About Us - Bernhard Kirschner
Personal Profile of Bernhard Kirschner
Read what Kirschner predicted and why for the Australian economy in 2009 and 2010Bernhard Kirschner has Commerce and Accounting degrees, was one of the first computer programmers in 1962. In 1960 he designed, patented,
and developed an envelope manufacturing and inserting machine, which although it never was marketed, used one of the first transistor control boards,
electric eyes, magnetic clutches and plastic gears, years before they become standard.
- In 1964 Bernhard started Copystat Services, one of the world's first instant print shops, in South Africa, which is still operating in Johannesburg after 47 years.
- In 1977 started the Printers Devil Instant Print shop in Elizabeth Street, Sydney, which is still trading.
- In 1981 opened one of the first retail computer stores, ComputerWave (now selling disc duplicators and accessories) which has operated for 30 years. ComputerWave is probably the oldest surviving computer retailer in Australia.
- In 1983 to improve ethics amongst computer dealers, and to attract sufficient support to successfully remove import duties and sales tax on computer software, Bernhard Kirschner helped formed and is Past-President of the Australian Computer Retailers Association. The removal of these imposts on software would have helped Australia grow its IT base.
- In March 1984 was first to market personal computer controlled robots.
- In 1985 ComputerWave was one of the first to market desktop publishing solutions.
- In 1987 ComputerWave started an on-site tape back-up service and archiving service, with an operator going to clients premises and backing data to digital tape.
- In 1993 Bernhard started CD-ROM Services Pty Ltd, which pioneered the writing of computer data to CD-ROM.
- In 1995 started the first retail Internet shop in Australia, where clients were shown how to use the Internet, as well as having their computers set-up for Internet use.
- In 2001 founded the IDDA (International Disc Duplicating Association,)www.discdupe.org that is acknowledged as the voice of disc duplicators worldwide. The IDDA has organised conferences in on matters to the disc duplicating industry and copy protection, at trade shows in Hong Kong, San Jose, Los Angeles Las Vegas, Miami, Frankfurt and Barcelona.
- In May 2003, Bernhard launched YesVideo in Australia, which provides high-quality videotape to DVD transfer with 54 chapter marks and editable CD-ROM, at prices well below what was previously available.
In 2004 started marketing the KISPCS production control system, designed by Andrew Host of CD-ROM Services, to production facilities worldwide, and in March 2008 in Miami FL at the Media-Tech Conference www.media-tech.net/sc08/conference-program.html announced KISQUOTE, an almost instant quoting system, which has been ordered by several US media duplicators.
In 2005 offered the first Copy Protection and DRM for recordable discs using Starforce, Hexalock and in 2007 Fortium's Patronus
- In 2007 started selling XCARD Flash Card software to duplicators, which is now used in USB and SD card duplicators sold worldwide http://www.discdupe.org/i/showoldpage.html?offer_xcard.htm.
In March 2008 announced the Discs-on-Demand Pty Ltd DVD production system, which is a system that captures permitted broadcasted programs, encodes to MPEG-2. It is then possible for a viewer to order the program through the broadcasters website. Discs-on-Demand will then copy the program to DVD, add any other selected programs to a total of 2 hours per DVD, charge the viewer, prepare a receipt, address label and post the DVD within 24 hours of ordering. The income is divided between Discs-on-Demand Pty Ltd and the Broadcaster, who would need to allow the recording rights and be responsible to obtaining those rights. The Company is using the catch phrase; "The program that you missed yesterday will be in your postbox tomorrow!" See www.discsondemand.com.au. Due to copyright issues this concept has not been followed through.
- In March 2006, believing that the identification and support for sleep apnea sufferers was lacking, started the Sleep Apnea Shop Pty Ltd, and then the Sleep Remedies Association.
- Sleep Apnea Screening,
- MAS devices,
- and oximetry to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- Sleep Apnea Screening,
- MAS devices,
- and oximetry to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Bernhard Kirschner has identified and has been the of the pioneers of the following what have come to be know as 'disruptive' technologies, ie technologies that have changed the way we do things:
- Instant Printing
- Retail Personal Computers
- Desktop Publishing
- CD-ROM Publishing and Archiving
- Retail Internet Shop
- CD and DVD Duplicating
- Videotape and Film to DVD Conversion
- Flash (USB and SD card) duplication
Bernhard wishes that he had learned to keep his ideas to himself, realising that having an idea is the easiest part, realising it damn hard!
