NewTek 300 User Manual
Revised – Feb. 28, 2013
Trademarks: NewTek, TriCaster, TriCaster XD, TCXD850, TCXD850 EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD850 EXTREME, TriCaster 850
EXTREME, TriCaster EXTREME, TriCaster 850, TCXD450, TCXD450 EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD450 EXTREME, TriCaster 450
EXTREME, TriCaster 450, TCXD40, TriCaster TCXD40, TriCaster 40. IsoCorder, TCXD300, TriCaster PRO, TriCaster STUDIO,
TriCaster BROADCAST, TriCaster DUO, iVGA, SpeedEDIT, 3PLAY, 3PLAY 820, 3PXD820, LiveText, DataLink, LiveSet,
LiveMatte, TimeWarp, VT, V[T5], Video Toaster, Toaster, 3D Arsenal, Aura, LightWave, LightWave 3D and LightWave
CORE are trademarks of NEWTEK. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective
holders.
TA BLE OF CONT ENTS
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... i
PART I (Getting Started).............................................................................................................. 1
1 About This Manual .............................................................................................................. 3
2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Startup Screen ................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Live Desktop ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Features ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.4.1 Physical ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.2 A/V Input and Output ............................................................................................... 8
2.4.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................................ 9
2.4.4 Video Processing ....................................................................................................... 9
2.4.5 The Switcher ............................................................................................................. 9
2.4.6 Video Layers and Transitions .................................................................................. 10
2.4.7 Record and Stream ................................................................................................. 11
2.4.8 Import Media .......................................................................................................... 12
2.4.9 Audio Mixer............................................................................................................. 12
2.4.10 Integrated Media Players ........................................................................................ 12
2.4.11 Keying, Virtual Sets and Virtual Inputs .................................................................... 13
2.4.12 Graphics .................................................................................................................. 14
2.4.13 Edit .......................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.14 Optional Control Surfaces ....................................................................................... 15
3 Setting Up ......................................................................................................................... 17
3.1 Command and Control .................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Activating & Authorizing Windows™ .............................................................................. 18
3.3 TriCaster™ License and Registration ............................................................................... 19
3.3.1 Online Registration ................................................................................................. 20
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3.3.2 Registering by Telephone ....................................................................................... 20
3.4 Input Connections ........................................................................................................... 21
3.4.1 Connect A/V Sources .............................................................................................. 21
3.5 Genlock Connection ........................................................................................................ 22
3.5.1 A/V Output .............................................................................................................. 22
3.5.2 HD and SD ............................................................................................................... 23
3.5.3 Connecting Devices ................................................................................................. 23
3.5.4 Multiview ................................................................................................................ 24
3.6 Tally Lights ...................................................................................................................... 25
3.6.1 External Connections .............................................................................................. 25
3.7 Starting a Session ............................................................................................................ 26
3.8 Configure Video Output .................................................................................................. 28
3.8.1 SD Analog Configuration ......................................................................................... 29
3.9 Configure Aux Video Output ........................................................................................... 30
3.10 Configure Multiview Output ........................................................................................... 31
3.11 Configure Video Input ..................................................................................................... 31
3.12 Configure Audio .............................................................................................................. 32
3.13 Configure Genlock ........................................................................................................... 35
3.14 Networking ..................................................................................................................... 36
4 Live Production Walkthrough............................................................................................ 37
4.1 Creating a Session ........................................................................................................... 37
4.2 Importing Content ........................................................................................................... 38
4.2.1 TriCaster™ ............................................................................................................... 38
4.3 Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 39
4.3.1 Program and Preview .............................................................................................. 39
4.3.2 All Monitors ............................................................................................................ 40
4.3.3 External and Internal Monitors ............................................................................... 41
4.3.4 Scopes ..................................................................................................................... 41
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4.4 Audio Mixer ..................................................................................................................... 42
4.4.1 Mute, Mono and Balance ....................................................................................... 42
4.4.2 Pan .......................................................................................................................... 45
4.4.3 Talk .......................................................................................................................... 46
4.4.4 Follow ...................................................................................................................... 46
4.5 Network Sources ............................................................................................................. 47
4.5.1 iVGA Clients............................................................................................................. 47
4.5.2 Apple AirPlay ........................................................................................................... 48
4.5.3 LiveText™ ................................................................................................................ 49
4.6 Live Switching.................................................................................................................. 49
