Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System

The Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System, known by its acronym DVIDS, is a media and public relations operation run by the U.S. Third Army (the United States Central Command), on behalf of the Department of the Army. The operation supports all branches of the U.S. military and its coalition partners serving in the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, which includes the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operations
DVIDS runs a network of portable Ku-band satellite transmitters, located in various places in its area of responsibility, as well as in a hub in Atlanta, Georgia. DVIDS provides to the media and the public videos, photographs and print products, including newsletters, as well as interviews with service members, commanders and non-military experts. DVIDS currently uses Aspera software for its data and imagery transmission and storage needs.

The Director of DVIDS Operations is Logistics officer Major Scott M. Betts.

Private sector partners
The Third Army has awarded the contract for the provision of DVIDS services to Encompass Digital Media, Inc., previously named Crawford Communications, Inc. Encompass is a privately held, electronic media services company based in Atlanta, Georgia.