The OvationMD series also includes internal analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, up/down/cross conversion, frame synchronizers and frame buffers. OvationMD unlocks creative limits by enabling simultaneous signal format production, multiple key layers, advanced 3D DVE effects with warp and lighting.

Compact and cost-effective, OvationMD switchers also offer sophisticated optional features like dynamic multi-definition functionality, enabling hassle-free resource sharing across broadcasts regardless of picture format and on-the-fly conversions. The OvationMD series includes an impressive list of internal conversion options that allow the switchers to accept a wide variety of input formats of the same frame rate, and then output in 1080i, 720p and SD formats. This ability to convert in the mainframe simplifies system design and reduces overall costs significantly.

More information about Echolab’s products is available at www.echolab.com.
www.echolab.com

Touch-screen Computer Automates Complex Program Elements for Delivery of High-quality On-Air Programming

BILLERICA, Mass. — September 3, 2007 — The Echolab Conductor, a sophisticated touch-screen computer that enables delivery of high-quality and multifaceted on-air programming, will be unveiled to the European marketplace at IBC 2007. The Conductor is the latest in a line of technologically advanced video production switchers and broadcast tools provided by Echolab Corporation.


“With the Conductor on your team, you can automate difficult tasks and then perform those tasks with confidence once you’re on the air, to deliver the best-possible programs,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab president.

The Echolab Conductor has two modes of operation. In pre-production mode, the producer can configure the switcher, build sequences, transfer graphics, or configure the on-air soft buttons. In on-air mode, the Conductor becomes an extension of the switcher control panel. The touch screen interface features soft buttons that can execute sequences, load graphics, recall ME presets and communicate with video servers, character generators, and other third-party devices.

The Conductor features an array of software tools to automate program elements and build communications links with video servers, VTRs, and character generators. With the sequence builder tool, the producer can prepare a complicated sequence of events ranging from operating the switcher to controlling third-party devices — and then, while on the air, launch the sequence with the touch of a single button. The Conductor’s integration interface enables the producer to communicate with the video server, clip store, and character generator from one unified interface, giving producers added confidence that they can immediately access third party devices while on the air.

In addition, the Conductor provides a graphics utility for easy transfer of stills to the switcher’s internal memory, enabling the producer to access the graphics at any time during the show by loading the still image into the mainframe buffer. The Conductor’s configuration utilities enable quick setup, even with multiple users.

More information about Echolab’s products is available at www.echolab.com.
www.echolab.com

Echolab Releases Update of Opera Series of Video
Production Switchers

New Features Geared Towards Simplified Installation, Reduced Power Consumption, and Streamlined Processing of Analog and Digital Inputs

BILLERICA, Mass. — Aug. 30, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of professional video production switchers and broadcast tools, today announced an array of new features and new pricing for its Opera series of dual-format production switchers. The latest Opera firmware features floating frame synchronizers for managing untimed feeds and internal frame stores for simplified installation and reduced power consumption.

Built on Echolab’s award-winning System on Chip technology, the Opera switchers accept and deliver both digital and analog signals without the need for external analog-to-digital converters. Users can choose between analog or digital input modules to customize the Opera switcher for each production environment. Simultaneous dual-format output is standard on every Opera system.

The new floating frame synchronizer builds on the Opera series’ dual-format architecture to synchronize untimed feeds from such sources as DVD players, satellite, remote studios, and microwave links. Because it is floating, the synchronizer can be used on any input, and it can be dynamically reassigned to any other input.

The Opera series’ new frame stores are a valuable asset for any production environment and can even replace a dedicated clip/still store for certain applications. The Opera frame stores offer tremendous flexibility with an easy-to-use workflow and, because they are floating, can be assigned to any input. This flexibility allows the TD to configure the switcher to his or her workflow without having to change any wiring. The floating frame stores are loaded from the mainframe buffer and can be configured to load at startup. A still can be captured from any input and stored onto the floating frame store, or it can be transferred to the switcher using a Photoshop® plug-in or an easy-to-use utility that sends the graphic to the switcher via Ethernet.

Both the Opera frame synchronizer and the frame stores are internal to the switcher, reducing cabling and power consumption, saving valuable rack space, and allowing for fewer failure points.

“The Opera production switchers are an attractive alternative for those customers who want the same power and reliability of the big-name production switchers at a fraction of the cost,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab president. “A fully loaded Opera switcher is within reach for any budget, with rich functionality not usually found at this price point.”

