Ottawa, Canada, August 19th 2020 - Ross Video is immensely proud to announce that company founder John Ross will be presented with Honorary Member of SMPTE - the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers - at the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition, being held this year from November 10-12th as a virtual event.
alt= width=359 height=448 data-lazy-srcset=https://2wk12w2dk3733zyjdf3secd9-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1.2020John20Ross20Final.png 359w, https://2wk12w2dk3733zyjdf3secd9-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1.2020John20Ross20Final-240x300.png 240w data-lazy-sizes=(max-width: 359px) 100vw, 359px data-lazy-src=https://2wk12w2dk3733zyjdf3secd9-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1.2020John20Ross20Final.png />Honorary Membership is the society's highest accolade, and as a recipient, John will join some of the most influential names in motion picture and television engineering history. This award also adds to the impressive number of titles and accolades that John has already received. Amongst other achievements, in 2013 he was awarded the Order of Canada, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Canadian Citizen, and in 2015 he became an Honorary Member of the IABM.
As a teenager, John was keenly interested in designing and building amateur radio equipment. In 1950, the chief engineer of radio station CKY in Winnipeg, Manitoba offered him a summer job as transmitter operator, thus launching John's career in broadcasting at the age of 14.
In 1954, John joined the staff of the new TV station CBWT in Winnipeg. Inspired by watching The Jackie Gleason Show and the program's innovative use of wipes', John built his own studio production switcher to replicate the effect. This became the first switcher in Canada to have wipe transitions and keying capability, and it was used by CBWT for many years. In 1968, John entered the University of Manitoba to become an engineer, having been urged to do so by the head of CBC Studio Engineering. During summers, John worked for CBC Engineering in Montreal where he did TV studio design and installation.
In 1963, John left the CBC to found the Broadcasting Equipment division of Central Dynamics Limited in Montreal - a company that was then producing landing gear for aircraft. John assembled a talented engineering team and during the next 11 years accomplished many world firsts . This included the first fully transistorized production switcher, the first automated master control switcher, the first computer-based videotape editing system and the first TV digital character generator display system to be used in any broadcasting equipment. John was also granted a fundamental patent for the first chroma keyer to offer easy single-knob selection of any keying hue. This was quickly adopted by all switcher manufacturers and led to the use of the green screen.
Encouraged by Jim Leitch (of Leitch Video) to start his own business, John founded Ross Video in 1974. To fund the new venture, he sold the World War Two training aircraft he had restored. At Ross Video, John designed several series of production switchers as well as many unique distribution and signal processing products, including a compact NTSC to digital converter specifically for use on the International Space Station. In 1991, John's son and current CEO David Ross joined the business.
John retired in 2006 and has continued his aviation pursuits as manager of the local municipal airport which he built and donated to his community. In addition to enjoying flying and maintaining his two aircraft, he has designed and funded many local recreational facilities. To those who know him well, John is a rare blend of intellect and humility, and the rapid success of Ross Video in the early days was a direct result of his passion for the industry, his infectious enthusiasm and his people-oriented approach.
John comments on the award with typical grace. I'm extremely grateful to the President and officials at SMPTE for this prestigious honor, which is most unexpected. As an engineer, it's especially humbling to be recognized by a society that has had so many illustrious names in my field as members and I am honored to be recognized among their number. I have also had the privilege of working with many great engineers and teams throughout my career; I share this success with them and thank them for their encouragement and advice over the years.
Barbara Lange's SMPTE's Executive Director welcomes John to the roll of Honorary Members. With his work and inventions spanning more than five decades, John Ross is the true embodiment of a role model, mentor and leader. We are pleased to honour his achievements .
For more information on the SMPTE Technical Conference & Exhibition, please visit 2020.smpte.org/.
About SMPTE
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers , or SMPTE, is defining the future of storytelling. The Society's mission is to enable the technical framework that allows the global professional community to make media for artistic, educational, and entertainment purposes and to distribute that content for the benefit and enjoyment of people worldwide. As a global volunteer-driven society of technologists, developers, and creatives, SMPTE is engaged in driving the quality and evolution of motion pictures, television, and professional media. The Society sets industry standards that help businesses maximize their markets more cost-effectively, provides relevant education that supports members' career growth, and fosters an engaged and diverse membership community. smpte.org
All trademarks appearing herein are the properties of their respective owners.
Link to Word Doc: www.wallstcom.com/SMPTE/200818-SMPTE-2020_Award_Recipients.docx
Individual photos can
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
Ottawa, Canada, August 19th 2020 - Ross Video is immensely proud to announce that company founder John Ross will be presented with Honorary Member of SMPTE - the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers - at the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition, being held this year from November 10-12th as a virtual event.
