R & B Communications, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio
440 946-9511
R & B Communications has produced and videotaped thousands of
hours of television programming and video productions since 1982.
Below, you can read about some interesting and noteworthy
productions we have had the pleasure to work on. Please check
back as we continue to update our news of fun and recent
projects. Let us know how we can be of service to you. We are
always seeking new challenges.
News Archives - Click on pages below to read past news stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Nike Introduces New Lebron James Shoe with Live Broadcast
R & B Communications recently provided a complete video production team to assist Nike in the introduction
of the new Lebron James basketball shoe. After months of planning, the event took place in the Ed Davis
Community Center in Akron, Ohio, where a young Lebron James played basketball as a child. Nike required
satellite uplink production capabilities for a live webcast to the world. While Nike created a sort of museum
environment of the history of Lebron James Nike shoes, R & B Communications provided all the necessary
video crew and equipment including an on-site production truck with uplink capabilities. In the end, the
broadcast was flawless and everything went off as planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
R & B Communications, Inc. Adds New High Definition Cameras to Equipment Inventory
R & B Communications recently took delivery of two new Sony high definition cameras. The first camera is the
ground-breaking Sony HDW-F900 24p CineAlta digital HDCam camcorder. The F900 represents Sony’s most
advanced HDCam format camera and shoots in a variety of modes with a resolution of 1920x1080. The F900
is a member of the CineAlta line and can function much like a traditional 35mm film camera. The HDW F900 is
capable of record/playback of 1080 progressive at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 or 30 frames per second or 50, 59.94
or 60 fields per second at 1080 interlaced. The extent of these frame rates provides the ability to shoot in
both the film and television program genres. Shooting at 24p allows frame-for-frame video to film transfer. In
addition, the F900 can handle a very impressive contrast range.

The second is camera is the Sony HVR-S270. It represents Sony’s most advanced broadcast HDV format
camera. The camera features an interchangeable lens system, native progressive recording, and solid-state
memory recording and supports standard-size cassettes for extended recording times. This new camcorder
features 1080/24p/30p HDV native progressive recording modes as well as 1080 interlaced HDV and DVCam
recording.

The HVR-S270 camera represents a significant value for productions requiring high definition production at
standard definition costs. In the 24P and 30P modes, using the cinema gamma settings, the camera
effectively simulates the qualities of film in color saturation and exposure latitude. Both cameras are now
available in our equipment inventory including other broadcast HD and SD camera and lens packages.

Click on images below to view photos of both HD cameras
R & B Communications Configures New Production Studio for Avon Lake High School
Recently, R & B Communications was commissioned as a consultant for the installation of a completely new
production studio for Avon Lake High School in Avon Lake, Ohio. The design and installation of the new high
definition facility took place over the course of eight months. Bob Matzen from R & B Communications wrote
the specifications of the project for bid preparation. The studio included a complete renovation of a former
production space, new 220 volt AC power, a new lighting grid including all new fluorescent and tungsten
instruments, 36 channels of 2.4Kw dimming capability, curtains, track, drapery and green screen, a sound
booth, and three new HD studio cameras with prompters on pedestals. The control room included a new HD
switcher, character generator, audio system, teleprompter system, and camera CCU's. All of the video
signals were networked via fiber optic cable to ingest and output servers from Apple. Post-production is
accomplished using six Apple Macintosh work stations running Final Cut Pro software which are networked to
the servers. The control room can playback and record to the servers as well. A complete ENG package was
also specified that includes a camera, tripod, lighting package and remote audio for news gathering in the
field. R & B Communications worked closely with the school to configure the entire system and oversaw bid
specifications, equipment acquisition and installation.
Pepsi Teams Up with R & B Communications for Refresh Production
R & B Communications provided a production team for Pepsi's Refresh Project at Progressive Field in
Cleveland, Ohio recently. Cleveland Indian's center fielder Grady Sizemore was the on-camera talent
selected by Pepsi to help get the word out about the Pepsi Refresh Project. R & B Communications provided
production support including a teleprompter, and an audio and grip package. Lighting included several large
HMI's in order to shoot outdoors on the field. Video was recorded in high definition using Canon 5DII
cameras. Audio was recorded onto a Zoom H4N and later synched in post.
R & B Communications Provides Jib for Steel Drum Concert for PBS
R & B Communications recently provided camera jib services for a 30th anniversary concert of the University
of Akron Steel Drum Band concert. The production took place at EJ Thomas hall in Akron, Ohio and was
recorded with five high definition cameras. The concert will air and a special program on PBS later this year.
R & B Communications Covers Essa Trial for CBS' 48 Hours
CBS News called upon R & B Communications to provide a production team to cover the Essa trial in
Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Yazeed Essa was accused of killing his wife with calcium pills laced with cyanide. The CBS
news magazine program 48 Hours covered the trial which took place over a period of 8 weeks. R & B
Communications provided equipment, ENG crews and production personnel to record in-court camera feeds
during the trial. Dr. Essa was found guilty of murder and is now serving a 20 year to life sentence.