TriCaster 410/460/860
NewTek has introduced their new line of Pro Line TriCasters, the TriCaster 410, 460 and 860. The feature-set from the original TriCaster 8000 has been incorporated into the new 410, 460 and 860 models. The flagship TriCaster 8000 has also been enhanced.
Simply put, the TriCaster 460 is a greatly-improved version of the TriCaster 455 and the TriCaster 860 is a greatly-improved version of the TriCaster 855. The types and numbers of video and audio input/output connectors for the 460 and 860 are the same as their predecessors. The TriCaster 410 and 460 share the same size and rackmount configuration of the TriCaster 455 while the 860 duplicates the footprint of the TriCaster 855.
The TriCaster 410 (at right) offers SDI HD/SD video inputs and out-puts/outputs only. No analog video inputs or outputs are provided. The TriCaster 410 does include analog audio inputs and outputs. The TriCaster 410 doesn't include the Iso-corder or multi-tracking video recording of the 460 and 860 but it does record the program or live-switch, plus stream, plus playbacks video clips and graphics, has two DSKs, etc. just like any other HD TriCaster and then some.
The major difference with the new 400 and 800 series of TriCasters is in their capabilities (see new interface at left). The new TriCasters offer more layers of real-time video to work with. True MEs instead of virtual inputs are included, meaning real-time layered and composited video, sub-mixes in the main video program, and the ability to output video as a secondary program. Each M/E channel includes transitions, overlays and multi-source layering and virtual sets. Essentially an ME is like a switcher within a switcher, allowing you to set-up various transitions and effects with each ME.
New lifelike virtual sets are included . . . even the older virtual sets that come with the new TriCasters look better. The LiveSet Shot Editor allows panning and zooming of virtual cameras with up to 8 preset frame positions. You can even create stunning Holographic (photorealistic and panoramic) virtual sets using a sequence of still-images captured by a smartphone or DSLR camera (like the image to the right).
With the expanded media publishing you can instantly and simultaneously publish and stream multi-channel content to multiple destinations including YouTube and other sites, dedicated FTP servers, second and third-screen platforms plus Facebook, Twitter and other social-media sites.
Up to 15 Animation, Title and Still-Image Buffers (virtual DDRs) been added to the new TriCasters, allowing for more still images, graphics, video and animated content, 4:4:4:4 motion-interpolated video, with automatic triggering for (nearly) infinite playback. Each buffer provides color correction, keying, 3D positioning, cropping and transitions on all buffers, along with live title-creation and editing.
Expanded outputs and monitoring include sending out M/Es and buffers as secondary outputs, new multi-view configuration tools, and enhanced network outputs including other TriCasters and third-party applications and devices.
A huge new feature is robotic camera control with Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) video cameras. Support for standard serial and network protocols are included. More on this as information becomes available.
The audio mixer (see image at right) has been expanded, allowing for four fully-independent stereo output mixes (two Master and two Auxiliary outputs). EQ and Compressor/Limiter tools are available. Audio delay is available for all sources. The audio-follow-video feature has been greatly revised. And you can now solo stereo output mixes.
Other new features include MIDI support, allowing tablets and other devices to control the TriCaster. Macros for combining multiple tasks and executing them with the touch of a button. And Hotspor Triggers, allowing talent to activate titles and graphics on-set by simply moving their hands.
Perhaps the best news is the price! $9,995.00 for the TriCaster 410, $14,995.00 for the TriCaster 460 and $24,995.00 for the TriCaster 860 (all prices are ala carte, meaning without control panel). The TriCaster 8000 pricing remains the same at $39,995.00 with the control panel. All of the new TriCaster models and software upgrades are shipping/available for download as of Sept. 12th, 2013.
For TriCaster 455 and 855 customers . . . if you purchased either TriCaster within the past 30 days you will receive a free software upgrade to the 460/860 level. Otherwise, you can purchase the software upgrade for either TriCaster model until Oct. 25th, 2013 for only $1,995.00. After that to the end-of-the-year the software upgrade to the 460 and 860 level costs $2,995.00.
If you have a TriCaster 450 or 450 Extreme, or a TriCaster 850 or 850 Extreme, you aren't eligible to do the software upgrade due to hardware reasons (the older systems aren't fast enough to run the new software). You can trade-in your older 450 or 850 series TriCasters for a new 60 series TriCaster . . . feel free to contact us at mdrabick@mindspring.com or call 919-790-5488 for pricing.
Owners of other, older TriCasters models from the original TriCaster 100 through the TriCaster 300, can trade-in their older units for a new TriCaster 460 or 860 . . . again, contact us at mdrabick@mindspring.com or call 919-790-5488 for pricing.
Good news about control panels . . . apparently all of NewTek's current line-up of control panels (LC-11, TC40 CS, TC455 CS and TC855 CS) will work with all of the new TriCasters). You might not want to use a TC40 CS with the new TriCaster 860 but you can. Prices for the panels remain the same.
Questions? Need a quote? Ready to buy? Contact Matt Drabick of DigiTek Systems at mdrabick@mindspring.com or call 919 790 5488.