Simply put, the NewTek TriCaster is a portable, lightweight presentation system that combines a live video switcher and audio mixer with graphics capability while simultaneously outputting NTSC video with audio, VGA output and webstreaming.

Small and compact come to mind when first seeing the TriCaster. Weighing only 10 pounds and measuring 11.5 by 8 by 7.5 inches, the highly-portable TriCaster is well-suited for studio work on going on location to do live video switching and image magnification, corporate presentations, video playback and graphics support at functions including sporting events and conferences, and even as a portable video editing and graphics creation system (okay, you do need a monitor but LCD monitors are very lightweight and portable).

Lots of video and audio inputs and outputs on the front of the box. . . . three composite (RCA) and three Y/C (4-pin mini) video input connectors plus two phone connectors for microphones and a pair of RCA connectors for audio input. Outputs include a composite and Y/C video plus a pair of RCA audio connectors. Beneath the video and audio connectors are a single FireWire and two USB 2.0 connectors. Also a headphone connector . . . very important for monitoring your audio.

The power button is conveniently located on the front. . . .

On the back lots of computer-type ports including one VGA and one DVI connector, more USB ports, an RJ45 network, keyboard and mouse connectors.

Once the system is fired-up, the TriCaster switcher screen offers a well-integrated, easy to use interface for punching up and cutting or transitioning between external and internal sources. Each of the eight video sources is readily available, with its own preview window. Using the switcher to call up video clips, overlays or titles, plus color backgrounds and video black is extremely easy to operate but provides professional results.

TriCaster allows connecting up to three composite or Y/C video sources and switching between them with a hard cut, video dissolve or hundreds of real-time transitions.

A pair of line-level audio inputs and a pair of microphone inputs allows for mixing audio between sources plus recording voiceovers.

The TriCaster also offers one FireWire connector and two USB 2.0 ports for importing video clips, graphics, titles and other material.

You can also connect a PC via the RJ45 network interface and playback PowerPoint presentations while switching between video cameras or playback video blacks from the internal hard drive.You can also import titles and full-screen graphics plus video clips into the TriCaster from another PC, or capture video from an analog or digital video camera or VCR, for playback purposes.

Output-wise, the TriCaster offers Y/C or composite video, a pair of RCA audio connectors, one VGA connector, a DVI output for a large monitor or projector plus one Internet streaming output connector.

The TriCaster includes over hundreds of real-time transitions with adjustable speeds. Transitions include a dissolve, wipes, blinds, mosaics, curls, picture-in-picture effects, plus effects with graphical elements. Transitions are professional looking, with smooth edges and of high-quality.

The TriCaster provides three main screens or modules to work from, logically named Live Production, Capture Media and Edit Media. The Live Production module is where you will spend most of your time switching between video sources, applying transitions, titles and other graphics, etc. Capture Media is just that . . . capturing and saving video and audio clips to the TriCaster’s internal hard drive. The Edit Media module allows you to professionally edit those captured video and audio clips, create titles plus apply video transitions to trimmed video clips, and then save the edited project for playback at the Live Production module or switcher screen.

As stated earlier in the first impressions section, the Live Production or switcher interface is extremely straightforward and easy to operate. Each of the eight video sources (three external video sources, network in, VCR, picture, color background and video black) has its own preview window available at all times. You always know what each video source is doing before using it.

A ready-use bin contains your pre-loaded video transitions. You can perform a hard-switch or cut between video sources, or apply a real-time video transition between sources, with the speed of the transition adjustable in frames or seconds. You can even use the virtual T-bar to apply a transition halfway between two video sources if you like.

TriCaster provides playlists for cueing up video clips, still images and overlays. Video clips can be edited productions, complete with transitions, titles, music, etc. or raw clips. In and out points (start ands stop points) can be applied to clips before playback. When you cut from an external video source to an internal video clip, the video clip will automatically start playing back. When you cut away from the video clip to another video source, the video clip stops playing.

Entire sequences of clips and still images or pictures can be loaded into a playlist and selectively played back. Overlays (keys or titles) can be applied via a hard cut or slow fade, again controlled via a playlist. TriCaster includes ready-made templates for creating overlays. You simply choose a template that you like and substitute your own text. Or you can import your own overlays and full-screen graphics created on a Mac or PC.

The Camera Setup module allows you to select composite or Y/C video inputs, and provides basic proc amp controls (hue, saturation, brightness and contrast) for adjusting and matching external video camera or VCR sources. You can even perform chroma-keying (blue or green screen) and luma-keying. You can select an external PC via the network module for accepting a PowerPoint presentation, importing graphics, etc. Finally, you can stream the TriCaster’s output to the internet from the Live Production module.

The Capture Media module allows the user to capture video and audio files to the TriCaster’s internal hard drive for editing and playback purposes. Video can be selected from either a composite, Y/C or FireWire input plus any associated audio. Audio can be recorded separately using the mic input for voiceovers and narration.

The Edit Media module allows the user to edit captured video and audio clips plus add titles, video filters and transitions. Offering the choice of either a storyboard or timeline editor, edited videos can be easily edited with professional results. Advanced video editing tools include resizing, rotating and translating video clips plus much more.

