Press release from Magna Systems and Engineering
Recently the Finance News Network, Australia's leading provider of online business and financial video news and OB specialist StarComm purchased the innovative FOR-A HVS-300HS portable video switcher from Magna Systems and Engineering.
Finance News Network’s MD Simon Van Es explained his organisation’s purchasing decision. He said, “We had been looking for a system that could take some of our older 720×576 content and upscale it to HD but also take new HD sources and mix them all together. Ultimately our goal was to move to a full HD workflow but in the process we still wanted to use some of our older equipment. We looked at a heap of options and the one that stood out head and shoulders above the rest in terms of functionality and value for money was the FOR-A HVS 300.”
The HVS-300HS is part of FOR-A’s popular Hanabi series and represents one of the most powerful, compact, broadcast level switchers on the market. Although small, the 1RU HVS-300HS (there is also a 2RU HVS-300RPS) is packed with features including frame synchronising and re-sizing engine on every channel which allows any standard definition equipment to be used in full HD mode.
Van Es continued, “The HVS-300 had a long list of excellent functions. We were particularly impressed with the fact that the HVS-300 also has keyer with chroma key, DSK, dual picture-in-picture, 16-channel multi-viewer, still stores and much more. To be honest we could have purchased it online but we decided to go with Magna Systems because of their excellent local sales and support and I’m happy to say we are delighted with the HVS-300 and Magna’s service.”
Another recent purchaser of the HVS-300 is sporting OB specialist StarComm. Well known for their work helping to provide the broadcasts and graphics for the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) tour, StarComm owner Joel Medeiros said, “We purchased the FOR-A HVS-300 because it is perfectly suited for a wide-range of productions that we are actively involved in, particularly live events and sports where we use our small portable Flypack. We have a great relationship with Magna Systems and spent a good deal of time discussing which switcher would be best for us with the team there.
"When we’d considered all the options the FOR-A HVS-300 was clearly the best choice as it incorporates up to 12 inputs and 8 outputs, DSK, dual picture-in-picture, 16-channel multi-viewer and a wide array of other functions in a compact 1RU size. It’s also straightforward to use and easy to configure.”
StarComm have recently returned from ASP events in South Africa and Tahiti where they used the HVS-300. Medeiros added, “The HVS-300 is an excellent piece of kit that worked brilliantly in both countries. It’s very reliable and really punches well above its weight in terms of functionality. We are very happy with the HVS-300 and the advice and service that Magna Systems always back up their sales with.”