Echolab has made it easy and cost-effective to purchase the upgraded Opera series switchers by offering packages that include the new options at a reduced price. Additional upstream keyers, chroma keyers, downstream keyers, and DVEs may also be purchased for a nominal price. The new switchers will be available Sept. 1, 2007, from value-added dealers, system integrators, system builders, and small OEMs that focus on video switching, conversion, and interface products. Sales information is available at www.echolab.com.

More information about Echolab’s products is available at www.echolab.com.
www.echolab.com

Echolab Corporation Appoints Tom Oriola and Mike Mitchell as Regional Sales Managers

BILLERICA, Mass. — Aug. 16, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of professional video production switchers and broadcast tools, today announced the appointment of Tom Oriola as regional sales manager for the northern U.S. and Canada, and Mike Mitchell as regional sales manager for the western U.S. and Canada. Oriola has been promoted from a sales engineer position with Echolab, bringing more than 15 years of experience in broadcast video switcher sales and engineering — including a previous role at Echolab from 1988 to 2002. Likewise, Mitchell has more than 15 years of sales experience in the video technology industry, joining Echolab from VMI, Inc.

Oriola manages all sales territories east of Missouri and north of Virginia in the U.S., as well as eastern Canada and the Maritimes. In addition to working with broadcast video switchers, he has held sales and engineering positions in networking, telecommunications and IP video delivery organizations. Other previous positions include senior inside account executive for Extreme Networks, senior account executive for XO Communications, and account executive for Industrial Video and Controls. “I look forward to maintaining Echolab’s continued growth in the broadcast market through strong customer focus and the continued introduction of leading-edge technology,” said Oriola.

As a sales professional, Mitchell has consistently been in the top quarter for sales volume throughout his career. Prior to Echolab, he served as a sales account executive for VMI Inc., where he played a significant role in the company’s sales leadership. Previously, Mitchell was a production specialist for the Sacramento River Cats baseball team and also held sales account executive positions at ATV Video Center and Northern Video Systems. At Echolab, he now manages all U.S. sales territories west of Missouri as well as those in western Canada.

“I’m looking forward to helping make Echolab production switchers the number one choice in the region, and to creating a loyal following within the broadcast community,” said Mitchell. “Echolab is a solid company with a great product, and the potential for growth on the west coast seems unlimited.”

“Mike and Tom bring a strong element of professionalism and sales excellence to the Echolab team, and we are fortunate to have them both,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab’s president. “We’re excited about the role they’ll play to strengthen relationships with our dealers and help them expand their Echolab business.”

Mitchell is based in Sacramento, Calif., and Oriola is based at Echolab’s corporate headquarters in Billerica, Mass. Both report to Andy Roeder, vice president of sales.

For more Echolab sales territory information, please visit
www.echolab.com/page43/index.html

Echolab Corporation Appoints Chris McLendon
Sales Engineer for North America

BILLERICA, Mass. — June XX, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of professional video production switchers and broadcast tools, today announced the appointment of Chris McLendon as sales engineer for North America. McLendon comes to Echolab after working for 16 years at WMGT TV-DT in Macon, Ga., most recently as operations manager and chief engineer.

“Echolab is first and foremost a customer-responsive company, which I should know, because until recently I was a customer,” said McLendon. “I am excited about this opportunity to join a company I admire, not only for its products but for its attitude and integrity.”

Until recently, as operations manager at WMGT, McLendon reorganized daily operations to enhance efficiency, while as chief engineer wrote specifications for and oversaw installation of a station automation system for the new-media operations department. He was also responsible for day-to-day on-air, Internet, and news operations. His experience will prove valuable as sales engineer for Echolab, where McLendon will be responsible for helping customers in North America devise appropriate solutions to enhance their operations, and for helping support those solutions.

“This is an exciting time for us at Echolab as we solidify our reputation for innovation and technical expertise within the industry,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab president. “Chris’s intimate knowledge of broadcasting’s ins and outs will enable him to support our customers and strengthen our relationships with them.”

O’Doherty’s Productions Wins Bet With
Echolab Nova Production Switcher

BILLERICA, Mass. — June 20, 2007 — Echolab Corporation today announced that O’Doherty’s Audio Video Productions of Dublin, Ireland, is deploying the company’s Nova 1416 switcher in its 26-foot broadcast truck, which travels almost 2,500 miles a month to provide A/V services to 16 racetracks spread across Ireland and Northern Ireland. O’Doherty’s is the premier provider of audio information, announcements, graphics, camera coverage, and replays to monitors and giant screens at racetracks in Ireland.
 
