NewTek Tricaster TCXD850 User manual

Revised –May 04, 2011
TriCaster TCXD850, TriCaster TCXD850 CS, TriCaster TCXD300,TriCaster DUO, TriCaster, TriCaster PRO, TriCaster PRO FX,
TriCaster STUDIO, TriCaster BROADCAST, 3Play, SpeedEDIT, DataLink, LiveText, LiveControl, VT, VT[3], VT[4], VT[5], Video
Toaster, Toaster, Inspire 3D, 3D Arsenal and Aura are trademarks of NEWTEK. LightWave and LightWave 3D are
registered trademarks of NEWTEK. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective
holders.

TRICASTER™ TCXD850

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TriCaster™ TCXD850 .....................................................................................................................3
PART I (Getting Started)................................................................................................................1
1About This Manual................................................................................................................3
2Introduction ..........................................................................................................................5
2.1 Overview........................................................................................................................5
2.2 Startup Screen................................................................................................................5
2.3 Live Desktop...................................................................................................................6
2.4 Features.........................................................................................................................7
2.4.1 Physical ..................................................................................................................7
2.4.2 A/V Input and Output.............................................................................................8
2.4.3 Monitoring .............................................................................................................8
2.4.4 Video Processing ....................................................................................................9
2.4.5 The Switcher ..........................................................................................................9
2.4.6 Video Layers and Transitions ................................................................................10
2.4.7 Record and Stream...............................................................................................11
2.4.8 Audio Mixer..........................................................................................................11
2.4.9 Integrated Media Players .....................................................................................12
2.4.10 Keying, Virtual Sets and Virtual Inputs ..................................................................13
2.4.11 Streaming.............................................................................................................13
2.4.12 Graphics ...............................................................................................................14
2.4.13 Edit.......................................................................................................................14
3Setting Up ...........................................................................................................................15
3.1 Command and Control .................................................................................................15
3.2 Activating & Authorizing Windows™ ............................................................................16
3.3 TriCaster License and Registration................................................................................17
3.3.1 Online Registration...............................................................................................17
3.3.2 Registering by Telephone .....................................................................................18

ii
3.4 Input Connections ........................................................................................................18
3.4.1 Connect A/V Sources............................................................................................18
3.5 Genlock Connection......................................................................................................20
3.5.1 Genlock Connection..............................................................................................20
3.6 Output Connections .....................................................................................................21
3.6.1 A/V Output...........................................................................................................21
3.6.2 HD and SD ............................................................................................................22
3.6.3 Connecting Devices ..............................................................................................23
3.6.4 Supplemental Video Outputs................................................................................24
3.7 Tally Lights ...................................................................................................................25
3.7.1 External Connections............................................................................................25
3.8 Starting a Session.........................................................................................................26
3.9 Configure Video Output................................................................................................29
3.9.1 SD Analog Configuration.......................................................................................29
3.10 Configure Multiview Output .........................................................................................31
3.11 Configure Video Input ..................................................................................................31
3.12 Configure Audio ...........................................................................................................33
3.13 Configure Genlock........................................................................................................35
3.14 Networking ..................................................................................................................36
4Live Production Walkthrough .............................................................................................39
4.1 Creating a Session........................................................................................................39
4.2 Importing Content........................................................................................................40
4.3 Monitoring...................................................................................................................41
4.3.1 Program Output ...................................................................................................41
4.3.2 All Monitors .........................................................................................................42
4.3.3 Switcher Monitors and Scopes .............................................................................43
4.4 Audio Mixer .................................................................................................................44
4.4.1 Mute, Mono and Balance .....................................................................................44
4.4.2 Pan.......................................................................................................................47

