[quote="Matt Saplin"]I'm at WESH, and we're in the process of switching over from a Sony DVS-9000 to an MVS-8000G. Our DVS-9000 replaced a GVG-300 back in 2005. As for the other Orlando stations, CFNews 13 uses a 2 M/E Kalypso, WFTV uses a Kalypso, WKMG uses a Sony 7350 (soon to be an MVS-8000A), and WOFL uses a Sony 7350, too.[/quote] I don't have much to add, just want to say I'm glad someone here is only a couple years ahead of me and my station...we're just about to replace our 300 in the next couple of weeks with a 3000 we just bought. Wonder if this'll feel as nice as moving from the Ampex4100 with no e-mems to the 300.

[quote="Chris Carter"]By the way, WESH in Orlando uses a Sony 7350. I'm not sure about the others.[/quote] I'm at WESH, and we're in the process of switching over from a Sony DVS-9000 to an MVS-8000G. Our DVS-9000 replaced a GVG-300 back in 2005. As for the other Orlando stations, CFNews 13 uses a 2 M/E Kalypso, WFTV uses a Kalypso, WKMG uses a Sony 7350 (soon to be an MVS-8000A), and WOFL uses a Sony 7350, too.

I punched shows in high school in Junior Achievement on a Sarkes-Tarzian 1600 for the local ABC affiliate I ended up working there for 10 years after graduation. I've worked on GVG 110, 200, 250, 300, 3000 and 4000. I'm currently on the Sony 9000. I've seen the Ross Overdrive in action and it's pretty impressive. By the way, WESH in Orlando uses a Sony 7350. I'm not sure about the others. I've also taken some Kayak training, but I'm not sold on it just yet. Punching on a Kalypso has always been a goal of mine, ever since the switcher came out.

I am a younger TD, with limited experience of a few different boards. The first board i learned on back in school was a Sony 7000. I have also used a Kalypso, and Snell and Wilcox for limited productions. At my job we just purchased a Ross Synergy 2.5. By no means am I an expert but what I CAN tell you is this: the manual is the easiest read I have ever read for a switcher, Ross is supposedly close to GVG in operation (people who know GVG should be able to figure the Ross in a day), and once you play around on it-you will find it very easy to learn and user friendly-regardless of its abilities or so forth. I love the switcher so far. absolutely love it. And to the head honchos, it is what it is, you get what you pay for. Take a 100K board and turn out a 20 dollar show or take a 50K board that can do all the same things and turn out a 10K show. The buttons dont push themselves.

[quote="Matt Saplin"]...likewise with a Grass Kayak later adding "Ignite". I'm pretty sure that the Kalypso won't play with "Ignite", though. I don't believe that Sony or Snell offer any automation solutions like "Ignite", but maybe that's the wisdom of the managers only looking at Grass and Ross products? Just a thought. Small world that you used to be in Orlando, too! I believe that WKMG replaced that GVG-300 with a Sony 7350 a few years back, but I don't really know anyone over there yet. I'll drop you an e-mail so I can pick your brain on Orlando a bit! Matt[/quote] I had not thought about that. We were looking at the Kalypso, and I've not seen anything about Kayak. I actually got the impression from some here at automation was not an issue in play. (yay!) When I was at WKMG nine years ago, I had heard that a Sony was going to replace the GVG-300, and I actually heard from someone at Sony just recently, that was the case. BTW, How does WFTV's HD news look? I'm curious if there is anyone from the WKMG production department that would remember me. The audio guy, Larry Hernandez had been there 20 years and was hired to be an announcer. The Chyron guy was a quiet but gruff dude that knew the machine better than anyone. The directors were all super cool, and never yelled over the PL. Too bad my boss wasn't as cool.

