PESA to showcase streaming solutions, 4K routing

PESA will showcase its growing line of PESA Xstream streaming appliances, live production programmable remote control panels, and its new Cheetah 4K routers and field upgrade kits at IBC2014 (Hall 8, Stand C03). The company will also demonstrate PESA Live, its new streaming app for Android and iOS smart devices, which allows users to manage their own viewing experience during an event with access to multiple live cameras and fully synchronized audio.

With an intuitive user interface, PESA Live makes it easy to select sources during a concert or sporting event, for example, while built-in social media functionality allows users to interact in real time. Logos and other branding can be added to the video, and revenue generating ad insertion capabilities allow for targeted advertising and messaging. Content distribution options include local WiFi or publishing to a content distribution network (CDN).

“PESA Live works in conjunction with our PESA Xstream C58 streaming appliance to provide an affordable way to enhance a live event with personalized video selection,” says John Naylor, vice president, global sales and distribution, streaming products. “Plus, stadiums and other venues can see an immediate ROI with its built-in ad insertion capabilities. Some high-level entertainment venues in the U.S. have already begun beta testing the system, and we are expecting even more interest at IBC.”

The new PESA Xstream C22 compact appliance, which will be demonstrated at IBC for the first time, includes I/O options for standalone streaming applications or as part of a larger hybrid broadcast system. The C22 can be configured as a two port video encoder or two port decoder, or can include one of each. It includes several video inputs as well as optional SFP modules allowing for expanded connectivity, and its two external audio sources can be synchronized to either or both video streams during an event.

With built-in frame sync, video signals can be locked to an external source for glitch-free video switching in broadcast and pro AV applications. An HDMI out allows for local preview, while an integrated Web server allows full remote control, so no personnel are required on site for streaming content to a production facility.

Multiple C22 units can be used to allow AV professionals to compress, stream, and share high-quality content between locations and enable streaming in existing video distribution. The C22 is also an ideal bi-directional content sharing solution. Two C22 units can be configured with one encoder to send video and one decoder to receive video, allowing live interaction between sites.

PESA will also demonstrate its two advanced remote control panels designed for live production. The Touch72 LCD features 72 programmable LCD push button switches, along with a color touch-screen display, while the Smart32 features 32 dynamically reprogrammable LCD buttons arranged in a 2×16 configuration. Each push button can be customized by color with text and icon graphics through Cattrax, PESA’s management control software, and any switch can be configured as a source, destination, level, salvo, or control.

Built to manage the expanded bandwidth requirements of 4K signals, new PESA Cheetah routers are now available in multiple configurations. Both UHDTV (3840×2160) and DCI (4096×2160) are supported, and the router can mix and match between 4K CWDM and traditional copper or fiber I/O in the frame. Using PESA’s easyPORT converter module technology, each I/O card includes four SC-style fiber CWDM connections carrying up to 12 Gbps (4xSDI) for each port. An outboard easyPORT module converts the signals from each CWDM port on the router back to conventional HD/3G-SDI video lines.

Retrofit kits provide a simple plug-and-play upgrade solution for current 3G-SDI Cheetah routers. The 4K I/O card is a direct drop-in replacement for the standard 16-channel HD/3G-SDI card found in current Cheetah frames. Any size Cheetah 3G-SDI routing switcher can be retrofitted with the new Cheetah 4K I/O card system by replacing any existing 16-channel I/O card set and reconfiguring the software to accept the new 4K cards. Once the control software is configured for 4K, the router system can run both 4K and 3G-SDI signals in parallel.

“European interest in 4K continues to grow, and now PESA offers a full line of 4K routing solutions,” says Dewaine McClellan, international sales manager. “New Cheetahs can be dedicated 4K routers or partitioned and converted later as your 4K needs grow. You can also retrofit existing Cheetah routers in the field to support your move to a 4K infrastructure.”

Cheetah 4K routers can be configured and controlled via PESA’s intuitive Cattrax network GUI or optional Cattrax Web network server software using PESA’s powerful PERC2000 or PERC3000 system controller hardware. They can also be controlled through traditional RS-232/422 or Ethernet connections, and built-in SNMP MIB simplifies integration to third-party network system management software. With hot swappable matrix and I/O cards, as well as internal power and control, the need for additional power and external cabling is virtually eliminated.