NEP Supershooters & Screenworks Build HD Future for WWE(R) On the Air and In the Arena - Press Release - 29th January 2008 (Credit: CNNMoney.com - PR Newswire)

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- One of America's great entertainment stars just got brighter. NEP Supershooters and Screenworks have been working with World Wrestling Entertainment(R) for over a year on creating a new HD experience for fans at home and at WWE events around the country.

The NEP Systems Integration team and WWE management joined forces to custom design and build the new High Definition Remote Television Production home for WWE. The two new double expando units dubbed Red and Black were built to specifications as outlined by WWE's Mike Grossman, Duncan Leslie and Marty Pingree. They include a spacious new main production control room equipped with Grass Valley Kalypso switcher, 6 EVS Servers, 11 Sony HD Cams and 2 SRW VTR's along with technical management, video and graphics areas. The production will include 10 or more Sony HD camera systems for each event as determined by WWE. The second unit contains an enhanced audio production area with Calrec Alpha and Omega audio consoles, a control room for internet content production, and a storage area for equipment. The units were used for the new WWE HD telecasts across its multiple platforms including NBC Universal's USA Network for "Monday Night RAW(R)" on January 21 and on the CW for "Friday Night SmackDown(R)" on January 25.

"WWE challenged us with creating a mobile production facility with the express purpose of bringing the best possible HD experience to their fans and viewers and NEP has delivered. This is a one of a kind unit that houses the most sophisticated sports telecast equipment out there today and we are proud to launch WWE into a new era of its growth," said NEP Broadcasting Chief Technology Officer George Hoover.

In addition, NEP Screenworks has completed the design and build out of the new, in-arena HD screen experience for WWE, including a new Christie Digital projector and a massive Screenworks designed screen system including BARCO Mitrix low resolution LED sticks and LED curtain.

"We've had a long relationship with WWE and they are great partners who want the best for their millions of fans. The new screen systems we created with WWE will bring the fans at the arenas even closer to the action," said Screenworks President Tom McCracken. "Our team was there at the premiere on January 21, and will be for each event throughout the years to come. It's a whole new experience."

"The move to high-definition programming is another step in WWE's ongoing mission to provide fans with the most engaging, exciting product possible," said Mike Grossman, WWE Senior Vice President, Television Operations. "This upgrade is the first of many technological advances for our brand in 2008. NEP Supershooters and Screenworks have created an equipment set that has exceeded our expectations and that will provide our viewers with a spectacular HD viewing experience."

About NEP Broadcasting

NEP Broadcasting is the leading international provider of outsourced teleproduction services vital to the delivery of live sports and entertainment events. Serving the world's premiere broadcast networks and production companies, NEP provides state-of-the-art facilities, engineering expertise and technical management to support telecasts of major events and programs around the globe. With more than 500 employees worldwide, including the finest engineering and technical management in the field, NEP Broadcasting is proud to serve networks, producers and organizations through services provided by its six specialized divisions: Supershooters, Denali, Visions, Screenworks, Studios and Roll to Record along with mobile facility services provided by New Century Productions. For more information on NEP, please visit our website at http://www.nepinc.com.

About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Toronto and Sydney. We are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WWE. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. can be found at http://www.wwe.com and http://corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide

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WWE 2008 DVD Release schedule - PhillyBurbs.com - 31st December 2007

The WWE released their list of scheduled DVD releases for 2008. Keep in mind that this is all subject to change. However, an early look reveals some surprises, some obvious choices, some expensive collections, a lot of nostalgia, and maybe the biggest surprise of all.

The WWE will be producing documentaries on some of the current superstars. The list includes Triple H, John Cena, and Edge. All of the DVDs should contain some great matches from the three over the course of their careers. The Edge DVD in particular should be a must-buy for the TLC matches that will likely be included.

Every year the WWE showcases a historic superstar that is not necessarily on their roster. Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, and the Ultimate Warrior have all been spotlighted whether they wanted to participate in the documentary or not. In 2008 WWE will be going down two roads that nobody had expected. For the first time one of their biggest stars ever will be acknowledged by the company. The other is a superstar that has never wrestled for the WWE and currently wrestles for their competition.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage has been persona non grata with Vince McMahon and the WWE since he left for WCW. The Savage mystery has been one that is talked about quite a bit by people within the wrestling industry. Vince McMahon seems to forgive everyone he has had any heat with, if it can benefit his company. At one time Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Eric Bischoff, Jesse Ventura, and Roddy Piper were some of Vince’s biggest enemies. Yet when the dust settles, Vince always does what is good for business and buries the hatchet.

Randy Savage is one of the biggest stars that the WWE ever had. Randy Savage still has a lot of fans and there has been a demand for Savage to return to the WWE for quite some time. Rumor has it that Vince hates Savage so much that every time Savage’s name has been suggested for the Hall of Fame, Vince gives a dirty look and changes the subject. It is well known that it is never a good idea for any WWE employee to bring up the name Randy Savage in Vince McMahon’s presence.

There are some really juicy rumors as to Vince hates Savage with such a passion. Since nobody has ever confirmed any of those rumors it would be unfair for me to write about them. If true, you could almost understand and admire Vince for putting business second to his own feelings and morality.

It is unclear whether the DVD is the first step to an open door for the former WWF World Heavyweight Champion. I can guarantee you that there are a lot of fans out there that would love to see Savage back in the WWE culture. A Hall of Fame induction is long overdue for such an important part of company history.

WWE will also be releasing a DVD spotlighting former WCW World Champion and current TNA star, Sting. This is a strange one as I have no idea why the WWE would want to promote the biggest star of their rival. All the WWE has to do is wait a few years for Sting to retire and I am sure they could get him to be a part of a DVD. Doing it now makes me wonder if Sting really is going to re-sign with TNA after all.

Other highlights include DVDs on the Hardys, the Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, a 20-disc Summerslam anthology, and the best of Starrcade.

WWE has done a great job of assorting a collection that appeals to everyone. It is no coincidence that quite a bit of the DVDs will be marketed towards their nostalgia fans. Even the ex-WCW/NWA fans that have disappeared may have to come out hiding for these DVDs. 2008 looks like it is going to be a great and an expensive year for WWE DVD fans.

Eric Gargiulo writes about pro wrestling, MMA and more in his blog, The Camel Clutch. He can be reached by e-mail at egargiulo@phillyburbs.com. Eric's "Pro Wrestling Radio" airs on WBCB 1490 AM every Saturday from 12:05-1PM/EST and can be heard live online at http://www.wbcb1490.com

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