New jersey sports and exposition authority completes a/v upgrade at izod center

UFM-145DFS Modular Frame Synchronizers and MV-1610HS Multi-Viewers Added to Streamline Workflow and Content Distribution

December 15, 2008

FORT LEE, NEW JERSEY, December 15, 2008 - FOR-A a leading manufacturer of video and audio systems for the broadcast and professional video industries, announces that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) has selected four of its MVS-1610HS 16-input multi-viewers, five MV-410 Quad multi-viewers and 10 UFM-145DFS modular frame synchronizers for internal audio visual needs during New Jersey Nets basketball games at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kenilworth, New Jersey-based Diversified Systems oversaw the IZOD Center renovation. A long-time system integrator for the NJSEA, Diversified Systems worked to ensure across the board compatibility for the IZOD Center, home of NBA's New Jersey Nets. Kevin Collins, Diversified Systems' Chief Operating Officer said that the primary goal for this installation was focused on making better use of the venue's large-screen displays.

"When the New Jersey Devils hockey team relocated, the NJSEA decided it was time for upgrades to improve in-house game day events and to streamline the process of displaying highlight reels and clips that are played before the game," Collins explained. "Establishing a digital system was important not only from a workflow and tape acquisition point of view, but financially as well. Distribution of game highlights can be turned around more quickly. And since the upgrade, the NJSEA no longer has to fund conversions from an analog signal."

The NJSEA selected four FOR-A's UFM-145DFS modular frame synchronizers due, in part, to their ability to be remotely controlled. The New Jersey Nets often share cameras with visiting sports networks to supplement images shown in-house. The UFM-145DFS modular frame unit synchronizes tie-ins to the video board and allows those supplementary shots to be easily assimilated into the program for the arena.

According to Collins, several challenges arose during the upgrade. The relatively small footprint of the IZOD Center's A/V control room was overloaded with old CRT monitors. Careful consideration was given to every piece of equipment that was chosen for the room, with an eye toward multi-functionality.

"We made sure that if a component occupied a lot of rack space it had to be doing more than one job," said Collins. "By doing this, the upgrade to digital has opened up the space, giving operators have more room to maneuver. We replaced a very deep and cumbersome monitor wall with 40" flat LCD screens and use FOR-A's MV-1610HS multi-image processor to feed all the signals. Operators can change the layout with the touch of a button, as opposed to a complex rerouting and rewiring of everything."

Diversified Systems worked closely with FOR-A and the NJSEA to maintain a tight schedule during the upgrade. The project was completed during the IZOD Center's down time of five weeks during the summer months, before the start of basketball season.

About FOR-A
FOR-A is a major manufacturer and distributor of video and audio systems to the broadcast, postproduction and professional video markets. For more information about FOR-A's product line, call 201-944-1120 visit our web site at www.for-a.com <http://www.for-a.com/>