4.6.1 Switcher Rows ......................................................................................................... 49
4.6.2 Transitions ............................................................................................................... 53
4.7 Record and Grab ............................................................................................................. 58
4.7.1 Record ..................................................................................................................... 58
4.7.2 Grab ........................................................................................................................ 60
4.8 Media Players ................................................................................................................. 60
4.8.1 DDR 1 and 2 ............................................................................................................ 60
4.8.2 Still & Title ............................................................................................................... 65
4.9 LiveMatte ........................................................................................................................ 69
4.10 Virtual Inputs................................................................................................................... 72
4.10.1 Composing Inputs A and B ...................................................................................... 73
4.10.2 Adding an Upstream Overlay .................................................................................. 75
4.10.3 LiveSet™ .................................................................................................................. 76
4.11 Streaming ........................................................................................................................ 80
4.11.1 Streaming Configuration ......................................................................................... 80
4.11.2 Simple Pull Streaming ............................................................................................. 81
4.11.3 Push and Flash Streaming ....................................................................................... 82
4.11.4 Capturing the Stream .............................................................................................. 82
PART II (Reference) ................................................................................................................... 85
5 The Startup Screen ............................................................................................................ 87
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5.1 Introduction to Sessions .................................................................................................. 88
5.2 The Home Page ............................................................................................................... 89
5.2.1 New (Session) .......................................................................................................... 90
5.2.2 Open (Session) ........................................................................................................ 92
5.2.3 Shutdown ................................................................................................................ 94
5.2.4 Utilities .................................................................................................................... 95
5.2.5 Help ......................................................................................................................... 97
5.2.6 Add-Ons .................................................................................................................. 98
5.3 The Session Page ............................................................................................................. 98
5.3.1 Live .......................................................................................................................... 98
5.3.2 Graphics .................................................................................................................. 99
5.3.3 Edit ........................................................................................................................ 100
5.3.4 Manage ................................................................................................................. 101
6 Live Desktop: Overview .................................................................................................. 105
6.1 Display Requirements ................................................................................................... 105
6.2 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 106
6.3 A Few Hints ................................................................................................................... 106
6.4 Customizing the Live Desktop ....................................................................................... 107
6.4.1 Desktop Options Menu ......................................................................................... 107
6.4.2 Dual Displays and Monitoring ............................................................................... 108
6.5 Titlebar Tips .................................................................................................................. 109
6.5.1 Status Bar .............................................................................................................. 109
6.5.2 Eject ...................................................................................................................... 110
7 I/O Configuration ............................................................................................................ 111
7.1 Output Configuration .................................................................................................... 111
7.1.1 Output Controls .................................................................................................... 112
7.1.2 Proc Amp ............................................................................................................... 113
7.1.3 SD Analog Connections ......................................................................................... 115
7.1.4 Aux Output ............................................................................................................ 116
7.1.5 Genlock ................................................................................................................. 119
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7.1.6 Center Frequency .................................................................................................. 121
7.2 Input Configuration ....................................................................................................... 121
7.2.1 Connection Type ................................................................................................... 122
7.2.2 Proc Amp ............................................................................................................... 125
7.2.3 LiveMatte & Crop .................................................................................................. 125
8 Switcher, Transitions and Overlay ................................................................................... 127
8.1 Switcher Rows ............................................................................................................... 127
8.1.1 Utility (and Delegate) ............................................................................................ 128
8.1.2 Program and Preview ............................................................................................ 129
8.2 Video Layers .................................................................................................................. 129
8.3 Transitions..................................................................................................................... 131
8.3.1 Local Controls ........................................................................................................ 132
8.3.2 Main Controls........................................................................................................ 137
8.3.3 T-Bar ...................................................................................................................... 139
9 Desktop Monitors ........................................................................................................... 141
