NewTek 855 User Manual
Revised – August 20, 2013
Trademarks: NewTek, TriCaster, TriCaster XD, TCXD8000, TriCaster 8000, TriCaster TCXD8000, TCXD850, TCXD850
EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD850 EXTREME, TriCaster 850 EXTREME, TriCaster EXTREME, TriCaster 850, TCXD450, TCXD450
EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD450 EXTREME, TriCaster 450 EXTREME, TriCaster 450, TCXD455, TriCaster 455, TriCaster
TCXD455, TriCaster 855, TCXD855, TriCaster TCXD855, IsoCorder, TCXD300, TriCaster 300, TriCaster TCXD300, TCXD40,
TriCaster 40, TriCaster TCXD40, TriCaster PRO, TriCaster STUDIO, TriCaster BROADCAST, TriCaster DUO, ProTek, ProTek
Care, ProTek Elite, iVGA, SpeedEDIT, 3PLAY, 3Play, 3Play 820, 3PXD820, 3Play 330, 3PXD330, LiveText, DataLink, LiveSet,
TriCaster Virtual Set Editor, TriCaster VSE, LiveMatte, TimeWarp, VT, VT[3], VT[4], V[T5], Video Toaster, Toaster, Inspire
3D, 3D Arsenal, Aura, LightWave, LightWave 3D and LightWave CORE are trademarks, service marks, and registered
trademarks of NewTek. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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
Physical ..................................................................................................................... 7 2.4.1
(Multi-Tier Failsafe) ................................................................................................... 8 2.4.2
A/V Input and Output ............................................................................................... 9 2.4.3
Timecode .................................................................................................................. 9
2.4.4
Alpha Channel I/O ..................................................................................................... 9 2.4.5
Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 10 2.4.6
Video Processing ..................................................................................................... 10 2.4.7
The Switcher ........................................................................................................... 11 2.4.8
Video Layers and Transitions .................................................................................. 11 2.4.9
Record and Stream ................................................................................................. 13 2.4.10
Import and Export ................................................................................................... 14 2.4.11
Audio Mixer............................................................................................................. 14 2.4.12
Integrated Media Players ........................................................................................ 15 2.4.13
Keying, Virtual Sets and Virtual Inputs .................................................................... 16 2.4.14
Graphics .................................................................................................................. 17 2.4.15
Edit .......................................................................................................................... 17 2.4.16
Optional Control Surfaces ....................................................................................... 17 2.4.17
3 Setting Up ......................................................................................................................... 19
3.1 Command and Control .................................................................................................... 19
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3.2 Activating & Authorizing Windows® ............................................................................... 20
3.3 TriCaster License and Registration .................................................................................. 21
Online Registration ................................................................................................. 22 3.3.1
Registering by Telephone ....................................................................................... 22 3.3.2
3.4 Rack Mounting TriCaster................................................................................................. 23
3.5 Input Connections ........................................................................................................... 23
Connect A/V Sources .............................................................................................. 23 3.5.1
3.6 Genlock Connection ........................................................................................................ 25
3.7 Timecode Connection ...................................................................................................... 25
3.8 Output Connections ........................................................................................................ 25
A/V Output .............................................................................................................. 26 3.8.1
HD and SD ............................................................................................................... 26 3.8.2
Supplemental Video Outputs .................................................................................. 28 3.8.3
3.9 Tally Lights ...................................................................................................................... 28
External Connections .............................................................................................. 28 3.9.1
3.10 Starting a Session ............................................................................................................ 29
3.11 Configure Video Output .................................................................................................. 32
SD Analog Configuration ......................................................................................... 32 3.11.1
3.12 Configure Aux Video Output ........................................................................................... 33
3.13 Configure Multiview Output ........................................................................................... 33
3.14 Configure Video Input ..................................................................................................... 34
3.15 Configure Audio .............................................................................................................. 35
3.16 Configure Genlock ........................................................................................................... 37
3.17 Configure Timecode ........................................................................................................ 38
3.18 Networking ..................................................................................................................... 38
4 Live Production Walkthrough............................................................................................ 41
4.1 Creating a Session ........................................................................................................... 41
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4.2 Importing Content ........................................................................................................... 42
4.3 Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 43
Program and Preview .............................................................................................. 43 4.3.1
All Monitors ............................................................................................................ 44 4.3.2
External and Internal Monitors ............................................................................... 45 4.3.3
Scopes ..................................................................................................................... 46 4.3.4
4.4 Audio Mixer ..................................................................................................................... 47
Mute, Mono and Balance ....................................................................................... 47 4.4.1
