PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Recognized internationally as a leading manufacturer of routing switchers, AV distribution products, and video scaling and conversion equipment, PESA products and technologies have shifted the market direction for video and audio distribution throughout its history.
Founded in 1973 by two entrepreneurial engineers, the company has evolved into a global AV routing and distribution leader with a versatile collection of products for the broadcast, religious, education, government, and military markets. In 1976, PESA became the first routing switcher company to offer redundant routing with automatic changeover options. Five years later, the company introduced the first ASIC-based hybrid video switch. In 1988, PESA created the very first virtual matrix mapping software, which was used by NBC during the Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea.
Other innovations followed. In 1991, PESA produced the first 100MHz RGB routing switcher, later followed by the first 200MHz and 400MHz systems, and in 2002 introduced the first 512×512 digital video routing system with hybrid coax/fiber I/O and internal redundant power and control. PESA pioneered the use of VGA and DVI signals over a single high density fiber optic distribution chain using SMPTE-compliant SDI, which set the foundation for converging computer and broadcast signals in the same system. Known for its space saving designs for the OB broadcast truck market, PESA was also the first company to offer a large-scale audio distribution router.
“The success of PESA comes from our ability to keep up with the times and keep ahead of design trends,” said Chuck Tillett, president and COO of PESA. “Our Cheetah product line changed the way facilities used fiber for signal distribution, and our DRS systems introduced a revolutionary new way to centralize and switch audio. We are also continuing our legacy of innovation for the next generations of digital formats, including 4K and 8K.”
PESA is expanding into new market segments as well, most recently with the introduction of the PESA Xstream multi-channel HD streaming appliance. In addition, several of its Cheetah large-scale router and PESA PRO signal processing products were recently certified by the U.S. Department of Defense. PESA is the first and only company to achieve listing on the DoD’s Unified Capabilities (UC) Approved Products List (APL) as a Video Distribution System (VDS).
“After 40 years of superior products and market success, an energetic attitude of innovation continues here at PESA,” said Howard Sutton, PESA executive chairman. “Video and audio delivery and distribution are dynamic industries, and to this day, we still design, manufacture, and test everything right here in our facility. I’m proud of the entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout our organization.”
Frank Zimmerman, PESA’s senior engineering specialist and co-founder, said the company has always shown a commitment to developing reliable, cutting-edge products. “PESA is a special company with a unique culture that fosters and rewards innovation,” he added. “As the company moves forward, I am confident our rich history of innovation will continue to change the way the world works with audio and video signals.”
About PESA
As a leading provider of audio/video connectivity, PESA offers a wide selection of routing switchers, matrix switchers, extenders, converters, media extenders, and signal processing gear to support government, military, industrial, commercial, broadcast and mobile truck applications. PESA offers one of the widest ranges of AV products – from large scale fiber optic routing to single-point CAT-5 DVI extenders – each with the integrity and innovative high performance technology expected from PESA. Our products are available around the world from a leading team of channel partners offering local support and installation; and all of our products are supported by 24/7 technical support. To learn more about our technologies and services visit www.pesa.com. PESA is located in Huntsville, Alabama with regional offices throughout the United States.
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