SkyDome is a sports and entertainment facility (stadium). Our primary events/clients are the Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and the Toronto Argonauts football club. The production department, specifically, is responsible for the operation of the Jumbotron, a 110' x 33' video display board. During a game, our main objective is to capture and playback replays, commercial playbacks, player and team videos, fan shots and display PSA's, all part of the in-game entertainment. We also handle all the in-house audio and scoreboard operations including game stats.

As well as games, we have also produced WWF wrestling, the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, the Police games, monster truck shows, Supercross as well as countless corporate events for the Jumbotron.

Previously, we were using a Ross RVS 216 analog switcher. However, because of the aspect ratio of the Jumbotron - 1:3.35 -- we were also incorporating three DVE units which would squeeze images to size on the Jumbotron. The DVE's, specifically, would distort images and create unnecessary video noise.

When I first saw the Synergy series switchers, my first thought was, "this switcher is perfect for our facility". The built-in Squeeze & Tease would eliminate the three DVE's that we were currently using, thus freeing up rack space as well as cleaning up the output to the Jumbotron.

We were also looking to upgrade our aging equipment because of the emphasis on digital and the Ross Synergy 2 seemed ideal for our purposes as it would give us much more flexibility without the need for any outboard equipment. All of our effects could be achieved right on the switcher.

I have always used Ross switchers and have been very impressed with their durability so ultimately, when it was time to make a purchase, I probably would not have considered another brand. The extras on the Synergy (Squeeze & Tease, DVE send, etc.) were just an added bonus and incentive.

Installation was completed by our department production engineer, Roy Woo and was not a difficult procedure. We took delivery of the switcher several months before the installation could begin, so we were able to temporarily set it up in the lab and check out some of the features as well as draw up a plan for the installation and commissioning.

While Roy was busy with the installation, I travelled to Ottawa for a one-on-one training session with Troy English so that I would be ready for the commissioning period. This training session has greatly benefited our facility and myself. It gave me the know-how to deal with any finger errors that the operators would encounter.

We also had an on-sight training session for the operators after the switcher was installed. The biggest stumbling block the operators had was the fact that the unit was digital and they had to get used to the mapping capabilities of the switcher.

Because, we are still, essentially, an analog facility it was necessary for us to incorporate several Ross A to D converters.

As far as customer service goes, I can honestly say, I have never dealt with a more friendly organization than Ross Video. Whenever I call, I have always noted that the receptionist is extremely polite and friendly and does not simply take my information and re-direct my call. A small thing perhaps, but it does make doing business with Ross a pleasure. I cannot say enough about Troy English, he has always taken my frantic calls and talked me through any problems I have experienced as well as offering many helpful tips.

The Synergy 2 has definitely improved our production abilities. It has given us the ability to incorporate several keys for pitch speed and advertising stills and make it fit on our odd sized Jumbotron with ease. Corporate clients always want a combination of corporate logos, program video and sponsor logos displayed on the Jumbotron, something we would have never been able to achieve prior to the purchase of our Synergy 2.

Note: Formerly known as SkyDome, the venue was renamed the Rogers Centre on February 2, 2005. The facility upgraded their production equipment to include a Ross Video Synergy 4 SD digital production switcher and Kondor Router. Rogers Centre also installed a new video scoreboard manufactured by Daktronics.

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