TopVision Selects Grass Valley’s LDX XtremeSpeed Camera System

TopVision, one of Europe’s leading outside broadcasting (OB) van operators, will enhance its sports production offering with its first LDX XtremeSpeed (LDX XS) camera system from Grass Valley.

Grass-Valley_SVGE-IMNEquipped with an XCU XtremeSpeed XF Fiber base station, RefleX SuperXpander kit and OLED viewfinder, this camera system offers a superior ultra-slow-motion workflow and will allow TopVision to add sharper imagery and more engaging 6X-speed replays to its program.

“Our company has been focused on improving the quality of our productions, and Grass Valley’s LDX XS camera system offers the outstanding image performance we need to maintain our competitive edge,” said Achim Jendges, CEO, TopVision. “We’ve seen an increase in customer requests for ultra-slow-motion, flicker-free images, and partnering with Grass Valley will allow us to meet these needs and provide a better user experience during live programs.”

During testing at a Munich soccer match prior to purchasing, TopVision determined Grass Valley’s LDX XS camera offers a more competitive solution for live sports coverage. With its unique live workflow, TopVision will now be able to record all footage in real time to an external replay system and replay all material simultaneously.

“We are very excited to work with TopVision and help them carry out their strategic plan to offer exceptional sports coverage,” commented Said Bacho, senior vice president, EMEA, Grass Valley. “Our LDX XS camera delivers instant time-to-air capabilities, so that TopVision’s footage is immediately available for 6X ultra-slow-motion replay highlights. This camera system delivers unmatched performance and image quality, and we look forward to supporting TopVision’s continued success.”

Grass Valley Names Andrew Thornton as VP, Asia Pacific
Grass Valley announced the appointment of Andrew Thornton to the position of VP, Asia Pacific, effective immediately. With nearly 35 years of experience in the broadcast industry, Thornton will assume responsibility for all aspects of Grass Valley’s sales activities and growth in the Asia Pacific region.

“We are very excited to have Andrew join the Grass Valley team,” said Steve Ronneberg, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Grass Valley. “His rich background in sales management will be an invaluable asset as we look to expand and better serve our customer base. Not only am I confident in his ability to lead our sales initiatives in the Asia Pacific region, but that Andrew’s impressive experience will play an integral role in delivering future-ready solutions to our customers.”

Thornton joins Grass Valley from Harmonic, where he served for four years as the company’s vice president for the Asia Pacific region and took part in in the acquisition of Omneon, where Thornton was previously employed.

Before joining Omneon, Thornton served as the vice president of Asia Pacific operations at Avid Technology, the news and production systems company. He began his career at Sony Broadcast and Professional, where he worked in a variety of sales and management roles during his 10-year post.

“It is a great pleasure to join the Grass Valley team and become part of a company that is strongly committed to developing innovative technologies that allow broadcasters of all sizes to succeed,” said Thornton. “As an established leader in the industry, Grass Valley understands its customers’ needs and has the ability to provide complete, end-to-end solutions not only for today, but into the future. I look forward to using my experience to serve the Asia Pacific region for Grass Valley and exceed the company’s objectives for continued success.”

Thornton is a graduate of Bradford University in the United Kingdom, where he earned an MBA and a BS in Managerial Sciences. He is currently based in the company’s Hong Kong office and reports to Steve Ronneberg, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Grass Valley.

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