Revised – May 9, 2014
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TCXD860, TCXD860, TriCaster 460, TriCaster TCXD460, TCXD460, TriCaster 410, TriCaster TCXD410, TCXD410, TriCaster
40, TriCaster TCXD40, TCXD40, TriCaster 855, TriCaster TCXD855, TCXD855, TriCaster 455, TriCaster TCXD455, TCXD455,
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TriCaster TCXD450 EXTREME, TCXD450 EXTREME, TriCaster 850, TriCaster TCXD850, TCXD850, TriCaster 450, TriCaster
TCXD450, TCXD450, TriCaster 300, TriCaster TCXD300, TCXD300, TriCaster PRO, TriCaster STUDIO, TriCaster BROADCAST,
TriCaster DUO, 3PLAY, 3Play, 3Play 4800, 3PXD4800, 3Play 440, 3PXD440, 3Play 820, 3PXD820, 3Play 425, 3PXD425 3Play
330, 3PXD330, ProTek, ProTek Care, ProTek Elite, iVGA, SpeedEDIT, IsoCorder, LiveText, DataLink, LiveSet, TriCaster
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of NewTek. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
3Play
™
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TABLE OF CONTENT S
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... i
PART I (Getting Started).............................................................................................................. 1
1 About This Manual .............................................................................................................. 3
2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Recording, Marking and Events ........................................................................................ 6
2.2.1 What is an Event? ..................................................................................................... 6
2.3 NewTek 3Play Control Surface .......................................................................................... 7
2.4 Startup Screen ................................................................................................................... 8
2.5 Replay Desktop ................................................................................................................. 9
2.6 Features .......................................................................................................................... 11
2.6.1 Physical ................................................................................................................... 11
2.6.2 Multi-Tier Failsafe ................................................................................................... 11
2.6.3 Input, Output & Capture ......................................................................................... 12
2.6.4 Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 13
2.6.5 Video Processing ..................................................................................................... 14
2.6.6 Recording ................................................................................................................ 14
2.6.7 Bookmarks .............................................................................................................. 15
2.6.8 The CLIP LIST ........................................................................................................... 15
2.6.9 The PLAY LIST .......................................................................................................... 17
2.6.10 Program Transitions ................................................................................................ 17
2.6.11 Text, Tags and More ............................................................................................... 18
2.6.12 Publish ..................................................................................................................... 19
2.6.13 Macros .................................................................................................................... 19
3 Setting Up ......................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Command and Control .................................................................................................... 21
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3.2 Activating & Authorizing Windows™ .............................................................................. 22
3.3 Registration ..................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.1 Online Registration ................................................................................................. 24
3.3.2 Registering by Telephone ....................................................................................... 24
3.4 Input Connections ........................................................................................................... 25
3.4.1 Connect A/V Sources .............................................................................................. 25
3.4.2 Genlock Connection ................................................................................................ 26
3.4.3 Timecode Connection ............................................................................................. 27
3.5 Output Connections ........................................................................................................ 27
3.5.1 A/V Output .............................................................................................................. 27
3.5.2 HD and SD ............................................................................................................... 28
3.5.3 Connecting Devices ................................................................................................. 28
3.5.4 Supplemental Video Outputs .................................................................................. 29
3.6 Starting a Session ............................................................................................................ 30
3.6.1 The Home Page ....................................................................................................... 31
3.6.2 The Session Page ..................................................................................................... 33
3.6.3 The Replay Desktop ................................................................................................ 33
3.7 Configure Video Outputs ................................................................................................. 34
3.7.1 SD Analog Configuration ......................................................................................... 34
3.7.2 Display Ports ........................................................................................................... 35
3.7.3 Aux (3Play 4800) ..................................................................................................... 35
3.7.4 Multiview ................................................................................................................ 35
3.8 Configure Genlock ........................................................................................................... 36
3.9 Configure Video Input ..................................................................................................... 36
3.10 Configure Audio .............................................................................................................. 38
3.11 Networking ..................................................................................................................... 39
4 Live Production Walkthrough............................................................................................ 41
4.1 Creating a Session ........................................................................................................... 41
4.2 The Replay Desktop ......................................................................................................... 43
4.3 Channel and Source Delegates ........................................................................................ 44
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4.4 Record ............................................................................................................................. 44
4.5 Marking Events ............................................................................................................... 45
4.5.1 Two –Button Marking ............................................................................................. 45