9.1 Program amd Preview .................................................................................................. 141
9.1.1 Configuration Indicators ....................................................................................... 142
9.2 Look Ahead Preview ...................................................................................................... 142
9.3 All Monitors Tab ............................................................................................................ 144
9.3.1 Contextual Tools ................................................................................................... 144
9.3.2 Interactive Control ................................................................................................ 146
9.4 Preview Scopes Tab ....................................................................................................... 147
10 Media Players (DDRs, Still, Title and Audio) ................................................................ 149
10.1 Specialized Media Players ............................................................................................. 149
10.2 Shared Features ............................................................................................................ 150
10.2.1 Playlists ................................................................................................................. 150
10.2.2 Media Browser ...................................................................................................... 153
10.2.3 Player Controls ...................................................................................................... 156
10.2.4 Preset Bin .............................................................................................................. 158
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10.2.5 Speed .................................................................................................................... 159
10.3 Editing Title Pages ......................................................................................................... 159
11 LiveMatte & Crop ........................................................................................................ 163
11.1 Chromakeying ............................................................................................................... 164
11.2 Matte ............................................................................................................................ 165
11.2.1 Color ...................................................................................................................... 165
11.2.2 Tolerance .............................................................................................................. 166
11.2.3 Smoothness........................................................................................................... 166
11.3 Spill Suppression............................................................................................................ 166
11.4 Crop ............................................................................................................................... 167
11.5 Compositing .................................................................................................................. 168
11.6 Fine Tuning .................................................................................................................... 168
11.7 Practical Staging for LiveMatte ..................................................................................... 169
11.7.1 Lighting .................................................................................................................. 169
11.7.2 Connection Considerations ................................................................................... 169
12 Virtual Inputs .............................................................................................................. 171
12.1 Primary Video Sources .................................................................................................. 172
12.2 Position ......................................................................................................................... 172
12.3 Overlay .......................................................................................................................... 174
12.4 LiveSet ........................................................................................................................... 175
12.4.1 LiveSet Selection ................................................................................................... 175
12.4.2 Video Sources ....................................................................................................... 176
12.4.3 Zoom Presets ........................................................................................................ 177
12.4.4 Zoom T-Bar ............................................................................................................ 178
12.4.5 Input Position ........................................................................................................ 178
12.4.6 Animate Zoom....................................................................................................... 179
13 Audio .......................................................................................................................... 181
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13.1 External Sources ............................................................................................................ 182
13.1.1 Mute...................................................................................................................... 182
13.1.2 Connection Type ................................................................................................... 183
13.1.3 Microphone Controls ............................................................................................ 184
13.1.4 More Audio Controls ............................................................................................. 185
13.2 Internal Audio ............................................................................................................... 188
13.2.1 Media Players ........................................................................................................ 188
13.2.2 Output Controls .................................................................................................... 189
13.3 Preset Bin ...................................................................................................................... 190
14 Network Sources ......................................................................................................... 191
14.1 iVGA .............................................................................................................................. 191
14.1.1 iVGA for OS X™ ...................................................................................................... 192
14.1.2 IVGA PRO™ (WINDOWS) ....................................................................................... 193
14.2 AirPlay™ ........................................................................................................................ 199
14.3 LiveText ......................................................................................................................... 200
15 Streaming .................................................................................................................... 201
15.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 202
15.1.1 Compact View ....................................................................................................... 202
15.2 Web Browser ................................................................................................................. 203
15.3 Connection Options ....................................................................................................... 204
15.3.1 Browser Based ...................................................................................................... 205
15.3.2 Adobe Flash™ ........................................................................................................ 206
15.3.3 Windows Media Pull ............................................................................................. 208
15.3.4 Windows Media Push ........................................................................................... 209
15.4 Audio Headroom ........................................................................................................... 210
