< Previous | Contents | Next >
How do I ... (?)
CONNECTIONS 428
Connect cameras? 428
Connect fill + alpha sources 428
Color correct mismatched cameras? 429
Connect monitors? 430
Supplement: Why don’t I see the Multiview monitor resolution I want listed in the Multiview Resolution menu?
Supplement: After reconnecting monitors, my Multiview and Interface monitor configuration is messed up. What can I do?
Connect a supported external control surface 432
Supplement: TriCaster The control surface has suddenly stopped working. What can I do?
Mirror control operations to another TriCaster? 432
Insert/Remove a Drive From TriCaster’s Removable Drive Bay 433
Supplement: What hard drives are recommended for TriCaster?
Connect an external hard drive? 434
Eject a hard drive? 434
Connect tally lights? 434
Connect to a network/the Internet? 435
Locate a specific TriCaster on my network? 435
Resolve iVGA PRO Quirks? 435
Connect to an AirPlay® source? 436
Supplement: Why doesn’t my AirPlay® device list TriCaster as a target?
Supplement: Why do some clips not play properly across an AirPlay connection?
Enable termination for video inputs? 439
Configure Wirecast® to receive TriCaster’s Network output? 439
SESSIONS 440
Supplement: What is a ‘session? 440
Start an SD session? 441
Start an HD session? 441
Supplement: What is the best session format for streaming? 441
Work on a stored session? 442
Backup a session? 442
Restore a session? 442
Delete a session (and its content)? 443
Manage selected content inside a session? 443
Rename a session? 443
Duplicate a session? 443
LIVE PRODUCTION 444
Make custom transitions and LiveSets? 444
Restore the default LiveSet? 444
Set up the ‘Nightly Show A’ LiveSet? 444
Set up the ‘Night Beat 3D’ LiveSet? 446
Set up the ‘Metropolis A’ LiveSet? 447
Initiate streaming? 449
Find my captured stream file? 449
Record my program? 450
Find my recorded program file? 450
Change playback speed for clips in the DDR (Media Player)? 450
Deal with clips that seem blurry when examined in the DDR (Media Player)? 451
Get stubborn clips to play in the DDR? 451
Quicktime® AVI
Flash® (F4V)
Change the colors for an entire title playlist at once? 453
Get live title pages (.cgxml) to respect all LiveTEXT font attributes? 454
Prepare a matched group of M/Es? 454
Improve the quality of Multiview output? 455
FILES 455
Manage files? 455
Import media files? 455
Avoid Delays When Session Media is Offline? 456
Share Files On YouTube®? 456
Prepare Clips with Embedded Alpha Channel? 457
Add an external File Location to the File Browser? 457
Remove a Location From the File Browser? 458
Export Files to an external drive? 458
Import/Export files larger than 4 Gigabytes? 458
Free up space by deleting the demo clips? 459
SOFTWARE, MAINTENANCE AND UPDATES 459
Resolve serious instability or dropped frames? 460
Update my TriCaster? 460
Supplement: Can I backup my TriCaster configuration files before a software update?
Update the Flash® and/or Windows Media Encoder? 460
Install virus protection? 461
Install my favorite software (or codec)? 461
Supplement: Can I install the MainConcept AAC Encoder for Flash®?
Create a ‘User Backup’ drive? 462
Restore TriCaster software? 462
REGISTRATION AND TECH SUPPORT 465
Register TriCaster? 465
Access Technical Support? 465
Find TriCaster’s hardware/firmware revision numbers? 466
MISCELLANEOUS 466
Access System Administration Features 466
Return to TriCaster from Administrator Mode 466
Add A Custom Streaming Profile to the Configure Stream Connection Panel 466
Supplement: Does TriCaster support multi-bitrate streaming profiles
Supplement: Is it better to use a Baseline or Main profile for H.264 encoding ?
MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 470
Can I do anything to improve latency/audio sync? 470
Supplement: Why does latency seem higher for certain video formats (i.e. 24p)?
Why is my power supply beeping? 470
Supplement: Where can I obtain replacement or spare Power Supply modules?
Why do some thumbnail icons look wrong? 471
(Because of the ‘busy’ nature of the backplate, you may find the BNC removal tool provided with TriCaster helpful for this purpose).
2. Open a TriCaster session (or create a new one) from the Home Page of the
Startup Screen.
3. Click the Live icon on the Session Page of the Startup Screen, and press Enter
(or click the Start Live Production link).
4. Roll the mouse pointer over the monitor for the camera you want to set up, and click the Configure (gear) button that appears in its titlebar.
5. Choose an appropriate Connection Type for your camera in the Input Settings
tab (see Section 8.2.1).