“The Nova 1416 is a hugely flexible system for its size,” said Paul Johnston, unit director for O’Doherty’s. “It’s perfect for our OB truck’s hectic schedule — we are always on the road, and we need absolute reliability as well as full functionality.”

The company was looking to upgrade its digital production and found Echolab to provide a switcher that, after bouncing around day after day on bad roads, was built for endurance. The Nova 1416 offers a robust system with high-end features, including a frame buffer that allows O’Doherty’s to store the individual racetrack logos, 16 routable AUX outputs that provide distinct SDI camera feeds, and flexible upstream and downstream keyers. Since space is at a premium, the compact 5-RU size of the Echolab Nova 1416 switcher is a plus, as is its cool, power-efficient operation. As with all Echolab switchers, at the heart of the Nova is Echolab’s innovative system-on-chip architecture, making the Nova not only easy to upgrade, but guaranteeing it will be in the race for many years to come.

Echolab’s Ovation™ MD 4000 Switcher
Wins Top Innovation Award at NAB

BILLERICA, Mass. — May 7, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of video production switchers and related tools, announced today that its Ovation™ MD 4000 series multi-definition video switcher for live production earned a “Top Innovation Award” from Television Broadcast magazine at NAB2007. A select panel of engineers, production professionals, and editors judged the awards for Television Broadcast, which is published by NewBay Media Video Group.

“We are pleased that Ovation was recognized as a significant advancement in broadcast evolution,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab president. “The Ovation series of multi-definition products is another example of Echolab matching customer responsiveness to superb technical competence. It’s a match that will continue to result in innovative product development.”

The Ovation MD 4000 series supports standard-definition video formats and simplifies the transition to HD. In addition, each switcher in the Ovation MD line offers the same features as Echolab’s Opera series such as full-function keyers on each M/E, downstream keyers, frame buffers, frame synchronizers, and options for partner product control. Compact and cost-effective, Ovation MD switchers also offer sophisticated optional features like dynamic multi-definition functionality, enabling hassle-free resource sharing across broadcasts regardless of picture format, with the switcher making necessary conversions on-the-fly.

While most switchers are built for set functionality with limited or no future adaptability, Echolab’s Ovation is built on a re-configurable platform based on leading-edge FPGA technology from Xilinx, Inc. This platform means the Ovation video switching system is uniquely flexible and supportable. In addition, the architecture is efficient, enabling the switcher to save power and run at a cooler temperature, making it a tough product with a long, useful life.

More information about Echolab’s products is available at www.echolab.com.
www.echolab.com

Echolab Announces Remote AUX Panel
for Use With Opera Switcher

LAS VEGAS, NAB2007 — April 16, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of professional video production switchers and broadcast tools, today introduced a remote control panel designed for use with Echolab’s Opera series of broadcast-quality video production switchers. Using TCP/IP, the new Echolab Remote AUX Panel can modify the sources assigned to a particular auxiliary output on the Opera switcher, making it particularly useful for controlling supplementary displays or for signal monitoring during live video production.

“We are pleased to add even more functionality to our already powerful Opera switcher with the Remote AUX Panel,” said Chris Graham, director of product planning for Echolab. “The Opera is already known for its quality and reliability. With this additional flexibility, it is even more useful in a fast-paced environment.”

The Echolab Remote AUX Panel offers key benefits for live video production. For example, it makes it very easy for an operator at any location with an Ethernet connection to cut between sources and control in-studio screens or supplementary screens during production. The Echolab Remote AUX Panel can also function as a signal monitoring tool. In this case, a technician assigned to one or more auxiliary outputs from the switcher can use the panel to view the quality of the video source while adjustments are made to levels on a tape machine or while a camera is shaded. There is no need to involve the technical director in the monitoring process or to use expensive distribution equipment.

The Echolab Remote AUX Panel controls the routing of as many as 12 auxiliary outputs in either analog or digital format, and it can select from as many as 32 external sources and as many as 15 internal sources. It also includes a jump function for quickly toggling back and forth between sources and a function for locking down any auxiliary output. The Echolab Remote AUX Panel is compact, requiring only 2 RU of rack space, and can also be installed on a tabletop.

The Echolab Remote AUX Panel is packaged with everything necessary for smooth operation with an Echolab Opera video production switcher. Echolab Opera switchers harness a unique modular input/output system to accept and deliver both digital and analog sources. Based on Echolab’s unique system-on-chip (SoC) architecture, the Opera series offers top-quality video production switching with full-function keyers on each M/E, downstream keyers, frame synchronizers, and additional options for partner product control.

