the Corporate Book

1
Capture the moment™
Page
Contents
2
Images matter™
An introduction into the world of images and
The Vitec Group plc
6
Results matter - Broadcast and Video
Mission-critical, fail-safe equipment
for broadcasters
18
Perfection matters - Professional photography
Creative support equipment for photographers
seeking the ultimate image
30
Sharing matters - Social recording
Social recorders are changing the world
with help from the Manfrotto range
38
Situational awareness matters - MAG
Fast, clear, accurate imaging in security, military and
emergency situations
48
Product excellence matters
Commitment to excellence in every detail,
with world-class brands
60
Behind the image - The Vitec Group plc
At-a-glance facts and figures
2
3
Images matter
Our brains process pictures more quickly than words.
We see faster than we can think. We get colour, shape
and pattern long before we get language. The power of
images to communicate, to change minds and to create,
is immeasurable.
The way images are made, sold, shared and used
has been revolutionised by social and technological
developments. When every mobile phone is also a digital
camera and pictures can be shared instantly across the
globe, it is clear just how much images mean to people.
And because we are human, our own eyes are not enough.
We want to observe in more detail, with greater clarity.
Memory is not enough. We need to record, rewind and
repeat experience, sending images into the future and
sharing them with the whole world.
Digital imaging and the democratisation of photography
and film-making has turned the spotlight firmly onto quality.
In such a visual blizzard, only the exceptional stands out
against the blur of the ordinary.
This is where Vitec’s strength lies: our products are behind
every picture; empowering professionals and individuals to
capture the moments that matter in excellent images.
Yet even the best camera is only as good as the person
using it, the eye that looks through the viewfinder, the mind
that sees the image before creating it. So Vitec supports
the image-maker, freeing up eye and mind by providing
exceptional equipment that can be trusted when it matters.
We design and manufacture everything that goes around the
camera into the shoot, behind the scenes. Because the
image - your image - is what matters.
“Much of the time we just don’t realise how
important images are in the world around us”
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5
Behind every great image
The Vitec Group plc
Performance matters
If you have picked up this book, the chances are that images
are as important to you as they are to us.
Vitec brands are designed for performance in three core
markets where our products and services support the
capture of exceptional images.
For over 100 years, through every innovation in photography,
film and digital image-making, Vitec businesses have
developed a powerful portfolio of brands and products that
have enabled some of the most amazing moments to be
captured under some of the most challenging conditions.
Now, working together with our customers, we are
developing the next generation of technology for the next
generation of image-makers. Satisfying the professional
demand for reliable, excellent performance, and the personal,
human desire to record and share important moments.
Across the Vitec group, talented people share our
customers’ passion for images. We are proud of our
company’s place in the world of visual communication,
and have a strategy for growing our business – and our
customers’ businesses - in a sustainable and durable way.
Broadcast & Video
> From live news to music video to sport and events, the
diverse broadcast & video market requires total reliability,
responsiveness and the exceptional quality that only
Vitec brands deliver.
Photography
> In the world of photography, excellence translates into
Vitec products that are creative, accessible and forgiving
of an infinite variety of environments.
Military, Aerospace and Government (MAG)
> Imaging technology has multiple applications in the military,
aerospace & government (MAG) market.
“We provide vital products and services that support
the capture of exceptional images.”
6
Sachtler Ace M System Results matter - Broadcast and Video
There are some moments that must not be missed, when the
whole world is watching and the pressure is on to deliver the
defining image. In a world where multiple media channels are
fuelling competition, and demand for high definition is driving
expectations for high quality images, Vitec provides missioncritical, fail-safe equipment for broadcasters.
On location or in the studio, our range of camera supports,
specialist lighting, stands and accessories, help our
customers to achieve clear, impressive, broadcast quality
output.
Whether you are staking out snow leopards or shooting
America’s next supermodels, working on location or
perfecting a studio production, creating award-winning
drama or documenting social realities, Vitec has what you
need to get results.
