I have been working for Softel in the Broadcast arena since 1985, concentrating mainly on complex algorithmic work and transmitted signals. I have been privileged to work with a number of standardisation bodies producing specifications for many aspects of ancillary data broadcast and storage; I prefer to work to produce open standards that can be used to grow the industry.
I was involved in the Audetel trials in the UK, the success of which led to the mandating of Audio Description when Digital Terrestrial Television transmissions began. I have been involved in the design and specification of many of the products sold by Softel; Vortex, Swift, Swift-TX etc. and have championed the adoption and implementation of DVB technologies within the company.
Recent work has been on Video server systems and the MXF file phenomena, mainly building a multi-vendor demonstration system with Turner for NAB. Most recently I have been researching into aspects of 3D Stereoscopic Video and its relationship to our Aston 7 Caption Generator system.
All good fun!
Russ Wood – Research Fellow, Softel Ltd., Pangbourne, UK