Press release from Magna Systems
Recently OB specialist StarComm used the innovative FOR-A HVS-350 portable video switcher from Magna Systems and Engineering to live stream and broadcast two unique surfing events in Bali and Tahiti in high definition.
The HVS-350 is part of FOR-A’s popular Hanabi series and represents one of the most powerful, compact, broadcast level switchers on the market. Although compact, the HVS-350 is packed with features including frame synchronising and a re-sizing engine on every channel which allows any standard definition equipment to be used in full HD mode.
StarComm owner Joel Medeiros said, “For the recent 2011 Oakley World Pro Junior tour event in Bali we needed reliable and robust equipment as we were live streaming and broadcasting over 50 hours of HD programming and with surfing, you don’t get a second take. We were delighted with the way our FOR-A HVS-350 performed during the event. We chose the HVS-350 because it is perfectly suited for these types of sporting events where we use our small, portable flyaway pack but where quality cannot be compromised. The HVS-350 also punches well above its weight with very useful features that include 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 size at a competitive price. It’s also straightforward to use and very easy to configure.”
For the 2011 Oakley World Pro Junior tournament Medeiros and his crew live streamed the event to the web and in the recent equivalent Tahiti event they also broadcast live to FreeTV Australia, ESPN USA and ESPN Brazil.
Medeiros concluded, “For both Bali and Tahiti events we customised the HVS-350 into a flyaway system which was then integrated into a shipping container. For the Bali live stream the container had to sit in a rice paddy field. As I said, space is at a premium when shooting these types of events and we often find ourselves in the middle of nowhere. I’m delighted to say the HVS-350 performed very well indeed without any issues. I must also thank David Clemesha from Magna Systems for his help as he always goes the extra step in order to make sure we have the right product and are happy with it.”