GLOBAL: Christie Digital Systems USA has announced an agreement in principle with Vista PHX, Corp. to sell its Broadcast and Professional Video business, a move that would see some of the industry’s most established video processing technologies return to the team that originally designed and developed them. The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of February, signals a significant shift in stewardship for platforms that have long been central to live events, broadcast and high-end installation workflows worldwide.

Under the proposed agreement, the newly formed Vista PHX, Corp.—created by former Vista Systems owners and industry veterans Clark Williams and Jeff Wilson—will acquire the Christie intellectual property and essential operational infrastructure for the Spyder, Terra, Phoenix and Mastering Gateway product lines. Operations will continue in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing these technologies back to the location where they were first developed and manufactured.

The transition is positioned as a return to roots for the product portfolio, most notably for Spyder, widely regarded as a benchmark video processor for uncompromising performance in live events, broadcast environments and premium installations. Alongside Spyder, the Phoenix-branded distributed content management system, the Terra SDVoE platform and the Mastering Gateway Series further define Vista PHX, Corp.’s scope in delivering end-to-end, mission-critical video processing solutions.

Commenting on the significance of the move, Clark Williams, CEO of Vista PHX, Corp., says, “Bringing Spyder and the other innovative video processing product lines back under independent ownership is significant. For our customers, this acquisition means continuity where it matters and acceleration where it counts. The same team, the same engineering DNA—now with the clarity and autonomy to move faster and invest deeper in the platform our customers rely on.”

From Christie’s perspective, the divestiture reflects a sharpening of long-term strategic priorities. Michael Phipps, President, Christie, explains, “The divestiture of the Broadcast and Professional Video group reflects our continued focus on our long-term strategic priorities. We believe that returning the video processing family of products to Clark Williams, Jeff Wilson, and the Vista PHX team will best position them for sustained growth under owners whose core mission is centered on these products. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and responsible transition for employees, customers, and partners.”

Once completed, Vista PHX, Corp. is expected to assume ownership and ongoing support for the Spyder X80, Spyder X20, Phoenix, Terra and Mastering Gateway platforms, with an emphasis on continuity, quality and performance. Existing warranties and service agreements are set to be honoured, with the company signalling its intent to maintain and strengthen the level of technical support that customers have come to rely on.

Led by Clark Williams as CEO and Jeff Wilson as CFO, Vista PHX, Corp. brings decades of direct experience in the design, delivery and support of complex video systems. And once the agreement is finalised as planned, the transaction will mark a new chapter for some of the industry’s most respected video processing technologies, placing them once again under focused, independent leadership rooted firmly in their original engineering vision.