Newtek TriCaster Studio is a screeching mouthful

Last August, at Siggraph, we were introduced to NewTek's TriCaster PRO video editing system. The compact system enables users to simply perform live video switching and audio mixing, with real-time output for less than $5,000. The TriCaster PRO has an extremely friendly user-friendly interface and an extremely small learning curve for those who already are familiar with video production. These features have carried over to the new Studio line.

The TriCaster Studio model features three each of Y/C, composite (BNC), and component (BNC) connections for video input although there is only support for the live switching of three cameras. Audio input is handled by two balanced Microphone/Line inputs (XLR or phone), and one stereo line in. A single 4-pin IEEE FireWire as well as a single 6-pin IEEE FireWire connection provides the ability for additional digital content. One of the major features to the TriCaster product line is that as soon as you plug in a camera or audio device, its content appears on-screen and is ready for use in your presentation.

The system can output video to component, composite, Y/C video, as well as audio through stereo line out (phone), two unbalanced RCA outs and a stereo headphone out connections. A popular feature to the TriCaster is the ability to store digital video DV files, as well as being able to stream and store media live using Microsoft Windows media services for on-demand viewing. The TriCaster STUDIO supports playback and rendering of AVI, DV, MPEG-2, DVD, QuickTime, and MP4 file formats. An XGA computer graphics port allows for a projector to be connected for large scale presentations at a resolution of up to 1600 x 1200.

A single iVGA Ethernet network connection is available on the TriCaster STUDIO, which is an exclusive NewTek technology. This connection allows each computer, running a small application, across the local area network to be seen by the TriCaster system. The producer then can choose among any of the computers, importing their content into the presentation in real time. iVGA is capable of bringing in full-screen images, animations and even video playing on networked computers with clarity and smoothness.

Being compact and full of easy to use features, the device is ideal to handle live productions that require mixing from live camera sources, video playback, high-resolution graphics and animations directly to a projector, video or the Internet. NewTek's TriCaster line allows larger studios to combine everything found in a television live truck into a box small and light enough to fit into a backpack. In my briefing by in NewTek's suite, I was joined by high level production executives from at least three major US broadcasting networks that were extremely interested in the TriCaster STUDIO. The product has a variety of uses from education, corporate communications, human resources, corporate training, local access channels or anyone wants to present or stream live events.

The TriCaster PRO line has a manufacture suggested base price of $4995 and the TriCaster Studio system has a base price of $9995. µ