iii
4.4.3 Talk ......................................................................................................................48
4.4.4 Follow ..................................................................................................................48
4.5 Network Sources ..........................................................................................................49
4.5.1 iVGA Clients..........................................................................................................49
4.5.2 LiveText™ .............................................................................................................51
4.6 Live Switching ..............................................................................................................51
4.6.1 Switcher Rows......................................................................................................51
4.6.2 Transitions............................................................................................................55
4.7 Record and Grab ..........................................................................................................60
4.7.1 Record..................................................................................................................61
4.7.2 Grab .....................................................................................................................62
4.8 Media Players ..............................................................................................................63
4.8.1 DDR 1 and 2 .........................................................................................................63
4.8.2 Stills .....................................................................................................................68
4.8.3 Titles ....................................................................................................................70
4.9 LiveMatte.....................................................................................................................72
4.10 Virtual Inputs ...............................................................................................................74
4.10.1 Composing Inputs A and B....................................................................................74
4.10.2 Adding an Upstream Overlay................................................................................77
4.10.3 LiveSet™...............................................................................................................79
4.11 Frame Buffers...............................................................................................................82
4.12 Streaming ....................................................................................................................84
4.12.1 Streaming Configuration ......................................................................................84
4.12.2 Simple Pull Streaming...........................................................................................85
4.12.3 Push and Flash Streaming.....................................................................................85
4.12.4 Capturing the Stream ...........................................................................................86
PART II (Reference) .....................................................................................................................87
5The Startup Screen..............................................................................................................89
5.1 Introduction to Sessions ...............................................................................................90
5.2 The Home Page............................................................................................................91

iv
5.2.1 New (Session).......................................................................................................92
5.2.2 Open (Session) .....................................................................................................94
5.2.3 Shutdown.............................................................................................................97
5.2.4 Utilities.................................................................................................................97
5.2.5 Help .....................................................................................................................99
5.2.6 Add-Ons .............................................................................................................100
5.3 The Session Page........................................................................................................101
5.3.1 Live.....................................................................................................................102
5.3.2 Graphics .............................................................................................................104
5.3.3 Edit.....................................................................................................................105
5.3.4 Manage..............................................................................................................106
6Live Desktop: Overview ....................................................................................................113
6.1 Display Requirements.................................................................................................113
6.2 Overview....................................................................................................................114
6.3 A Few Hints ................................................................................................................114
6.4 Customizing the Live Desktop.....................................................................................115
6.4.1 Desktop Options Menu.......................................................................................115
6.4.2 Rename..............................................................................................................116
6.4.3 Dual Displays and Monitoring.............................................................................117
6.5 Titlebar Tips ...............................................................................................................118
6.5.1 Status Bar...........................................................................................................118
6.5.2 Eject ...................................................................................................................118
7I/O Configuration ..............................................................................................................119
7.1 Output Configuration .................................................................................................119
7.1.1 Output Controls .................................................................................................120
7.1.2 Proc Amp............................................................................................................121
7.1.3 SD Analog Connections.......................................................................................123
7.1.4 Aux Output.........................................................................................................124
7.1.5 Multiview Output ...............................................................................................126
7.1.6 Genlock ..............................................................................................................128
7.1.7 Center Frequency...............................................................................................130

v
7.2 Input Configuration....................................................................................................130
7.2.1 Connection Type ................................................................................................131
7.2.2 Act as Alpha .......................................................................................................134
7.2.3 Proc Amp............................................................................................................136
7.2.4 LiveMatte & Crop ...............................................................................................136
8Switcher, Transitions and Overlay ....................................................................................139
8.1 Switcher Rows............................................................................................................139
8.1.1 Utility (and Delegate) .........................................................................................140
8.1.2 Program and Preview .........................................................................................141
8.2 Video Layers...............................................................................................................142
8.3 Transitions .................................................................................................................143
8.3.1 Local Controls.....................................................................................................144
8.3.2 Main Controls.....................................................................................................150
8.3.3 T-Bar ..................................................................................................................152
9Desktop Monitors .............................................................................................................153
9.1 Program Output.........................................................................................................153
9.1.1 Configuration Indicators.....................................................................................154
9.2 Look Ahead Preview ...................................................................................................154
9.3 All Monitors Tab.........................................................................................................155
9.3.1 Contextual Tools.................................................................................................156
9.3.2 Interactive Control .............................................................................................158
9.4 External Monitors Tab................................................................................................159
9.4.1 Contextual Tools.................................................................................................159
9.5 Internal Monitors Tab ................................................................................................159
9.6 Switcher Monitors Tab ...............................................................................................160
9.7 Scopes Tab .................................................................................................................160
10 Media Players (DDRs, Still, Title and Audio)..................................................................163
10.1 Specialized Media Players ..........................................................................................163