4.5.2 One–Button Marking .............................................................................................. 47
4.6 LIST Navigation ............................................................................................................... 47
4.7 Memos and Tagging ....................................................................................................... 49
4.7.1 Tagging Clips ........................................................................................................... 51
4.8 SEARCH and GO TO ......................................................................................................... 53
4.9 Trimming Events ............................................................................................................. 55
4.10 Managing Events ............................................................................................................ 55
4.11 Preparing a PLAY LIST ..................................................................................................... 56
4.11.1 Adding Clips ............................................................................................................ 56
4.11.2 Editing and Playback ............................................................................................... 56
4.11.3 Speed Control ......................................................................................................... 57
4.12 Rendering a PLAY LIST ..................................................................................................... 57
PART II (Reference) ................................................................................................................... 59
5 The Startup Screen ............................................................................................................ 61
5.1 Introduction to Sessions .................................................................................................. 62
5.2 The Home Page ............................................................................................................... 63
5.2.1 New (Session) .......................................................................................................... 64
5.2.2 Open (Session) ........................................................................................................ 67
5.2.3 Shutdown ................................................................................................................ 69
5.2.4 Utilities .................................................................................................................... 69
5.2.5 Help ......................................................................................................................... 72
5.2.6 Add-Ons .................................................................................................................. 72
5.3 The Session Page ............................................................................................................. 72
5.3.1 File Management .................................................................................................... 73
6 The Replay Desktop .......................................................................................................... 79
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6.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................... 79
6.2 A Few Hints ..................................................................................................................... 81
6.3 Customizing the Replay Desktop ..................................................................................... 82
6.3.1 Rename ................................................................................................................... 82
6.3.2 Dual Displays and Monitoring ................................................................................. 82
6.4 Dashboard Tools ............................................................................................................. 83
6.4.1 Status Messages ...................................................................................................... 83
6.4.2 Menus (File, Options, Macros, Workspaces, and Help) .......................................... 84
6.5 Grab & Record ................................................................................................................. 88
7 I/O Configuration .............................................................................................................. 89
7.1 Output Configuration ...................................................................................................... 89
7.1.1 Channel A and B ...................................................................................................... 89
7.1.2 Aux Channel (3Play 4800) ....................................................................................... 92
7.1.3 Genlock & Failsafe ................................................................................................... 92
7.1.4 Multiview ................................................................................................................ 96
7.2 Input Configuration ......................................................................................................... 96
7.2.1 Input Settings .......................................................................................................... 96
7.2.2 Color Balance ........................................................................................................ 101
7.3 Router Configuration .................................................................................................... 104
7.4 Timecode Configuration ................................................................................................ 105
7.4.1 Production Time Display ....................................................................................... 105
7.4.2 Time ...................................................................................................................... 106
8 The Control Surface......................................................................................................... 109
8.1 Dual Channel Replay ..................................................................................................... 109
8.1.1 Channel Delegates ................................................................................................ 110
8.2 Transitions (TAKE | AUTO) ............................................................................................ 111
8.3 Source Delegates ........................................................................................................... 112
8.3.1 CLIP LIST ................................................................................................................ 113
8.3.2 PLAY LIST ............................................................................................................... 113
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8.3.3 LIVE ....................................................................................................................... 113
8.4 Independent States ....................................................................................................... 114
8.4.1 LINK ....................................................................................................................... 114
8.5 RECORD ......................................................................................................................... 115
8.6 Transport ....................................................................................................................... 115
8.6.1 Previous ................................................................................................................ 115
8.6.2 Stop ....................................................................................................................... 116
8.6.3 Play ........................................................................................................................ 116
8.6.4 Next ....................................................................................................................... 116
