What You Missed at NAB 2023: Dave Van Hoy on VR Production, Cloud Technology

From Systems Contractor News (SCN)

The Advanced Systems Group president talks VR production, cloud technology, and new products.

SCN’s own Mark J. Pescatore was live from the NAB 2023 Show floor at the Epiphan video booth, talking the sites and sounds from Las Vegas. In this episode, he is joined by Advanced Systems Group president (and SCN Cloud Power columnist) Dave Van Hoy to talk about 100 years of NAB, the trend of virtual reality video walls, and the power of the cloud.

See full article here.

NAB: A Veteran Attendee Looks Back… and Ahead

By Keith Lissak for Post Perspective

The 2023 NAB Show wrapped up its 100th anniversary on April 19th, with what NAB says were 65,000 registered attendees and 1,200 exhibitors. While I hadn’t attended the show since 2019, the year before the pandemic, it felt strangely natural to be back at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

I’ve now been to more than 25 NAB shows during my career, which pales in comparison to some industry folks, like Dave Van Hoy, president of post solutions provider Advanced Systems Group, who has been to more than 40 of these events.

What keeps him coming back after all these years? For starters, the change in the scope of NAB, says Van Hoy. “When I went to my first show as a 19-year-old in 1979, it was clearly a broadcast show. The two dominant vendors were RCA and Ampex. SMPTE timecode was brand-new. Minicomputers were controlling tape decks and switchers to perform edits in real time and record on tape decks. It was all about over-the-air and cable. Today, I would call NAB an overarching content creation and distribution show.”

Read more at Post Perspective.

Sam Craig Joins Advanced Systems Group as Vice President of Cloud Production Engineering

Industry Veteran to Manage VPCR Development and Lead Engineering Efforts within Cloud-Based Live Production Team

EMERYVILLE, CALIF., March 17, 2023 Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media creatives and content owners, announced that Sam Craig has joined the company as Vice President of Cloud Production Engineering. Craig will be part of ASG’s cloud-based live production division, reporting to Chief Cloud Officer Claudia Souza. Craig comes to ASG with a successful track record leading collaborative teams to ensure the proper translation of engineering technicalities into a smooth, operational workflow.

Sam Craig

In his new role, Craig is responsible for managing an internal DevOps group that modifies and deploys ASG’s VPCR (Virtual Production Control Room) systems. He will also spearhead engineering and testing of cloud-based systems and coordinate with the ASG on-premise systems integration team in the creation of hybrid systems.

Craig comes to ASG from Grass Valley where he spent seven years, most recently as the Vice President of Global Pre-Sales. In that position, Craig led the global technical sales function of the company. During his tenure, Grass Valley deployed large-scale ST2110 routing infrastructures and end-to-end production workflows that leveraged the GV AMPP (Agile Media Processing Platform) cloud-native platform.

Craig joined the Grass Valley-acquired predecessor, Snell Advanced Media, as an Infrastructure Systems Architect, tasked with global systems designs and deployments of routing and control systems. Before that, he was an Engineering Supervisor at FOX Networks’ Engineering & Operations.

“Sam is the perfect addition to our cloud operations team,” said Dave Van Hoy, ASG President. “He is a proven leader that can motivate and manage teams across various functions for success. He’s led many large-scale solutions architecture initiatives in the media and entertainment industry with great results. He’ll be an asset not only to our cloud team but to all of ASG.”

Craig looks forward to bringing his talents to the ASG team: “ASG has been the leader in evolving cloud live production technologies, and I am absolutely thrilled to join an amazing team in designing multi-vendor solutions to solve the most pressing end-user challenges.”