vi
10.2 Shared Features .........................................................................................................164
10.2.1 Playlists ..............................................................................................................164
10.2.2 Media Browser...................................................................................................167
10.2.3 Controls..............................................................................................................170
10.2.4 Preset Bin...........................................................................................................172
10.2.5 Speed .................................................................................................................173
10.3 Frame Buffers.............................................................................................................173
10.3.1 Unique Advantages ............................................................................................175
10.3.2 Network Sharing.................................................................................................175
10.4 Editing Title Pages......................................................................................................176
11 LiveMatte & Crop ..........................................................................................................181
11.1 Chromakeying............................................................................................................182
11.2 Matte.........................................................................................................................183
11.2.1 Color ..................................................................................................................183
11.2.2 Tolerance ...........................................................................................................184
11.2.3 Smoothness........................................................................................................184
11.2.4 Luma Limit..........................................................................................................184
11.3 Spill Suppression ........................................................................................................185
11.4 Crop ...........................................................................................................................185
11.5 Compositing...............................................................................................................186
11.6 Fine Tuning ................................................................................................................187
11.7 Practical Staging for LiveMatte ..................................................................................188
11.7.1 Lighting ..............................................................................................................188
11.7.2 Connection Considerations.................................................................................188
12 Virtual Inputs ................................................................................................................191
12.1 Primary Video Sources................................................................................................192
12.2 Position......................................................................................................................193
12.3 Overlay ......................................................................................................................194

vii
12.4 LiveSet .......................................................................................................................195
12.4.1 LiveSet Selection ................................................................................................196
12.4.2 Video Sources.....................................................................................................197
12.4.3 Zoom Presets .....................................................................................................197
12.4.4 Zoom T-Bar.........................................................................................................198
12.4.5 Input Position.....................................................................................................198
12.4.6 Animate Zoom....................................................................................................199
13 Audio.............................................................................................................................201
13.1 External Audio............................................................................................................202
13.1.1 Mute ..................................................................................................................202
13.1.2 Connection Type ................................................................................................203
13.1.3 Microphone Specific Controls.............................................................................203
13.1.4 More Audio Controls ..........................................................................................205
13.2 Internal Audio ............................................................................................................209
13.2.1 Media Players.....................................................................................................210
13.2.2 Output Controls .................................................................................................210
13.3 Preset Bin...................................................................................................................212
14 Network Sources...........................................................................................................213
14.1 iVGA...........................................................................................................................213
14.1.1 iVGA for OS X™...................................................................................................214
14.1.2 iVGA for Windows® ............................................................................................215
14.2 LiveText......................................................................................................................217
15 Streaming......................................................................................................................219
15.1 TriCaster Streaming ...................................................................................................219
15.1.1 Pull Profiles ........................................................................................................220
15.1.2 Push Profiles.......................................................................................................221
15.1.3 Capturing the Stream .........................................................................................222
15.2 Streaming Strategies..................................................................................................222
15.2.1 On Demand, or Live? ..........................................................................................222
15.2.2 Streaming Protocols ...........................................................................................225