8.6.5 FAST JOG ............................................................................................................... 117
8.6.6 Jog Wheel .............................................................................................................. 117
8.7 Play Speed (T-Bar Section) ............................................................................................ 117
8.7.1 Illumination ........................................................................................................... 118
8.8 List Selection tools ......................................................................................................... 118
8.9 SHIFT ............................................................................................................................. 118
8.10 SET | IN/OUT ................................................................................................................. 119
8.10.1 SET | IN ................................................................................................................. 119
8.10.2 SET | OUT .............................................................................................................. 119
8.11 ANGLE ........................................................................................................................... 120
8.12 BOOK MARK .................................................................................................................. 121
8.13 UTILITY Buttons ............................................................................................................. 121
8.13.1 CUT/COPY and PASTE............................................................................................ 122
8.13.2 PUBLISH ................................................................................................................. 122
8.13.3 Add to PLAY LIST ................................................................................................... 122
8.14 TAG, GO TO and SEARCH .............................................................................................. 122
8.15 The Number Pad ........................................................................................................... 123
8.15.1 ESC & ENTER ......................................................................................................... 124
9 Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 125
9.1 Overlay Options ............................................................................................................ 125
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9.2 Input Monitors .............................................................................................................. 126
9.2.1 Titlebar Features ................................................................................................... 126
9.3 Channel Monitors (A, B) ................................................................................................ 127
9.3.1 Channel Info .......................................................................................................... 128
10 Recording and Storage ................................................................................................ 131
10.1 Record Configuration .................................................................................................... 131
10.2 Storage Volumes ........................................................................................................... 132
10.3 Recording and the Desktop ........................................................................................... 132
10.3.1 Record On/Off ....................................................................................................... 133
10.4 Grab .............................................................................................................................. 134
11 The CLIP LIST ............................................................................................................... 137
11.1 Titlebar Tools ................................................................................................................ 137
11.1.1 Tabs ....................................................................................................................... 137
11.1.2 Tab Menu .............................................................................................................. 138
11.1.3 Event Menu ........................................................................................................... 138
11.1.4 Search Results ....................................................................................................... 139
11.1.5 Add Media ............................................................................................................. 139
11.2 Media Asset Management systems .............................................................................. 143
11.3 CLIP LIST Table Features ................................................................................................ 144
11.3.1 Event ID ................................................................................................................. 144
11.3.2 In/Out Points, Duration (and Trimming) ............................................................... 145
11.3.3 Memo Fields.......................................................................................................... 146
11.3.4 Managing Events ................................................................................................... 147
11.4 Playing Clips .................................................................................................................. 147
11.5 Selection, Channels, & Display ...................................................................................... 147
11.5.1 Play Indicator ........................................................................................................ 148
11.6 Add to PLAY LIST ........................................................................................................... 148
12 The PLAY LIST .............................................................................................................. 149
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12.1 Titlebar Tools ................................................................................................................ 149
12.1.1 Tabs ....................................................................................................................... 149
12.1.2 Tab Menu .............................................................................................................. 150
12.1.3 Add Media & Export to Clip List ............................................................................ 150
12.1.4 Music Tools ........................................................................................................... 150
12.2 The PLAY LIST Table....................................................................................................... 152
12.3 PLAY LIST Preparation ................................................................................................... 153
12.3.1 Clip Selection ......................................................................................................... 153
12.3.2 Changing a Clip ...................................................................................................... 154
12.3.3 Memo .................................................................................................................... 154
12.3.4 Audio 1, 2 – 3, 4 .................................................................................................... 154
12.3.5 In and Out Points (Trimming Clips) ....................................................................... 155
12.3.6 Speed .................................................................................................................... 155
12.3.7 Transition .............................................................................................................. 156
12.4 Clip Context Menu ......................................................................................................... 157
12.5 Playback ........................................................................................................................ 157
