast.co.uk
Web: www.geevs.co.uk

Press Contact
Peter Gallon, two one communications ltd – peter@two-one.co.uk
Tel & Fax: +44 (0) 1725 553063

About Ross Video
Ross Video manufactures industry leading Analog, SD, and HD Production Switchers, Routers, DVEs, Keyers, Distribution Amplifiers, A-D and D-A converters. Ross global headquarters is in Iroquois, Ontario. Synergy, RossGear, GearLite, Aspectizer, Squeeze & Tease, AuxKey, UltraChrome, FlexiClean, MediaCache, Global-Store, MLE-Store, MultiDSK, and OverDrive are trademarks of Ross Video.

For further information, please contact:
Jan Mills, Media Marketing Manager
T. (613) 652-3019 F. (613) 652-4425
E. jmills@rossvideo.com