Based in the Houston area, Craig can be reached at scraig@asgllc.com

About ASG:

Advanced Systems Group, LLC enables creativity through better technology and operations for media creatives and content owners. From acquisition to post-production to delivery, whether on premises or in the cloud, ASG’s goal is to ensure customer success through tailored solutions that create optimal outcomes. One of the largest Media and Entertainment Technology and Operations suppliers in North America, ASG provides engineering services, physical and cloud integration, training, and support. ASG’s unique Virtual Production Control Room allows clients to operate their live event control room in the cloud. ASG’s Managed Services delivers customized operations and managed services for all phases of media production, including creative and engineering. Founded in 1997, and providing nationwide services, ASG has teams based in Northern California, Los Angeles, the New York Tri-State Area, the Southeastern US, and the Rocky Mountain Region. Find your solution at www.asgllc.com.

March 9/16/23, 2023: Silicon Valley Video Group Virtual Q&A & ASG Job Fair

As part of the Silicon Valley Video Group virtual Q&A’s this month, ASG will sponsor two breakout rooms for jobseekers. The virtual Q&A’s are being held March 9th, 16th and 23rd, each at 12:30 PT, as a follow up to conversations started during Silicon Valley Video Summit panels held during the event in January. One breakout room will be dedicated to Creative jobs, with the other for Technical roles. Anyone who missed the event and is interested in finding out more, please register here for the Virtual Q&A’s with breakout rooms.

The March 9th virtual Q&A will be a follow-up on the SVVS panel “Making the Cloud Work On-Prem,” hosted by ASG Chief Cloud Officer Claudia Souza. The March 16th Q&A session will keep the conversation going from the panel “Virtual Production in the Real World,” and the March 23rd Q&A is a follow up to the panel ““Digital First” Transforms Live Events.”

There are currently over 30 open positions available on Advanced Systems Group’s career page, with more posted every day.

ASG Team Reflects on the 2023 Silicon Valley Video Summit

One heck of a speaker list combined with dynamic panels and an actively engaged crowd made the inaugural Silicon Valley Video Summit (SVVS) in Mountain View, CA an event to remember. Held at the Computer History Museum, the mission of the event was to provide “a vital exchange of Broadcast and Big Tech thought-leadership right in the heart of Silicon Valley.” With appearances by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and some of the top minds at Google, LinkedIn, Dolby, and Microsoft, the event delivered on that promise. It also proved a great venue for our team to connect in real life. ASG-ers from all over the west coast, and some from as far away as Texas, networked a lot and learned even more at SVVS.

Just one of the panels,“Virtual Production in the Real World,” led by ETC@USC’s head of virtual & adaptive production Erik Weaver is profiled here. Did you miss out? Have no fear! Sessions will be posted on demand on the Silicon Valley Video youtube channel.

ASG team members had a lot to say about the day’s high points. You’ll see why you need to be Bay Area-bound for next year’s SVVS. Read on and hear what made this first-ever event so successful.

A portion of the ASG team enjoying the Silicon Valley Video Summit

Mikey Shaw, ASG@Google Senior Technical Director and SVVS Panelist on the “Digital First” Transforms Live Event Technology session on the value of panels and the show’s relevance:

“The SVVG panel discussions were huge! The ability to collaborate and explore different perspectives from industry experts ‘living’ in the new norms of production was eye opening. All panelists were engaging, and left the attendees informed and armed with valuable insights going forward.

“It had the overall vibe of a mini NAB. Being an industry enthusiast and professional, it was welcomed to be a part of a gathering that addressed the questions and concerns we all have about our transitioning industry. It was true therapy to be a part of a gathering where everyone got it. Kudos SVVS!”

Andrew Bridgewater, ASG Account Manager, on the value of in-person events:

“I really enjoyed connecting with people and vendors I haven’t seen in a couple of years. It was good re-establishing our relationships and where we are these days. It was great pitching managed services, our flex workforce and just getting ASG’s name out there in front of potential new clients. Highlights of course were the keynote by Wozniak, but also seeing John Shike and Claudia Souza on stage representing our company.”

Claudia Souza, ASG Chief Cloud Officer and Moderator of the SVVS Panel,  “Making the Cloud Work On-Prem” session, on continuing the cloud conversation:

“How do we address this new hybrid world we live in? We have some workers coming back to an office, while some stay remote. For events and productions, some audience members don’t want to attend in person but still want to feel engaged. So now it’s not just how do we make technology work in a hybrid model, which we’re already doing, but how do we, as an industry, leverage technology to support hybrid events that engage all audiences regardless of location?