Bags
Camera supports
& pedestals
Mobile Power
Prompters
VIDEOGRAPHER
Lighting
Broadcast rental
& integration
services
Camera
Accessories
7
8
Litepanels 1x1 being used
at KNOE-TV news studio
in Monroe, Louisiana USA.
Owned by Hoak Media.
February 2011. Project and
image courtesy of Redwood
Media Group LLC.
9
10
Jason Jackson, Miami HEAT Sun
Sports Broadcast Team Reporter
lit by handheld battery-powered
Litepanels 1x1.
11
12
Skyline of New York. Battery
powered by Anton/Bauer
DIONIC 90
13
14
Bexel provides engineered solutions
to bring the Super Bowl to the world.
Arlington, Texas 2011.
15
16
The Paris-Dakar Rally 2011
being filmed using the Sachtler
FSB 8 System 17
18
Manfrotto Photo-Video head
Perfection matters - Professional photography
In a little over a century, photography has gone from a niche,
slow, chemical art form into a universal, digital, instantaneous
tool. Yet one thing has never changed: the core creativity that
inspires the photographer.
Vitec provides a complete range of creative support
equipment for photographers seeking the ultimate image.
Our products are the first choice of creative professionals
who are driven by the urge to see the world differently,
through the lens. Designed for durability in the widest range
of challenging environments, Vitec bags, stands, supports,
background and lighting systems vastly extend the
camera’s creative potential.
We share the photographic world’s passion for
experimentation and the perfect image. Whether you are
shooting independently, commercially or for pleasure,
covering major sporting, political and social events or
capturing a timeless landscape or a personal portrait,
Vitec brands are designed to support your creativity
in every way.
Bags
Camera supports
Apparel
Lighting supports
& studio
equipment
PHOTOGRAPHER
Background &
lighting control
systems
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20
Mountain ascent captured
on foot. Kata PL-B-220
Bumblebee backpack.
21
22
Capture of Serengeti sunrise
with Manfrotto Tripod
23
24
The 3,100m Monte Rosa glacier
in Indren - the Alps. Gitzo
Mountaineer Series 3 tripod
with Off - Center Ball head.
25
26
Lastolite Skylite panels on
Cold Knap beach, Barry,
South Wales
27
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New York street scene
with Manfrotto 055 Carbon
Fibre Tripod
29
30
Model with Manfrotto
Compact white tripod and
Manfrotto Led Light ML120
Sharing matters - Social recording
From Facebook to the Arab Spring, social recorders
really are changing the world. A new global community is
sharing vital images worldwide, providing minute-by-minute
commentary on the major events of the day and the intimacy
of personal life. Those who were once consumers of images
are now creators.
Vitec is supporting this shift from spectator to image-maker,
with cross-over products designed with ease of use,
portability and style in mind, without compromising on quality.
We are working with customers and designers to
develop specialist technologies for this fast-growing and
exciting market, as evidenced by the Manfrotto range.
Vitec brands offer ordinary people the power to share
extraordinary images.
Bags
Compact camera
supports
LED Lighting
SOCIAL RECORDER
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Creative self-portrait taken with
Manfrotto’s Compact tripod
33
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Model with Manfrotto Unica V
messenger bag in red and white
35
36
Manfrotto products displayed in
Central London Jessops
37
38
IMT’s ultra-miniature
body worn VSTx video
transmitter
Situational awareness matters - MAG
The latest remote imaging, high definition and microwave
technologies are changing operational realities in both civilian
and military theatres. The lives of servicemen and women
depend on information, including a clear, accurate picture
of terrain and personnel. Vitec offers a range of products
for mission-critical applications in the military, aerospace,
government and law enforcement communities.
From improving the security of our cities, to remote
diagnostics for paramedics, Vitec’s hi-tech digital imaging
equipment is delivering radically improved clarity, with fast,
secure and accurate imaging.
