NewTek TriCaster TC Mini TCMI4KUHD User manual

Revised –Oct. 28, 2019
Trademarks: NewTek, NewTek VMC, NewTek VMC1, NewTek VMC1 IN, NewTek VMC1 OUT, NewTek NC1, NewTek NC1 IN, NewTek NC1
I/O, NewTek NC1I/O IP, TriCaster, TriCaster TC1, TriCaster Advanced Edition, TriCaster XD, TriCaster8000, TriCasterTCXD8000, TCXD8000,
TriCaster 860, TriCaster TCXD860, TCXD860, TriCaster 460, TriCaster TCXD460, TCXD460, TriCaster 410, TriCaster TCXD410, TCXD410,
TriCaster Mini SDI, TriCaster Mini, TriCasterTC Mini, TriCaster 40,TriCaster TCXD40, TCXD40, TriCaster 855, TriCaster TCXD855, TCXD855,
TriCaster 455, TriCaster TCXD455, TCXD455, TriCaster EXTREME, TriCaster 850 EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD850 EXTREME, TCXD850
EXTREME, TriCaster 450 EXTREME, 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, MediaDS, MDS1, 3PLAY, 3Play, 3Play 3P1, 3Play 4800, 3PXD4800, 3Play 440, 3PXD440, 3Play Mini, 3Play
820, 3PXD820, 3Play 425, 3PXD425 3Play 330, 3PXD330, TalkShow, TalkShow VS 4000, TalkShow VS100, Network Device Interface, NDI,
NewTek Connect, NewTek Spark, NewTek Connect Spark, NewTek Connect Spark Plus, NewTek Spark Pro, NewTek IsoCorder, ProTek,
ProTek Care, ProTek Elite, iVGA,SpeedEDIT, IsoCorder, LiveText, LiveGraphics Creator, LiveGraphics, Live Story Creator, DataLink, LiveSet,
LiveGraphics, TriCaster Virtual Set Editor, Virtual Set Editor Advanced Edition, TriCaster VSE, TriCaster VSE Advanced Edition, 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
SECTION 1 QUICKSTART.............................................................................................................................. 4
SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION AND SETUP ..................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Making Connections ..............................................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Configuring TriCaster .............................................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Web Configuration.................................................................................................................................................................9
2.4.1 Device Details ...............................................................................................................................................................10
2.4.2 Device and Channel Name ...........................................................................................................................................10
2.4.3 Audio ............................................................................................................................................................................11
2.4.4 Version and Update......................................................................................................................................................11
2.4.5 Utilities .........................................................................................................................................................................11
2.5 Network Settings .................................................................................................................................................................12
2.5.1 NDI Connection ............................................................................................................................................................12
2.5.2 Ethernet........................................................................................................................................................................13
2.5.3 Local-Link (Failsafe) ......................................................................................................................................................13
2.6 Tally......................................................................................................................................................................................14
CREDITS AND TRADEMARKS ..................................................................................................................... 15
Trademarks................................................................................................................................................................................15

Section 1 QUICKSTART
This section explains how to connect and configure your NewTek TCMI4KUHD device. It
also explains how to update, and where you can find additional NDI®software to extend
your workflow. After completing this section, you’ll be ready to begin using your device.
This document briefly describes how to prepare your new NewTek™ TCMI4KUHD device for use. Please note
that more detailed information is provided in the next chapter.
Step 1 –Connecting Your TCMI4KUHD Input Adapter
FIGURE 1
1. Using a CAT-5 (or better) Ethernet cable, connect the TCMI4KUHD device to one of the four PoE
(Power over Ethernet) RJ-49 connectors labeled NDI1-4 on the rear of your TriCaster TC Mini.
Step 2 –Access the Device Webpage
2. Open the Input Configuration panel for the TriCaster Switcher input you intend to connect this
device to. To do so, right-click on either a Switcher button or the input’s monitor viewport and
select Configure in the context menu.
FIGURE 2
3. Click the Source menu at upper-left in the input tab to view available sources.