viii
15.2.3 Streaming Media Providers ................................................................................227
15.2.4 Other Resources.................................................................................................228
15.3 Production and Capture Considerations .....................................................................228
15.4 Configuration and Troubleshooting............................................................................229
15.4.1 Testing your stream............................................................................................230
16 Record and Grab ...........................................................................................................239
16.1.1 Record................................................................................................................239
16.2 Grab...........................................................................................................................242
17 SpeedEDIT and LiveTEXT ...............................................................................................243
17.1 SpeedEDIT..................................................................................................................243
17.1.1 Sessions, Projects and Display ............................................................................243
17.1.2 Filebin Quicktabs................................................................................................244
17.1.3 IEEE1394 I/O Output ..........................................................................................244
17.1.4 SpeedEDIT Desktop ............................................................................................245
17.2 LiveText......................................................................................................................245
17.2.1 Sessions, Projects and Display ............................................................................245
17.2.2 Files/Filebin........................................................................................................246
17.2.3 Naming Stand-in Images.....................................................................................247
PART III (Appendices)................................................................................................................249
AHow Do I … ? .....................................................................................................................251
A.1 Connections ...............................................................................................................254
A.1.1 Connect cameras?..............................................................................................254
A.1.2 Connect fill + alpha sources? ..............................................................................254
A.1.3 Color correct mismatched cameras? ..................................................................255
A.1.4 Connect monitors?.............................................................................................255
A.1.5 Connect a supported external control surface? ..................................................257
A.1.6 Insert/Remove a Drive From TriCaster’s Removable Drive Bay ...........................258
A.1.7 Connect An External Hard Drive?........................................................................259
A.1.8 Eject A Hard Drive?.............................................................................................259

ix
A.1.9 Connect tally lights? ...........................................................................................259
A.1.10 Connect to a Network?.......................................................................................259
A.1.11 Enable Termination for Video Inputs? ................................................................260
A.2 Sessions .....................................................................................................................260
A.2.1 Start an SD Session? ...........................................................................................260
A.2.2 Start an HD Session?...........................................................................................261
A.2.3 Work on a Stored Session? .................................................................................261
A.2.4 Backup a Session? ..............................................................................................261
A.2.5 Restore a Session?..............................................................................................262
A.2.6 Delete a Session (and its Content)? ....................................................................262
A.2.7 Manage Selected Content inside a Session? .......................................................262
A.2.8 Rename a Session?.............................................................................................262
A.2.9 Duplicate a session? ...........................................................................................263
A.3 Live Production...........................................................................................................263
A.3.1 Make Custom Transitions and LiveSets? .............................................................263
A.3.2 Restore the Default LiveSet? ..............................................................................263
A.3.3 Set up the ‘Nightly Show A’ LiveSet?...................................................................264
A.3.4 Initiate Streaming? .............................................................................................265
A.3.5 Find my Captured Stream file? ...........................................................................266
A.3.6 Record my Program?..........................................................................................266
A.3.7 Find my Recorded Program File? ........................................................................266
A.3.8 Change Playback Speed for Clips in the DDR (Media Player)? .............................267
A.3.9 Deal With DDR (Media Player) Clips That Seem Blurry? ......................................267
A.3.10 Get Stubborn Clips to Play in the DDR?...............................................................267
A.3.11 Change Colors for an Entire Title Playlist at Once?..............................................269
A.3.12 Get Live Title Pages (.cgxml) to Respect All LiveText Font Attributes?.................269
A.3.13 Prepare a Matched Group of Virtual Inputs? ......................................................270
A.3.14 Improve the Quality of Multiview Output? .........................................................270
A.3.15 View Media Player Time Data on Multiview Out when Set to ‘All Sources’? .......271
A.4 Files............................................................................................................................271
A.4.1 Manage Files? ....................................................................................................271
A.4.2 Change the Recording Quality? ..........................................................................271
A.4.3 Import Media Files?............................................................................................272
A.4.4 Prepare Clips with Embedded Alpha Channel? ...................................................272

