Summer 2000

Eric Viscito - Distinguished Young Alumni

Eric Viscito helped create the compression, communication and video technology that helps individuals and businesses function while on the road today. Viscito improved existing technologies in Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) video technology and DVD video.

Viscito began his career at IBM in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., gaining a practical understanding of semiconductors. He reached a crossroads in 1982 and, rather than moving up within IBM, returned to Indiana to earn both a master’s and doctoral degree in electrical engineering at Purdue University. He credits his Rose-Hulman education for peaking his interest in this hi-tech world.

"The education that I received at Rose-Hulman was as good as advertised. The people of Rose-Hulman communicated with me in a positive way. They gave me a quiet confidence and a great technical education that I still rely on today," said Viscito.

After earning his doctorate degree, Viscito returned to IBM at the T.J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., from 1989-94. Viscito helped create the standards that would develop the first launch of video information and compression. Development of MPEG technologies began in the mid-1960s, but Viscito helped the concept become a reality at IBM.

"I worked on a standards committee to develop the rules for an emerging technology. We picked the right moment to make a standard which resulted in MPEG. The committee is the most special thing that has happened in my career," said Viscito.

Viscito moved to a Silicon Valley startup called Chromatic Research in 1995 and began working on cutting-edge technology involving audio, video and telecommunications. He was recruited by the audio and chip technology manufacturers at Chromatic to lead the video group.

"Technologically, the Chromatic concept worked. Practically, our work became so complex that it became difficult for final products to reach the market on-time," said Viscito.

Chromatic produced the first DVD player on the market in the early 1990s. Viscito began to focus on home theater development, working on a computer-based player that showed a film differently than previous video cassette technology.

"MPEG technology made films look better," said Viscito. "This was a rewarding experience and well-received by those who like extra quality."

Viscito takes the most pride in a product developed at Chromatic that did not make a major impact on the marketplace.

"Of our work at Chromatic, I am most proud of the videophone. We used compression-like MPEG technology, a modem, and an echo-cancellor that ran on single chips. The product reached the market late and did not sell that well," said Viscito.

The experiences at Chromatic helped Viscito with his next venture, the formation of his own consulting company.

"Chromatic was about managing highly creative people and the challenges this causes. We consciously went away from positions reporting, preparing me to enter a career in consulting," said Viscito.

Viscito formed eV Consulting in 1998 to refocus his work in digital processing and serve as a bridge to his next venture.

"I thought that eV Consulting would last a few months, but I like it a lot. I am helping our client find the right balance between hardware and software. On a single chip, we are doing things that took racks of space before," said Viscito.

Viscito works with the Santa Clara based iCompression, Inc., to bring the price of play-back recorders, increased video camera technologies, and Internet video relays down to affordable levels.

"I believe there will be a day that video is transmitted over the Internet as IP protocols. Digital development as an area has growth potential," said Viscito.

Although his work focuses on emerging technologies, Viscito downplays the role of daily innovation in his company.

"Technological experimentation doesn’t feel cutting edge to me; it’s based more on communications and research," said Viscito.

Viscito is fascinated in the concept of business capitalism and believes that the concept will shape companies on a global level. Currently, Viscito is evaluating his life and determining how to successfully transition his work into the modern economy.

"The human burden must be reduced 10-fold in the next century. We have to recognize that and use new technology in a way to build products," said Viscito.

Viscito spends his spare time on a bicycle and working on sculptures. Most of all, he enjoys the company of wife Laura McCormick and their 21-month old daughter Grace.