Iroquois, ON, Canada-February 20, 2008 - The longest continually operating television station in the world, WRGB chose a Ross Synergy 4 MDX Multi-Definition Production Switcher to enter their 80th year of broadcasting in HD on January 13, 2008.
WRGB, located in Albany, NY, purchased the Synergy MDX switcher in 2006 to replace their Synergy SD system. They used this new multi-definition switcher in SD mode for a year before undergoing an extensive HD conversion on January 13, 2008, 80 years to the date that the first broadcast was ever done. This would also end up being the first HD local newscast to be launched in upstate New York. The following morning at 7 a.m., Freedom‘s CW affiliate sister station, WCWN, would also air in HD.
“We already had experience with Ross, so our decision to upgrade to the MDX model was an easy one” said Fred Lass, Director of Engineering. “We were already trained on Synergy, so we knew when it was time to go HD that the conversion would go smoothly. I am proud of the technicians and news staff at WRGB. They have proven once again that they are true pioneers.”
“I am extremely proud that WRGB chose Ross for their conversion to HD,” said Kyle Luther, National Sales Manager “It is not everyday that we get to be part of a total HD conversion on the 80th anniversary of a broadcast launch. It is a momentous occasion.”
About WRGB
WRGB began in a small 12 foot square studio in 1928 and has grown to a 50,000 square foot communications complex. They originate 30 hours of local newscasts each week on WRGB and 5 hours per week on WCWN which viewers get their news, weather, and sports information from. They are continually a leader as across the country as having one of the largest news audiences in America.
About Ross Video
Ross Video designs, manufactures and supports a wide range of innovative products for use in live production applications in over 100 countries. Over the past 15 years Ross has grown an average of 20% year over year and currently employs 300 incredibly talented people. Ross‘ award winning product line includes the Vision, Synergy SD, and Synergy MD/X Video Production Switchers, openGear, RossGear and GearLite Terminal Equipment, SoftMetal Video Servers, and the OverDrive Production Control System. News and information are available at www.rossvideo.com.
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