Ignite generally uses the Grass version of the Kayak. The DD version is used in trucks. By the way, I also think the Overdrive is superior.

I have found Ross to be an extremely supportive company from top to bottom. From the trainers, to the tech support people, to the top brass, they have gone above and beyond to help us in every capacity. I know that whether I've got an equipment problem, or am simply stuck building an effect or have an operational issue, quick help is a phone call or email away. We've been using Synergy and Overdrive for a year and a half now and the quality of Ross support has not tapered off at all. Not sure how the ignite system works, I've never seen one in operation, but I can tell you with the Ross Overdrive, it is very comforting to have a full sized switcher to my left and a full sized audio console to my right. If anything goes wrong with the automation, it is simply a matter of rolling my chair over to the switcher and having the assist roll over to the audio console and we can continue on "old school". This is also handy in a ramped up news situation where we want to use a full crew. The automation is very easily disengaged if need be. Does Ignite use a standard switcher/audio board?

Hi Guys, your conversation above was brought to my attention. Steve (sohmer), I'm sorry to hear that you have somehow recieved a negative perception of Ross Video support. I would like to assure you that if there's any one thing that Ross invests in and takes very seriously it's our tech support. For most customers, this appears to be the reality. I was pleased find out that a recent blind and independent industry study placed Ross in the top 5 of all manufacturers in the broadcast industry for North American support. To back things up, for the past 5 years we've posted our Code of Ethics on our website. On it state things like, "We will always act in our customer's best interest", "We will be great to work with", "We will do something extra for our customers, as an apology, when something big goes wrong and it's our fault.", etc. I hope this helps give you a better idea of the sort of company that I have taken great pride creating. Honestly, if you ever hear a negative word said about Ross tech support, please encourage them to contact me directly at dross@rossvideo.com. We're not exactly a small company anymore but we really take this point seriously. On the point of Ignite, the Sony automation system, and OverDrive, I'd highly encourage your facility to at least look at OverDrive. More people are using it than any other system for a very good reason. Some of our most passionate customers used to use Ignite or ParkerVision and now use OverDrive. And yes, it's true - I have done some TD work. Thanks for listening. David Ross, CEO and Owner, Ross Video.

Ross support, the company that installed a Ross switcher at a sports venue was asked to provide a TD, as none were available locally. The VP of the integration company called Ross and asked if they had a list of qualified TD's. The president of the company, David Ross, came and switched. There is another Ross at the Ravens' stadium. The NFL gets upset if the National Anthem or the coin toss or kickoff don't occur at their scheduled times. The in house folks asked Ross if it would be possible to get time code in the preview monitor. At first they said no, then a few hours later they contacted the engineer and gave him directions on how to get a patch. They used the time to write the code and test. Not sure if they do things differently when the client is a broadcast facility, but they seem to support their sports venue clients well. I only know of the old Grass and their lack of support. Remember the DPM-700? A place I worked at bought one and we had an operations question. We called support the day before a show with our question. We got a call back three days after our show happened. Yes, that was '94 or '95 and that was the OLD Grass, but it still is in my memory all these years later.

[quote="sohmer"]Personally, I wouldn't even let Ross Video in the door. All I ever hear is what a nightmare the support is with Ross. Skip them if you can. Steve.[/quote] Sorry, never had anything but excellent service from Ross Tech Support, whether it be on a new system that we just purchased, or an old analog board thats 25 years from release, but still in a truck. They support their equipment, ALL OF IT, and don't farm support out to other companies. I work on Sony, GV and Ross at different events, and the 24hour helpline is that... Tech Support guy on call was talking me through some setup issues while taking his wife out to a movie, can't ask for more support than that, at least in my book. B

We have been on the Ignite system for a few months. The system is as flexible as the operator. The ability to do breaking news in a short period of time is impressive. I will say it comes down to proper planning, proper training, and the correct mindset. If your people already hate the idea, it will fail. It is a different way of doing things, you will be able to do anything you can do now...you just have to think outside the box. Our shows have become more consistent, cleaner, and much more "user" friendly.

We took a look at the GV ignite system and were very underwhelmed. It is a timeline-based systems and is extrememly IN-Flexible, especially in a breaking news situation -- which we found unacceptable. The timeline-based display is exactly opposite of our iNews vertical display and I found it quite annoying. ] Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a piece of junk I'm just not sure it was for us. We've heard, though the very large grapevine that is TV broadcasting, some very good things about Sony's new system. I don't even know what it's called but I do know that an Austin station is on the air with it and rumor has it that it's being installed all over the country. I'm trying to get our management to remove the "Grass Valley" sticker firmly from their butt and take a look at the Sony system. Personally, I wouldn't even let Ross Video in the door. All I ever hear is what a nightmare the support is with Ross. Skip them if you can. Steve.