CHINESE LANGUAGE TV STATION UPGRADES TO DIGITAL WITH FOR-A VPS-400D DIGITAL VIDEO SWITCHER

New Switcher Enhances Production with DVE Capability and Improved Image Quality

Dec 8th, 2004

NORWALK, CA, December 8, 2004 - As part of its phased upgrade to digital, Chinese-language TV station, TVB (USA), installed two FOR-A VPS-400D digital video switchers with options, FA-370 frame synchronizer converter and LG-300 logo generator. TVB (USA) has the full version of the switchers, with 12 inputs, including four analog component inputs and eight SDI inputs.

The switchers were installed in TVB (USA)s News Control Room and Production Control Room at the broadcast center. In addition to production studios, the broadcast center includes 24/7 hour program playout for TVB (USA)s five Jade channels: Jade East, Jade West, Jade Super, Movie, and CCTV4. These channels are available on DIRECTV, as well as on cable systems in the U.S. The News Production Control room is used for such programs as Local News, World News, Jade East News, Jade West News, Hong Kong News and Financial News. The Production Control Room handles promos, interstitials, commercials, original programming and interviews.

The VPS-400D switchers replaced existing Panasonic four-channel units. Unlike the previous switchers, the VPS-400D has enhanced TVB (USA)s production capability by providing a wide array of digital video effects.

The VPS-400D has more features better suited to our current production needs, said Ringo Wong, Assistant Engineering Manager, TVB (USA). The switcher has a wide variety of special effects, a floppy disc drive, and it can import JPEG files. You can create graphics using a program like Adobe Photoshop, and load it into the switcher. Our production crew loves this feature. Its a very flexible device. According to audience feedback, our picture is clearer than before. With this switcher, were able to create and generate the best quality image for our viewers.

TVB (USA) installed additional FOR-A equipment in conjunction with the VPS-400D. The first is the FA-370 for signal conversion from analog to SDI, used for analog VCRs with component outputs. The other is the LG-300 logo generator for creation of the channel logos.

Wong said that currently TVB (USA)s studio is approximately half analog and digital, and that the upgrade will continue. One of the possibilities for the future is the addition of a virtual studio. The VPS-400D can be easily upgraded for 3D graphics and virtual studio, and was another factor in the decision to go with FOR-A.

Another was the companys excellent customer service. Customer service is very important for us, Wong said. FOR-A is willing to support us, and they respond very quickly.

About TVB (USA):

TVB (USA) Inc. is the operator of the Jade Channel (cable service in Los Angeles and San Francisco), and the Jadeworld (nationwide) in the U.S. Established in 1984 and incorporated in California, TVB (USA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the TVB Group based out of Hong Kong.

About FOR-A

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-As product line, call 1-714-894-3311 or visit our web site at www.for-a.com.