Hint: Connected TCMI4KUHD devices appear the menu as TCMI4KUHD –(unit serial number) > Channel 1.
4. Select TCMI4KUHD –(serial number) > Channel 1 as the source for the Switcher input.
5. Then click the Device Webpage button that appears at right upon connection to open TCMI4KUHD’s
configuration webpage in a web browser.
FIGURE 3
6. Log in to the webpage (Figure 3) using the default user name “admin” and password (also “admin”).
At this point, the TCMI4KUHD configuration webpage will be displayed (Figure 4).
FIGURE 4

Step 3 –(Optional) Update Your Firmware
We encourage you to keep the firmware on your device up to date. Updates may contain bug-fixes, provide
improved performance, or even enable new features.
FIGURE 5
The update process is not complicated –simply follow the steps listed below:
7. Download and unzip the most recent firmware update archive to extract the ‘.bin’ file.
8. Click the Device Settings tab at the top of TCMI4KUHD’s webpage and compare the Firmware
Version shown to the number in the filename of the firmware version you downloaded. If the
download has a higher revision number, continue below to perform the update.
9. Click the Update Firmware button and click Choose File to show a file explorer.
10. Use the file explorer to locate the firmware .bin file, and follow the prompts to perform the update.
The device will reboot during this process, which can take up a few moments. Please be careful not to
interrupt power to the device during the update process.
11. Following a firmware update, we recommend performing a Restore operation. A recessed Reset
button is located at left on the device’s rear connector panel, or you can use the Restore function
from the web page.
Hint: On some web browsers, you may occasionally need to clear the browser’s cache (history) to see the
result of a firmware update or Factory Reset. Also, please note that it can take a minute or two before the
NDI channel name shown in TriCaster refreshes.
The IP address of the device can change as a result of a Restore operation. You may need to use
TriCaster to locate the device on the network and log in again afterward. Also, if you have
previously set a manually configured IP address for the unit, you will need to reconfigure the IP
settings again following a Restore operation.
Hint: Should you set a custom password and then forget it, you can reset the device to factory defaults
using the Factory Reset process.
Conclusion
This completes the initial setup of your NewTek™ TCMI4KUHD. You should see its output displayed on
Studio Monitor. The sections that follow provide more in-depth coverage of features and options.

Section 2 INTRODUCTION AND SETUP
This section, like the preceding one, explains how to connect and configure your NewTek
TCMI4KUHD input device. The discussion in the chapter, however, is more leisurely and
detailed, and you may find it helps answer any questions that have arisen thus far.
2.1 OVERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing this NewTek™ product. NewTek is extremely proud of its record of innovation,
and its commitment to excellence in design, manufacture, and superb product support.
NewTek provides some of the most advanced live production tools available anywhere, and we are confident
you will find them exceptionally powerful and versatile. Your NewTek input module delivers a huge amount
of functionality in a compact package. Prosumers and video professionals alike will appreciate the
convenience and flexibility it provides in connection with both video production and capture.
Unlike typical encoders and capture card systems, your NewTek TCMI4KUHD leverages NewTek’s NDI-based
IP workflow, supported by leading video software and hardware developers around the globe. This manual
will assist you to install and configure your new device.
2.2 MAKING CONNECTIONS
FIGURE 6

1. Supply power and network connectivity between the TCMI4KUHD device and your TriCaster TC Mini
by connecting an Ethernet (Cat 5 or better) cable from the input module’s Ethernet port and one of
the special RJ-45 ports marked NDI 1-4 on TriCaster TC Mini’s rear.
Hint: The input module boots as soon as this connection is made if TriCaster is powered up.
At this point, the NewTek logo will illuminate. (If this does not happen, check your connections and
retry.)
2. Optional steps:
a. Connect an HDMI video cable from a suitable video source to the device’s HDMI connector.
b. If you wish, connect an analog audio source to the 6.35mm stereo audio input.
If you connected a video source in step 2 above, the TCMI4KUHD module is ready to send NDI audio and
video to TriCaster. To access and use it, we need to open TriCaster’s Live Desktop.
Hint: In ‘mission’ critical installations, it is wise to use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Likewise,
consider A/C “power conditioning”, especially in situations where local power is unreliable or ‘noisy’. Surge
protection is especially important in some locales. Power conditioners can reduce wear on power supplies and
other electronics, and provide a further measure of protection from surges, spikes, lightning and high voltage.
2.3 CONFIGURING TRICASTER
TCMI4KUHD is very easy to use. In many installations all you need to do is supply power, connect a video
source to the input module, connect the module to your TriCaster, and assign it to a Switcher input. Let’s take
that last step before discussing other features.
3. Open the Input Configuration panel for the TriCaster Switcher input you intend to connect this device
to. To do so, right-click on either a Switcher button or the input’s monitor viewport and select
Configure in the context menu.
FIGURE 7
4. Click the Source menu at upper-left in the input tab to view available sources.
Hint: Connected TCMI4KUHD devices appear the menu as TCMI4KUHD –(unit serial number) > Channel 1.