[quote="scottgfx"]Our managers are starting to look at switchers and I would like to pick your brains. The CE is currently focusing on just Grass and Ross and I'm attempting to widen his vision to include Sony and Snell.[/quote] One other thought, Scott...maybe they are looking to the future for automation? I know that currently Ross' "OverDrive" is something that you can add later if you're running a Synergy, likewise with a Grass Kayak later adding "Ignite". I'm pretty sure that the Kalypso won't play with "Ignite", though. I don't believe that Sony or Snell offer any automation solutions like "Ignite", but maybe that's the wisdom of the managers only looking at Grass and Ross products? Just a thought. Small world that you used to be in Orlando, too! I believe that WKMG replaced that GVG-300 with a Sony 7350 a few years back, but I don't really know anyone over there yet. I'll drop you an e-mail so I can pick your brain on Orlando a bit! Matt

[quote="Matt Saplin"]In any event, you'll hear horror stories from just about anyone you ask -- someone will always have something bad to say, it's just a matter of how far deep you have to dig to get that info.Matt[/quote] Thanks for your comments Matt. I spent a year at WKMG back in 1997. I was in the art department, but I used to try and show off my GVG-300 knowledge to the production department. I worked with that switcher when I directed and did pre-pro at WBBH-TV. The production dept. at WKMG was a lot fun to be around. I have a fond memory of running camera in the studio when they were down a person. Shhh, don't tell the union.

How could I not add my 2 cents on this one! Almost a year ago, I was at a station that went through "the switcher dilemma" with the hope of replacing an old Sony DVS-8000 (2.5 ME, circa 1992). While I've worked on older Snell switchers, the Kahuna was the only switcher that we didn't look at -- I think that as directors, we felt that we wanted a Grass from the beginning, and also looked at the Sony and the Ross. In any event, you'll hear horror stories from just about anyone you ask -- someone will always have something bad to say, it's just a matter of how far deep you have to dig to get that info. We bought a Kalypso, so I'll start there. The Kalypsos are made with "everything in the box", so every upgrade is a software key. Grass was very supportive through the time of the install, and was always there and very prompt if we had any issues. The only issues that we had were with an M-Series box that we got at the same time, that had a hard drive that stalled frequently, causing it to lose communication with the switcher. This was an excellent experience from the demo right through the last day I used the switcher at that station. Another big reason that we went with the Kalypso was the value -- the price was great, and we received a number of other items as we were also buying a number of M-Series iVDRs and master control gear. As for the Sony, we looked at the DVS-9000 as well. After our DVS-8000 died on the air twice, the Chief Engineer was a little wary of Sony, as he had trouble getting any response from them. Still, Dana came and demoed the 9000 for us and tried to smooth the waters. At the time, I think that we all felt that the Kalypso had the functions and interface that we wanted and needed, but the Sony was a close runner-up, and offers much of the same functionality of the Kalypso. Personally, when I trained on the MVS-8000 back in 2002, it was not a good experience -- that has been very hard to overcome, but I think that was more to do with Systems Integration than anything else. On the flip side, with guys like Dana around, things have certainly gotten better whenever I've dealt with Sony since the bad experience I had. I like the Ross -- certainly a "more bang for your buck" approach. The reasons why we didn't buy the Ross were mostly because we wanted a switcher with 4 keyers per ME, and wanted the ability to do a 4-box in 1 ME. At the same time, my experience with Ross has been excellent - the Ross techs have always been very responsive and helpful, and I know that there are a number of Synergy switchers on-line in trucks, stations and other venues. One of the stations in the market that I just left is switching to "OverDrive", which is another selling point (if that is the path your facility is following). Hope that helps a bit. Sit behind the wheel, and take each one out for a spin. I'm sure you'll have fun driving them around, and taking them around a few "fast corners"! Matt

The Sony Switchers are very good, very functional and down right strong in many markets. GVG seems to have the High End Sport Truck market wraped around it's finger, and they also have some Kalypso switchers in with some of the major Broadcast markets that could spend the money. Ross has plenty of switchers in Broadcast facilities. They do more than just stadium jumbotrons. They are capable and have really good DVEs in the switcher. The down side to them is limited to your willingness to change a little bit in how you approach some things. However it really does not take more than a day to figure out the nuances and put out a very good show. The oldest station in north america has a Ross Synergy switcher and they do just fine and have been around since the begining.