Pan .......................................................................................................................... 50 4.4.2
Talk .......................................................................................................................... 50 4.4.3
Follow ...................................................................................................................... 51 4.4.4
4.5 Network Sources ............................................................................................................. 52
iVGA Clients............................................................................................................. 53 4.5.1
Apple AirPlay ........................................................................................................... 54 4.5.2
LiveText™ ................................................................................................................ 54 4.5.3
4.6 Live Switching.................................................................................................................. 54
Switcher Rows ......................................................................................................... 54 4.6.1
Transitions ............................................................................................................... 58 4.6.2
4.7 Record and Grab ............................................................................................................. 63
Record ..................................................................................................................... 64 4.7.1
Grab ........................................................................................................................ 65 4.7.2
4.8 Media Players ................................................................................................................. 66
DDR 1 and 2 ............................................................................................................ 66 4.8.1
Graphics, Still & Title ............................................................................................... 71 4.8.2
4.9 LiveMatte ........................................................................................................................ 75
4.10 Virtual Inputs................................................................................................................... 78
Composing Inputs A and B ...................................................................................... 78 4.10.1
Adding an Upstream Overlay .................................................................................. 80 4.10.2
LiveSet™ .................................................................................................................. 81 4.10.3
4.11 Frame Buffers .................................................................................................................. 84
4.12 Streaming ........................................................................................................................ 86
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Streaming Configuration ......................................................................................... 87 4.12.1
Simple Pull Streaming ............................................................................................. 87 4.12.2
Push and Flash Streaming ....................................................................................... 89 4.12.3
Capturing the Stream .............................................................................................. 89 4.12.4
PART II (Reference) ................................................................................................................... 91
5 The Startup Screen ............................................................................................................ 93
5.1 Introduction to Sessions .................................................................................................. 94
5.2 The Home Page ............................................................................................................... 95
New (Session) .......................................................................................................... 96 5.2.1
Open (Session) ........................................................................................................ 98 5.2.2
Shutdown .............................................................................................................. 100 5.2.3
Help ....................................................................................................................... 105 5.2.4
Add-Ons ................................................................................................................ 105 5.2.5
5.3 The Session Page ........................................................................................................... 106
Live ........................................................................................................................ 106 5.3.1
Graphics ................................................................................................................ 107 5.3.2
Manage ................................................................................................................. 108 5.3.3
6 Live Desktop: Overview .................................................................................................. 117
6.1 Display Requirements ................................................................................................... 117
6.2 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 118
6.3 A Few Hints ................................................................................................................... 118
6.4 Customizing the Live Desktop ....................................................................................... 119
Desktop Options Menu ......................................................................................... 119 6.4.1
Rename ................................................................................................................. 120 6.4.2
Dual Displays and Monitoring ............................................................................... 121 6.4.3
6.5 Titlebar Tips .................................................................................................................. 122
Status Bar .............................................................................................................. 123 6.5.1
Eject ...................................................................................................................... 123 6.5.2
7 I/O Configuration ............................................................................................................ 125
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7.1 Output Configuration .................................................................................................... 125
Output Controls .................................................................................................... 126 7.1.1
Proc Amp ............................................................................................................... 127 7.1.2
SD Analog Connections ......................................................................................... 129 7.1.3
Aux Output ............................................................................................................ 130 7.1.4
Failsafe .................................................................................................................. 132 7.1.5
Multiview Output .................................................................................................. 133 7.1.6
Genlock ................................................................................................................. 135 7.1.7
Center Frequency .................................................................................................. 137
7.1.8
