Citytv Toronto to broadcast news in HD with Ross Technology

Ross Video has announced that CHUM Television's flagship station, Citytv Toronto, will broadcast its news programming in HD using the Synergy 4 MD-X digital production switcher beginning September 2006.
"We have had a long term relationship with Ross and have been very satisfied with their products and their approach to developing those products," said Bruce Cowan, Director, Broadcast Technology, CHUM Television. "Having implemented OverDrive and Synergy at our A-Channel, Barrie facility gave us a comfort level with the technology. The combination further expands the tools for our Technical Directors."
Citytv Toronto is positioned to become the first daily newscast in Canada to broadcast in HD. Installation of the OverDrive production control system and Synergy 4 MD-X digital production switcher is targeted for completion by summer 2006. As part of several CHUM HD initiatives, ‘BT-"Breakfast Television’, ‘Cityline’, ‘CityNews at Noon’, ‘CityNews at Six’ and ‘CityNews Tonight’ will all broadcast in HD.
CHUM Television has invested in several Synergy digital production switchers including: A-Channel Barrie, A-Channel Ottawa, A-Channel London, and Citytv Toronto. Both A-Channel Barrie and now Citytv Toronto have invested in the OverDrive Production Control System.
"We are thrilled to be working with CHUM Citytv Toronto as they begin a new chapter in live HD production," said Brad Rochon, OverDrive Product Manager, Ross Video. "OverDrive combined with Synergy MD-X offers a powerful and flexible live production solution for their current and future needs."
OverDrive is a highly flexible production control system with a LiveLink MOS interface to newsroom editorial systems. Using the extensive device control capabilities of Synergy digital production switchers, OverDrive extends the reach of the technical director to include control of video servers, audio mixers, robotic cameras and more. The centralised control offered by OverDrive gives the ability to execute a more consistent, sophisticated production on the air without increasing staffing levels.
Synergy MD/X is part of a family of Ross Digital Production switcher solutions. The Synergy MD/X series are fully equipped multi-definition production switchers supporting a wide variety of SD and HD video formats. Synergy MD/X is based on the latest technology in both hardware and software offering a readiness for the future. Synergy MD/X does not require costly upgrades when moving from SD to HD.
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