12.6 PLAY LIST EDLs............................................................................................................... 158
13 TAGS, SEARCH, & More ............................................................................................... 159
13.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 159
13.1.1 Tagging Workflow ................................................................................................. 160
13.2 The TAGS Button ........................................................................................................... 160
13.3 The TAGS Pane .............................................................................................................. 161
13.3.1 Titlebar Tools ........................................................................................................ 161
13.3.2 A Tagging Example ................................................................................................ 163
13.3.3 SKIP ....................................................................................................................... 165
13.3.4 Input Hinting ......................................................................................................... 165
13.4 SEARCH.......................................................................................................................... 166
13.4.1 Dataview Entries ................................................................................................... 166
13.4.2 Finding Matches .................................................................................................... 167
13.4.3 GO TO .................................................................................................................... 169
13.4.4 Search Results Tab ................................................................................................ 170
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13.5 Import Tags ................................................................................................................... 171
13.5.1 CSV Example ......................................................................................................... 172
14 Transitions .................................................................................................................. 173
14.1 PLAY LIST Transitions .................................................................................................... 173
14.2 Program-Preview Transitions ........................................................................................ 174
14.2.1 ‘Program Out’........................................................................................................ 174
14.2.2 ‘Preview Out’ ........................................................................................................ 174
14.2.3 AUTO Workflow .................................................................................................... 174
14.3 Transition Effects .......................................................................................................... 175
14.3.1 Effect Settings ....................................................................................................... 177
15 DSKs (Overlays) ........................................................................................................... 179
15.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 179
15.1.1 Overlay output A or B ........................................................................................... 180
15.1.2 Overlay graphics and logos ................................................................................... 180
15.1.3 Officiating and overlays ........................................................................................ 180
15.2 Source Options .............................................................................................................. 181
15.2.1 Cameras ................................................................................................................ 182
15.2.2 Clip List Preview .................................................................................................... 182
15.2.3 Buffers ................................................................................................................... 182
15.2.4 Network Input ....................................................................................................... 184
15.3 Configuration ................................................................................................................ 187
15.3.1 Position ................................................................................................................. 187
15.3.2 Edges ..................................................................................................................... 188
16 Publish ........................................................................................................................ 189
16.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 189
16.2 Account Configuration .................................................................................................. 190
16.2.1 Social Media Sites ................................................................................................. 190
16.2.2 File Copy and FTP .................................................................................................. 191
16.2.3 Compression ......................................................................................................... 191
16.2.4 Watermarking ....................................................................................................... 191
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16.3 The Publish Queue......................................................................................................... 192
16.3.1 Set Publish Destinations........................................................................................ 192
16.3.2 Publishing Clips and Stills ...................................................................................... 193
16.3.3 Share Publish Queue ............................................................................................. 194
17 Macros and Automation ............................................................................................. 197
17.1 System Macros .............................................................................................................. 198
17.2 Session Macros .............................................................................................................. 199
17.3 Recording Macros ......................................................................................................... 199
17.3.1 Macro Playback Speed .......................................................................................... 199
17.3.2 Managing Macros ................................................................................................. 200
17.4 Shortcuts and Triggers .................................................................................................. 200
17.4.1 Conflicted Shortcuts .............................................................................................. 201
17.5 MIDI Controllers ............................................................................................................ 203
17.6 AirSend™ Control .......................................................................................................... 204
17.6.1 Example – Controlling 3Play ................................................................................. 204
17.6.2 Default AirSend Commands .................................................................................. 205
17.7 AMP Control .................................................................................................................. 208
17.7.1 Configuring AMP ................................................................................................... 208
17.7.2 AMP Shortcuts ...................................................................................................... 208
17.8 GPI Controllers .............................................................................................................. 209