7.2 Input Configuration ....................................................................................................... 137
Connection Type ................................................................................................... 137 7.2.1
Act as Alpha .......................................................................................................... 140 7.2.2
Proc Amp ............................................................................................................... 142 7.2.3
LiveMatte & Crop .................................................................................................. 142 7.2.4
7.3 Timecode Configuration ................................................................................................ 143
Subtract 12 Hours ................................................................................................. 144 7.3.1
Production Time .................................................................................................... 144 7.3.2
LTC Timecode ........................................................................................................ 145 7.3.3
8 Switcher, Transitions and Overlay ................................................................................... 146
8.1 Switcher Rows ............................................................................................................... 146
Utility (and Delegate) ............................................................................................ 147 8.1.1
Program and Preview ............................................................................................ 148 8.1.2
8.2 Video Layers .................................................................................................................. 149
8.3 Transitions..................................................................................................................... 150
Local Controls ........................................................................................................ 151
8.3.1
Main Controls........................................................................................................ 157 8.3.2
T-Bar ...................................................................................................................... 159 8.3.3
9 Desktop Monitors ........................................................................................................... 161
9.1 Program and Preview .................................................................................................... 161
Configuration Indicators ....................................................................................... 162 9.1.1
9.2 Look Ahead Preview ...................................................................................................... 162
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9.3 All Monitors Tab ............................................................................................................ 164
Contextual Tools ................................................................................................... 164 9.3.1
Interactive Control ................................................................................................ 166 9.3.2
9.4 External Monitors Tab................................................................................................... 167
Contextual Tools ................................................................................................... 167 9.4.1
9.5 Internal Monitors Tab ................................................................................................... 168
9.6 Scopes Tab .................................................................................................................... 168
10 Media Players (DDRs, Still, Title and Audio) ................................................................ 171
10.1 Specialized Media Players ............................................................................................. 171
10.2 Shared Features ............................................................................................................ 172
Playlists ................................................................................................................. 172 10.2.1
Media Browser ...................................................................................................... 176 10.2.2
Player Controls ...................................................................................................... 179 10.2.3
Preset Bin .............................................................................................................. 181 10.2.4
Speed .................................................................................................................... 182 10.2.5
10.3 Frame Buffers ................................................................................................................ 182
Unique Advantages ............................................................................................... 183 10.3.1
Network Sharing ................................................................................................... 184 10.3.2
10.4 Editing Title Pages ......................................................................................................... 185
11 LiveMatte & Crop ........................................................................................................ 189
11.1 Chromakeying ............................................................................................................... 190
11.2 Matte ............................................................................................................................ 191
Color ...................................................................................................................... 191 11.2.1
Tolerance .............................................................................................................. 192 11.2.2
Smoothness........................................................................................................... 192 11.2.3
Luma Limit ............................................................................................................. 192 11.2.4
11.3 Spill Suppression............................................................................................................ 193
11.4 Crop ............................................................................................................................... 193
11.5 Compositing .................................................................................................................. 194
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11.6 Fine Tuning .................................................................................................................... 195
11.7 Practical Staging for LiveMatte ..................................................................................... 196
Lighting .................................................................................................................. 196 11.7.1
Connection Considerations ................................................................................... 196 11.7.2
12 Virtual Inputs .............................................................................................................. 199
12.1 Primary Video Sources .................................................................................................. 200
12.2 Position ......................................................................................................................... 200
12.3 Overlay .......................................................................................................................... 202
12.4 LiveSet ........................................................................................................................... 203
LiveSet Selection ................................................................................................... 203 12.4.1
