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Going Live with NewTek's TriCaster Pro
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by Chuck Gloman
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NewTek is creating quite a stir with TriCaster, the little brother to its VT[4]. TriCaster is a self-contained studio in a box for remote broadcasts, multimedia presentations, streaming and more.
Contained in a small cube and requiring only an external monitor, the TriCaster has everything you need for live production, including a keyboard and mouse. An optional TriCaster VM (hardware video mixer interface complete with T-bar and preview bus) provides a more traditional tactile interface that allows you to access cameras, stored footage and more.
I used the pro version of TriCaster for this review, but, depending on your projects, the standard TriCaster may be all you need. The standard version costs significantly less ($4,995, compared to $6,995 for TriCaster Pro), but there are no component inputs, no phantom power for the microphones and no waveform monitor/vectorscope. In addition, the standard TriCaster has only six hours of internal storage instead of the 10 hours included with TriCaster Pro.
The Hook-Up
Hooking everything up is a breeze, which is what I expected from NewTek. The back of the unit accepts the 15-pin VGA monitor cable, keyboard, mouse, RJ-45 LAN connector (if you want to attach another computer to the TriCaster) and the AC power cable. What I didn't like is that all of the video connections are exposed in the front of the TriCaster, similar to the breakout box of the VT[4]. I think the mass of wires looks messy and should be hidden.
Both systems have three camera inputs. If you choose not to use the BNC connections, the TriCaster also has S-Video camera connections. Your video output may be either BNC to attach to a monitor, multi-pin cable to connect to a projector, or another to stream over the Internet. The audio inputs and outputs are the standard RCA, but the Pro model I reviewed had XLR and 1/4-inch connections.
Our TV studio happens to have three cameras, so I disconnected the Grass Valley switcher and used the TriCaster instead. Once the program is open and operating, you can access your inputs either with the VM interface (like a real switcher) or by using the mouse and clicking on the icon of choice. There are plenty of built-in transitions (yes, even NewTek's famous falling sheep), which you may love but you'll never use.
It should take you just seconds to learn the switcher software--you won't have to read the thin manual, which is a real plus--and you'll be able to deliver great looking switching between live shots without needing external genlock, black burst or a sync pulse. You can change the parameters of your cameras to suit your situation easily.
TriCaster is designed to minimize the use of external sources--it wants you to store any footage (from video files to PowerPoint slides) in its internal hard drive and access it using its "Virtual VCR." This workflow may be a bit confusing for studio veterans but normal for the presentation set.
Any file can be retrieved from a stored icon or thumbnail image in the system. NewTek includes about 20 files, including greenscreen shots, and, like any AVI file, you can adjust the in and out points.
TriCaster also incorporates NLE technology that is as easy to use as VT[4], with very large icons on the timeline. Like NLE systems from Adobe, Apple and Avid, clicking on the storyboard arranges all of your shots in a predetermined sequence.
Information is stored in the TriCaster using its "Capture" feature. Like any NLE, footage is captured via FireWire and imported to the hard drive. If you want to scale your image for a DVE-like effect, you must do it in editing--click on the parameter you wish to adjust and drag it from there.
Streaming Options
Titles and overlays may be created by clicking on the "overlay" tab. Color backgrounds, keying and actual character generation are accomplished in this area. The results are comparable in quality to that of most NLE packages.
Audio mixing is done by accessing the correct tab on the screen. EQ, gain and panning controls also reside here. I prefer to use the VM interface--I have a hard time using a mouse to adjust critical gain increments--but audio controls are available only on screen. I wouldn't mind seeing a "real" audio board addition to the system, maybe even included in an upgraded VM unit.
TriCaster also offers streaming, which has become vital in the world of video. Streaming with TriCaster is as easy as logging onto the Web site, but this is another area where the Pro version outshines the standard TriCaster.
First, the Pro unit offers "push" streaming, which means you can send your videos to any address (from a convention site, hotel, etc.) and they will pass easily through firewalls. In contrast, "pull" streaming is more for broadcasting internally through a company or inside your own corporate firewall. "Pull" streaming is the only option on the standard TriCaster, while Pro offers both. Plus, with TriCaster Pro, you can simultaneously stream and save your AVI file to the internal hard drive.
Ideal for remote setups, all you have to do is to bring the 10 lb. TriCaster cube on location and connect your external cameras. There's even a built-in projector output and stereo audio out, so seeing and hearing your presentation is as easy as connecting the proper cables.
Some smaller school video departments are using TriCaster successfully for simple productions, but if you need a real studio switcher, NewTek's VT[4] is a better choice. Again, I'd prefer a cleaner appearance, but the front inputs don't affect the unit's functionality. If your job involves live AV presentations and potentially streaming content, you should take a serious look at TriCaster.
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