”We are now living in this new hybrid era. Our kids have mastered the art of cultivating friendships regardless of location. They hang out with their friends in person, and they connect with their friends online, and both are equally important. We now need to use the knowledge we’ve gained about how to provide live productions in the cloud and on prem to ensure we’re connecting with our audiences in equally meaningful ways regardless of our location or theirs. This is a topic I’d love to continue to explore in depth at the next SVVS.”

ASG’s Claudia Souza on a panel at SVVS.

Tom Menrath, ASG Audio Team Leader and Key Accounts Manager on the genesis of SVVS:

“The SVV group started about three years ago. Marty Porter [Executive Director, Sports Video Group] said he was doing some events in Silicon Valley. B&H was involved and Marty asked if we wanted to be involved as well. That was a no brainer. We ended up getting together and calling the venture Silicon Valley Video since it was specifically focused on corporate video for Silicon Valley and founded it as a partnership between Sports Video Group, B&H and ASG. We started planning an in-person event at LinkedIn headquarters because they’d just built a new ST 2110 (a suite of standards from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers – SMPTE) infrastructure, and it was a highly interesting build to show off. We had about 150 to 200 RSVP’s right when COVID hit. Suddenly in-person events were not practical. So we shelved the LinkedIn event. For the next couple years, we did virtual events at least every six weeks. They usually featured a technology discussion. We had probably 10 or 12 of those that were extremely well attended. People were deeply engaged, asking all kinds of great questions. We all did a good job keeping the organization going during the Covid lockdown.  

“That brings us to last month when we were actually able to do the very first in-person event, which we called the Silicon Valley Video Summit. Between Marty, B&H and ASG, we ended up putting together a really compelling agenda. We got a lot of excellent speakers, and the attendance was phenomenal. We had over 400 industry people at the Computer History Museum with another 40+ students, which is remarkable for a first event. All the panels were outstanding and educational. To me, it was a Grand Slam win for an inaugural event and we’re looking forward to doing it even bigger and better next year!”

John Shike, ASG Key Accounts Manager, lists his show highlights:

“I truly enjoyed Dave Van Hoy’s presentation that described the history of the Silicon Valley Video group, from its beginnings with Google. The NVIDIA generative AI presentation was fascinating and really stood out for me. In addition to the panels, having an exhibit hall there was a little taste of NAB before NAB. 

“Another highlight for me was listening to Steve Wozniak talk about his early work with Steve Jobs, and getting the opportunity to have Steve Wozniak talk with students directly. About 40 students attended from various schools in the Bay Area, but especially with De Anza College, which is Steve’s alma mater. That was just fantastic.

“I’d sincerely like to thank Marty Porter for putting this together. And many thanks to Pat Griffis, SMPTE Past President and VP Technology, Dolby for his efforts in bringing Steve Wozniak to the event. Also, thanks to the entire SMPTE team for all their support for the summit. Lastly, I’m grateful to Amy Lounsbury at ASG for all of her support with pre-event logistics, promotions, and information sessions leading up to the show.” 

John Shike was acknowledged, along with Pat Griffis, by the SMPTE organization as an integral SVVS team member in their recent blog on the success of the event. 

The full day of SVVS sessions are now available online, if you weren’t able to attend or would like to re-watch a particular session. Silicon Valley Video will also hold a weekly series of virtual Q&A sessions with moderators and panelists from the Summit, starting March 2nd at 12:30 PST. 

The SVVS audience included broadcast and video engineers, producers and technologists working in corporate video production. It was produced by SVG in partnership with the SMPTE SF Chapter, and FMC Training. ASG and B&H were title sponsors of the event. 

ASG Wins OpenDrives Top Growth Partner 2022 

EMERYVILLE, CALIF., February 16, 2022 – Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media creatives and content owners, has been honored as OpenDrives 2022 Top Growth Partner in North America. OpenDrives is a global provider of enterprise-grade, hyper-scalable network-attached-storage (NAS) solutions designed to handle data-heavy workflows. 

