AVS

SPECIAL FEATURES

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In 1981, Randy Hermes founded Aerial Video Systems (AVS) and began developing advanced technology for the broadcast industry. Randy's creativity led him to pursue greater innovation in the ways wireless audio and video could be used in television production. The vision of untethered and free-ranging mobility for cameras and microphones became a broadcasting breakthrough, when AVS first brought television viewers upclose action with new technology. From helmet cameras in fast-paced sports, microwave systems for long-distance video transmission, or aerial camera platforms to record from the sky, Randy has earned seven Emmy Awards for his technological developments.   The AVS team is proud continue as the premier supplier of customized HD solutions for the ever-evolving broadcast industry.

AVS is located in Burbank, California—near the heart of the television industry—and there, has grown to meet and exceed the demands of the broadcast market. AVS draws upon its diverse inventory of state-of-the-art equipment and in-house trained staff in order to deliver turnkey broadcasting solutions. In addition to developing custom packages, AVS specializes in aerial camera platforms, point-of-view cameras, microwave systems, and HD wireless video. Randy Hermes and the AVS team continue to research and design advanced HD video technology and raise the standards of wireless broadcasting.

In mid-2010, AVS expanded its operations into the United Kingdom with the opening of a new office in Yorkshire. The decision to launch the European operations in the U.K. is a direct reflection of AVS’ continued commitment to the global broadcast industry and will allow AVS to service its world-wide production clients more efficiently.

Robert Shaw was appointed to the roll of Director of UK Operations.  Shaw joins AVS after spending the last two years as founder of Shaw Systems, Ltd., where he specialized in custom-spec broadcast hardware and software design and development as well as global support for live broadcasts.  Prior to this, Shaw spent five years with Link Research/MRC where he held a vital role in product development, system level design and high-profile global field engineering.  Shaw is especially competent in DVB-T transport streams, MPEG2 video encoding and COFDM transmission and reception, all of which make him an excellent addition to the AVS team.

Partenavia P68 Observer

AVS's Partenavia P68 Observer aircraft is the pinnacle of aerial camera platforms. With its twin engines and high-wing profile, the P68 provides greater range, flight time, and performance than helicopters and blimps. A plexiglass canopy gives flight crews better visibility to cover subjects, and bomb-bay doors provide a full 360 degree camera view. AVS's P68 represents the ideal aerial camera platform.

Outfitted with high-technology and seamless integration in mind, the P68 can provide reliable aerial shots with the full-featured camera controls and production communications of a terrestrial system. The P68 deploys cameras through its bomb-bay doors and can transmit to ground crews and record on-board. With AVS's Cineflex V14 and Link microwave systems, the P68 is fully HD capable, yet retains the ability to mount other systems, including FLIR infrared and SD cameras.

RF-3

RF-3 is the flagship of the AVS mobile RF fleet. Within its 53-foot length, RF-3 contains four, separate production and technical rooms that enable the AVS team to not only operate its HD equipment in the field, but also work most effectively with your producers and talent.

The technical features of RF-3 allow AVS to monitor, control, and switch wireless microphones and HD cameras; establish site-wide radio communications; and route fiber-optic feeds between other production trucks. RF-3's 60-foot air mast allows AVS to layout strong and unobstructed RF paths and its workshop areas provide AVS with sufficient space to manage radio assignments and assemble wireless audio and video packs. In addition to RF-3's technical sections, a private green room offers a space to prepare talent equipment and remain comfortable between calls.