17.8.1 Configuration ........................................................................................................ 209
17.8.2 Listening for GPI Triggers ...................................................................................... 210
17.8.3 Sending GPI Commands ........................................................................................ 210
17.9 Editing Macros .............................................................................................................. 211
PART III (Appendices) ............................................................................................................. 213
A How Do I … ? ................................................................................................................... 215
A.1 Connections ................................................................................................................... 217
A.1.1 Connect cameras? ................................................................................................. 217
A.1.2 Color correct mismatched cameras? .................................................................... 217
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A.1.3 Connect monitors? ................................................................................................ 218
A.1.4 Improve the Quality of Multiview Output? .......................................................... 219
A.1.5 Connect the Genlock Reference Signal? ............................................................... 219
A.1.6 Connect the 3Play Control Surface? ..................................................................... 220
A.1.7 Insert/Remove a Drive From a Removable Drive Bay ........................................... 220
A.1.8 Connect An External Hard Drive?.......................................................................... 222
A.1.9 Eject A Hard Drive? ............................................................................................... 222
A.1.10 Connect to a Network? ......................................................................................... 222
A.1.11 Enable Termination for Video Inputs? .................................................................. 222
A.2 Sessions ......................................................................................................................... 222
A.2.1 Delete a Session (and its Content)? ...................................................................... 223
A.2.2 Rename a Session ................................................................................................. 223
A.2.3 Manage Selected Content inside a Session? ......................................................... 223
A.3 Events and Recording .................................................................................................... 223
A.3.1 Start recording? .................................................................................................... 223
A.3.2 End recording? ...................................................................................................... 224
A.3.3 Mark an Event? ..................................................................................................... 224
A.3.4 Play a Clip? ............................................................................................................ 225
A.3.5 Prepare a highlight reel? ....................................................................................... 225
A.3.6 Select a different Play List clip for the same time period? ................................... 225
A.4 Files ............................................................................................................................... 226
A.4.1 Manage Files? ....................................................................................................... 226
A.4.2 Import Media Files? .............................................................................................. 226
A.4.3 Prepare clips for the PLAY LIST Using Apple® Final Cut Pro? ................................ 226
A.4.4 Add an External File Location to the Media Browser? .......................................... 227
A.4.5 Remove a Location From the File Browser? ......................................................... 227
A.4.6 Export files to an External Drive? .......................................................................... 228
A.4.7 Import/Export Files Larger Than 4 Gigabytes?...................................................... 228
A.4.8 Avoid the error “… copy this file without its properties?” .................................... 228
A.5 Software, Maintenance and Updates ........................................................................... 228
A.5.1 Improve Performance? ......................................................................................... 228
A.5.2 Resolve Serious Instability or Dropped frames? ................................................... 229
A.5.3 Update NewTek 3Play software? .......................................................................... 229
A.5.4 Install Virus Protection? ........................................................................................ 229
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A.5.5 Install My Favorite Software (or Codec)? ............................................................. 230
A.5.6 Restore the System to Original ‘As-Shipped’ Condition? ...................................... 230
A.6 Registration And Tech Support ..................................................................................... 232
A.6.1 Register the NewTek 3Play system? ..................................................................... 232
A.6.2 Contact Technical Support? .................................................................................. 232
A.6.3 Find Hardware/Firmware Revision Numbers? ...................................................... 232
A.7 Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................... 233
A.7.1 Set up remote desktop control of 3Play? ............................................................. 233
A.7.2 Deal With Clips or images That Seem Blurry? ....................................................... 233
A.7.3 Access Windows™? ............................................................................................... 233
A.7.4 Return to the Startup Screen from the Windows™ Desktop ................................ 233
A.8 More Questions and Answers ....................................................................................... 234
A.8.1 Why is my power supply beeping? ....................................................................... 234
A.8.2 Why are my clip duration and Countdown times different? ................................ 234
B Keystroke Shortcuts ........................................................................................................ 235
B.1 Tables and Navigation .................................................................................................. 235
B.2 Edit Lists/Text ................................................................................................................ 235
B.3 Marking ......................................................................................................................... 235
B.4 Searching ...................................................................................................................... 236
B.5 Control .......................................................................................................................... 236
C Reliability Testing ............................................................................................................ 237
Index ...................................................................................................................................... 239
Credits .................................................................................................................................... 243
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PART I (GETTING STARTED)
Introducing NewTek 3Play™ – connections and registration, a top-level overview of primary
features, and a hands-on tour to get you started.