2.4 WEB CONFIGURATION
Sometimes, though, you will want to access your input module’s local settings, perhaps to configure login
credentials, update firmware, etc. These features are made available by means of the device’s local
configuration webpage, which you can access directly from TriCaster.
Note: You may occasionally find it necessary to delete cached files (sometimes referred to as the browser’s
“history”) before the display refreshes to properly show some recent change. This can happen, for example,
after a firmware update.
When you assign TCMI4KUHD as the source for a TriCaster Switcher input as described earlier, a convenient
Device Webpage button is shown in TriCaster’s Input Configuration panel (Figure 8).
FIGURE 8
Simply click this to open the corresponding web control page.
5. Having selected TCMI4KUHD –(serial number) > Channel 1 as the source for the Switcher input, click
the Device Webpage button that appears at right to open TCMI4KUHD’s configuration webpage in a
web browser.
FIGURE 9
6. Log in to the webpage (Figure 9) using the default user name “admin” and password (also “admin”).

FIGURE 10
At this point, the TCMI4KUHD configuration webpage will be displayed (Figure 10).
2.4.1 DEVICE DETAILS
FIGURE 11
The uppermost section of the Device Setting tab on the web page shows Audio/Video format details, the
current bitrate and the unit’s serial number. These values are automatically detected, and are not editable.
2.4.2 DEVICE AND CHANNEL NAME
FIGURE 12
Just beneath, under the heading Basic Settings, you will find Device Name and NDI Channel Name boxes. The
entries here determine how your device is identified by TriCaster.

These names are editable, allowing you a convenient way to identify the output of specific units to
downstream NDI-enabled devices and systems.
Hint: The default name includes the unit serial number, which is also provided on a sticker on the chassis to
help you identify a specific device.
2.4.3 AUDIO
FIGURE 13
Just below, you will see the Audio Source menu (Figure 13). It offers two options, labeled Line In and HDMI.
These determine whether device supplies TriCaster with the embedded audio source (digital audio included
with an HDMI video source) or analog audio supplied to its 1/8” line level stereo input connector. The nearby
volume control governs the audio output level. The device’s nominal audio level is +4dBu.
2.4.4 VERSION AND UPDATE
FIGURE 14
The control group below Audio settings lists Hardware, Firmware, and NDI Version details, which can be
helpful if you need support or wish to confirm you have the latest firmware update installed.
Hint: The firmware update process is detailed in Section 1, Quickstart.
2.4.5 UTILITIES
FIGURE 15
Completing our discussion of the Basic Settings control group, we find Reset, Reboot and Restore buttons at
the bottom of this pane.
•Reconnect –breaks and re-establishes the connection between the source and TriCaster.
•Reboot –restarts the device (a ‘warm’reboot)
•Reset Factory Settings –has the same effect as pressing the recessed Reset pin near the RJ-45 NDI
connector on the back of the device for a few seconds. This resets all settings to their as-shipped
default states. (On selection, the tally LEDs on the front of the unit progressively cycle to off, then on
again a short while later after defaults have been restored and the unit has rebooted.)

2.5 NETWORK SETTINGS
FIGURE 16
Just beneath the Reset, Reboot and Restore controls in the Device Settings tab is a control group labeled
Network Settings, which is host to NDI Connection, Ethernet, and Local –Link settings.
2.5.1 NDI CONNECTION
FIGURE 17
CONNECTION:DEFAULT OR MULTICAST
Although it serves no useful purpose when connecting directly to one of TriCaster TC Mini’s dedicated NDI
inputs, this option may be helpful in some more sophisticated environments. Select Multicast to transmit
video using multicast, rather than the default unicast method. A suitable multicast address is generated, but
you can edit the result manually if you need to. To update the address to another random value, click
Generate.
Please take time to consider the following information before enabling this feature.
MULTICAST OR UNICAST?
Multicast can seem like a bandwidth-saving miracle. Unlike NDI’s default mode (unicast), multicast does not
require a unique stream from the source to each receiver. When using unicast, each connection to the sender
reduces the bandwidth available by a similar amount.
By contrast, multicast connections do not add significantly to the bandwidth required as connections
multiply. You could be forgiven for wondering why anyone would ever turn this option off - yet, it is off by
default. Why?
This is because multicast requires more careful network configuration. While you might not notice any issues
in a simple network setting; a poorly configured environment can have serious impact on more complex
networks.
•Specifically, it is essential that IGMP snooping be enabled for each switch on the network. This lets
the device listen to traffic between other hosts, switches and routers, and identify receiving ports
using various IP multicast streams.