15.5 Capturing the Stream .................................................................................................... 211
15.6 Streaming Strategies ..................................................................................................... 211
15.6.1 On Demand or Live? .............................................................................................. 211
15.6.2 Streaming Protocols .............................................................................................. 214
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15.6.3 Streaming Media Providers ................................................................................... 216
15.6.4 Other Resources.................................................................................................... 217
15.7 Production and Capture Considerations ....................................................................... 217
15.8 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 218
15.8.1 Testing your stream .............................................................................................. 218
16 Record and Grab ......................................................................................................... 227
16.1 Record ........................................................................................................................... 227
16.1.1 Record Configuration ............................................................................................ 227
16.2 Grab .............................................................................................................................. 231
17 SpeedEDIT and LiveText .............................................................................................. 233
17.1 SpeedEDIT ..................................................................................................................... 233
17.1.1 Sessions, Projects and Display .............................................................................. 233
17.1.2 Filebin Quicktabs ................................................................................................... 234
17.1.3 IEEE1394 I/O Output ............................................................................................. 234
17.1.4 SpeedEDIT Desktop ............................................................................................... 235
17.2 LiveText ......................................................................................................................... 235
17.2.1 Sessions, Projects and Display .............................................................................. 235
17.2.2 Files/Filebin ........................................................................................................... 236
17.2.3 Naming Stand-in Images ....................................................................................... 237
PART III (Appendices) ............................................................................................................. 239
How Do I … ?........................................................................................................................... 241
A.1 Connections ................................................................................................................... 244
A.1.1 Connect cameras? ................................................................................................. 244
A.1.2 Color correct mismatched cameras? .................................................................... 244
A.1.3 Connect monitors? ................................................................................................ 245
A.1.4 Connect a supported external control surface? ................................................... 247
A.1.5 Connect An External Hard Drive?.......................................................................... 248
A.1.6 Eject A Hard Drive? ............................................................................................... 248
A.1.7 Connect tally lights? .............................................................................................. 248
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A.1.8 Connect to a Network? ......................................................................................... 248
A.1.9 Connect to an AirPlay™ Source? ........................................................................... 248
A.1.10 Resolve iVGA PRO Quirks ...................................................................................... 251
A.2 Sessions ......................................................................................................................... 252
A.2.1 Start an SD Session? .............................................................................................. 252
A.2.2 Start an HD Session? ............................................................................................. 253
A.2.3 Work on a Stored Session? ................................................................................... 253
A.2.4 Backup a Session? ................................................................................................. 253
A.2.5 Restore a Session? ................................................................................................ 254
A.2.6 Delete a Session (and its Content)? ...................................................................... 254
A.2.7 Manage Selected Content inside a Session? ......................................................... 254
A.2.8 Rename a Session?................................................................................................ 255
A.2.9 Duplicate a session? .............................................................................................. 255
A.3 Live Production .............................................................................................................. 255
A.3.1 Make Custom Transitions and LiveSets? ............................................................... 255
A.3.2 Restore the Default LiveSet? ................................................................................. 255
A.3.3 Initiate Streaming? ................................................................................................ 256
A.3.4 Find my Captured Stream file? ............................................................................. 256
A.3.5 Record my Program? ............................................................................................ 256
A.3.6 Find my Recorded Program File? .......................................................................... 257
A.3.7 Change Playback Speed for Clips in the DDR (Media Player)? .............................. 257
A.3.8 Deal With DDR (Media Player) Clips That Seem Blurry? ....................................... 257
A.3.9 Get Stubborn Clips to Play in the DDR? ................................................................ 257
A.3.10 Change Colors for an Entire Title Playlist at Once? ............................................... 260
A.3.11 Get Live Title Pages (.cgxml) to Respect All LiveText Font Attributes? ................. 260
A.3.12 Prepare a Matched Group of Virtual Inputs? ........................................................ 260
A.3.13 Improve the Quality of Multiview Output? .......................................................... 261
A.3.14 View Media Player Time Data on Multiview Out when Set to ‘All Sources’? ....... 261
A.4 Files ............................................................................................................................... 262
A.4.1 Manage Files? ....................................................................................................... 262
A.4.2 Change the Recording Quality? ............................................................................ 262
A.4.3 Import Media Files? .............................................................................................. 262
A.4.4 Prepare Clips with Embedded Alpha Channel? ..................................................... 263
A.4.5 Prepare clips for TriCaster Playback Using Apple® Final Cut Pro? ........................ 263
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A.4.6 Add an External File Location to the File Browser? .............................................. 264
A.4.7 Remove a Location From the File Browser? ......................................................... 264