Page | 3
1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL
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.
Even if you hate reading, please take a moment to peruse at least this section, which explains the
manual’s organization. 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 NewTek 3Play 4800 and 440 – connecting
devices (cameras, monitors, etc.) and registration, ending up with the Live Production
Walkthrough – a brisk jog through fundamentals, about 16 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
3Play (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 B lists shortcut keys. Part III is also home to a
comprehensive keyword index.
Page | 5
2 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing NewTek 3Play™. This system is a member
of the NewTek family of live video production systems and
software, and enjoys a proud heritage. A bona fide video pioneer,
NewTek is justifiably proud of its record of innovation, ongoing
commitment to excellence and superb product support.
This chapter provides a quick tour of the major components of your
NewTek 3Play system.
2.1 OVERVIEW
NewTek 3Play™ is a multi-channel high
definition video device supporting
simultaneous recording, display and
smooth slow motion replay of as many as
eight audio and video sources .
3Play’s outputs include professional
quality connections capable of distributing
two fully independent video channels
(designated Channels A and B) to external
video systems, such as live broadcast
switching equipment.
Alternatively, these two primary outputs support a video switcher style program-preview
workflow, complete with transitions, and even overlays. Too, 3Play supports selectively
publishing data to internal and external file storage, ftp and social media platforms on the fly.
Realtime A/V output at a given moment may consist of any combination of the following:
I. Live video – direct pass-through of an input source
II. Delayed video – output running somewhat behind live input
III. CLIP LIST – playback of a timed segments of captured (or imported) media
IV. PLAY LIST – playback of a prepared playlist that may include clips or other imported
media and transitions.
Page | 6
Tip: It’s important to realize that sending Live, Delayed, CLIP LIST or Play List sources to output
does not interrupt ongoing capture of live sources.
Delayed, CLIP LIST and PLAY LIST video streams can also be played back at variable speeds. The
standard (NTSC) 3PLAY provides output in popular 1080, 720p, and conventional SD video
formats. Multi-standard 3Play™ systems support the equivalent formats for NTSC, NTSC-J and
PAL video broadcast standards.
2.2 RECORDING, MARKING AND EVENTS
Recording is intrinsic to NewTek 3Play, and is configured for specific a/v sources when creating
your live production session (see Section 5.1, Introduction to Sessions). Pressing REC on the
Control Surface (or clicking the Record button in the titlebar on the Replay Desktop) activates
continuous capture of all configured sources.
Typically, each recorded stream will comprise the output from a different camera angle. (Up to
the limit of sources supported for the session type, Standard or Redundant, input sources not
configured for recording can be viewed as reference and output live – but are not available for
replay purposes.)
Note: When timecode for a session being recorded reaches 24:00:00.00, a new recording is
automatically started. A few frames are lost in this process. Use the ‘Subtract 12 hours; feature
in Timecode Configuration to avoid problems when necessary – see Section 7.3.
2.2.1 WHAT IS AN EVENT?
The operator uses the supplied NewTek 3Play external Control Surface to mark events. Each
event entry appears in the CLIP LIST module on the Replay Desktop as a single row of clips
identified in the left-most column of the row by an Event ID number and followed by related
data.
Events can be thought of as timed segments of the recorded video, created by setting In and Out
points as a live production progresses. Newly-marked events are successively added to the CLIP
LIST for convenient recall. The (In and Out) timecode values for an event are effectively digital
pointers that identify the first and last frames of a specific portion of the recorded footage.
Page | 7
Thus an event is not merely a clip. Think of it as a synchronized time ‘slice’ across all recorded
video streams (or ‘angles’, if you like). You can recall and display any clip from an event instantly.
This involves sending the stream from a specific camera to one of the system outputs.
Tip: Two different clips from one or more events can be displayed simultaneously using the two
outputs.
