Hank Schwartz
Encyclopedia
Henry R. Schwartz, born in Brooklyn
, is an expert in video communications technology and was involved in the broadcast, promotion, and distribution of notable boxing matches involving fighters including Muhammad Ali
, Joe Frazier
, and George Foreman
during the 1970s. An authority in microwave and satellite technology, Schwartz utilized his expertise to telecast major boxing events such as “The Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, “The Thrilla in Manila” in the Philippines, as well as other major events in Kingston, Jamaica; Caracas, Venezuela; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Madison Square Garden in New York. Hank has developed and designed systems for E.I. Dupont, Western Electric, Bell Telephone, Westinghouse Electric, Revlon, RCA and others. He also installed and designed the first cyclotron monitoring equipment for Columbia University’s School of Engineering.From 1974 to 1978 Schwartz served as Minister of Communications for the former Republic of Zaire
.
. Schwartz finished his four-year science program in three years and became acquainted with emerging radio wave electronic equipment, as well as video networking and related electrical power systems.
Upon graduating from Stuyvesant High School, Schwartz entered the United States Army as a military cadet in the Army’s Specialized Training Program (ASTRP) for enlistees under seventeen years of age. While enrolled in ASTRP, Schwartz studied at Norwich University (Northfield, Vermont), a private military cadet-based university and one of the top scientific universities combining Cavalry Training and research related to newer communication networking, supporting electronic and communication networks that could be delivered to any fighting front.
Hank became a second lieutenant and was assigned to oversee the physical education and cavalry related activities of an ASTRP platoon and ASTRP student soldiers. At the end of WWII, Schwartz was honorably discharged from the US Army and gained acceptance into Brooklyn Polytech to finish his research. Schwartz earned a license from the University of the State of New York allowing him to teach radio, television and communication systems.
In the late 1960s Schwartz was invited by Bruce Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings
, to improve the broadcast quality of televised games. Schwartz had previously participated in the live broadcast of several auto racing events and had developed expertise in the transmission of video communications signals to microwave towers.
Schwartz’s knowledge regarding both the technical side of international networking and the communications systems needed to transmit television signals worldwide led him to become involved in the international broadcasting of boxing matches.
In 1971 Madison Square Garden
hired Video Techniques to broadcast the historic fight between Joe Frazier
and Muhammad Ali
.
In 1972 Schwartz was invited by the Japanese television network ITV to advise the production crew and engineering staff for the global broadcast of the fight between Mac Foster and Muhammad Ali
. By the time Ali fought Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonevena, Video Techniques had hit its peak and was considered to be the leader in these new distribution technologies.
In 1973, Schwartz traveled to Jamaica to televise the fight between George Foreman and Joe Frazier, which was the first sporting event ever broadcast on HBO. In 1974 Video Techniques acted as the promoter and producer of The Rumble in the Jungle where Ali regained his title as World Heavweight Champion; this also marked the first telecast from the former Republic of Zaire. Video Techniques also participated in the promotion and worldwide distribution of Foreman/Roman from Tokyo, Japan, Foreman-Norton in Caracas, Venezuela, Ali-Bugner in Kuala Lumpur, and Ali-Frazier in the Philippines
(The Thrilla in Manilla), Ali-Wepner from Cleveland, Ohio
, and Ali-Holmes from Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas
.
Some notable boxing events that were produced, marketed, and funded by Hank Schwartz includes: Ali/Mac Foster in Tokyo, Ali/Bob Foster in Las Vegas, Foreman/Frazier in Kingston, Ali/Foreman in Zaire, Ali/Frazier III in the Philippines, the 1980 Kenya Golden Gloves Olympics in Kenya, and the World Television Champions II in New York City.
through a contract signed with Wu Keli, the vice president of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC). The “Long March-3 Rocket” was expected to launch in 1988 and would be used to put a Westar satellite in a geostationary orbit.
Schwartz developed the first TELEMISSION program for Egypt supported by both the United States Government Overseas Private Investor Company (OPIC) and the United Nations International Development Organization. He also served as Vice President of Shamark Closed Circuit TV Distribution, Director of Electronic Transmission Corporation, and Contributing Editor of Electronic Technician, the world’s largest electronic services trade circulation.
Schwartz holds a number of patents and patent applications in the electronics and visual communications fields including, film juke boxes (CineBox (Italy) and the Colorsonics and VideoMate IIa color video projectors.
January 22, 1973 was when the first championship boxing event ever was marketed and produced by Henry A. Schwartz. It was produced from a foreign country for distribution by the INTELSAT satellite system. The championship fight between Joe Frazier and George Foreman was sold to HBO and became the first Pay Per View program on TV cables which set the business stage for PPV events form there on to the present. It has tuned out to be millions of dollars collected through cable companies and program owners such as ESPN, FOX, HBO, etc.
in the 1997 film Don King: Only in America
, a biopic of boxing manager and promoter Don King
. The film highlights Schwartz’s role in the broadcast and promotion of international boxing championships through his affiliation with King.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, is an expert in video communications technology and was involved in the broadcast, promotion, and distribution of notable boxing matches involving fighters including Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
, Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier
Joseph William "Joe" Frazier , also known as Smokin' Joe, was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981....
, and George Foreman
George Foreman
George Edward Foreman is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained Baptist minister, author and successful entrepreneur...
during the 1970s. An authority in microwave and satellite technology, Schwartz utilized his expertise to telecast major boxing events such as “The Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire, “The Thrilla in Manila” in the Philippines, as well as other major events in Kingston, Jamaica; Caracas, Venezuela; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Madison Square Garden in New York. Hank has developed and designed systems for E.I. Dupont, Western Electric, Bell Telephone, Westinghouse Electric, Revlon, RCA and others. He also installed and designed the first cyclotron monitoring equipment for Columbia University’s School of Engineering.From 1974 to 1978 Schwartz served as Minister of Communications for the former Republic of Zaire
Zaire
The Republic of Zaire was the name of the present Democratic Republic of the Congo between 27 October 1971 and 17 May 1997. The name of Zaire derives from the , itself an adaptation of the Kongo word nzere or nzadi, or "the river that swallows all rivers".-Self-proclaimed Father of the Nation:In...