Video Sources ....................................................................................................... 204 12.4.2
Zoom Presets ........................................................................................................ 205 12.4.3
Zoom T-Bar ............................................................................................................ 206 12.4.4
Input Position ........................................................................................................ 206 12.4.5
Animate Zoom....................................................................................................... 207 12.4.6
12.5 Effects ........................................................................................................................... 208
13 Audio .......................................................................................................................... 209
13.1 External Audio ............................................................................................................... 210
Mute...................................................................................................................... 211 13.1.1
Connection Type ................................................................................................... 211 13.1.2
Microphone Specific Controls ............................................................................... 212 13.1.3
More Basic Controls .............................................................................................. 214 13.1.4
Audio Groups ........................................................................................................ 218 13.1.5
13.2 Internal Audio ............................................................................................................... 219
Net 1 and Net 2 ..................................................................................................... 220 13.2.1
Effects (Transitions) .............................................................................................. 220 13.2.2
Media Players ........................................................................................................ 220 13.2.3
13.3 Output Controls ............................................................................................................. 220
Aux and Stream ..................................................................................................... 220 13.3.1
Master (and Phones) ............................................................................................. 222 13.3.2
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13.4 Advanced Audio Configuration ..................................................................................... 222
Equalizer................................................................................................................ 222 13.4.1
Compressor Limiter ............................................................................................... 222 13.4.2
13.5 Preset Bin ...................................................................................................................... 224
14 Network Sources ......................................................................................................... 225
14.1 iVGA .............................................................................................................................. 225
iVGA for OS X® ...................................................................................................... 225 14.1.1
IVGA PRO™ (WINDOWS) ....................................................................................... 227 14.1.2
14.2 AirPlay® ......................................................................................................................... 233
14.3 LiveText ......................................................................................................................... 234
14.4 3Play™ ........................................................................................................................... 234
15 Streaming .................................................................................................................... 235
15.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 236
Compact View ....................................................................................................... 237 15.1.1
15.2 Web Browser ................................................................................................................. 237
15.3 Connection Options ....................................................................................................... 238
Browser Based ...................................................................................................... 239 15.3.1
Windows Media Pull ............................................................................................. 243 15.3.2
Windows Media Push ........................................................................................... 244 15.3.3
15.4 Audio Headroom ........................................................................................................... 245
15.5 Capturing the Stream .................................................................................................... 245
15.6 Streaming Strategies ..................................................................................................... 246
On Demand, or Live? ............................................................................................. 246 15.6.1
Streaming Protocols .............................................................................................. 249 15.6.2
Streaming Media Providers ................................................................................... 251 15.6.3
Other Resources.................................................................................................... 252 15.6.4
15.7 Production and Capture Considerations ....................................................................... 252
15.8 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 253
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Testing your stream .............................................................................................. 253 15.8.1
Is it Really a TriCaster Issue? ................................................................................. 261 15.8.2
16 Record and Grab ......................................................................................................... 263
16.1 Record ........................................................................................................................... 263
Record Configuration ............................................................................................ 263 16.1.1
16.2 Grab .............................................................................................................................. 269
17 SpeedEDIT and LiveText .............................................................................................. 271
17.1 SpeedEDIT ..................................................................................................................... 271
SpeedEDIT Projects and Display ............................................................................ 271 17.1.1
IEEE1394 I/O Output ............................................................................................. 272 17.1.2
SpeedEDIT Desktop ............................................................................................... 272 17.1.3
17.2 LiveText ......................................................................................................................... 272
Sessions, Projects and Display .............................................................................. 273 17.2.1
Files/Filebin ........................................................................................................... 273 17.2.2
Naming Stand-in Images ....................................................................................... 274