TriCaster™ brings several revolutionary technologies to the presentation market:

Yes, TriCaster has a large, internal hard drive for capturing many hours of video and audio from analog video or digital cameras, camcorders or VCRs, DVD players plus an external microphone. Clips can edited down into a finished production and played back at the switcher.

When capturing analog video and audio together, TriCaster encodes the information into an AVI file. Footage transferred from a DV camcorder or VCR is saved in its native format. Supported video formats include DV, AVI, WMV and MPEG-1. Supported audio files include WAV and MP3 files.

Images can be imported and used as stills or backgrounds for overlaying video titles. Supported file formats include BMP, ICO, JPEG, JNG, KOALA, IFF, MNG, PBM, PBMRAW, PCD, PCX, PGM, PGMRAW, PNG, PPM, PPMRAW, RAS, TARGA and TIFF.

The TriCaster replaces a great deal of traditional equipment including a video switcher, audio mixer, scan converter. character generator and special effects generator for performing live video switching, image magnification and internet streaming.

The TriCaster also replaces non-linear editing systems for basic video and audio editing with transitions and titles.

Instead of a VCR, DVD player or digital video player, the TriCaster can be used as a highly automated video playback device for playing commercials, television shows and more.

The TriCaster complements existing presentation systems that use a laptop computer and projector for PowerPoint presentations.

The TriCaster also functions as a scan converter for upconverting NTSC into1024 by 768 computer resolution for projectors and other display devices.

Corporate communications, human resource and corporate training professionals can benefit from rapid set-up on site and easy use. TriCaster is also perfect for educators, , media ministry, local access channels or anyone wanting to communicate live events using traditional video or the internet

For enterprise communications the TriCaster can be used for department reports, incorporating the presenter with key graphic pages and animated PowerPoint pages.

Special meetings can be captured live-to-disk and then posted on the corporate Intranet. Policy changes, new product roll-outs and marketing initiatives can be played back later for a consistency of message not possible by word-of-mouth. Daily reports can incorporate the latest information including real-time statistics sent to a board room projector plus Intranet stream for reaching every employee.

Corporate presenters usually have to 'do more with less' on a regular basis. Lacking the budget or expertise of a full-time video production department doesn't mean you have to lower quality standards. TriCaster levels the playing field for presenters, marketers and ad agencies, with a very portable live production system that can produce high-quality presentations with a minimum production crew. Sharehold reports, product roll-outs, human resource departments and ad campaigns will benefit from using the TriCaster.

Educators are constantly seeking great tools that are powerful enough for staff, yet easy enough for students. As an appliance, TriCaster powers up to the Live Production screen. There is nothing to configure or set up. Everything professional presenters require is in here. Uses include morning newscasts, dignitary visits, in-service training, even PTA meetings.

Media Ministry has the perfect tool in TriCaster, with its small footprint, light weight and easy-to-use system that is 'volunteer-proof'. Simply powering up the box brings you immediately to the Live Production screen, with transitions, overlays and graphics at the ready for a memorable presentation. Uses include lyrics support with popular software including Easy Worship(tm) or Sunday Plus(tm). Live services can be record while seamlessly adding edited lessons and text. Lecture series can be archived for review, distribution and an ongoing library resource.

Cost . . . .

Tricaster has a list price of $4,995.00 and includes a keyboard and mouse . . . contact DigiTek Systems for their best price.

The optional VM external switcher panel (list price is $995.00) frees up the TriCaster’s keyboard and mouse and provides a tactile panel for controlling the live switching environment. The VM has two banks of eight buttons for cueing up the next video source while displaying the current video source (live video camera, internal video clips, color background generator, images, etc.) plus cueing video titles and clips.

You will need a computer monitor to complete the system. Since the TriCaster operates at 1024 by 768 resolution, a 17-inch LCD monitor will do nicely. If you plan to go on location with the TriCaster or move it from room to room I highly suggest using a lightweight LCD monitor.

Depending on how you use the TriCaster, you will want to add two or three video cameras for live switching, one or two microphones, an NTSC video monitor and/or a video projector or large LCD monitor for viewing the final video output plus audio speakers. Because TriCaster accepts PowerPoint presentations, spread sheets and even live web pages from a computer, a laptop or a small PC is also a good idea. You can also record analog or digital video from a VCR, camcorder or DVD player, a video editing system. . . anything that outputs NTSC video.

Why the name TriCaster?

The name TriCaster is derived from "Tri" for connecting three video cameras and "Caster" for broadcaster.

NewTek is an Emmy-award winning industry-leading developer and manufacturer of live video production, video editing and 3D animation tools.

DigTek Systems is a top-selling NewTek dealer located in Raleigh, NC. In addition to the TriCaster DigiTek Systems also sells the VT[4] and LightWave from NewTek plus many other manufacturers' products.

For more information about the amazing TriCaster please contact Matt Drabick of DigiTek Systems at mdrabick@mindspring.com or 919-790-5488.