[quote="Scott Dailey"]Reminds me of the Sony SEG 2000...I still have nightmares from using that thing only a couple of times.[/quote] My high school had a Sony SEG-2000. Wow...blast from the past. I remember how our tapes came in on the "aux" input, and were always a non-sync glitch because we didn't have a TBC. The college that I went to had that wonderful Crosspoint-Latch (6114, I think) with the selection knobs for wipe patterns. Just the other day, I stumbled on a picture on flickr.com of an old Panasonic that the SEG-2000 replaced at my school: I remember how ours had wadded-up gaffers tape as the knobs on the split faders. Matt

[quote="Scott Dailey"]It did not have any crosspoints on the PGM buss except for the ME's. It was designed to preset everything and then take it to air.[/quote] Reminds me of the Sony SEG 2000...I still have nightmares from using that thing only a couple of times. My first "real" TD'ing after college was on a Shintron...anyone else had the pleasure of using THAT monstrosity?

I'm thinking about offering training courses on the Abekas A-82 and the Ampex AVC-33. Do you think there is a merket for that ? How about the Central Dynamics. It did not have any crosspoints on the PGM buss except for the ME's. It was designed to preset everything and then take it to air. Any echo Lab TD's out there? Scott

[quote="Scott S."][quote="scottgfx"]Now, if only I could get some information on Vital, Intergroup or Crosspoint & Latch.[/quote] Ouch... Crosspoint Latch ...6412 I believe is what we had in college. Thankfully for those of us that made it into the Broadcast Services Dept., they had GVG switchers. I still talk to my main professor... man that will make him feel older. How about a suggestion on a dve... I say a Microtime ACT 1 to go along with that CPLatch ;) Our engineer use to call it the "meat grinder" - only had half the video bandwidth. Scott S.[/quote] "meat grinder"... I love that! My first switcher was a Panasonic WJ-5500A. I have to give it some respect as it had a complete sync generator with all of the outputs necessary to drive a Norelco PC-70 camera. That was in high school. My community college had an 8 input 1 m/e GVG-1600. I seem to remember it having problems. The `70's vintage Hitachi cameras were in such bad shape; everything looked like it was shot through a piece of cheesecloth. Not so much soft as it was "milky". What does this have to do with our quest for a new switcher? Not really sure, but it's fun. :)

[quote="scottgfx"]Now, if only I could get some information on Vital, Intergroup or Crosspoint & Latch.[/quote] Ouch... Crosspoint Latch ...6412 I believe is what we had in college. Thankfully for those of us that made it into the Broadcast Services Dept., they had GVG switchers. I still talk to my main professor... man that will make him feel older. How about a suggestion on a dve... I say a Microtime ACT 1 to go along with that CPLatch ;) Our engineer use to call it the "meat grinder" - only had half the video bandwidth. Scott S. Stand corrected- 6112 actually googled it and it came up - WOW

One positive thing to report. Our dealer is sending the CE a packet of info on the Kahuna. That makes three switchers in the mix. I'm still not sure why Sony isn't discussed. Now, if only I could get some information on Vital, Intergroup or Crosspoint & Latch.

Ken, Bill, Thanks for your comments. The things I'm learning here I'm feeding to the key players. Every little bit helps. -Scott

[quote="scottgfx"]One concern is that there is a perceived lack of live broadcast installations of Kahunas. I know that Ken has mentioned that the roster continues to grow. Any thoughts on how well this switchers the Kahuna will be supported in the future?[/quote] Hi Scott, You are correct that I said the roster of Kahunas is getting bigger. This is still true - especially in the live market. Since I am now employed by Snell & Wilcox this is probably not the right place for me to write my opinion since it may be considered a sales pitch which would open a whole can of worms. Let me just include this link to the latest Kahuna press release - I hope posting the link is considered acceptable on this forum. If it isn't, please accept my apologies and I will immediately delete it. Cheers, -= Ken =- Ken Schneider Kahuna Program Manager ken.schneider@snellwilcox.com

Scott, I would agree with Rick, in regards to why to atleast consider Sony. DME is a huge difference, I work on a SD kalypso daily, and wish I had a real DVE at times. Pretty simple stuff though everyone of the manufactures you mentioned will do demo's. They are free. Get them all to come in. I would be interested to see what GVG shows, since it has been rumored for a while that the Kalypso is on it's way out. The Kahuna I haven't seen in a few years but it sounds like it has some great features as well. make it easy, call them all, and ask a lot of questions, you have to be able to look through the flashy demo's and see how it will work for you. I know Sony came by MSNBC once and left the board there for a week. Hooked up with 4 channels of DME, 4 channels of HD EVS, and a 2 channel DDR. Lots of things to play with. I am sure others will do the same. Get the demo then play, and ask more questions. Then it should be simple, pick the best switcher. I agree about what you said about Ross switchers as well, I was not impressed with them as being used for anything other then to feed a jumbotron at the stadium. Bill

[quote="Rick Edwards"]Scott, If you ask 100 of us, you will certainly get 100 different opinions.[/quote] I hope so. Thank you very much for your comments.