Our specialist expertise allows us to support any project,
from surveillance and evidence gathering, to body-worn
equipment on the front line, to the latest techniques in the
filming of wildlife and sport. Vitec is the new leader in digital
radio frequency communication transmission technologies.
Speciality
antennae
Receive
systems
Transmission
systems
OFFICER
39
40
Joint exercise of Houston
Police aviation and Firefighter
Department. The firefighter
receives a live HD video from a
police helicopter equipped with
IMT airborne downlink hovering
over a burning building. The
firefighter is watching the video
on IMT MobilCMDR handheld
receiver / monitor.
41
42
Houston Police Department
helicopter hovering over the city
at sunset. The Police helicopter
is equipped with an IMT
airborne downlink.
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Bomb disposal device at work.
Armadillo robot by Macro USA
uses IMT video transmitters.
Armadillo is deployed by the
Army, Marine Corps and law
enforcement.
45
46
The Mars Science Laboratory
(MSL) launched by the Atlas V
rocket as part of NASA’s Mars
Exploration Program to land a
rover robot named Curiosity on
the surface of Mars to determine
whether life is or can be supported
there. Haigh-Farr antennas and
telemetric systems are installed
on both the Atlas V rocket and
on the Mars Science Laboratory.
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48
Vinten Vision blue pan
and tilt head
Product excellence matters
Bags
Kata
Manfrotto
National Geographic*
Petrol
Camera Accessories
OConnor
Distribution, Rental & Services
Bexel
Manfrotto Distribution
The Camera Store
Vitec brands are world-class, used by leading international
broadcasters, videographers and photographers. All Vitec
products are designed and engineered to help every
customer step up a level in terms of image quality.
Vitec’s success is based on exceptional manufacturing
quality, innovation in materials, creative design and a strong
focus on what our customers tell us they need. As a result,
Vitec equipment forms the backbone of media coverage
and creative expression throughout the image industry.
The difference is in the detail. Vitec products are full of
brilliant, simple and effective features that make it easier
for photographers and videographers to capture the image.
The integral levelling bubble was our invention, for example,
as was a fluid-free head that can be used in temperatures
that would kill off most competitor products. We use
innovative features in our bags, the latest alloys and joints
in our tripods and cutting edge electronics in our lighting
systems. We were also the first manufacturer to use carbon
fibre on photo tripods. From HD capture to microwave
transmission, Vitec products use inspirational technology to
deliver outstanding results.
Lighting & Controls
Anton/Bauer
Colorama
Lastolite
Litepanels
Manfrotto
Microwave Systems
Broadcast, Sports and Entertainment:
Microwave Service Company
Nucomm
RF Central
MAG:
Haigh-Farr
IMT
Mobile Power
Anton/Bauer
Prompters
Autoscript
Staging
Brilliant Stages
Litec
Tomcat
Supports
Avenger
Gitzo
Manfrotto
OConnor
Sachtler
Vinten
Vinten Radamec
*Manufactured and distributed under licence.
49
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Bridging Technology video heads –
an exclusive Manfrotto patent
51
52
New Gitzo Systematic.
Upper casting product detail.
53
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(left) Sachtler Artemis
Handheld with Canon EOS 7D
(right) Sachtler Ace M mid
spreader system
55
56
(left) Litepanels Sola 4 LED Fresnel
(right) Litepanels Hilio Hi-Output fixture
57
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(left) Autoscript software, News and
WinPlus N and Winplus NX Ultra
(right) Vinten Quattro-L four
stage studio pedestal with Vinten
Vector 750 pan and tilt head and
Autoscript LED TFT 15”
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Behind the image - The Vitec Group plc
Whether you are a creative professional in the image
business or a dedicated amateur, you know that behind
every image there is a lot of hard work.
The same is true of the Vitec organisation. Behind each of
our world-class brands there is a dedicated, hard working
team of designers, engineers, manufacturing experts,
technicians, marketers and customer service people who
listen to what our customers tell us and feed it back to
the designers.
