By Elina Shatkin, July 27, 2004
Marking the largest single sale in the company's history, Vizrt has announced that ORF, Austria's public broadcast network, has signed a contract valued at approximately $2.8 million (U.S) to replace its existing 82 character generators with approximately 60 Vizrt viz|trio standalone CG systems and 50 viz|trio nonlinear editing plug-ins (for use in ORF's editing suites with Pinnacle and Avid NLE systems). ORF broadcasts two television channels (ORF 1 and ORF 2) and has nine regional stations throughout Austria, in addition to 13 radio stations. The first 20 systems will be installed by the end of this year. The remainder will be installed over the next two years.
The open nature of the Vizrt system and ease of upgrade to HD were two factors that edged Vizrt ahead of the competition during the highly competitive, several-month-long evaluation process.
As a long-time customer of Vizrt, Suessmayer also pointed to the responsive customer service they've enjoyed over the past four years as another reason for Vizrt's selection. ORF currently employs a variety of Vizrt software for virtual studio productions; data visualization for sports broadcasts; and real-time, automated graphics for news and sports programs
. Vizrt's Austrian office, located in Schwaz, is also in close proximity to ORF's Vienna-based facility.
Through its template-based architecture, ORF artists can produce more compelling graphics in a shorter timeframe. The design and operation process are distinct within viz|artist, enabling operators to quickly change content but leave the visual appearance and corporate identity of ORF intact. Plus, viz|trio does not require the additional devices like still stores, DVE's, and clip players required by traditional CG's. viz|trio handles all of those associated tasks, further streamlining graphics production.
ORF, Austria's largest media enterprise and public service broadcaster, produces and transmits a total of 13 radio stations and two television channels (ORF 1 and ORF 2), which are complemented by nine regional television channels. Broadcasts are available as terrestrial and satellite transmissions. ORF broadcasts the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra concerts every New Year's Day, featuring the world's top conductors. Television stations in more than 40 countries round the world carry the event live each year.
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