A.4.8 Export files to an External Drive? .......................................................................... 264
A.4.9 Export files from TriCaster For Use in Apple® Final Cut Pro? ................................ 265
A.4.10 Import/Export Files Larger Than 4 Gigabytes?...................................................... 265
A.4.11 Avoid the Error “…copy this file without its properties?” ..................................... 266
A.4.12 Free up Space by Deleting the Demo Clips? ......................................................... 266
A.5 Software, Maintenance and Updates ........................................................................... 266
A.5.1 Improve Performance? ......................................................................................... 266
A.5.2 Resolve Serious Instability or Dropped frames? ................................................... 267
A.5.3 Update TriCaster? ................................................................................................. 267
A.5.4 Update the Flash™ and/or Windows Media Encoder? ......................................... 267
A.5.5 Install Virus Protection? ........................................................................................ 267
A.5.6 Install My Favorite Software (or Codec)? ............................................................. 268
A.5.7 Restore TriCaster to Original ‘As-Shipped’ Condition? ......................................... 269
A.6 Registration And Tech Support ..................................................................................... 269
A.6.1 Register TriCaster? ................................................................................................ 269
A.6.2 Contact Technical Support? .................................................................................. 270
A.6.3 Find TriCaster’s Hardware/Firmware Revision Numbers? .................................... 270
A.7 Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................... 271
A.7.1 Access Windows™? ............................................................................................... 271
A.7.2 Return to TriCaster from the Windows™ Desktop ................................................ 271
A.7.3 Add A Custom Streaming Profile to the Configure Stream Connection Panel? .... 271
A.8 More Questions and Answers ....................................................................................... 274
A.8.1 Can I do anything to improve latency/audio sync? ............................................... 274
A.8.2 Why Do Some Thumbnail Icons Look Wrong? ...................................................... 275
Performance Considerations .................................................................................................. 277
A.9 Testing, One Two … ....................................................................................................... 277
A.10 iVGA and Performance .................................................................................................. 277
A.11 IMAG and Latency ......................................................................................................... 278
A.11.1 Relativity and the Speed of Light .......................................................................... 278
A.11.2 Latency and Your Audience................................................................................... 279
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A.11.3 Latency and Your TriCaster ................................................................................... 279
A.11.4 Other Sources of Latency ...................................................................................... 280
Performance Considerations .................................................................................................. 283
A.12 Testing, One Two … ....................................................................................................... 283
A.13 iVGA and Performance .................................................................................................. 283
A.14 IMAG and Latency ......................................................................................................... 284
A.14.1 Relativity and the Speed of Light .......................................................................... 284
A.14.2 Latency and Your Audience................................................................................... 285
A.14.3 Latency and Your TriCaster ................................................................................... 285
A.14.4 Other Sources of Latency ...................................................................................... 286
Video Calibration .................................................................................................................... 289
A.15 What (And Where) to Calibrate? .................................................................................. 290
A.16 Calibrating Video Sources ............................................................................................. 290
A.16.1 Setting Black and White ........................................................................................ 291
A.16.2 Adjusting Color ...................................................................................................... 292
A.16.3 Color Metrics ......................................................................................................... 293
A.17 Calibrating Your Monitors ............................................................................................. 295
A.17.1 Computer Monitor ................................................................................................ 296
A.17.2 Program Output Monitor ...................................................................................... 296
A.17.3 Setting Black and White ........................................................................................ 297
A.17.4 Color Adjustments ................................................................................................ 299
Keystroke Shortcuts................................................................................................................ 301
A.18 Switcher… ...................................................................................................................... 301
A.19 T-Bar.............................................................................................................................. 302
A.20 Virtual Inputs................................................................................................................. 302
A.21 Record and Grab ........................................................................................................... 302
A.22 Tabs ............................................................................................................................... 302
A.23 DDR ............................................................................................................................... 303
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A.24 Stills ............................................................................................................................... 303
A.25 Titles .............................................................................................................................. 303
A.26 Multiview ...................................................................................................................... 304
A.27 General .......................................................................................................................... 304
A.27.1 Selection and Navigation ...................................................................................... 304
A.27.2 Misc. ...................................................................................................................... 304
Reliability Testing ................................................................................................................... 305
Index ...................................................................................................................................... 307
Credits .................................................................................................................................... 311
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PART I (GETTING STARTED)
Introducing TriCaster™ – connections and registration, a top-level overview of primary features,
and a hands-on tour to get you started.