We have a global presence, a great reputation,
an image that we are proud of, and still it is not enough.
Find out more about Vitec, and our plans for the future.
www.vitecgroup.com
62
6363
Snap shot
£309.6m
At-a-glance facts & figures
£351.0m
Vitec is an international group principally serving customers in the broadcast,
photographic and military, aerospace and government (MAG) markets. Vitec is
based on strong, well known premium brands on which its customers worldwide
rely. Vitec is organised in three divisions:
Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and
live entertainment, film and video production and MAG.
Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and
products for professionals and keen amateurs in photography,
video and events.
Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for
camera, video, audio, fibre optic and wireless technology used by TV production
teams and film crews.
Facts
& figures
Purpose
& Values
2011
2010
More information can be found at our website:
www.vitecgroup.com
2000
£351.0m
14
24
awards
Vitec employs over 2000
people in the world’s major
communication hubs. We have
an ambitious management team
and we invest constantly in
training and development.
Revenue
Vitec is a worldwide organisation
with offices in 14 countries.
We are expanding in the growing
markets of Asia Pacific, South
America, Africa and the
Middle East.
Vitec has 24 world-class
brands many of which are
number one brands in their
chosen markets.
The group continues to lead
the way in product innovation
having won a large number of
prestigious innovation industry
design awards.
£34.5m
Operating profit
We provide vital products and services
that support the capture of exceptional images.
Integrity
Collaboration
Customer focus
Product excellence
Creative solutions
What you see is what
you get.
We work better when we
work together.
We are nothing without
our customers.
Everything we make and
do is exceptional.
We are constantly looking to
break new ground.
Capture the moment™
Global presence
3 market growth strategy
Responsibility matters
When your livelihood depends on the quality, performance
and reliability of the equipment you use, then choosing the
best is no longer a luxury. In our markets, the difference
between success and failure can be a fraction of a second.
That is why the Vitec Group is focused on delivering
premium products with a reputation that professionals
respect and reliability they can trust. We provide our
customers with the means to seize the opportunity,
steal the show, capture the moment.
The Vitec Group, founded in the UK, has expanded
worldwide, taking superb products to new markets and
developing new markets for superb products. Today,
around half our business is situated on the American
continent, for so long the powerhouse of film and
broadcasting. We retain a substantial share of markets in
Europe where our products are bridging old divides from
professional to keen amateur to home studio and we have
an expanding presence in the rapidly developing markets
of the Far East.
We continue to execute our three market strategy
successfully across our preferred core markets.
With strength comes responsibility, and Vitec aims to be a
sustainable, ethical business. We take responsibility for our
environmental impacts, for good governance, for our own
people and the communities where we work.
But it is not just the quality and performance of Vitec
equipment that makes our products the choice of leading
creative industries. It is the can-do attitude and committed
mindset of our people, as demonstrated in our values.
In an era of global news and events, of instant information
and image sharing, we offer both feet on the ground and
a global standard of quality and service. Our customers
might be capturing a championship putt at St Andrews or
broadcasting a 100 metres final at the Olympics, managing
the rush hour in Delhi or filming a TV series in Dallas. They
all need a brand they can trust.
> Photographic
In the professional segment, we continue to serve the
traditional photographic speciality stores. In the consumer
segment, we increased our penetration in consumer
electronics stores and in mass merchandiser outlets as well
as on-line.
> Broadcast and video
We enjoy a premium market position and continue to
increase our market share through our ability to bundle
products for broadcast studios and on-location needs. In
the video sector we have launched a major new range of
supports, targeting the independent cameraman.
> Military, aerospace & government (MAG)
We continue to leverage our broadcast microwave technology
into the MAG market including winning significant orders in
the law enforcement and defence sectors.
More information can be found at our website:
www.vitecgroup.com
The Vitec Group plc
Bridge House
Heron Square
Richmond
TW9 1EN
UK
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 8332 4600
Fax:
+44 (0)20 8948 8277
www.vitecgroup.com