February 2009
Phoenix, Arizona
By Lee Estroff
Bexel Broadcast Services, the nation's premier audio and video rental resource provider, shined brightly during this year's NBA All-Star Weekend Festivities in Phoenix, Arizona. Bexel was the only rental company on the ground, positioned within three different television compounds, for the duration of the event offering around-the-clock engineering, operational, logistical and sales support with a staff of 11 television remote veterans. Bexel supported high-profile clients on-site such as Turner Sports, Turner Studios, NBA-TV, NBA Entertainment, Pace 3D, NEP Supershooters and Gamecreek. The state-of-the art rental provisions ranged from multiple HD Non-linear Editing systems (both Avid and Final Cut) to HD Super Slo-Mo systems to HD EVS XT[2]'s to Bexel's 53' Mobile Edit Facility (BBS ONE) to Telecast Fiber optic solutions. The Bexel team that converged in Phoenix to insure the absolute success of the event wasn't any ordinary tech team. It was a team of Bexel's brightest and most-seasoned engineering veterans. It was Bexel's All-Star Technical Team helping our a number of sports professionals create picture perfect television for the NBA's best and brightest All-Stars at its showcase event of the season! Are you ready to meet the Bexel All-Stars? Let's start with the Coach himself"¦"Coach" Lee Estroff
Pacing the sidelines (or in this case, US Airways Center, the Phoenix Convention Center and the Downtown Block Party) like any veteran Coach will do when they are immersed in the middle of the action, Coach Lee was on-site making sure all of the Bexel clients were well taking care of. From handling last minute requests to insuring prompt and accurate deliveries, the Coach's job wasn't done until the last whistle blew. Johnny Pastor
Running the "technical point" was Bexel's veteran Technical Operations Manager, Johnny Pastor. Johnny oversaw the design and deployment of Bexel's multi-camera HD flypack that was positioned at the NBA player's hotel in Phoenix on behalf of NBA-TV. Johnny and a team of engineer's were at the heart of the action. NBA-TV utilized the flypack to garner interviews from the NBA's elite such as LeBron James, Shaquile O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. John Robledo
Bexel's 53' double-expando mobile edit facility (BBS #1) was center stage at the US Airways Center compound providing Turner Sports with a full compliment of HD Avid editing systems. Bexel veteran and engineer-in-charge, John Robledo hustled throughout the week assisting the highly skilled editors perform their tasks flawlessly and effortlessly. Ruben Levins and Rhett Van Buskrik
Bexel's dynamic duo engineered the multi-camera HD flypack that serviced NBA-TV's continuous coverage of the all of the All-Star Weekends festivities. As the network of record, NBA-TV called upon Bexel's expertise to design and provide a small, yet powerful HD facility that could be set-up within the confines of the player's hotel lobby. Low-profile and minimal sizing were vital as Bexel slam-dunked this impressive system. Jason Denagy
Non-linear editing engineering support is what this "MVP" brought to the show for NBA All-Star. Jason was a shining star as he provided technical expertise and assistance with the HD Avid systems and Unity Network for the duration of the event. Working around-the-clock to help with the many late night edit sessions, Jason was at the top of his game and the successful results were obvious. Jason Tapia
Every team has their "go to" person. A person that makes things happen in the clutch. Bexel's team is no different. Jason Tapia was that key teammate on the ground in Phoenix as he was Bexel's Operational Lead. From shuffling gear amongst the three television compounds, making sure all of the clients got exactly what they ordered in an accurate and prompt manner, this All-Star gave 110% all week along. Providing superior operational assistance to Jason's efforts was Joel Cervantes. Scott Meglemre
The BBS ONE Edit truck had another All-Star working on it during the week in Phoenix and it was Scott Meglemre. Scott was always ready to provide technical support to the clients with their editing needs as well as their EVS IP Director Network set-up and utilization. This team player displayed numerous skills throughout the week to insure the clients complete satisfaction. Lane Robbins and Pat Daly
The 2009 NBA All-Star festivities were once again made available in the ground-breaking technology: 3D HD. Assisting Pace 3D with their production efforts were two of Bexel's most versatile audio and video engineers. Both Lane and Pat have worked on previous 3D HD broadcasts and were able to step in and be valuable additions to Pace 3D's production for the NBA. Versatility and knowledge of cutting edge technology are what made these engineers Bexel's All-Stars. Without a doubt, Bexel's All-Star team fulfilled and met every on-site challenge with the level of expertise that is expected of seasoned veterans and an industry leading organization. Bexel's commitment to customer service, exceptional facilities and support were clearly evident as no other broadcast rental company was anywhere to be found. Big events such as NBA All-Star Weekend tend to bring out the best in everyone and Bexel was truly at its best with its All-Star Team! MORE? Would you like more on the Bexel All-Stars? Read on"¦
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