NewTek
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video production hardware and software |
| Founded | 1 January 1985 in Topeka, Kansas, United States |
| Founder | Tim Jenison, Paul Montgomery |
| Fate | Acquired by Vizrt |
| Headquarters | San Antonio , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Tim Jenison (founder) |
| Products | TriCaster, 3PLAY, Network Device Interface (NDI), Video Toaster, LightWave 3D, DigiView, DigiPaint |
| Owner | Vizrt |
| Parent | Vizrt |
| Website | newtek |
NewTek, Inc. is a company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, that develops hardware and software focused on live and post-production video solutions as well as visual imaging applications for personal computers. Established in 1985 in Topeka, Kansas by founders Tim Jenison and Paul Montgomery, NewTek has built a reputable standing within the software sector. On April 1, 2019, the company became part of Vizrt through acquisition, broadening its international reach and market presence.
Products
In 2005, NewTek introduced the TriCaster, a compact all-in-one device that integrates live video switching, broadcast graphics, virtual sets, special effects, audio mixing, recording capabilities, social media integration, and web streaming. TriCaster was initially showcased at DEMO@15 before its formal launch at the 2005 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) event. The subsequent year saw the release of TriCaster PRO, which incorporated professional-grade video and audio interfaces along with proprietary LiveSet virtual set technology.
Later iterations enhanced functionality: TriCaster STUDIO (2007) supported up to six camera inputs; TriCaster BROADCAST (2008) added SDI video and audio compatibility; TriCaster TCXD300 (2009) marked NewTek’s first high-definition offering; and the TriCaster TCXD850 (2010) delivered 22-channel HD processing within a rack-mount form factor. The TCXD850 garnered four industry accolades at NAB 2010, underscoring NewTek’s leadership in broadcast innovation.
Early in 2009, NewTek launched 3PLAY, a portable multi-channel HD/SD slow-motion replay system designed to improve live production efficiency.
In 2015, NewTek unveiled the Network Device Interface (NDI) protocol to enable transmission of high-quality, low-latency video over gigabit Ethernet networks. Released publicly in early 2016, NDI version 3 (2017) introduced multicast functionality and a high-efficiency mode known as NDI-HX, further solidifying NewTek’s pioneering role in IP-based video technology.
Company history
NewTek’s earliest offerings included DigiView (1986) and DigiPaint, software developed for the Commodore Amiga personal computer. DigiView was notable as the first full-color video digitizer for the Amiga platform, providing an affordable method for image capture prior to advancements in scanning technology. It could digitize greyscale images from standard black-and-white video cameras and, when used with a color wheel accessory, combined three filtered captures into full-color images. Reports indicate DigiView sold more than 100,000 units.
Leveraging the Amiga’s capacity to display up to 4096 simultaneous colors, DigiPaint enabled graphic artists to perform real-time editing within this extensive color range—far exceeding the typical IBM PC's palette of 4 to 16 colors at that time.
NewTek gained significant acclaim with the release of the Video Toaster, a revolutionary system that drastically lowered video switching and post-production expenses from approximately $100,000 down to $4,000. This breakthrough played a key role in igniting the desktop-video movement and expanded the adoption of video effects in television throughout the early 1990s. The company and its innovations received coverage from prominent outlets such as Rolling Stone magazine and NBC Nightly News.
Moreover, NewTek developed LightWave 3D, a comprehensive software suite for 3D modeling, rendering, and animation widely utilized in television and film industries. Notably, the television series Babylon 5 employed LightWave 3D exclusively for all computer-generated imagery of space scenes starting from its premiere episode.
Founders Tim Jenison and Paul Montgomery were acknowledged as visionary entrepreneurs who crafted NewTek’s distinctive business approach. Following their professional separation, Montgomery went on to co-found Play, Inc., which eventually ceased operations after his passing.
In 1997, NewTek moved its corporate headquarters to San Antonio, Texas. In recognition of his contributions to desktop video technology, Tim Jenison was inducted into the San Antonio Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005 as its "Father of Desktop Video."
The acquisition by Vizrt in April 2019 for $95.25 million marked a pivotal moment for NewTek’s financial growth and expansion on a global scale.
Tim Jenison
Tim Jenison, the founder of the company, was instrumental in directing NewTek's business approach and driving product development. Aside from his entrepreneurial achievements, Jenison's fascination with the works of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer inspired the 2014 documentary Tim's Vermeer, directed by Teller and produced by Penn & Teller. This film received acclaim within the industry and elevated his stature as a business innovator.
Kiki Stockhammer
Kiki Stockhammer played a vital role as a principal representative for NewTek, significantly aiding marketing initiatives through appearances in product demonstration videos. Additionally, she contributed creative visual effects for the Video Toaster’s transition features, boosting brand recognition and enhancing customer interaction.