x
A.4.5 Prepare clips for TriCaster Playback Using Apple® Final Cut Pro?........................273
A.4.6 Add an External File Location to the File Browser? .............................................273
A.4.7 Remove a Location From the File Browser? ........................................................274
A.4.8 Export files to an External Drive?........................................................................274
A.4.9 Export files from TriCaster for use in Apple® Final Cut Pro? ................................274
A.4.10 Import/Export Files Larger Than 4 Gigabytes? ....................................................276
A.4.11 Avoid the Error “…copy this file without its properties?” ....................................276
A.4.12 Free up Space by Deleting the Demo Clips?........................................................277
A.5 Software, Maintenance and Updates .........................................................................277
A.5.1 Improve Performance?.......................................................................................277
A.5.2 Resolve Serious Instability or Dropped frames?..................................................277
A.5.3 Update TriCaster? ..............................................................................................277
A.5.4 Update the Flash™ and/or Windows Media Encoder? ........................................278
A.5.5 Install Virus Protection? .....................................................................................278
A.5.6 Install My Favorite Software (or Codec)? ............................................................279
A.5.7 Restore TriCaster to Original ‘As-Shipped’ Condition? ........................................280
A.6 Registration And Tech Support ...................................................................................280
A.6.1 Register TriCaster? .............................................................................................280
A.6.2 Contact Technical Support?................................................................................281
A.6.3 Find TriCaster’s Hardware/Firmware Revision Numbers? ...................................281
A.7 Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................282
A.7.1 Access Windows™? ............................................................................................282
A.7.2 Return to TriCaster from the Windows™ Desktop ..............................................282
A.7.3 Add A New Streaming Profile to the Stream Configuration Panel?......................282
A.8 More Questions and Answers.....................................................................................284
A.8.1 Can I do anything to improve latency/audio sync? .............................................284
A.8.2 Why is my power supply beeping? .....................................................................285
A.8.3 Why Do Some Thumbnail Icons Look Wrong?.....................................................286
BPerformance Considerations.............................................................................................287
B.1 Testing, One Two …....................................................................................................287
B.2 iVGA and Performance...............................................................................................287
B.3 IMAG and Latency......................................................................................................288

xi
B.3.1 Relativity and the Speed of Light ........................................................................288
B.3.2 Latency and Your Audience ................................................................................289
B.3.3 Latency and Your TriCaster.................................................................................289
B.3.4 Other Sources of Latency....................................................................................290
CVideo Calibration ..............................................................................................................293
C.1 What (And Where) to Calibrate? ................................................................................293
C.2 Calibrating Video Sources...........................................................................................294
C.2.1 Setting Black and White......................................................................................294
C.2.2 Adjusting Color...................................................................................................296
C.2.3 Color Metrics......................................................................................................297
C.3 Calibrating Your Monitors ..........................................................................................299
C.3.1 Computer Monitor .............................................................................................300
C.3.2 Program Output Monitor ...................................................................................300
C.3.3 Setting Black and White......................................................................................300
C.3.4 Color Adjustments..............................................................................................303
DKeystroke Shortcuts ..........................................................................................................305
D.1 Switcher… ..................................................................................................................305
D.2 T-Bar..........................................................................................................................306
D.3 Virtual Inputs .............................................................................................................306
D.4 Record and Grab ........................................................................................................306
D.5 Tabs ...........................................................................................................................307
D.6 DDR 1.........................................................................................................................307
D.7 DDR 2.........................................................................................................................307
D.8 Stills ...........................................................................................................................308
D.9 Titles ..........................................................................................................................308
D.10 Sounds .......................................................................................................................308
D.11 General ......................................................................................................................309
D.11.1 Selection and Navigation....................................................................................309

xii
D.11.2 Misc. ..................................................................................................................309
EReliability Testing..............................................................................................................311
Index.........................................................................................................................................313
Credits.......................................................................................................................................319

Page | 1
PART I (GETTING STARTED)
Introducing TriCaster™ TCXD850 –connections and registration, a top-level overview of primary
features, and a hands-on tour to get you started.

Page | 3
1ABOUT THIS MANUAL
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.
Even if you hate reading, please take a moment to peruse at least this section, which explains the
manual’s organization. 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.