ASACA/SHIBASOKU Corporation … A History of Advancing the Broadcast and Mass Storage Industries that Spans Nearly Three Decades

1971 ASACA founded
1972 First to unveil a compact ACC5000 ITV camera, and computer
1973 Developed the portable camera ACC-3000. Developed
1975 Introduced the ACC-1100, and portable TV prism camera
1977 Began mass production of the AVS-3300B, the one-inch portable four-head, high-band VTR
1979 Launched the ASW-100/100N, a portable video switcher
1983 Unveiled the ADS-3000, a still-image file system using composite digital signals
1984 Announced availability of the ACL-6000, a video cart system took the lead in the age of computer-controlled CM bank systems
1986 Introduced the ADR-5000, first practical realization of an MO disk recorder for recording, playback and erase of broadcast standard moving pictures
1989 Began sales of the ADS-300, an MO disk still-image file system, and the AAM-800, an MO disk audio file system
1990 Unveiled the ADS-7800, a still-image file system for HDTV
1996 Introduced the TeraCartÒ (midrange series) mass storage system compatible with various storage media
1997 Developed TeraCart Digital Virtual Libraries that employ DVD, the world’s highest-density, random-access storage solution

ASACA/Shibasoku was one of the first companies to focus on meeting the information delivery demands of the broadcasting and mass storage industries. 1971, the year the company was founded, was the year that the 8-inch floppy diskette was invented, but ASACA was already anticipating the arrival of the Multimedia Age.

Through its pioneering efforts, ASACA has achieved a number of industry firsts and worldwide recognition for developing products that have revolutionized the video production and broadcasting industries as well as the mass storage industry:

In 1972, ASACA created a worldwide sensation when it unveiled the first compact version of the broadcast camera and VTR that could be slung over the shoulder. These products were followed by a compact and lightweight version of the video switcher used in broadcast stations that could be used outdoors. An immediate success, the switcher was adopted by the video production industry and broadcasting stations throughout the world.

In the '80s, ASACA developed a still image file system that was widely used in news and weather report images. With the still image file system, a photograph or text from a Still Image Pickup System could be incorporated into a computer where it could be manipulated into a still image graphical expression.

By developing technology that automatically handles large numbers of video cassettes, ASACA became the first company to offer a video cartridge system. Used in commercial bank systems and to broadcast short TV programs, the system was a revolution in broadcasting technology.

ASACA is also credited with developing the world's first practical Magneto-Optical (MO) disk recorder for recording, playing and erasing broadcast-quality movies.

In the 1990s, ASACA introduced a high-grade still picture file system for HDTV and began offering a related product, Extended Definition TV (EDTV-II), which is compatible with Japanese commercial broadcasting.

Drawing on the technology it had nurtured in the broadcasting industry, ASACA extended its library technology from the broadcasting industry to address the needs of the computer industry in the U.S. With the rollout of its TeraCart DVD Libraries, ASACA offers the world’s highest-density, random-access storage solution.

Today, ASACA is recognized worldwide for developing products that have revolutionized the video production and broadcasting industries as well as the mass storage industry.

ShibaSoku--ASACA's Parent Company

Background

For over 45 years, ShibaSoku Company has been a supplier of precision Test and Measurement instruments to many of the major consumer electronics manufacturers in the world. For years, these top manufacturers have relied on ShibaSoku to provide them with the required Reference Standard test signal generators, noise meters and other Audio/Video test equipment essential to the research, development and production of their consumer and professional A/V equipment. ShibaSoku has designed and built complete, centralized TV Signal systems for television and VCR manufacturing plants in Asia, North America, Europe and other areas around the world.

Design Philosophy

ShibaSoku’s fundamental design philosophy has always been to design and build the highest-quality instruments possible with superior performance, high reliability and long-term stability. ShibaSoku’s quality is apparent from the rugged chassis construction to the components used on each Circuit Card assembly, power supply, etc.

Engineered for Quality

ShibaSoku has maintained its design philosophy in the development of high-resolution color monitors. ShibaSoku Company is highly regarded for overall reliability, longevity and quality service. For many electronics manufacturers, ShibaSoku’s reliability and performance has been essential for them to consistently produce quality products.

ShibaSoku Today

ShibaSoku supports three areas of Engineering: Audio/Video testing, LSI testing and Optical Device testing, i.e., CD/DVD media. The first company in Japan to develop a distortion analyzer and a color video noise meter, ShibaSoku's video noise meter has become a reference tool for VCR manufacturers. Drawing on its experience in developing a reference tool for Audio/Video testing, is producing the latest HDTV support equipment, including reference test signal generators which are ideal for DTV development and research as well as manufacturing and quality control. Widely recognized as a leading provider of analog testers, ShibaSoku is expanding its offerings and is currently developing mixed-signal testers for hybrid digital/analog ICs.

ShibaSoku Products Marketed in the U.S.

HDTV Test Signal Generator – TG45AX, TG59A

HDTV Sync Generator – TS55A6

Transport Stream Generator – DS303C

Color Video Noise Meter – VN30A1, VN31AX

Audio Distortion Analyzer/Oscillator – AM51C, AM70A, AD725D, AG15C

TV RF Equipment – RA55A, RT20A, RM54B, RC51C

Regular TV Manufacturing Test Signal Generator – TG39B

Broadcasting Equipment – VC39A