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LMG Relies on Snell & Wilcox Kahuna to Build World's First Multi-Format HD Truck-in-a-Box

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LMG Inc., a leading provider of video, audio, lighting, and presentation support, is using the Snell & Wilcox Kahuna SD/HD production switcher to enable the industry's first video production "truck in a box" with multiformat capabilities.

LMG custom engineered its new HD-1, which provides all of the capabilities of a mobile truck in easily shipped containers, to maximize flexibility in the show environment. As the system's centerpiece, the Kahuna switcher allows HD-1 technicians to intermix HD and SD sources in the same switching system with dazzling results.

"Our company does a lot of staging of meetings and live events, and we quickly found the unique capabilities of the Kahuna to be a big wow factor," said Les Goldberg, CEO of LMG. "There are no more limitations regarding aspect ratio or signal type, or in compositing the finished product. We can do things now, technically, that we couldn't have conceived of before - take pieces of any format or from multiple sources and layer them without fear of scaling. The result just knocks people back in their seats. Our customers love it, and we heard a lot of buzz following our HD-1 launch."

Snell & Wilcox's Kahuna allows HD-1 users to combine HD and SD material, work with both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and play out HD content while recording a Betacam or DigiBeta version for archiving purposes. An advanced technology called FormatFusion™ allows operators to integrate any SD material - such as handheld camera feeds, graphics, or archive footage - into HD productions without the need for upconversion. As a result, LMG has been able to leverage its existing SD resources as part of a controlled, intelligent migration into HD work.

Typical events for which LMG will deploy its HD-1 system include product launches, expositions, press conferences, and numerous other live events for the corporate, entertainment, and government sectors. Earlier this year, LMG client Hartmann Studios used HD-1 to deliver an HD presentation for Home Depot's 2005 Annual Store Managers Meeting in Dallas. The Kahuna enabled Hartmann to blend SD and HD content quickly and without compromising quality. Hartmann capitalized on this capability by transforming the facility into an HD amphitheater and allowing video and company speakers to carry the show.

"In the traditional marketplace, this type of production involves an HD frame, an SD frame, a lot of conversion equipment, and delay issues when material is being up- and downconverted," added Goldberg. "The Snell & Wilcox Kahuna eliminates the need for separate HD and SD systems as well as the delay issues, and thus allows us and our clients to focus on bringing all of the production elements together in a clean and clear display that makes a very strong impression on our audience. We're now able to deliver the highest-quality signal, regardless of format."

ENDS

LMG, Inc., has been recognized as a top international provider of video, audio, lighting and presentation support for some of the world's largest convention and meeting venues since 1984. LMG's standard of excellence is achieved by combining state-of-the-art technology with the most highly trained technical personnel available. For more information about LMG, you may contact 800.226.3100, or visit LMG's website at www.lmg.net.

Snell & Wilcox, the leader in its field, delivers technologies and products that enable television and satellite broadcasters, post-production facilities, filmmakers, and communications professionals to move content seamlessly between analog, digital, high definition and file-based systems and to bridge the world's multiplicity of line/field and color standards. The company provides switchers and keyers, standards conversion systems, networked infrastructure components, and products for noise reduction, image enhancement, and restoration. In business since 1973, Snell & Wilcox maintains its U.S. headquarters in Burbank, Calif., and European headquarters in Hampshire, UK. Additional offices are located in New York, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Russia. Visit www.snellwilcox.com for more information.

Americas Press Contact: Laura Schoeggl, Wall Street Communications, Phone: +1 253 404 0020.
Email: laura@wallstreetcom.tv.

EMEA Press Contact: Karen David, Wall Street Communications Europe, Phone: +44 (0) 1865 310422. Email: karen@wallstreetcom.tv.

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