Testimonials - Synergy 100
AKLC Studios Just Can't Say Enough About Ross' Synergy 100 and Customer Service
Billie Jo Jendrey
Studio Director
AKLC Studios
Arnold, PA
AKLC Studios is a two part project of the Alle-Kiski Learning Center (AKLC). We provide competitively priced professional video production services to help support the programs of the learning center (AKLC Studios' profits support the Adult and Family Literacy Programs of our parent agency, the Alle-Kiski Learning Center). And we provide a learning lab for the adult students of AKLC to apply the academic skills they have learned in class to a real-life work setting.
AKLC Studios opened in February 2003, one year after the idea appeared at a planning meeting, to a success! AKLC Studios' services include Commercial Production, Training and Industrial Videos, Special Event Videos, Documentaries, and Live Cablecast productions which include live call-ins, and much more.
AKLC Studios went on-air October 2003 with a live call-in talk show that aired from our in-house studio, and since our production schedules have been hectic - we already have several commercial productions and location shoots under our belt.
I'm the Studio Director for AKLC Studios and starting December 2003, I will also be teaching classes in video production for Oakbridge Academy of Arts, using AKLC Studios as a hands-on science lab for the class.
In starting the studio project with the AKLC, we had limited funds. We bought all of our equipment through grants that we received from various government and private agencies. Our first round of equipment was portable production equipment to take out in the field, use, and have a good looking product.
Next came the requirement for the studio build and the second round of equipment. I attended a show sponsored by the Lerro Corporation where I was introduced to Peter Chartrand, our Ross rep, and the Ross Synergy 100 switcher. I was very impressed with the Synergy 100's compact size and features. In addition, I was even more impressed that I could afford this model on the budget I was given.
Of course, as more budget gets released, I'll be able to quickly and easily expand our Synergy switcher. The ease and convenience of adding and upgrading as AKLC Studios expands totally sold me on this switcher. I had looked at several other switchers, both analog and digital from Panasonic to Grass Valley, and the Ross Synergy 100 just stood out above the rest in both features, ease of use, expandability, and price.
The Ross Synergy 100 has allowed me the flexibility and creativity to produce a top-notch video production for AKLC Studios.
As for the install, I can't say enough! Peter and Dan Paquette, Ross' demo artist / technical guy, came to the facility. They completely hooked everything up and showed me how and why the switcher does what it does.
There have been a lot of installations lately, with the studio being completed just a few short weeks ago, and I do have to say that the Ross guys were the easiest to deal with, the nicest, and the quickest! Peter has been very accommodating and helpful from the very first time we met at the Lerro show. Maybe I've been dealing with the wrong type of people, but I do have to say that if there could be more people like my Ross rep around, it would make life much easier! I would also like to comment that Ross' technical support is excellent - I love that I don't end up in a voicemail nightmare when I call.
Peter, Dan and everyone at Ross have gone above and beyond for AKLC Studios. If it weren't for Ross' assistance we would not have been able to get the show on the air with the quality and professional look we need to win over the community. Ross has the height of customer service that we at the AKLC and AKLC Studios strive to reach... the type of customer service that I feel every company should strive for.
Because our parent company is an Adult Learning facility, we provide training in customer service to local businesses; I plan to use my experience with Ross, as an example of what success should look like when it comes to customer service.
The Synergy 100 switcher is so user friendly that training was a snap. I've already trained three production assistants on the switcher and will be teaching some local college students how to use it as of the first of the year.
On a day-to-day basis, Ross' Synergy 100 performs beautifully. We're doing the live broadcasts, basic commercials and various other video productions.
The Ross Synergy 100 has helped to improve the quality, look, and feel of the productions. The price was perfect. The options to expand as we grow is ideal. The customer service has been perfect. Synergy 100 is a great product that I will recommend to others in the field who are looking for quality switchers and great customer service.
Again, I can't say enough about the service and support AKLC Studios has received! From the first demo to the installation, thru to Synergy's use and technical questions, Ross has been excellent to work with.
Thank you.