Crystal Acquires Video Design Software

Crystal, a provider of advanced software control systems, has completed the acquisition of Video Design Software, Inc. (VDS) a New York-based broadcast control and graphic data insertion software company. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Crystal will integrate the acquired VDS technology into its monitoring, control and metadata management solutions for video distribution over satellite, cable and internet. The incorporation of VDS technology into Crystals expanding OTT/Streaming product line will offer Crystals customers the ability to enhance reach, engagement and monetization of their high-value content. VDS has transitioned all operations to Crystal, including sales, marketing, management and support of all its products.

The VDS Streamliner software is a natural complement to Crystals Insight suite of products, said Roger Franklin, CEO of Crystal. We will use the companys graphics and digital asset management control systems to selectively extend our product line. We have been discussing the prospect of a business relationship with VDS for several years, and 2016 was the right time for both parties. We have some exciting things planned for the community both of us serve

A key part of the transaction will be the addition of VDS founder and CEO, Larry Mincer to the Crystal team as Senior Sales Consultant. Larry brings with him 40 years of industry experience, particularly in automation system integration for frame accurate metadata and graphic insertion. During the first half of 2017, Larry will ensure the smooth integration of VDS products into Crystals offerings, and transition of operations to Crystal. Larry brings relationships gained over decades in the industry that will be important to our growing customer base, Roger added. We are both passionate about making the OTT streaming evolution possible for our customers and have a common vision based on the vital importance of metadata for the future of video.

Im looking forward to joining Crystal, said Larry Mincer. Collaboration on product development offers customers an inclusive approach to automation for content distribution. VDSs advanced metadata toolset will allow Crystals customers to boost audience engagement for both linear and OTT content.

About Crystal

Crystal provides advanced monitoring and control software for video distribution over satellite, cable or the Internet. It makes any combination of hardware and software, from practically any manufacturer, operate reliably as a single seamless system. Its software is also on the leading edge of new OTT applications, with frame-accurate precision that enables everything from dynamic ad insertion and content replacement to live-to-VOD and live clipping without adding infrastructure or manual processing. That is why, over the past 30 years, the worlds leading broadcast and cable networks have trusted Crystal to support hundreds of billions in revenue. Founded in 1986, Crystal is headquartered in Greater Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit www.crystalcc.com.

About Video Design Software

VDS products offered automated control of broadcast television systems, with an emphasis on graphics-related operations, content distribution and automation, and internet-to-video and video-to-internet systems. These products are used in fully-automated sports, news and financial graphics channels as well as the automated management of digital assets and the automated generation of promos in multichannel broadcast or cable facilities.

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