NEW KIGHT CENTER STRENGTHENS DISTANCE-LEARNING CAPABILITIES WITH COST-EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY FROM FOR-A

One of the Nation's Most Technically Advanced Community Colleges Selects FOR-A's Virtual Studio and Switcher Products to Train Next-Generation Workforce

Oct 8th, 2004

FORT PIERCE, FLA., October 8, 2004 - Indian River Community College (IRCC), one of the most technically advanced distance-learning centers in the United States, has chosen reliable and economical virtual studio and compact switching technology from FOR-A Corp. for its new Kight Center for Emerging Technologies. The new multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art building, to be officially opened in 2005, was cited by President George W. Bush earlier this year as being a model for training the nation's workforce to use the latest technologies.

In a keynote speech to over 2,000 attendees at the National Convention of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in Minneapolis, President Bush said, "Indian River Community College in Florida is opening a new center. to provide cutting-edge training in robotics, in lasers, and photonic technology. In other words, there's a demand for these kinds of workers, and what the community college system does is provide a fantastic opportunity for job training and new educational opportunities."

Paul Lefavi, Distance Learning Technology Coordinator at IRCC, has selected a new FOR-A digiWarp-EX II virtual studio system for IRCC's Main Campus in Fort Pierce, Fla. and a FOR-A VPS-400D/DP Digital/Analog Video Production System for the Clark Advanced Learning Center, a new "High School for the Digital Age," located at IRCC's Chastain campus, in Stuart, Fla.

The FOR-A technology will help IRCC create new weekly programs, 3-D animated backgrounds and other educational materials (e.g., interactive DVDs) for administrators, instructors and students to use both live and via an on-demand system that is now being developed and will link all of the community college's remotely located campuses.

The FOR-A VPS-400D/DP, installed at the Clark Advanced Learning Center, provides a sound investment for IRCC, according to Hiro Tanoue, Sales Manager/Eastern Region and Central/South America, FOR-A Corporation of America, allowing staff to train students with the least amount of manpower and time.

About the digiWARP System:

With digiWarp-EX II, artists can create complex scenery composed of object layers with a live blue screen image. This expands the limits for depth-of-field production in 3D space beyond what was possible with a single background layer. The priorities between the blue screen talent and each background layer can be swapped instantly during a live production, increasing the director's creative possibilities.

Like its predecessor, digiWarp-EX II is based on Windows open architecture and can be easily operated by one person. It can easily integrate with FOR-A digital switchers, which can include a chroma keyer module and 3D DVE. DigiWarp EX II also includes: a software-based image processor, a controller with software, and a camera tracking or sensor system.The standard digiWarp system includes all of the above-listed components, with the exception of the camera tracking system and the VPS-400 switcher.

Current users of digiWarp can upgrade to digiStorm, a full 3D real-time virtual studio, for increased productivity, flexibility and full 3D camera movements. Current digiWarp customers can simply replace two components to upgrade to digiStorm.

About the VPS-400D/DP Production System

Providing 10-bit 4:2:2:4 processing, FOR-A's VPS-400D/DP digital/analog video production switcher offers a wide range of features in a compact, economical package. Features include a serial digital component I/O video mixer with key capability (and optional DVE); analog input option for integration into analog or mixed system configurations; 8 primary serial digital component inputs (users can add 8 more primary inputs, or 4 primary/4 key analog composite, 4 primary/4 key analog component, or 2 analog composite/2 analog component/4 analog key inputs); serial digital component program and preview outputs; and an internal still store memory. It also offers 2 keyers with modifiers, 80 user demanded wipe patterns, and up to 200 DVE patterns.

About the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies

IRCC's Kight Center for Emerging Technologies is a futuristic showcase for cutting-edge technology, manufacturing and teacher education. Encompassing 108,000 square feet, the four-story Kight Center will be IRCC's largest and most technologically sophisticated facility. The Center is designed to enhance economic development by serving as a business resource and innovative learning environment to prepare a highly skilled workforce. To learn more Advanced Technology at IRCC, call Jose Farinos at 772-462-4939.

About FOR-A Corporation of America

FOR-A is a major manufacturer and distributor of audio and video systems to the broadcast, postproduction and professional video markets. For more information about FOR-A's product line, call 714-894-3311 or visit our web site at www.for-a.com.

About FOR-A Established in Japan in 1971, and with over 400 people at offices worldwide, FOR-A is a leading manufacturer and distributor of audio and video systems to the broadcast, post-production and professional video markets. Its product line-up includes high quality digital video switchers, color correctors, image stabilizers, high-resolution cameras and virtual studio software. Customers include some of the world's leading broadcasters and post-production groups. For more information please visit www.for-a.com