3Play normally captures a complete, uninterrupted record of your production. The events listed
in the CLIP LIST simply isolate segments in this vast volume of stored information. Add and
remove events freely with no fear of losing recorded material. You can even add, remove or
reorganize events during recording, or long after your session ends.
2.3 NEWTEK 3PLAY CONTROL SURFACE
A dedicated NewTek 3Play external Control Surface (Figure 1) provides primary operational
control – see Chapter 8. (Text editing and other supplementary control is supported using the
keyboard.)
Figure 1
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Note: If the Control Surface is not available for any reason, its core functions can be accessed
using keyboard shortcuts.
2.4 ST ARTUP SCREEN
The Startup Screen appears when you power up your NewTek 3Play. This area offers initial
configuration options along with system management tools.
Figure 2 (3Play 4800 shown)
The Home page of the Startup Screen allows you to define and open sessions, essentially custom
presets for individual productions or other purposes. If you re-open a session on some later
occasion, all of its assets and settings are remembered.
After creating a session (or opening an existing one), you are taken to the Sessions page. Here
you can launch the Replay Desktop, or perhaps choose to Import Media for your session, or
Export Media from an earlier one.
Page | 9
2.5 REPLAY DESKTO P
3Play’s live production features are all available from its unique Replay Desktop. The various
features, controls and modules on the Replay Desktop are essentially laid out in horizontal bands,
as seen in Figure 3.
Figure 3
The uppermost area is the Dashboard, which displays important session information,
and provides quick access to key features, including Record, Grab, and various menus.
Just below the titlebar are desktop monitors showing 3Play’s video input and output
streams. This region of the Replay Desktop also provides some very special features just
below the primary output monitors as follows:
Monitoring & Control
CLIP LIST
PLAY LIST
Tags
Titlebar
Page | 10
Figure 4
o A Channel Info pane immediately beneath each output monitor lists important
data about the video source displayed on that channel (Figure 4).
Figure 5
o Some very important features occupy prime visual real estate in small panes
just beneath the Channel Info displays.
A large, high-visibility field at left in this zone is referred to as the FastClip
toolbar (Figure 5).
Selecting a data field in the CLIP LIST or PLAY LIST snaps its content
(whether a Memo entry, Event ID, or time value) into the dataview
window in this pane. This value can then be modified by keyboard or
Control Surface operations.
Dataview content can also be used as criteria for the nearby Go To and
Search features (and corresponding Control Surface buttons).
Figure 6
o Also beneath the monitors are and Transport (Play, Stop, etc.) and Transition
controls (Figure 6).
The spreadsheet-like CLIP LIST is centrally located (Figure 3). Its multiple tabs (including
the Search results tab) and columns help you identify, locate, manage and replay the
huge amount of audio-visual data 3Play captures.
Page | 11
Just below is the PLAY LIST (Figure 3). Here you can create and control more complex
sequences such as highlight reels. These can include imported graphic, animation and
video elements, as well as music and full color Animation Store transitions.
Hint: The optional Single Pane mode combines the CLIP LIST and PLAY LIST tabs in one pane
capable of displaying many more events at once (see Section 6.4.2).
The Tags pane at the very bottom of the Replay Desktop (Figure 3) makes entering
values and comments splendidly quick and convenient.
2.6 FE ATURES
Here’s a brief overview of just some of 3Play’s key features:
2.6.1 PHYSICAL
Rugged rack-mount case ensures robust and reliable performance in fixed or mobile
installations.
3Play 4800 (only) also provides redundant power supplies.
Massive storage capacity – e.g., a 2TB hot-swappable drive holds approximately 50
hours of 1080i (or 155 hours of SD video).
2.6.2 MULTI-TIER FAILSAFE
3Play’s ‘Always on Air’ features provide multi-tiered redundant failsafe mechanisms in both
hardware and software. To name just a few:
Multiple software failsafe systems continually monitor and safeguard the live
performance. Any recoverable software error conditions are quickly and unobtrusively
dealt with.
