New PESA easyPORT ‘Throw Down’ Converter Boxes Deliver Broadcast Quality Conversion at NAB 2012
Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, introduced its new series of easyPORT “throw down” multi-format converter boxes today at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth SL9615), which runs April 16-19 in Las Vegas, Nev. At the heart of the easyPORT concept is PESA’s compact four-port utility switch, which incorporates standard SFP-type pluggable module card cages. The easyPORT card cages can be populated to fit practically any combination of input and output signals, including HDMI/DVI, 3G-SDI, ASI, NTSC/PAL, and IP-to-ASI conversion.
easyPORT is currently available in 22 different configurations to handle a wide range of video conversion and distribution needs, but “blank” boxes can be customized for specific I/O applications. For example, HDMI can be converted to 3G-SDI, NTSC/PAL can be encoded to SDI, ASI can be converted to an IP transport stream, and coaxial cable runs can be converted to fiber optic transports. All video formats are transcoded or converted internally, and signals can be distributed over several possible transmission paths, including coax, fiber, and CATx for IP.
Internal to each easyPORT module is a switch fabric that allow users to select which input goes to which output. The module can also be set as a distribution module, allowing any single input to be transmitted to up to four outputs. With a 3G-SDI backbone, signal quality up to 1080p60 can be supported.
With built-in Ethernet and USB connectivity, easyPORT modules can be controlled over a network or locally. Each module includes PESA’s user-friendly CATTRAX software, which provides a simple interface for diagnostics, setup, and switching. Both USB and network connections can be displayed simultaneously, and multiple easyPORTs on the same network can be controlled and managed from a single software session. Changes for networked modules can be done anywhere on the network, but if a local check is required, the module can be simultaneously connected to a PC via USB.
The compact easyPORT can be mounted under a table, on the wall, or in an optional 1 RU power distribution frame. Up to four modules can be installed in a frame for shared power, reducing the need for multiple AC power plugs.
PESA Introduces PERC3000 Server-Based System Controller
Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, today introduced its server-based PERC3000 system controller. Building on the functionality of its widely popular predecessor, the PERC2000, the new PERC3000 supports single or dual configurations for demanding live production environments. The new system will be demonstrated at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth SL9615), which runs April 16-19 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Network, Web, and mobile applications can be supported with the PERC3000’s extensible server architecture. The PERC3000 provides a standard platform that can be easily scaled in the future as system performance demands and complexities increase. Its 1 RU commercial server utilizes a Debian distribution of the Linux operating system for deterministic and reliable operation. The system controller works in conjunction with PESA’s new TOUCH 72 remote control panel, which features 72 LCD pushbuttons and a 320×240 touch-screen display.
Regardless of where routing switchers are located, the PERC3000 provides remote control functionality, including real-time configuration with virtually zero download time. It uses network IP communications with all major system elements including routers, remote control panels, and third-party control providers. It also supports all current PESA routing switchers and RCP panels, as well as legacy products using the PRC communications protocol. Each panel has its own graphical panel setup menu for configuration information, including pushbutton source/destination assignments, addressing, and lock/protect.
With the PERC3000’s icon-based status interface, it is easy to check matrix, tieline, presets, salvo, communications, and more. Information in each status window automatically updates as changes occur for immediate feedback. It also offers full diagnostic capabilities to verify operation of the matrix control to the physical cross-point.
The PERC3000 supports up to 17 levels of control, 64 components, 256 tieline interconnects, 256 salvos, and 8,192 sources and destination names (increased from the PERC2000 limit of 2,400 names). Its virtual matrix mapping sets logical cross-point definitions within a physical matrix, so the cross-point can be assigned as needed. For systems that require video sources such as RGB, Y/C, composite, and other multi-level signal formats, the controller allows the router to be segmented into smaller matrices. The PERC3000 is fully compatible with PESA’s new browser-based Cattrax Web user interface, which is also being introduced at NAB.
A tieline is a link between levels of control, allowing an input on one matrix level to be available to outputs on another matrix level. As a result, all sources on a router are available through a specific physical connection between dissimilar matrix signal types. The PERC3000’s tieline management control interface makes it easy to manage grid representation for tielines, allowing quick status and administrative override capabilities, as well as allowing the matrices to be treated as one large multi-format system.
Salvos allow a user to change cross-points on multiple destinations from a single “take” operation. Advanced configuration parameters for source, destination, and level can be setup to simplify operations when simultaneous cross-point switches must be taken together.
The PERC3000 will be available in early Q4 2012.
New PESA Remote Control Panel Includes Touch-Screen, Programmable LCD Push Buttons for Intuitive Switching
Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, today announced the TOUCH 72 remote control panel. Featuring 72 programmable LCD push button switches in an 18×4 configuration along with a color touch-screen display, it provides a powerful, intuitive interface for accurate switching operations in a compact 2 RU package that is only three inches deep. The new panel will be demonstrated at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth SL9615), which runs April 16-19 in Las Vegas, Nev.
The 320×240 full-color TFT touch-screen displays the continuous status of destination, source, preset, level, and lock information. User menus, also available from the main screen, can be used for multi-output salvo switching or to provide extended pages of sources or destinations. With its soft menu structure, the TOUCH 72 can be reconfigured on the fly for alternative modes of operation or different sets of source and destination configurations.
Each pushbutton can be configured as a source, destination, level, or salvo. Up to 16 characters can be used to identify each switch, and individual switch background colors can be assigned as well. Names are dynamically updated on each affected LCD switch as the system configuration is changed.
In addition to the standard preset/take panel operation, the TOUCH 72 offers a “hot take” operation, which allows an operator in a live production to take a single source directly online with a single switch press. Standard switching combinations and modes, such as audio-follow-video, video only, and audio only, as well as complex multi-level audio breakaways, are also supported.
Like other PESA remote panels, each TOUCH 72 can be individually customized or it can share sources, destination lists, and additional system configurations with other TOUCH 72 panels for easy grouping. Panel configurations can be edited – or copied then edited – to reduce the time needed to prepare a panel for online operation.
The TOUCH 72 operates in a network environment and includes two RJ45 network connections to support daisy-chain configurations or standard home-run network wiring topology for each panel. As a software-based product, its functionality can be easily expanded after initial deployment to take advantage of new features as they are developed.
sales manager for Satellite Engineering Group, a division of TVC Communications, where he established a new regional sales office, led sales efforts for audio and video test equipment, and initiated a national installation, integration, and certification program for cable and broadcast customers. He also worked as a senior account manager for Mega Hertz, LLC, focusing on complex networking, video, and transport solutions for cable operators and independent regional telecommunications companies.