“ASG deserves to be our Growth Partner of the Year,” said Joe Healy, Vice President of Sales, OpenDrives. “Their ‘customer first’ reputation earns them a seat at the table of many of the best companies in the world. We are proud to have them represent OpenDrives where we can enhance that reputation with our compelling offering. We appreciate the entire ASG organization’s increasing commitment and partnership to OpenDrive’s business.”

Dave Van Hoy, President of ASG, reflected on the companies’ mutually beneficial alliance: “The flexibility and performance of OpenDrives NAS solutions are highly valued by our clients. We’re honored to receive this award from OpenDrives. Based on our relationship thus far, we foresee a thriving partnership well into the future.”

Andy Darcy, one of ASG’s regional Chief Technology Officers, explained the reasons behind ASG’s success with the OpenDrives’ line. “OpenDrives’ ecosystem for data storage and management solves a wide range of our customers’ needs for industries ranging from media and entertainment to healthcare and education,” said Darcy. “Plus, the OpenDrives team is also a pleasure to work with. We’re thrilled to continue our relationship and look forward to working with them on many exciting projects to come.”

About OpenDrives

OpenDrives, Inc. is a global provider of enterprise-grade, hyper-scalable software-led storage solutions. Founded in 2011 by media and entertainment post-production professionals, OpenDrives is built for the most demanding and complex workflows, from Hollywood to healthcare, and businesses large and small. Powered by an open ecosystem, with the Atlas software at its core, OpenDrives delivers flexible, modular and scalable solutions that match individual performance needs, on-premises and into the cloud. OpenDrives is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. To learn more about OpenDrives, visit opendrives.com.

About ASG:

Advanced Systems Group, LLC enables creativity through better technology and operations for media creatives and content owners. From acquisition to post-production to delivery, whether on premises or in the cloud, ASG’s goal is to ensure customer success through tailored solutions that create optimal outcomes. One of the largest Media and Entertainment Technology and Operations suppliers in North America, ASG provides engineering services, physical and cloud integration, training, and support. ASG’s unique Virtual Production Control Room allows clients to operate their live event control room in the cloud. ASG’s Managed Services delivers customized operations and managed services for all phases of media production, including creative and engineering. Founded in 1997, and providing nationwide services, ASG has teams based in Northern California, Los Angeles, the New York Tri-State Area, the Southeastern US, and the Rocky Mountain Region. Find your solution at www.asgllc.com.

# # #

Jan Mitsumori Joins Growing Advanced Systems Group Team as Inside Sales Rep

Seasoned Pro Mitsumori Comes to ASG with Considerable Media Workflow Experience

EMERYVILLE, CALIF., February 7, 2023 Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media creatives and content owners, has added Jan Mitsumori as an Inside Sales Representative to its growing U.S.-based team.

“Jan will be a tremendous asset to our sales team,” said Dave Van Hoy, ASG President. “Her knowledge of media workflows and her work ethic are just what we need, we are lucky to have Jan join ASG at this dynamic time in our company’s journey. Personally, I look forward to working with and learning from Jan.”

Jan Mitsumori

Mitsumori comes to ASG with a strong background in media workflow and business development, with a specific focus on digital and media asset management. She’s been involved in almost every facet of the media industry, from production, professional services, asset management, workflow analysis, outside sales, VAR, and is a frequent panel speaker on the benefits of a media workflow in the cloud. Most recently, Mitsumori was a business development specialist with Workflow Intelligence Nexus. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Media and Entertainment Sales for StorExcel and has held similar positions in IT workflow sales and support with Avid, MelroseMAC, and WAM!NET.

As an inside sales representative, she will support the outside sales force with thorough information that provides a deep understanding of customer and market needs. “Given my background, I can appreciate what the outside sales team expects from their internal support team, and I’m happy to deliver,” said Mitsumori. “I’m looking forward to being a part of and learning from the ASG team. It’s what brought me here – my desire to join this brilliant community at the center of the media technology universe. It’s a privilege to be part of this family.”