Page | 1
Hate reading manuals? If so, you are part of the majority
(estimates are that between 60 and 97% of the human race
concur). Most prefer to jump right in, maybe asking a friend for
occasional help (and who can blame them)?
This manual attempts to tell you what you need to know in a
friendly, concise way, while also providing a deeper reference
section you can turn to when you really need specifics.
1 A BOUT THIS MANUA L
Even if you hate reading, please take a moment to peruse at least this section, which explains the
manual structure. You may find you can escape with a minimum of reading. (Or, if you are a
devout reader, you can be the hero others turn to for expert advice.)
Part I – Getting Started: introduction to TriCaster; connecting devices (cameras, monitors,
etc.) and registration, ending with the Live Production Walkthrough – a brisk jog through
fundamentals, about 50 pages (if you’re a quick study, this may provide all you need).
Part II – Reference: chapters in this section cover every arcane detail related to using
TriCaster (for those who need it, and those who just like to know everything).
Part III – Appendices: leads off with a handy section titled “How do I …?“, a helpful question
and answer section with its own brief index. When you have a specific need, you may well
find a quick answer here, along with cross references to more detailed information when
appropriate. Appendix D lists all shortcut keys. Part III is also home to a comprehensive
keyword index.
Page | 3
Thank you for purchasing this NewTek™ product. Your TriCaster™
belongs to a large family of video systems and software with a
remarkable heritage. A bona fide video pioneer, NewTek is
justifiably proud of its record of innovation, ongoing commitment
to design excellence, and superb product support.
This chapter provides a quick tour of the major components of your
new TriCaster system.
2 I NTROD UCTIO N
2.1 OVE RVIEW
Traditionally, producing live high definition television has been very costly, requiring very
expensive equipment and a large crew. TriCaster™ changed all that. In one compact system, you
can have a complete set of tools to create, broadcast, web stream and project your production.
TriCaster even includes NewTek’s revolutionary LiveSet™ system to provide you with network
quality virtual sets for ‘bigger than life’ production capabilities.
TriCaster™ thus sets a new benchmark for “portable live production”. Simply put, it is the most
complete, reliable and efficient system available for live production and web streaming. Its
capabilities are equally well suited to broadcast center control room installation or remote
production location, and it requires just one person to operate. No matter what your live
broadcast ambitions are, a TriCaster™ can help you fulfill them.
With TriCaster™ you can produce and distribute live video programs from diverse sources and
materials in both Standard and High Definition. Use multiple cameras, recorded digital video,
PowerPoint™ presentations on networked laptops, live web pages, digital photos and graphics,
and much more.
TriCaster™ also supports Apple’s AirPlay™ protocol, allowing compatible off-the-shelf mobile
video devices (such as iPhone™ and iPad™) to stream content wirelessly to TriCaster™. Your
presentations can simultaneously be displayed by video projectors, television monitors,
broadcast by traditional means, and streamed in high quality on the Internet.
Page | 5
2.2 STA RTUP SCREE N
When you power up TriCaster™ the Startup Screen appears. This is your command center for
initiating most other operations.
Figure 1
The Home Page of the Startup Screen allows you to define and open sessions, each of which can
be customized for various productions or other purposes. Later, when you re-open a session, all
of its assets and settings are remembered.
After creating a session (or opening an existing one), you are taken to the Session Page. Here you
can launch the Live Desktop (for live production), or perhaps choose to Edit, prepare Graphics
(title pages), Manage content, or even create custom transitions.
2.3 LIV E DESK TOP
TriCaster’s live production features are all available from its unique Live Desktop, which in many
ways mimics familiar production equipment. However, the Live Desktop provides far more
functionality than that of similar single-purpose devices, all in one place.
The various features, controls and modules comprising TriCaster’s Live Desktop are arranged in
three horizontal bands, as seen in Figure 2.
Page | 6
Monitoring
Live Control
Tabbed Modules
Figure 2
The uppermost area is devoted to monitoring.