17.2.3
PART III (Appendices) ............................................................................................................. 275
A How Do I … ? ................................................................................................................... 277
A.1 Connections ................................................................................................................... 280
A.1.1 Connect cameras? ................................................................................................. 280
A.1.2 Connect fill + alpha sources? ................................................................................ 281
A.1.3 Configure alpha Matte Output? ............................................................................ 281
A.1.4 Color correct mismatched cameras? .................................................................... 281
A.1.5 Connect monitors? ................................................................................................ 282
A.1.6 Connect a supported external control surface? ................................................... 284
A.1.7 Insert/Remove a Drive From TriCaster’s Removable Drive Bay ............................ 285
A.1.8 Connect An External Hard Drive?.......................................................................... 286
A.1.9 Eject A Hard Drive? ............................................................................................... 286
A.1.10 Connect tally lights? .............................................................................................. 287
A.1.11 Connect to a Network? ......................................................................................... 287
A.1.12 Locate a specific TriCaster on my network? ......................................................... 287
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A.1.13 Connect to an AirPlay® Source? ............................................................................ 287
A.1.14 Resolve iVGA PRO Quirks ...................................................................................... 290
A.1.15 Enable Termination for Video Inputs? .................................................................. 290
A.2 Sessions ......................................................................................................................... 291
A.2.1 Start an SD Session? .............................................................................................. 291
A.2.2 Start an HD Session? ............................................................................................. 291
A.2.3 Work on a Stored Session? ................................................................................... 292
A.2.4 Backup a Session? ................................................................................................. 292
A.2.5 Restore a Session? ................................................................................................ 293
A.2.6 Delete a Session (and its Content)? ...................................................................... 293
A.2.7 Manage Selected Content inside a Session? ......................................................... 293
A.2.8 Rename a Session?................................................................................................ 293
A.2.9 Duplicate a session? .............................................................................................. 294
A.3 Live Production .............................................................................................................. 294
A.3.1 Make Custom Transitions and LiveSets? ............................................................... 294
A.3.2 Restore the Default LiveSet? ................................................................................. 294
A.3.3 Set up the ‘Nightly Show A’ LiveSet? .................................................................... 294
A.3.4 Initiate Streaming? ................................................................................................ 296
A.3.5 Find my Captured Stream file? ............................................................................. 296
A.3.6 Record my Program? ............................................................................................ 296
A.3.7 Find my Recorded Program File? .......................................................................... 297
A.3.8 Change Playback Speed for Clips in the DDR (Media Player)? .............................. 297
A.3.9 Deal With DDR (Media Player) Clips That Seem Blurry? ....................................... 297
A.3.10 Get Stubborn Clips to Play in the DDR? ................................................................ 298
A.3.11 Change Colors for an Entire Title Playlist at Once? ............................................... 300
A.3.12 Get Live Title Pages (.cgxml) to Respect All LiveText Font Attributes? ................. 301
A.3.13 Prepare a Matched Group of Virtual Inputs? ........................................................ 301
A.3.14 Improve the Quality of Multiview Output? .......................................................... 302
A.3.15 View Media Player Time Data on Multiview Out when Set to ‘All Sources’? ....... 302
A.4 Files ............................................................................................................................... 302
A.4.1 Manage Files? ....................................................................................................... 302
A.4.2 Change the MPEG-2 Recording Quality?............................................................... 302
A.4.3 Import Media Files? .............................................................................................. 303
A.4.4 Prepare Clips with Embedded Alpha Channel? ..................................................... 303
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A.4.5 Prepare clips for TriCaster Playback Using Apple® Final Cut Pro? ........................ 304
A.4.6 Add an External File Location to the File Browser? .............................................. 304
A.4.7 Remove a Location From the File Browser? ......................................................... 304
A.4.8 Export files to an External Drive? .......................................................................... 305
A.4.9 Export TriCaster files for Cross-platform use? ...................................................... 305
A.4.10 Import/Export Files Larger Than 4 Gigabytes?...................................................... 306
A.4.11 Repair damaged recordings? ................................................................................ 306
A.4.12 Avoid the Error “…copy this file without its properties?” ..................................... 306
A.4.13 Free up Space by Deleting the Demo Clips? ......................................................... 307
A.5 Software, Maintenance and Updates ........................................................................... 307
A.5.1 Improve Performance? ......................................................................................... 307
A.5.2 Resolve Serious Instability or Dropped frames? ................................................... 307
A.5.3 Update TriCaster? ................................................................................................. 307
A.5.4 Update the Flash® and/or Windows Media Encoder®? ........................................ 308
A.5.5 Install Virus Protection? ........................................................................................ 308
A.5.6 Install My Favorite Software (or Codec)? ............................................................. 309
A.5.7 Restore TriCaster Software ................................................................................... 309
A.5.8 Avoid file path problems due to unique characters in some languages? ............. 312
A.6 Registration And Tech Support ..................................................................................... 312