Based in the greater Los Angeles area, Jan can be reached at jmitsumori@asgllc.com

About ASG:

Advanced Systems Group, LLC enables creativity through better technology and operations for media creatives and content owners. From acquisition to post-production to delivery, whether on premises or in cloud, ASG’s goal is to ensure customer success through tailored solutions that create optimal outcomes. One of the largest Media and Entertainment Technology and Operations suppliers in North America, ASG provides engineering services, physical and cloud integration, training, and support. ASG’s unique Virtual Production Control Room allows clients to operate their live event control room in the cloud. ASG’s Managed Services delivers customized operations and managed services for all phases of media production, including creative and engineering. Founded in 1997, and providing nationwide services, ASG has teams based in Northern California, Los Angeles, the New York Tri-State Area, the Southeastern US, and the Rocky Mountain Region. Find your solution at www.asgllc.com.

ASG Leads Audio Refresh at Renowned Bay Area Jazz Club Yoshi's

Collaboration with Waveworks, Meyer Sound and Predictive Audio Design Tools Contribute to Timely Upgrade

EMERYVILLE, CALIF., December 28, 2023 Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a solutions provider for media creatives and content owners, completed a refresh of the 25-year-old sound system at the renowned Yoshi’s jazz club in Oakland, CA in record time, hastened by close collaborations with Bay Area firms and predictive audio design tools. 

The previous Meyer Sound system had served Yoshi’s well for 25 years, but typical signs of aging combined with a demand for punchier low frequency content made it time for an upgrade. “The old system held up remarkably well,” said Marcel Quiroz, Yoshi’s production manager. “But a few things were starting to go out, and over the years there had been changes in the loudspeaker processing, with various things thrown in randomly. My biggest struggle was with the low-end, where R&B acts would push the subs so hard that by the end we would sometimes get a rattle out of the boxes.” 

Photos by Steve Jennings

ASG Audio Team and Key Account Manager Tom Menrath took the lead for ASG, with design services specialist Joe Mistretta on board for Meyer Sound. Mistretta pointed to Meyer’s MAPP 3D program – a design tool that delivers predictions of sound energy distribution in a three-dimensional sound field – as a critical element in the Yoshi’s audio renovation. “Yoshi’s is an asymmetrical, pie-shaped room,” said Mistretta. “The acoustics are quite good, but the coverage is tricky. MAPP 3D really showed us how to improve uniformity, both up close and in the back corners.”

Menrath confirmed the importance of the sound design software: “Using the design tools and replacing the kludge of old processing with Galaxy units, made a huge difference. It also helped to bring the new system online quickly, which was a crucial consideration.”  Working with trusted install partner Brad Katz of the Oakland-based Waveworks was another big asset in speeding the turnaround time on Yoshi’s audio reno.

Photos by Steve Jennings

“Down time is expensive for Yoshi’s as it costs not only the performance venue but the foundational restaurant business,” said Menrath, “so it was vital to get the new system up and running as fast as possible. Working with Brad at Waveworks, we were able to get the old system out, the new one installed, tuned and back in action within nine days.”

As a passionate music fan, Menrath found this project particularly rewarding: “We do a lot of major projects with Meyer Sound, but Yoshi’s has been particularly satisfying. This new system with the most advanced loudspeaker technologies is a stunning upgrade, and the artists who perform at Yoshi’s certainly deserve nothing but the best the industry can offer.”

Among the first to hear the new system were two of Yoshi’s founders and owners, namesake Yoshie Akiba and Kaz Kazamura.  “When I turned it on, it literally brought tears to their eyes,” recalled Quiroz.  “They had never heard this room sound so good.”

Photos by Steve Jennings

It’s a sentiment echoed by Yoshi’s discriminating visitors, said Quiroz: “Every artist that has come in here has been blown away. Haley Reinhart’s engineer told me it was the best house system he’d ever heard, and the engineer for Dave Weckl said that hands down we now have the best-sounding room in the Bay Area. After his set, Freddy Jackson came up, gave me a hug, and said, ‘Thank you!’”

