Friday, October 31, 2014

A Poetic Walk Through The Tumultuous and Creative Mind of Vidicom's Fred

Vidicom's Fred Weaves a Tale

As the leaves turn from green to burnt orange and the air itself is crisp with the coming of fall, I felt a tingling for the outdoors. I felt a tingling for the swaying of the trees under the gentle guidance of the pleasant breeze, for the passing chatter of pedestrians, for the attentive bikers pedaling to destinations far and near. Rusty, a pugnacious Jack Russell terrier whose favorite chew toy is a well-worn Buzz Lightyear plastic figure, was scratching at the inside of the front door. Once again Rusty and I (both Vidicom veterans) were on the same page.



Sauntering along a Central Park path, holding Rusty close with a loose leash, I could see the stars peek through from behind the night’s canopy.  This was one of those endless twilights, no matter how often observed each is as fascinating as the last.

A call came through from a compatriot known for his engaging and rambunctious tales constituting mostly of displays of his humor and vigor. I realized it had been quite a while since I had made his acquaintance and his enthusiasm was always infectious so the decision was easy, as was the decision to work for Vidicom. I traveled by public transportation to a place of quiet social ambience and alcoholic indulgence.

My friend, Arnold, who had recently returned from visiting close family in the rolling foothills of northern Virginia, regaled me with stories of his extended vacation. Oysters, farms, horses, moonshine; every tidbit was as enthralling as the next, much like a day at Vidicom. His merriment sprouted and grew wings and enlivened me as the night drew on outside clanking and resolute.

The days pass slowly yet briskly, always awaiting but already past. The lights were dim and never before had these halls welcomed me. I felt history lying within these walls that sprouted up like proud regal giants. The crowd was all but electric, alive as if an organism unto itself, jumping with anticipation. Eyes wide and inviting, anxious souls shuffled forward, mine included. The bleachers rose up on all sides and the guests filed in. The immensity of such an arena had hardly dawned on me. The greats who had filed past hallowed court.



The first glimpse of entertainment was one unexpected. A guiding light of Vidicom’s history, perhaps a facsimile but even a photograph of a rose evokes certain sensations of aural pleasure. It is of course never quite the same thing. A still treasured legend, or rather his diminished replica, performed the motions just the same. A novelty has its purpose.

Allowing for the reality of modern life, the endearing entertainer asked of his followers to be so kind as to “put away your silly phones” so that perhaps the “heathens” may enjoy the show. Penguins, puppies, and an erupting volcano offered comical backdrops for social media spectacle.  Where to start or perhaps where to end? The actor takes the stage and demolishes it underneath his skill and determination. Thoughts half-formed are fully dissected by his razor sharp insight and Vidicom-caliber talent. The individual vs. the public persona, two forms soaring simultaneously.

Keep up with the Vidicom team here!

                                                                                                                         

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Vidicom Salesman Eddie Barooffi Shares an Amazing Story

Eddie Shares a story from before his Vidicom Days

On vacation in 1989 (way before my Vidicom days), I was on my way to the ‘Battle of the Bay” World Series in San Francisco with my friend on a motorcycle, when we saw a downtown neighborhood of people streaming out of their homes.  My pal and I got to the stadium and saw people there leaving that venue in droves, baseball players and their families included.

We got off our motorcycle and learned about the earthquake.  What to do?  Wanting to let our family and friends know we were ok, we positioned ourselves in the live CNN reporter standup at the stadium.  My colleagues at ABC News New York saw me in their master-control-room feed of CNN, and my Dad was watching the same report at home.  They knew I was OK. As did the Vidicom team.
Once we got back to my friend’s home, I got a call from my boss, who asked me to start working the story.  They were sending a cameraman from NY and I was to produce video of the tragic event and transmit it back to NY for distribution around the world for ABC News’ international clients (now a client of Vidicom!).  As well, international journalists were flying into San Francisco and I was to assist production of their news-reports as well.
We picked up our cameraman at the airport, put him on the back on my friend’s motorcycle, and they went right into some of the worst damaged areas filming the destruction.  Once they got this material, they headed to the ABC affiliate, KGO, and we fed the video – via Vidicom satellite - back to New York.  They then headed back into the city streets and captured more of the event, returning to KGO to distribute the video.  This was a routine repeated over and over during the course of that week.
International journalists arrived shortly thereafter, covering the story. It was a busy week for them and my team. Vidicom even covered the event.
Previous to this event, I hadn’t done much field work.  With many lessons learned that week – in the face of much sadness and tragedy – I had witnessed the power of nature and its undeniable force.
Signed,
Eddie Barooffi

Friday, October 17, 2014

Vidicom's Citybuzz Now On Subways in NYC


Vidicom to create branded content for straphangers


Yesterday, Citybuzz, which is owned by Vidicom,  joined Transit Wireless at New World Stages in the Theatre District for the kickoff press conference and party.
Citybuzz is now popping up on mobile devices in NYC subways as the landing page for 2.6 million daily strap-hangers as part of the Transit Wireless free NYC Subway WiFi roll out. As the content provider of Transit Wireless Wi-Fi, Citybuzz produces a daily video minute showing commuters what’s hot in the city, from shows, and events, to great deals around town.


