30
Years of Event Technology from Wolf
Early
History 1966-1972:
Josef
and Inge Wolf found WOLF Audio Visuals in Feldkirch. 16 mm film
projectors and slide projectors are the current equipment used for
business and schools.
One
year later, Gerhard Rosner founds FACTS (First Austrian Commercial
Television Systems) in Vienna and provides news in 3 languages to
guests of the Hotel Intercont. The plan to tie all of Vienna to this
network fails due to the ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Company) monopoly,
which did not fall until the new millennium.
1973
Inge Wolf buys FACTS and takes over all rental activities of sister-company
Wolf Audio Visuals. Huge black and white television cameras and "suitcase
size" video recorders deliver the first live recordings. Reel
to reel tape recorders are used for sound!
1974
Overhead projectors and Flip Charts begin to arrive on the scene in
Austria. Transparencies must be produced photographically or completed
manually, by hand placing adhesive letters or colored sheets.
1976
-1979
The first black and white widescreen projector for rental is acquired.
Projected images are difficult to see, even in complete darkness.
At that time, there were 17 incompatible video recording systems offered,
most of them using reels. For a short time in this period, it appears
as if U-Matic will finally assert itself as a Video system standard,
but consumer markets have already started the next format war between
VHS, Betamax and Video 2000.
1979
The first portable color video system for educational purposes is
offered for rent (U-Matic and 1/2" reels).
1983
The first CD Player is acquired and the first cordless microphone
is used.
1984
Televisions and video recorders (VHS) are now the most common forms
of mass media.
1986
Large screen color tube projection systems (CRT), with very low performance
by today's standards, are the state-of-the-art technology. These units
are very large and heavy and our technicians need over an hour to
adjust/install them. Slide projectors are the most frequently rented
units. A telephone training system and pinboards, which are still
popular today, complete our offers for training systems. Modular monitor
walls are popular at trade fairs and conventions, which also require
many hours for setup before they are operational.
1988
Computer data can now be projected using overhead and data display
technology and the first large screen projectors become available,
though the light performance is still low compared to present standards.
1994
Our new "sister company" WOLFVISION GmbH is founded. Taking
over the Visualizer business from WOLF Audio-Visuals GmbH. The successful
new company exclusively concentrates on research, development and
production of high-quality visualizer systems. WOLFVISON provides
us with a strong partner, with shared offices in Goetzis und Vienna.
FACTS also begins sales of audio-visual units and accessories and
offers complete systems for event technology.
1995-2000
Computer projection becomes increasingly more important. LCD- und
DLP technology replace tube systems (CRT) and enable higher resolution,
better light performance and convenient construction. The first plasma
screens are offered for rent. FACTS becomes one of the leading suppliers
of data and video projectors in Austria.
2000-2003
The entire line of sound equipment is updated. Videoconference systems
and mini projectors expand our rental program. Digital video systems,
DVD and DV recorders and video-editing systems replace their analog
predecessors. Mood lighting, stage elements and cross bar systems
are also offered, which allows us to provide equipment for events
of all types.
2003
After being named "FACTS" for 30 years, with most of our
customers always referring to us as "WOLF", we decide to
appropriately change our company name and logo in honor of our 30
year anniversary. "FACTS, Wolf AV-Service" is now
known as "WOLF AV, Veranstaltungstechnik".
2005
Inge Wolf retires, but remains owner of Wolf AV. Her son Georg Wolf
becomes president of the company. The whole administration and
logistics of the company move to our headquarter in Götzis/Vorarlberg.
In Vienna we change from a complete office to a technical support
point. We still work for customers in Vienna and the rest of Austria.
In Vienna we move our main business channel towards AV rentals and sales
with shipping via forwarders and technical support through
cooperation partners.