The new Yoshi’s Meyer Sound system comprises two UPQ-D1 wide coverage and two UPQ-D2 narrow coverage full-size loudspeakers for the mains, supplemented by three ULTRA-X20 compact wide coverage loudspeakers for downfill and seven UP-4slim ultra-compact installation loudspeakers for front fill. Ample power for contemporary R&B acts is now available through four 900-LFC low frequency control elements, mounted in pairs on the walls.  A GALAXY 816 network platform provides system drive and optimization, while artist foldback has been upgraded with addition of 10MJF-208 and two MJF-210 stage monitors.

For a more in-depth peek inside Yoshi’s redesign, please check out this feature story in Front of House magazine

Photos by Steve Jennings

About ASG:

Advanced Systems Group, LLC enables creativity through better technology for media creatives and content owners. From acquisition to post-production to delivery, whether on premises or in cloud, ASG’s goal is to ensure customer success through tailored solutions that create optimal workflows. One of the largest Systems Integrators in North America, ASG provides engineering services, physical and cloud integration, training, and support. ASG’s Virtual Production Control Room allows clients to operate their live event control room in the cloud. ASG’s Managed Services delivers customized staffing solutions for all phases of media production, including creative and engineering. Based in Northern California since 1997, ASG also has teams in Los Angeles, the New York Tri-State Area, the Southeastern US, and the Rocky Mountain Region to provide nationwide services. Find your solution at www.asgllc.com.

ASG Hires John Small as Solutions Engineer

Small Joins ASG with Extensive Technical Background and Customer Perspective

EMERYVILLE, CALIF., September 29, 2022 – Advanced Systems Group (ASG), a solutions provider for media creatives and content owners, announced the appointment of John Small as a Solutions Engineer. Small joins ASG from Quantum where he served as a Pre-Sales Engineer. Previous to his work with Quantum, Small spent 16 years in technical roles at CBS where he was most recently Director of Technical Operations and On-Air Promotions.

At ASG, Small is responsible for providing technical expertise on infrastructure and workflows to clients in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. In his role, he’ll work closely with client management and technical engineering teams to identify issues and find the most efficient solutions for their media production environments.

While at CBS, Small was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of 70 Avid Media Composer NLEs and finishing bays, ProTools audio bays and graphics workstations, as well as the management of captioning services, publicity shoots and upfront presentations.

“John’s technical knowledge and expertise in the LA media and entertainment industry is as deep as you can get,” said Dave Van Hoy, President, ASG. “He’s had several notable achievements and worked in every role you can imagine – from engineering to installation and configuration, environmental design, data center design and implementation, to project management. He’s built render farms from scraps and was part of the remastering team on the original Star Trek series. During his time as an ASG client, John was always a pleasure to work with. We’re thrilled to have his talents as part of our team.”

Small’s relationships with current ASG personnel makes the transition from his long stint at CBS far easier. “I’ve already worked with most of the ASG team in Los Angeles,” Small said. “As a customer I knew I could always count on them to come through with whatever we needed. I look forward to adding my unique experiences, problem solving skills, and overall positive attitude toward generating customer success.”

Small will be based in the Los Angeles area. He can be reached via email at: jsmall@asgllc.com

About ASG:
Advanced Systems Group, LLC enables creativity through better technology for media creatives and content owners. From acquisition to post-production to delivery, whether on premises or in cloud, ASG’s goal is to ensure customer success through tailored solutions that create optimal workflows. One of the largest Systems Integrators in North America, ASG provides engineering services, physical and cloud integration, training, and support. ASG’s Virtual Production Control Room allows clients to operate their live event control room in the cloud. ASG’s Managed Services delivers customized staffing solutions for all phases of media production, including creative and engineering. Based in Northern California since 1997, ASG has teams in Los Angeles, the New York Tri-State Area, and the Rocky Mountain Region to provide nationwide services. Find your solution at www.asgllc.com.