Testimonials - Synergy 3

Ross Synergy 3 Scores Big with the Bills

Stephen Asposto
Video Production Director / Engineer
Buffalo Bills Football, Inc.
Orchard Park, NY

I have been with the team since the installation of the JumboTron scoreboard system in August of 1994. I play an active role in all aspects of our video production work. Which includes our gameday scoreboard productions, marketing video and broadcast TV show productions. I am the primary linear Editor using the Synergy 3, interfaced with a Sony BVE-2000 controller, a DVExtreme, FXDeko and DVCPro VTR's. I also run camera, direct and/or produce segments on an as needed basis. On gameday, I am the stadium contact for all network interfaces and routing of the various signals we supply throughout the stadium. I am responsible for the Sony JumboTron maintenance and repair as well as our production system in general.

I have been in the video production industry for 24 years, starting out designing and installing a corporate video studio and producing marketing and training programs. I have worked for broadcast video vendors and various independent video production houses before starting my own full service production facility in 1988. Ironically, it was called Synergy Productions, Inc. It was from here that I started my relationship with the Buffalo Bills, initially as a subcontractor. Throughout my career my strength has always been my versatility. I have always worked for small companies with a few employees where versatility is key to their ultimate success.

The Bills outgrew our old Ross RVS 216 and realizing the eventual desire to convert our screen to 16 x 9, I think the Synergy 3 made the most sense. We are still broadcasting in 4 x 3 format, but plan on a full conversion within a few years. Another advantage that sold me on the Synergy is the simultaneous dual aspect ratio production. We presently have close to 2000 TVs throughout the stadium in the suites and club areas where we broadcast to. I doubt that we will replace all these TVs when the JumboTron is converted. These upgrades will keep us competitive with the growing number of new NFL stadiums, which are primarily "wide screen" venues.

Not to be overlooked in our upgrade is the "Squeeze & Tease" we added to two MLEs. Simple DVE transitions and the ability to reposition and fly keys have improved our productions dramatically. The preview overlay simplifies our game productions since we usually follow the lead of the network broadcast, placing our promos within their commercial breaks. Manual timing is a task of the past.

We looked at two other switchers and manufacturers before deciding on the Synergy 3 switcher. Ross was the only company that had a solution for all of our concerns, both present and future. They helped us spec and supply the proper encoders and decoders for our existing gear as well as our new. Their sales/engineers helped with the design and integration of our new system on a limited budget. The use of the Aux remote panels for our new digital VTRs allowed us to continue using our analog router for the time being, freeing up budget dollars for more "bells and whistle" options. The DVE Send option combined with our DVExtreme makes for effortless effect transitions throughout our fast paced productions (during games).

We use independent contractors four our live game productions and ease of operation was certainly a concern. No one in our area had any hands-on experience with Ross switchers and we didn't have much time after final system installation before our season began. The learning curve was quick and flawless. The custom controls and memory system allow us to pre-program our transitions and replay look, which simplifies the in-game operation by our game TD.

It was refreshing to find a company that could creatively suggest ideas on how their equipment could be used, to not only simplify our production but to improve on our overall broadcast look. After one year, our gameday show has improved dramatically and we have just begun to use all of the tools in our box.

When our final decision was made, Ross knew we had just about two months before our first game. They not only delivered quickly, but have been with us every step of the way, continually responding and offering ideas and support for future development. I feel like they have exiled themselves from the CFL and have joined our NFL family. I only hope they will continue our relationship now that we cut Doug Flutie!