Foundation To Be Formed In Memory Of PlayBox Technology Founder

A foundation is formed in memory of Founder and Director of PlayBox Technology Don Ash, which will be committed to Early Childhood Development.  The family of Mr Ash will form the foundation after he passed away in November 2017.   

The Foundation will work across projects in Bulgaria that will enhance the programmes and policies that help young children reach their full potential. This will include helping spread the message and bringing to the agenda the importance of early childhood development and the impact of the future of our children.   

Mr Ash started his career as an engineer at GE Computers, later to become Marconi, working on commercial and military applications and at the same time building his own test equipment.   

After eight years Mr Ash moved to Channel 4, the first automated channel in the world. On joining he was responsible for the technical installation ready for the launch in November 1982 and post launch was promoted to Senior Projects Engineer designing, drawing, installing and testing broadcast equipment and make alterations to existing equipment in the way it was used or expanded.   

Subsequently Mr Ash moved on to BSB, later BskyB, having launched the first automated channel this was the first automated, multi-channel TV station in the world. Responsible for the progression of all Television related advances, expansions or changes within the operational areas. He liaised with Operations regarding their requirements; also with manufacturers and suppliers of other directly related services or products to ensure that orders were placed at the right time and to the most cost effective source.   

Metro Video International was the next step for Mr Ash where he spent nine years in the systems sales market installing channels all over Europe. After being acquired by Visual Impact Don was promoted to Managing Director of Visual Impact Systems which provided turnkey broadcast solutions including one of the first channel in a box playout systems to TBN in the UK.   

His journey with playout systems carried on working with On-Air Systems before he started PlayBox Technology Limited in June 2006. Over the following 12 years Mr Ash and his business partners built the various PlayBox companies to a multi-million company with more than 100 employees and systems placed in 120 countries over the world.  

Don Ash is survived by his wife Maya and daughter Teodora.