Testimonials - Synergy 2

WHIZ TV Stays Competitive using Ross Synergy 2 Production Switcher

Dan Slentz
Chief Engineer
WHIZ TV
Zanesville, OH

WHIZ TV is a family owned, NBC affiliate that is an AM / FM / TV station, with no other broadcast interests. Out of 210 TV markets in the USA, WHIZ TV is in market 202, and has been the number one station in that market since signing onto air in 1952.

As the Chief Engineer for WHIZ TV, I am involved with every technical aspect of our radio stations and TV station including design, Installation and maintenance. Our maintenance engineer, Eddie Hedge and myself have had to learn how to prioritize our responsibilities, leading us to become very creative with what we use, what we do, and how we do it.

We purchased the Synergy 2 Digital Production Switcher to replace a 28 year old switcher. We used it with conjunction with another 32 year old switcher that was modified with a home-built audio board for master control. When that switcher stopped working unexpectedly, we were suddenly using the Synergy 2 for everything, as a master control switcher and a production switcher.

WHIZ TV is a commercial broadcast station dedicated to local programming and news, and we compete head to head with large market stations to make a newscast that our station and market can be proud of. Thanks to the purchase of our Synergy 2, we are able to compete on the same technical level with these major market stations. Synergy can match their effects head-on, and our viewers cannot tell any difference on capabilities. I would go as far as to say that Synergy is easier to use and has a better ergonomic design than what I have seen of other brands of expensive switchers.

The effects on the Synergy are incredible, and easy to use. The chroma keyer has proven to be my favorite effect to date. The Synergy in general is paying off in ways that cannot even be measured as our viewers, and also advertisers, now see our newscasts as more professional looking, especially since we now have the same abilities as surrounding stations. I would easily put the Synergy up against any of the switchers costing four times more than the Ross brand.

With my background in production, and the switcher being so user-friendly, I was able to not only install the Synergy 2 on my own, but train myself and our technical directors. I was able to build the Synergy while our old ISI switcher was still on-line, while also thoroughly shaking it down prior to an overnight, five hour installation. It was a smooth transition.

I cannot say enough about Ross’ customer service. They are always readily available when I have a problem, they are always kind and friendly, and most importantly, they know their stuff. I strongly believe that if I was able to give an award for the best service department in a single broadcast company, Ross would be the winner hands down