The Switcher section is centrally located, and is also home to the Transition and Overlay
controls.
The bottom-most section of the Live Desktop holds side-by-side tabbed panels featuring
media players (DDR, Still and Title), Virtual Input setup, and the Audio Mixer.
2.4 FEA TURES
Here’s a brief overview of just some of TriCaster’s key features:
2.4 .1 PHY SICAL
Highly portable case ensures robust, reliable and quiet performance in fixed or mobile
installations.
Page | 7
Massive storage capacity – the internal drive holds approximately 20 hours of recorded
1080i video footage.
All audio and video, monitoring and network connectors are easily accessible on the
front panel.
Audio and video connectors are industry standard (XLR, ¼” phono or BNC as
appropriate), ensuring broad compatibility and secure, locked connections. Headphone
output uses a standard 1/4” stereo phone jack.
Multiple software failsafe systems continually monitor and safeguard the live
performance. Any recoverable software error conditions are quickly and unobtrusively
dealt with.
2.4 .2 A/V INPU T AND OUTPU T
Live switch between up to three SDI and analog HD (or SD) cameras.
Professional BNC video connectors provide increased durability and reliability for
camera connections.
Input and mix 16:9 and 4:3 formats.
Freely mix SD and HD sources in both HD and SD sessions.
Output HD sessions as SD (4:3 or 16:9) and HD simultaneously from HD sessions.
Multiple Media Player modules allow you to insert pre-recorded video, music, sounds
and imagery into your live presentations.
Select Microsoft Windows™ or Apple Macintosh™ computers on the same network ™ as
Switcher inputs for your live productions using NewTek's iVGA client.
Or assign the Network input on the Switcher to receive live or recorded content directly
from your compatible Apple iOS™ device using AirPlay™.
Mix internal and external audio sources.
Supply external audio via analog or SDI Embedded audio.
Send Aux (Auxiliary) video output to a projection system or secondary monitor at
resolutions up to 1920x1080.
Broadcast your Program to the Internet.
Page | 8
2.4 .3 MON ITORING
Figure 3
TriCaster’s Live Desktop includes large Program output and Look Ahead Preview monitors with
associated controls. Also, freely toggle between viewing:
All Monitors - onscreen monitors for all sources plus FX (Figure 3).
Preview Scopes – Waveform and Vectorscope monitors and full color source monitor.
Secondary Multiview monitor output options including:
o All sources plus Preview, Program and clock
o Waveform, Vectorscope and video monitor
o More …
2.4 .4 VID EO PR OCESS ING
Proc Amps for every source preserve pristine image and color fidelity through the entire
pipeline to final output.
Separate control over the Brightness, Contrast, Hue and Saturation for every video
source, along with White Balance and U and V Offset.
Individual Proc Amp controls for Program and Multiview outputs.
2.4 .5 THE SWIT CHER
TriCaster’s Switcher layout is consistent for all models, but the number of inputs available varies.
TriCaster™ 300 provides a 13-channel switcher.
Page | 9
Figure 5
Figure 4
The three-row (Utility, Program, and Preview) Switcher allows you to freely hot-punch between
external sources (Cameras or Network), internal sources (Media Players) and Virtual Inputs, or
Take/Transition between Preview and Program sources.
Use Utility row selections to delegate video and
graphics sources to various internal video busses,
including the two primary DSK (Overlay) channels
and the FX bus (used as a secondary source for
virtual sets or for other purposes).
2.4 .6 VID EO LA YERS AND TR ANSIT IONS
The Transition section of TriCaster’s Live Desktop provides powerful tools for arranging and
displaying the numerous video and graphic layers contributing to TriCaster’s ultimate program
output.
Figure 6
Display of one or more user-delegated video layers, including FTB (Fade to Black) is
controlled by the main T-bar, supplemented by one-click Take or Auto buttons.
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Local Transition controls for BKGD (Background) and DSK layers provide flexible and
independent configuration and control of these layers and their transitions. Select
different transition effects for each layer, and adjust Transition Speed (variable and
presets), Reverse and Ping Pong options.