•In addition, we strongly recommend that all network switches be of the ‘managed’ type (see the
sidebar “Managed vs. Un-managed”).
2.5.2 ETHERNET
FIGURE 18
Controls in this section will be quite familiar to anyone who has connected a computer or mobile device to a
network and require little explanation.
Typically, networks are configured to automatically supply IP addresses to devices you connect to it by
means of a DHCP server. Your device’s IP Address resolution method is set to Dynamic by default, to take
advantage of this scheme. To assign a static IP address to your unit, change the IP Address setting to Manual.
2.5.3 LOCAL-LINK (FAILSAFE)
If the default IP Address setting (Dynamic) should ever fail to provide a usable IP address within a minute or
two –as when an active DHCP server is not found on the network –you can locate your device on the network
using its failsafe Local-Link feature.
In this scenario, temporarily set the corresponding TriCaster’s network connection (or that of another
computer if not directly connected to TriCaster) to a static IP address such as 192.168.100.1, with a netmask
of 255.255.0.0) and connect the device. Then run TriCaster (or NDI Studio Monitor, from the free NDI Tools
suite) as described earlier to locate the unit. This will allow you to use the Device Webpage to set a static IP
ore re-enable the Dynamic option, following which you can restore the downstream network to its usual
configuration.

2.6 TALLY
FIGURE 19
Your TCMI4KUHD unit provides ‘tally’ notification from TriCaster. Specifically, a row of LEDs will light up in
red or green to tell you when video output from the device is visible on the Program output or Preview row
of a video switcher respectively, as illustrated above.

CREDITS AND TRADEMARKS
CREDITS
Engineering: Andrew Cross, Alvaro Suarez, Brian Brice, Cary Tetrick, Charles Steinkuehler, Dan Fletcher, James Killian,
Jarrod Davis, Jeremy Wiseman, John Perkins, Karen Zipper, Kevin Rouviere, Kirk Morger, Mahdi Mohajer, Matt Gorner,
Menghua Wang, Michael Joiner, Michael Watkins, Mike Murphy, Nancy Sanchez, Nathan Kovner, Naveen Jayakumar, Ryan
Cooper, Ryan Hansberger, Shawn Wisniewski, Steve Bowie, Troy Stevenson
TRADEMARKS
NewTek, NewTek VMC, NewTek VMC1, NewTek VMC1 IN, NewTek VMC1 OUT, NewTek NC1, NewTek NC1 IN, NewTek NC1 I/O, NewTek
NC1 I/O IP, TriCaster, TriCaster TC1, TriCaster Advanced Edition, TriCaster XD, TriCaster 8000, TriCaster TCXD8000, TCXD8000, TriCaster
860, TriCaster TCXD860, TCXD860, TriCaster 460, TriCaster TCXD460, TCXD460, TriCaster 410, TriCaster TCXD410, TCXD410, TriCaster
Mini SDI, TriCaster Mini, TriCasterTC Mini, TriCaster 40, TriCaster TCXD40, TCXD40, TriCaster 855, TriCaster TCXD855, TCXD855, TriCaster
455, TriCaster TCXD455, TCXD455, TriCaster EXTREME, TriCaster 850 EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD850 EXTREME, TCXD850 EXTREME,
TriCaster 450 EXTREME, 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, MediaDS, MDS1, 3PLAY, 3Play, 3Play 3P1, 3Play 4800, 3PXD4800, 3Play 440, 3PXD440, 3Play Mini, 3Play 820, 3PXD820,
3Play 425, 3PXD425 3Play 330, 3PXD330, TalkShow, TalkShow VS 4000, TalkShow VS100, Network Device Interface, NDI, NewTek Connect,
NewTek Spark, NewTek Connect Spark, NewTek Connect Spark Plus, NewTek Spark Pro, NewTek IsoCorder, ProTek, ProTek Care, ProTek
Elite, iVGA, SpeedEDIT, IsoCorder, LiveText, LiveGraphics Creator, LiveGraphics, Live Story Creator, DataLink, LiveSet, LiveGraphics,
TriCaster Virtual Set Editor, Virtual Set Editor Advanced Edition, TriCaster VSE, TriCaster VSE Advanced Edition, 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.