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Kahuna Production Switcher Delivers Seamless Multiformat SD/HD Operations for ABC's "The View"

Kahuna Enables Popular ABC Talk Show to Transition Smoothly to HD Production, Recording, and Broadcasting

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BURBANK, Calif. -- Sept. 26, 2006 -- Snell & Wilcox's Kahuna multifomat SD/HD production switcher is being used by ABC to enable a smooth transition to HD (high definition) for its Emmy® Award-winning morning talk show "The View." With its Sept. 5 HD premiere, the talk show became the first of the network's daytime programs to be broadcast in HD.

The production team at "The View" is using the Kahuna to cut the program in HD. Sources being handled by the Kahuna include HD signals from cameras, tape machines, and routers, as well as SD inputs from a variety of tape machines, graphics systems, and remote feeds. Snell & Wilcox's FormatFusion technology, integrated into the Kahuna, enables all of these to be mixed into the same production without the need for format conversion.

By providing internal conversion capability, the Kahuna simplifies the overall workflow and eliminates the need for costly external conversion gear, which would add system complexity and delay. At ABC the Kahuna is also being used to drive a large number of video displays that are used on-set both as part of the program and for the benefit of the live viewing audience.

"The fact that ABC has decided to base the HDTV production of one of its most popular programs around the Kahuna switcher is a testament to the functionality and flexibility it gives broadcasters as they migrate to HD broadcasting," said Joe Zaller, vice president of marketing at Snell & Wilcox. "Not only does Kahuna enable the show's technical director to integrate SD and HD sources seamlessly, but it also offers tremendous keying power and 3D DVE capabilities that allow for greater creativity in building the show's on-screen look."

With all the functionality provided by the Kahuna, the production team is able to work more efficiently and to come up with newer and better ways to bring the live program to air. Because the system is highly automated and totally programmable, Kahuna allows the technical director to recall the switcher memory and access the appropriate output quickly and easily. Its speed and power also enable the building of effects during the show if necessary.

The 4-M/E Kahuna system installed in the upgraded control room at "The View" provides 16 keyers equipped with 2D DVE and twin channels of Kahuna IMPAKT 3D DVE options, which will enable the technical director to apply a comprehensive range of effects -- including warps, tiling, ripples, rolls, and peels, with trailstore and lighting effects -- to the keyers and background transitions.

Complete details on the Kahuna SD/HD production switcher, including a virtual tour and downloadable podcast, are available from the Snell & Wilcox Web site at www.snellwilcox.com/kahuna.

"The View," recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy® Award for "Outstanding Talk Show," is ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, featuring a team of dynamic women of different ages, experiences, and backgrounds discussing the most exciting events of the day. The program has received critical acclaim since premiering Aug. 11, 1997.

"The View" is produced by and currently features ABC News correspondent Barbara Walters, comedian Joy Behar and former "Survivor: The Australian Outback" participant Elisabeth Hasselbeck. This September, entertainer Rosie O'Donnell, a six time Daytime Emmy Award-winner, joins "The View" as moderator. The show consists of hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews, and general entertainment. The program celebrated its 2,000th show on Feb. 2, 2006, and begins season 10 on Sept. 5, 2006. More information is available at http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/show.html.

Snell & Wilcox designs and builds the world's most advanced systems for video playout, mastering, repurposing, infrastructure, and live production switching. Providing solutions that deliver immediate value while enabling a controlled and cost-effective transition to HD and file-based systems, the company serves a worldwide base of customers in the broadcast, post-production, cable, satellite, and IPTV markets. In business since 1973, Snell & Wilcox maintains its U.S. headquarters in Burbank, Calif., and European headquarters in Hampshire, U.K. 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.

Press Contact: Susan Warren, Wall Street Communications, Phone: +1 631 261 1013. E-mail: susan@wallstreetcom.tv.

Snell & Wilcox, Putting Pictures to Work, Kahuna, FormatFusion and IMPAKT are all trademarks of the Snell & Wilcox Group. All other trademarks mentioned herein are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.