Scott, If you ask 100 of us, you will certainly get 100 different opinions. Yes, I am a very big fan of the Sony switcher line. My main reason is the people behind it. I have had a great experience in nearly every aspect of using all their different switcher products, from the original MVS-8000 (back in 2002) to the DVS-9000, to the current MVS-8000A. I have never had anything short of a completely professional experience when deal with the switcher folks at Sony. One of the things that made me hang my hat with Sony's switchers was, I believe, is a clearly-thought-out plan for the evolution of the product. For instance, Sony first came out with the MVS-8000. It was leaps and bounds beyond the pure technology of other companies. Why? Becuae it did SD & HD in a full 4 M/E switcher right out of the box from day 1. Other switcher venders waited years before getting into the large-venue HD switchers. Their modular control panel is still, to the best of my knowledge, unmatched in the industry. This concept allows end-users to simply move modules around as they see fit to change with their preferences. For example, nearly all the trucks that have Sony switchers have both a Joystick and a Trackball module for the TD to choose from. In fact, both can be installed at the same time. This also allows for Sony to create new modules that are available to every single customer that has owned an 8000 series control panel. A perfect example is the new Jog/Shuttle module that just came out. Every single customer can buy one if they want. How many other switchers future-proof the one thing that is most important to the operator -- the control panel. Speaking of the panel, I feel Sony did a terrific job with the common control panel and software that extends throughout all three of the switcher models I mentioned earlier. When the DVS-9000 came out, I wasn't worried about "oh, great. Another switcher with a new panel, new ideas and -- worse -- version 1.0 software." The DVS-9000 shipped with v3 since it used the exact same software and control panel as the MVS-8000. Same thing when the MVS-8000A shipped. It shipped with the current software so there was no going back to version 1. The MVS series is an extremely stable and proven workhorse. Sony has been in the large-venue live switcher business for a long time and, contrary to what some in the freelance community might say, is a VERY well accepted switcher at the highest levels in this industry. It's pretty well known that NBC has been in the Sony camp for a while now. CBS has also been putting MVS into all their O&Os and places like David Letterman, and the studio that does NFL Today. MTV's main facility in New York recently changed to Sony as did ABC's Good Morning America. I also heard Fox is now exclusively buying MVS switchers for their O&O's as well. Add to that several of the other major-market broadcast groups and it's easy to see why the MVS sells so well. These guys would not be buying it if their operators didn't like it. It's that simple. Yes, I'm sure everyone works out good pricing, but if their people didn't like it, they just wouldn't risk their business. Other things that I really like about the Sony are the DMEs. The are NOT transform engines. They are way beyond that, especially in the MVE-9000 DME. A lot of people try to poo-poo the fact that Sony's DMEs are in an extra chassis. Who cares? Sony offers a choice between different DME models. They also offer a choice of "internal" or "external" configurations. The picture quality is amazing out of these boxes. I also love the fact that I don't have to use a P-Bus controller with the MVS. It speaks native VDCP protocol (and has for some time) to pretty much anything that uses VDCP. And I just got a look at their new Jog/Shuittle module for the control panel. VERY COOL!!! Has a timecode display where you can mark in and out points and best of all the jog.shuttle knob feels JUST LIKE you're using a VTR (even has the "clicks" on the knob). Lastly, with their new software, Sony's internal RAM clip player (they call it Frame Memory) now has an incredible 6.5 minutes of RAM storage at SD and around 60+ seconds in 1080. I'm sure everyone will reply with why they like their brand of switcher. I strongly encourage you to have your CE look at ALL the manufacturers. He's doing himself, and his operators, a big dis-service if he doesn't. Good luck, RE