A.6.1 Register TriCaster? ................................................................................................ 312
A.6.2 Contact Technical Support? .................................................................................. 313
A.6.3 Find TriCaster’s Hardware/Firmware Revision Numbers? .................................... 313
A.7 Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................... 313
A.7.1 Access System Administration Features? ............................................................. 313
A.7.2 Return to TriCaster from Administrator Mode ..................................................... 313
A.7.3 Access Windows®? ................................................................................................ 313
A.7.4 Return to TriCaster from the Windows® Desktop ................................................ 314
A.7.5 Add A Custom Streaming Profile to the Configure Stream Connection Panel? .... 314
A.8 More Questions and Answers ....................................................................................... 317
A.8.1 Can I do anything to improve latency/audio sync? ............................................... 317
A.8.2 Why is my power supply beeping? ....................................................................... 318
A.8.3 Why Do Some Thumbnail Icons Look Wrong? ...................................................... 318
B Performance Considerations ........................................................................................... 319
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B.1 Testing, One Two … ....................................................................................................... 319
B.2 iVGA and Performance .................................................................................................. 319
B.3 IMAG and Latency ......................................................................................................... 320
B.3.1 Relativity and the Speed of Light .......................................................................... 320
B.3.2 Latency and Your Audience................................................................................... 321
B.3.3 Latency and Your TriCaster ................................................................................... 321
B.3.4 Other Sources of Latency ...................................................................................... 322
C Video Calibration ............................................................................................................ 325
C.1 What (And Where) to Calibrate? .................................................................................. 325
C.2 Calibrating Video Sources ............................................................................................. 326
C.2.1 Setting Black and White ........................................................................................ 326
C.2.2 Adjusting Color ...................................................................................................... 328
C.2.3 Color Metrics ......................................................................................................... 329
C.3 Calibrating Your Monitors ............................................................................................. 331
C.3.1 Computer Monitor ................................................................................................ 331
C.3.2 Program Output Monitor ...................................................................................... 332
C.3.3 Setting Black and White ........................................................................................ 332
C.3.4 Color Adjustments ................................................................................................ 335
D Keystroke Shortcuts ........................................................................................................ 337
D.1 Switcher… ...................................................................................................................... 337
D.2 T-Bar.............................................................................................................................. 338
D.3 Virtual Inputs................................................................................................................. 338
D.4 Record and Grab ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
D.5 Tabs ............................................................................................................................... 339
D.6 DDR 1 ............................................................................................................................ 339
D.7 DDR 2 ............................................................................................................................ 339
D.8 Still ................................................................................................................................ 340
D.9 Title (or Graphics) .......................................................................................................... 340
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D.10 Sounds ........................................................................................................................... 340
D.11 General .......................................................................................................................... 341
D.11.1 Selection and Navigation ...................................................................................... 341
D.11.2 Misc. ...................................................................................................................... 341
E Reliability Testing ............................................................................................................ 343
Index ...................................................................................................................................... 345
Credits .................................................................................................................................... 350
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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 AB O U T 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.
(This User Guide discusses two TriCaster models differentiated principally by the input and
output configurations they offer. In most other respects operations and the interface are quite
similar, and a common description will suffice for our purposes. Wherever a significant
difference appears, it is noted in context.)
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 IN T RODUCTION
2.1 OV E R VIEW
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 ST A R TUP SCREEN
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 LI V E DESKTOP
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 FE A T URES
Here’s a brief overview of just some of TriCaster’s key features:
PHYSICAL 2.4.1
TRICASTER 455
Rugged 2U rack-mount 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 1080i, and
the removable drive bay can be used to add to this capacity.
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, ¼” phono or BNC as
appropriate), ensuring broad compatibility and secure, locked connections. Headphone
output uses a standard 1/4” stereo phone jack, and an HDMI port supplies an added
Program output.
TRICASTER 855
Rugged 4U rack-mount case with redundant power supplies ensures robust, reliable and
quiet performance in fixed or mobile installations.
Massive storage capacity – the internal drive holds approximately 50 hours of 1080i, and
the removable drive bay can be used to add to this capacity.
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, ¼” phono or BNC as
appropriate), ensuring broad compatibility and secure, locked connections. Headphone
output uses a standard 1/4” stereo phone jack, and the HDMI port supplies an added
Program output.
