Overview of NewTek TriCaster family . . . .

As of Sept. 10, 2011: NewTek is currently shipping six models in their TriCaster family, the standard-definition TriCaster STUDIO plus the high-definition TriCaster 300,TriCaster 850 and the new TriCaster 850 EXTREME plus the recently-announced TriCaster 450 and TriCaster 450 EXTREME.

Former TriCaster models include the standard-definition TriCaster BROADCAST, TriCaster DUO, TriCaster 100, TriCaster PRO and TriCaster PRO FX.

At the IBC show Amsterdam in September, 2011, NewTek announced two new TriCaster models, the TriCaster 450 and TriCaster 450 EXTREME. Both are hi-def TriCasters that input four live video sources but otherwise have the same features of the TriCaster 850/850 EXTREME.

At NAB 2011, NewTek reveiled the TriCaster 850 EXTREME model, with IsoCorder technology that lets you record up to eight channels of video from any input or output, supports Apple's AirPlay technology for playback sources, includes sound effects with video transitions, and much more.

TriCasters can be categorized by the number of external (video cameras, VCRs, DVD or blu-ray players, etc.) video inputs they work with and whether they work with standard-definition only or work with both standard-def and high-definition external video sources.

The current TriCaster STUDIO works with up to six external video inputs. The TriCaster 300 works with three external video sources, the TriCaster 450 and TriCaster 450 EXTREME work with four external video sources. And the TriCaster 850 and new TriCaster 850 EXTREME work with up to eight external video sources.

All current TriCaster models offer exceptional chroma-keying capabiltiy plus virtual sets.

While the TriCaster STUDIO is a standard-def (480i) device, it works with either 4:3 or 16:9 video sources. The TriCaster 300, TriCaster 450 and 450 EXTREME plus the TriCaster 850 and 850 EXTREME work with both standard-definition and high-definition video including 1080i, 720p and 480i sources.

All TriCasters are first and foremost video switchers. This means you can connect multiple live video cameras (and other video sources) to a TriCaster and switch between each live source. This allows you to change the viewpoint in real-time (wide-shot to close-up, etc.) Additionally, the TriCaster can playback video clips from its internal hard-drive to add an opening, closing, news or interview segment, commercial playback, etc. And you can add titles or overlays and full-screen graphics at the same time, allowing you to display a lower-third overlay or display a person's name while they are on camera.

While you are dissolving from one camera to another and adding an overlay, you can also record the live production to the TriCaster's hard drive and also stream to the internet at the same time. Using the TriCaster's various video output connectors plus the rear display port you can display the live output to large video monitors or projectors. You can even burn a DVD or blu-ray in real-time while switching using an external recorder and the TriCaster's various video and audio outputs.