Revision 5c software update for NewTek TriCaster 40
I discovered a very nice improvement to the TriCaster 40 via the recent 5c software update concerning the secondary or standard-definition video output. Previously, you could only output standard-definiton video from that port, either as 480i 16:9 or 4:3 video, with the output either as a component video signal using all three BNC connectors or sending out composite and Y/C outputs at the same time.
With the rev 5c software update, you can now send out 720p or 1080i video output using the secondary video output connectors. You are no longer limited to just outputting standard-definition video. This means you can now output two high-definition component outputs at the same time, or still output one hi-def and one (component) or two (composite and Y/C) standard-def video outputs. It doesn't matter if the session resolution is set to 1080i, 720p or 480i, you can always output either HD or SD video from the second port.
But wait . . . it gets even better! The secondary video output allows you to send out not just the program output (or live switch) but also what's punched up on the preview bus, or any of the four live video inputs (camera 1, 2,3 or 4), the two network feeds, the DDR, or both graphics sources. You can effectively route out any of the external or internal video sources and send the signal out to a monitor or project. This is extremely effective for sending out an isolated signal in a church, sports or studio environment when you want the audience or participates to see something besides just the live switch. This same capability is found on the more expensive TriCaster 455, 855 or 8000 and greatly enhances the capabilities of NewTek's entry-level TriCaster. Way to go, NewTek!
(By Matt Drabick of DigiTek Systems)
Read our overview of the new TriCaster 410, TriCaster 460 and TriCaster 860 . . . .