.
Personal and Early Life
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Schwartz secured a scholarship to attend Stuyvesant High School, which was at the time one of the few science and technical-based schools in New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Schwartz finished his four-year science program in three years and became acquainted with emerging radio wave electronic equipment, as well as video networking and related electrical power systems.
Upon graduating from Stuyvesant High School, Schwartz entered the United States Army as a military cadet in the Army’s Specialized Training Program (ASTRP) for enlistees under seventeen years of age. While enrolled in ASTRP, Schwartz studied at Norwich University (Northfield, Vermont), a private military cadet-based university and one of the top scientific universities combining Cavalry Training and research related to newer communication networking, supporting electronic and communication networks that could be delivered to any fighting front.
Hank became a second lieutenant and was assigned to oversee the physical education and cavalry related activities of an ASTRP platoon and ASTRP student soldiers. At the end of WWII, Schwartz was honorably discharged from the US Army and gained acceptance into Brooklyn Polytech to finish his research. Schwartz earned a license from the University of the State of New York allowing him to teach radio, television and communication systems.
Sports Broadcasting
Schwartz’s company, Video Techniques, provided event promoters new microwave and satellite technologies that were necessary to broadcast television signals throughout the world. Video Techniques also served as the worldwide distributor of several major international sports events and provided the missing link that enabled pay-per-view cable broadcast in the U.S.In the late 1960s Schwartz was invited by Bruce Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
, to improve the broadcast quality of televised games. Schwartz had previously participated in the live broadcast of several auto racing events and had developed expertise in the transmission of video communications signals to microwave towers.
Schwartz’s knowledge regarding both the technical side of international networking and the communications systems needed to transmit television signals worldwide led him to become involved in the international broadcasting of boxing matches.
In 1971 Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
hired Video Techniques to broadcast the historic fight between Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier
Joseph William "Joe" Frazier , also known as Smokin' Joe, was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981....
and Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
.
In 1972 Schwartz was invited by the Japanese television network ITV to advise the production crew and engineering staff for the global broadcast of the fight between Mac Foster and Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
. By the time Ali fought Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonevena, Video Techniques had hit its peak and was considered to be the leader in these new distribution technologies.
In 1973, Schwartz traveled to Jamaica to televise the fight between George Foreman and Joe Frazier, which was the first sporting event ever broadcast on HBO. In 1974 Video Techniques acted as the promoter and producer of The Rumble in the Jungle where Ali regained his title as World Heavweight Champion; this also marked the first telecast from the former Republic of Zaire. Video Techniques also participated in the promotion and worldwide distribution of Foreman/Roman from Tokyo, Japan, Foreman-Norton in Caracas, Venezuela, Ali-Bugner in Kuala Lumpur, and Ali-Frazier in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
(The Thrilla in Manilla), Ali-Wepner from Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
, and Ali-Holmes from Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...
.
Some notable boxing events that were produced, marketed, and funded by Hank Schwartz includes: Ali/Mac Foster in Tokyo, Ali/Bob Foster in Las Vegas, Foreman/Frazier in Kingston, Ali/Foreman in Zaire, Ali/Frazier III in the Philippines, the 1980 Kenya Golden Gloves Olympics in Kenya, and the World Television Champions II in New York City.
Satellite Involvement
Hank was involved in the launching of the foreign satellite in ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
through a contract signed with Wu Keli, the vice president of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC). The “Long March-3 Rocket” was expected to launch in 1988 and would be used to put a Westar satellite in a geostationary orbit.
Schwartz developed the first TELEMISSION program for Egypt supported by both the United States Government Overseas Private Investor Company (OPIC) and the United Nations International Development Organization. He also served as Vice President of Shamark Closed Circuit TV Distribution, Director of Electronic Transmission Corporation, and Contributing Editor of Electronic Technician, the world’s largest electronic services trade circulation.
Schwartz holds a number of patents and patent applications in the electronics and visual communications fields including, film juke boxes (CineBox (Italy) and the Colorsonics and VideoMate IIa color video projectors.
January 22, 1973 was when the first championship boxing event ever was marketed and produced by Henry A. Schwartz. It was produced from a foreign country for distribution by the INTELSAT satellite system. The championship fight between Joe Frazier and George Foreman was sold to HBO and became the first Pay Per View program on TV cables which set the business stage for PPV events form there on to the present. It has tuned out to be millions of dollars collected through cable companies and program owners such as ESPN, FOX, HBO, etc.
Only In America
Schwartz is depicted by Jeremy PivenJeremy Piven
Jeremy Samuel Piven is an American film producer and actor best known for his role as Ari Gold in the television series Entourage for which he has won three Emmy Awards as well as several other nominations for Best Supporting Actor....
in the 1997 film Don King: Only in America
Don King: Only in America
Don King: Only in America is a 1997 television film directed by John Herzfeld and written by Kario Salem...
, a biopic of boxing manager and promoter Don King
Don King
Donald "Don" King is an American boxing promoter particularly known for his hairstyle and flamboyant personality. His career highlights include promoting "The Rumble in the Jungle" and the "Thrilla in Manila". He also had a long association with Mike Tyson...
. The film highlights Schwartz’s role in the broadcast and promotion of international boxing championships through his affiliation with King.