(MULTI-T I E R FAILSAFE ) 2.4.2
TriCaster’s ‘Always on Air’ features provide multi-tiered redundant failsafe mechanisms in both
hardware and software. To name just a few:
Failsafe software monitors live performance and automatically re-starts modules if any
unexpected error condition calls for it.
Video pass-through ensures that as long there is AC power, in a case of catastrophic
software condition, audio and video from the last input are routed to Program output.
Streaming output and recording also continue in such cases.
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A/V INPUT A N D OUTPUT 2.4.3
Live switch between as many as eight (TriCaster 855) 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.
Assign one or both Network inputs on the Switcher to receive AirPlay® streams and
switch live or recorded content directly from your compatible Apple mobile device or
computer.
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.
Send either Aux or Master audio to the Aux audio outputs.
Take advantage of an additional Program output via an HDMI connector.
Broadcast your Program to the Internet.
TIMECODE 2.4.4
TriCaster generates and displays ‘local timecode’ based on the system clock.
MPEG-2 recordings include full ‘per frame’ time-code.
TriCaster supports industry standard (LTC) external timecode.
IsoCorder™ multi-stream recording allows recorded clips from multiple sources to easily
be aligned for synchronized post show editing using their embedded timecode.
ALPHA CHANNEL I / O 2.4.5
TriCaster allows alternate video inputs to be configured as alpha channel inputs for the
TriCaster Switcher.
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Alpha channel output is supported on TriCaster’s Aux video output channel.
MONITORING 2.4.6
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 (Figure 3).
External Monitors – Live video sources supplied to TriCaster’s video inputs.
Internal Monitors – all internal sources, including Media Players and Network sources.
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 …
VIDEO PROC E S SI NG 2.4.7
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.
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Figure 6
THE SWITCHER 2.4.8
TriCaster’s Switcher layout is consistent for all models, but the number of inputs available varies.
TriCaster 455 provides a 14-channel switcher, while TriCaster 855 offers 24-channel support.
Figure 4 – TriCaster 455
Figure 5 – TriCaster 855
The three-row (Utility, Program, and Preview) Switcher allows you to freely hot-punch between
external sources (Cameras or Network 1 or 2), 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, AUX OUT, or to the FX bus (used as a
secondary source for virtual sets or for
other purposes).
VIDEO LAYERS A N D TRANS I T I O NS 2.4.9
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.
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Figure 7
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.
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.
Powerful and great looking Animation Store Transitions that support full-color
embedded overlays and separate in/out sounds.
DSK CHANNELS
Figure 8
TriCaster’s DSK layers support dual-channel downstream keyed (or alpha) overlays. Assign any
Switcher source or a dedicated Frame Buffer to either channel. DSK channels can be displayed in
tandem or independently, or swapped – again, with independent custom transitions.
You might use the Graphics or DDR modules 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
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Utility row). Alternatively, use the Frame Buffer feature to assign a specific title or image to any
overlay channel, and even update it in realtime over a network using external graphics or titling
software.
Independent Crop, Position, 3D Rotation, 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.
RECO R D AND STREAM 2.4.10
Record your live-switched production at full resolution to a multi-platform compatible
format.
Recorded MPEG-2 files have embedded timecode.
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).
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 multiple content delivery networks is a snap using the Configure Stream
Connection panel.
IsoCorder™ technology lets you record up to eight (855 model) a/v sources at once,
including all camera inputs, or a custom set of sources chosen from Program, Aux and
camera sources.
Multiple encoding formats, including the default Quicktime as well, MPEG-2, AVI, ® and
H.264 (m4v).
Capture MPEG-2 clips with embedded LTC (linear timecode).
Use NewTek’s TimeWarp™ instant replay control surface without interrupting full-time
recording of your program (or other sources).
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IMP O R T AND EXPOR T 2.4.11
IMPORT MEDIA
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.
EXPORTING CONTENT
The Export Media function allows you to create a batch list of files for export, and optionally
select new file formats for the exported media.
AUDIO MIXER 2.4.12
TriCaster provides extensive multi-channel audio control and management in two dedicated
tabbed panels.
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.
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