When enabled, video pass-through (see Section 7.1.2) ensures that as long there is AC
power, audio and video from the last input are routed to Output 1 in a case of
catastrophic software condition.
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Comprehensive integrated system restore feature. Operators can quickly and easily
restore to factory defaults, or create a custom restore image on another drive and
either restore from that drive or use the backup drive to boot from if a complete hard
drive failure ever occurs.
2.6.3 INPUT, OUTPUT & CAPTURE
All audio and video, monitoring and network connectors are easily accessible from the
rear for convenient installation in industry standard 19” rack-mount configurations.
Audio and video connectors are industry standard (XLR or BNC as appropriate), ensuring
broad compatibility and secure, locked connections.
Supply external audio via analog, AES/EBU (AES3) or SDI Embedded audio.
Balanced XLR audio connectors.
Multiple simultaneous SDI and analog output connections.
3Play 440 – record up to four live video sources to internal, removable or external
media.
3Play 4800
o Record from four video sources to removable redundant media, freely choosing
between SDI and analog HD (or SD) cameras.
o Or record up to eight sources without redundant recording.
Capture and play back 16:9 and 4:3 formats in both HD and SD sessions.
Output HD sessions as SD (4:3 or 16:9) and HD simultaneously from HD sessions.
Play list module supports inserting pre-recorded video, sound and imagery into your live
productions.
Send both primary outputs (A and B) from 3Play to a NewTek TriCaster across your
network, leaving the video outputs free for other purposes.
Use one output for program output, the other as preview, and switch sources with
colorful Animation Store transitions.
Display highlight reels with colorful transitions, bumpers and audio bed using either
output channel.
Supplemental Aux (Auxiliary) Video output to a projection system or secondary monitor
at session resolutions up to 1920x1080.
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2.6.4 MONITORING
Figure 7
By default, the Replay Desktop includes two large output monitors at right, labeled A and B. The
area at left shows input monitors as appropriate for the number of sources you have configured
for recording, For example, in Redundant (4 Channel) mode operation, four input monitor
viewports are displayed.
Tip: The display configuration for 3Play’s secondary Multiview output is governed by controls
found in the Output Configuration panel.
CHANNEL INFO AND CONTROLS
The region of the Replay Desktop just below the primary output monitors also provides some
very special features. First, data pertinent to the current video source for each output is
displayed in a Channel Info area immediately below (Figure 8) the corresponding viewport.
Figure 8
Tip: Normally, the selected Channel Delegate button on the Control Surface determines which
channel – A or B – CS operations are currently governing. Note that you can also delegate a
channel using the mouse, by clicking the Channel Info area beneath either the A or B monitor.
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A control group located beneath the output monitors hosts Transition, Transport (Play, Stop,
etc.) and DSK (Downstream Key, or ‘overlay’) controls.
FASTCLIP TOOLS
Figure 9
You’ll find additional and very important features occupying prime visual real estate just beneath
the monitor area (Figure 5). A large, high-visibility window at left in this zone is referred to as the
FastClip dataview.
Selecting a data field in the CLIP LIST or PLAY LIST snaps its content (whether a Memo entry,
Event ID, or time value) into the dataview. This value can then be modified by keyboard or
Control Surface operations. Keyboard and Control Surface entries can also be used as criteria for
the nearby Go To and Search features (and corresponding Control Surface buttons).
MULTIVIEW
3Play’s Multiview output commonly serves supplemental control room monitoring needs.
External Multiview Workspaces offer many alternatives, including numerous multi-bridge
layouts, overlays and Event Clocks. The Multiview layout output is configured using the
Workspaces menu in the Dashboard at the top of the Desktop (see Section 6.4.2 for a more
thorough discussion).
2.6.5 VIDEO PROCESSING
Input Proc Amps allow you to adjust the video signal to harmonize color balance for all sources.
Separate controls are provided for Brightness, Contrast, Hue and Saturation for each
video source, along with White Balance and U and V Offset.
2.6.6 RECORD ING
Apart from live throughput, virtually all replay output features depends on recorded data.
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