For more Echolab sales territory information, please visit
www.echolab.com/page43/index.html

Echolab Hires Joe Wellman as
New Sales Manager, Major Accounts

BILLERICA, Mass. — Sept. 27, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of professional video production switchers and broadcast tools, has appointed industry veteran Joe Wellman as the company’s new sales manager for major accounts. In his new role, Wellman is charged with developing and executing a market strategy for sales of products from Echolab and its U.K. distribution partner, Crystal Vision, into large systems integrators and broadcasting organizations in the Northeastern United States.

Wellman brings more than 45 years of experience in the electronics and broadcast industries to his position at Echolab. Previously, he served as director of sales for Sigma Electronics, where he was responsible for providing focus for Sigma’s sales and marketing plans, as well as future business development. Prior to Sigma, Wellman served as a senior account manager for ADC’s BCG division, where he had the distinction of selling the first five large-scale HD routers on the East Coast. He also managed Northeastern sales of NVISION HD video/AES/EBU terminal equipment, fiber optic transport systems, routers, and ADC passive products to post-production facilities, network broadcast operations, and stations.

Over his career, Wellman has played a key role in more than 50 video system installations. He has in-depth experience as a technician, field engineer, assemblyman, video engineer, national sales manager, product manager, and marketing director. Wellman also founded Video Television Representatives, an independent firm that represented four
manufacturers in the mid-atlantic states.

“I’m truly impressed with the product excellence, customer focus, and industry leadership that Echolab brings to every customer engagement,” said Wellman. “It will be a pleasure to help expand Echolab’s presence among key players in the broadcasting industry.”

“We are excited to have a professional of Joe’s caliber and depth of experience to help us build our penetration into major accounts,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab president. “Joe has deep insight into the ongoing challenges and requirements of larger broadcasting operations, and he’ll introduce creative ways of delivering value to these customers through the Echolab and Crystal Vision product families.”

Echolab Opera Switcher Supports Groundbreaking Webcast
Joining East and West at Durango High Volleyball Tourney

Female Students From Middle East University Are First to
Produce a Live Television Sports Program From the United States

BILLERICA, Mass. — Oct. X, 2007 — Echolab Corporation, a leading provider of professional video production switchers and broadcast tools, today announced that its Opera dual-format production switcher played a key role in the Webcast of the 2007 Durango High School Fall Classic Tournament, the first live sports television sports program produced in the United States by female students from the Middle East.

Through the Middle East Broadcasters (MEB) Association initiative “Setting New Broadcasting Standards for the Arab World,” young women from the UAE, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon and the Kingdom of Bahrain joined the non-profit charity Interschool Television (iTV) in producing a Web broadcast of the prestigious girls’ volleyball tournament, which took place Oct. 5 and 6 in Las Vegas.

“The MEB initiative aims to enhance the broadcasting curricula and training in an outreach program involving Middle East universities,” said Dale Matthews, executive director of Oregon-based iTV and producer for the Fall Classic Webcast. “I contacted the people at MEB about the possibility that experienced students from the Middle East could take part in the groundbreaking project, and I and the tournament organizers were very pleased that young women from different parts of the world could come together in a first for the broadcast industry. Echolab’s loan of an Opera production switcher provided us with the technical capabilities we needed to make this one-of-a-kind broadcast a success.”

Thirty-two teams and many of the best players from around the country took part in the Durango High School Fall Classic. Eight students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, under the guidance of Matthews as producer, used the Opera production switcher to create content for Web broadcast, available for online viewing live around the world. The Middle East production crew easily integrated five cameras into the live production. While these prosumer three-chip cameras provided by iTV normally need to be synced externally, the internal frame synchronization of the Opera switcher allowed the team simply to power up the unit, plug in all of its cameras, and get right to work.

“The Durango High School Fall Classic is remarkable in that it attracts top-level female volleyball players from across the United States,” said Nigel Spratling, Echolab president. “What made this year’s event even more special was that a group of young women was able to travel from across the globe to take part in production of the event. We’re proud that our switcher technology played a role in this significant step forward for broadcasting and for successful collaboration among young people of different countries and cultures.”

Echolab’s Opera is a flexible SD production switcher with a unique dual-format design, complemented by internal frame synchronizers and frame buffers that make the Opera the perfect switcher for production systems that require handling of both analog and digital media. The production switcher can be installed into an analog system without additional conversion gear, and its modular architecture provides a cost effective means of transitioning from analog to digital at the desired pace.

For more Echolab sales territory information, please visit
www.echolab.com/page43/index.html