DSK CHANNELS
Figure 7
TriCaster’s DSK layers support dual-channel downstream keyed (or alpha) overlays. Assign any
Switcher source to either channel. DSK channels can be displayed in tandem or independently,
or swapped – again, with independent custom transitions.
You might use Media Players to overlay title pages, including scrolls, crawls and lower-thirds – or
delegate a Camera input or Network source as an overlay (using the Switcher’s Utility row).
Independent Position and Scale controls for each DSK channel permit you (for example) to
configure two live sources as ‘Picture in Picture’ elements using the DSK channels, freely
switching them on and off (with or without individual custom effects), with or without changing
the BKGD (Background) video layer using the Program and Preview rows on the Switcher.
2.4 .7 REC ORD A ND ST REAM
Record your live-switched production at full resolution to a multi-platform compatible
format
Choose how far below 0dB FS (the maximum digital level) to set nominal level; record
files with headroom levels of up to 20dB.
Store approximately 20 hours of 1080i video (or 155 hours of SD video).
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Simultaneous output for broadcast, projector and live web stream to in-house and
remote audiences.
Use either Windows Media™ or Flash Media™ streaming.
Archive your Internet stream.
Connecting to content delivery networks is a snap using the Configure Stream
Connection panel.
2.4 .8 IMP ORT ME DIA
Clicking the Import Media link in Startup opens a dedicated Import Media module in Startup,
providing a convenient one-stop approach to managing productions assets.
Batch import media files for use in TriCaster’s Media Players.
Imported files are automatically categorized and sent to the correct locations, making
them easy to find and use during live productions.
Optionally transcode selected to high quality and TriCaster-friendly file formats,
ensuring smooth playback.
2.4 .9 AUD IO MI XER
TriCaster™ provides extensive multi-channel audio control and management in its dedicated
Audio Mixer panel.
Adjust individual audio sources (internal and external) and introduce them into your
program manually or automatically.
Control output levels for program, headphones, auxiliary output and stream separately.
Convenient mixer presets allow single-click access to prepared setups.
Audio follow video options.
2.4 .10 INTEG RATED MEDIA PLAYERS
TriCaster’s numerous specialized Media Players and title system serve up graphics, titles, video
clips and audio files quickly and easily during your live productions.
Add a/v clips, sound files or still image files to Media Player playlists.
Trim and re-order playlist entries.
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Store playlists as presets for easy recall.
Flexible playback controls include variable Speed and Loop options.
Figure 8
Media Players have volume and related elaborate controls in the mixer, along with
convenient per clip audio level adjustments right in the playlist (when appropriate).
Start and stop playback manually or automatically based on Switcher activity.
Use two Media Players to create automated ‘slide-shows’, complete with transitions.
Assign titles, graphics or a/v clips to multiple DSK or Overlay channels.
Edit title pages live, even while ‘on air’.
2.4 .11 K EYING, VI RTUAL SETS AND VIR TUAL INPUT S
Use LiveMatte™ realtime keying technology for green/blue screen effects.
Apply independent LiveMatte settings to all video sources.
Virtual Inputs (Figure 9) permit M/E (Mix/Effect) style compositions of two primary
switcher sources, with convenient Scale and Position controls.
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Figure 9
Achieve the look of a sophisticated studio setting in a very small space with NewTek’s
astonishing LiveSet™ virtual set technology.
Zoom in/out on LiveSets during your live productions right from the Live Desktop.
Virtual Inputs also sport an integrated overlay channel selected from any Switcher
source with its own position controls.
Convenient presets allow single-click access to pre-configured Virtual Input setups.
2.4 .12 GRAPHICS
Also part of TriCaster’s integrated software suite is LiveText™, NewTek’s professional titling and
graphics application. LiveText allows you to create your own custom title pages and motion
graphics, including scrolls and crawls.
2.4 .13 EDIT
The full version of NewTek’s popular and versatile non-linear video editing program SpeedEDIT™
is included as well. SpeedEDIT provides powerful, professional tools to let you prepare movies
for insertion into your live productions, or perform broadcast quality post production work on
recorded programs.
Edit, import and export in full HD resolution.
Realtime external hardware project preview in HD or SD.
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