Review: NewTek TriCaster
Final Thoughts
There are a number of unique touches that distinguish the TriCaster from other applications. First of all, it doesn’t feel like an application—it feels more like a complete solution. For instance, when you browse through your clips bin, you can display the bin as thumbnails with titles, just thumbnails, just titles, or titles with all the details. Those of us who are used to working in the video world will most likely be most comfortable with the thumbnails; IT professionals who get roped into producing a quick broadcast can switch into details mode and get a more Mac/Windows-like presentation.
On the other hand, there is not a single Windows or Mac icon to be seen. Instead there are simple, well-placed buttons that do what you think they should. Want to add clips to your VCR bin? Click the Add button next to it. Cleanup? Click Remove. It’s that simple. I don’t think the TriCaster would present a steep learning curve to anyone who has a decent video production or rich media background. Given the Byzantine interfaces some current applications present, this is a refreshing change.
The design obviously benefits from NewTek’s experience in the field, with great attention paid to detail. Things work the way they should. For instance, if you line up a clip or list of clips in your VCR, when they’re done playing, the picture automatically switches to the next source in your list; no need to get the cut just right. Anywhere an effect can be applied, it can be bypassed quickly to make sure you’re not adding too much.
As much as I like the TriCaster, I do have a few niggles, minor though they may be. First, give me balanced XLR inputs for the microphones. Also, if the audio inputs on the bottom of the front panel are inoperative, remove them or cover them up. An adjustment for the talkover dip would be nice. While you’re at it, add an adjustment for the overlays so I can fine tune.
The only cardinal sin I found was the Windows Media templates, which used a resolution of 360x240. This is not a 4:3 aspect ratio, and results in skewed video when viewed on VGA (or LCD) screens. (Note to NewTek: I’m sending my unit back with a 320x240 template! Use it!)
I also need to mention that during my testing of the iVGA application, I never successfully got it running across a network, though I did get it working via the supplied crossover cable. I think scan conversion across a network is a dynamite feature, but the iVGA application needs a little more work, mostly because even with the (very helpful) NewTek support crew on the phone, we were unable to troubleshoot. Also, it does not install itself into the Windows program tree, and doesn’t install a shortcut or a menu entry.
In the grand scheme of things, I really have nothing but good things to say about the TriCaster. It’s a neat little box with a ton of functionality. The price is staggering, given that the only box that comes close, the Anycaster from Sony, is priced at $20K. If you’re looking for a compact system to produce live broadcasts, you should definitely consider the TriCaster.