Citybuzz minutes will include native advertising as one of the largest branded content opportunities on a Wi-Fi platform.



We’re broadcasting thanks to the completion of a major expansion of wireless and Wi-FI service in subway stations, extending underground connectivity to 11 new Manhattan stations and 29 more in Queens, and connecting a total of 47 million riders monthly. The completion of Phases I and II are part of seven phases to wire all 277 underground stations by 2017, and work ahs already begin to bring another 39 stations online by spring 2015.
Citybuzz is a mobile WiFi broadcast platform powered by Vidicom that curates the best of NYC broadcasting content on mobile WiFi systems in subways, hotels, and taxis. Citybuzz provides short daily updates that reach more than 52 million viewers monthly created by a team of journalists combing the web to find the hottest concerts, restaurants, bars, and events in your city.
In attendance at the kick off press event and party, in addition to Transit Wireless, were representatives from the companies involved in the undertaking:
Wireless Partners included AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. The first advertiser to be featured was Royal Caribbean. Citybuzz, obviously, is the Advertising Sponsor, and other sponsors included Corning, PCTEL, Grabyar, Presidio, Solid, VComm, and Motorola Solutions.

At the party, Vidicom and Citybuzz’s CEO Christy Ferer went on stage to accept an award for Citybuzz and Vidicom’s participation in the groundbreaking and monumental expansion of wireless service for New York City’s hardworking, bold, stylish, and creative strap hangers.
New York State Governor Cuomo even got involved with the preceedings! He issued a press release announcing the expansion. Read it here
In addition to WiFi, Citybuzz also curates the best of New York City broadcasting for Taxis, Hotels, Web, and TV. We currently reach over 52 million monthly viewers - and we’re growing.

Our team of Citybuzz and Vidicom journalists combs the web daily to put together an insider’s guide to NYC - from the hottest concerts, to tracking down where your favorite TV series is shooting, or where that elusive food truck is today.

Citybuzz is also devoted to bringing you the latest in Broadway openings and preview clips. Citybuzz programming can also be found in 1500 luxury hotels nationally, reaching 7.4 million monthly viewers. In New York City, Citybuzz airs on NYC TV, reaching over 1.5 million viewers in the New York area. It is also featured on the Jacob Javits Center’s 70 plasma screens, the 600 foot jumbotron, and Javits.com.


Read a great press release about Vidicom here

Friday, October 10, 2014

Family life as told by Vidicom’s Shirin!

Vidicom’s Shirin talks about what she’s been up to lately with her girls


The Pictures are In!!! Class of 2015, woohoo!!!! As a parent, when you see these pics, it can be very emotional, or is that just me!! I'm happy for these moments, because it prepares you for the actual Graduation day. Not!!! I'm going to have a boat load of tears. The greatest unbelief, I'm sure most parents, say where did all the time go? It happens all too fast. I must say, we've had a great time, flying through the years. I'm so happy she isn;t having 'Senioritis", her interims, are looking really impressive. Maybe one day she can join the Vidicom team!



This weekend we got to celebrate, my oldest daughter, Z's, 20th Birthday. Her choice was to hang out with her Best girlfriend, shopping, movies, and dancing until the clock struck 12!! She actually got in past 2 am, sober and exhausted. Hey, what do you expect from a 3rd year College student! Just glad she brought the special day in with a good bang. The actual birthday, was reserved for cupcakes and an early dinner at a local restaurant with the family. Surely, it will be a great momentous birthday, but she tells me, that's she's ready for Miami for the 21st!! We will SEE what the Crystal ball says!! I wish she would bring some of her cupcakes to the Vidicom office!

Vidicom loves ordering cupcakes - we have them for birthdays for our wonderful staff. It's always a welcome break in the day's action when we can sit down around the conference room table, share a laugh, and dig into some scrumptious pint-sized cakes! My favorite type of cupcake would have to be red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, but you won't see me complaining if all we have is chocolate, vanilla, or banana cream pie! But to be honest, I can't have too many of them. What, do you think this figure was an accident?


 One of her passions, playing defense!!! But it's amazing when a defensive player, scores a GOAL!!! Alright, Sanaa!! Pretty Awesome!! We should start a Vidicom intramural team, she could be a captain!

Soccer really is a great sport - it's always wonderful to see the kids running across the field, getting exercise and learning the value of teamwork. As evident by the hardworking, intelligent, and successful staff at Vidicom, teamwork is an important part of any productive office. The way our sales, marketing, production, operations, and finance teams work together to produce cost-effective, compelling, and beautiful products is truly a sight to be seen!



Time to wind down!!! Soccer game is over, so we have a late afternoon spontaneous picnic. It was a beautiful day, nice breeze. Thankfully, the flock of geese, hung out on their side of the pond, and didn't try to overtake our relaxing spot. However, our eyes were on the lookout, just in case!! Even prettier view than from Vidicom's Sky Terrace Studios!

The best part about Vidicom's Sky Terrace Studios is the fact that it allows you a five minute escape from the busy world of media production. Sure, it's great and fulfilling to be in the mix, but once in a while it's important to take a step back and catch your breath. Getting some fresh air while taking in the breathtaking Manhattan skyline really helps ground me and put things in perspective, enabling me to be a better mother, person, friend, and employee. I can only hope I continue on this way.

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