A.1.2 CONNECT FILL + ALPHA SOURCES?
1. Connect the Fill (color) source to an odd-numbered video input.
2. Connect the Alpha channel source to the adjacent (higher) even-numbered video input.
3. Open a TriCaster session (or create a new one) from the Home Page of the
Startup Screen.
4. Click the Live icon on the Session Page of the Startup Screen, and press Enter
(or click the Start Live Production link).
5. Roll the mouse pointer over the monitor for the camera you want to set up, and click the Configure (gear) button that appears in its titlebar.
6. Choose the appropriate Connection Type for the source attached to the odd- numbered input in the Input Settings tab (see Section 8.2.1).
7. Choose Act as Alpha Channel for Input (#) as the Connection Type for the even-numbered source in the Input Settings tab. (See Section 8.2.2).
A.1.3 CONFIGURE ALPHA MATTE OUTPUT?
1. Open the Output Configuration panel, by double-clicking the main Program
monitor.
2. Click the Output tab in the Output Configuration panel which opens
3. Checkmark the Alpha Matte switch at the bottom of the Video source menu for Output 2.
4. Select a suitable source, again using the Source menu.
A.1.4 COLOR CORRECT MISMATCHED CAMERAS?
TriCaster permits the use of sources that do not match the current session format. You might connect an SD camera during an HD session, for example. The official broadcast standard for SD video is Rec. 601, but HD video conforms to Rec. 709. TriCaster’s output color space is governed by the session format.
When the natural color space for a connected source does not match TriCaster’s current output specification (in this example, Rec. 709), TriCaster automatically attempts to compensate – but as always, it’s good to refer to the scopes for critical accuracy.
As required, TriCaster’s Waveform and Vectorscope displays can be used to monitor corrections made using the Proc Amp tools. (Scope calibration automatically conforms to the broadcast color specification for the current session – HD or SD, and is appropriately labeled as a convenient reminder.)
COMPUTER MONITOR
With the power off, connect an external computer monitor to the Interface port on TriCaster’s backplate, using an adapter if necessary.
MULTIVIEW MONITOR (OR PROJECTOR)
TriCaster supports a Multiview output feature by means of the output connector labeled Multiview.
1. Connect the external device to the Multiview output on TriCaster’s backplate using an appropriate cable (and/or adapter, if required).
2. Open a TriCaster session (or create a new one) from the Home Page of the Startup Screen, click the Live icon on the Session Page of the Startup Screen, and press Enter (or click the Start Live Production link).
3. Click Workspace in the Dashboard at the top of the Live Desktop, and click the
Configure (gear) button that appears above it.
4. Select a suitable Multiview Resolution from the bottom of the menu shown to match the native resolution of the external monitor you wish to use.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS:
Q1: Why don’t I see the Multiview monitor resolution I want listed in the Multiview Resolution menu?
A: Normally the Multiview Resolution menu list is updated using DDC (Display Data Channel) information the monitor itself provides. In some cases this information may not be not available (e.g., a monitor switch or adapter might prevent the available display mode information from being supplied to the operating system).
If you are sure your monitor supports an unlisted mode, you can attempt to add it to the menu manually by editing an (XML format) configuration file supplied for this purpose. The file is named multiview_resolutions.xml, and is located in the folder at C:\TriCaster\Configuration. Comments in the file provide details of its use.
(Note that if your display hardware declines to work with additions you make to the menu, the Live Desktop status message display may show an ‘unsupported display mode’ warning, and the monitor may either revert to the previous mode or simply not show anything at all.)
NOTE: Changing Output Resolution can cause frames to be dropped briefly. We do not recommend changing this setting during live production.
Q2: After reconnecting monitors, my Multiview and Interface monitor configuration is messed up. What can I do?
A: If you disconnect (or power down) and reconnect monitors while on TriCaster’s Live Desktop, the operating system can have difficulty with monitor recognition and configuration. To avoid problems, naturally it’s best to leave display devices alone while live.
In the case of an accidental disconnection, avoid reconnecting both monitors at the same time. Rather, allow the display on the first monitor connected to stabilize before connecting the second.
VIDEO MONITORS/DEVICES
Downstream video monitoring devices must be compatible with the video broadcast standard (such as NTSC or PAL) you intend to use in the TriCaster session.
2. Open a TriCaster session (or create a new one) from the Home Page of the
Startup Screen.
3. Click the Live icon on the Session Page of the Startup Screen, and press Enter
(or click the Start Live Production link).
4. For SD display devices, you may need to adjust the connection options found in Output Configuration:
a. Move the mouse over the Program monitor, and double-click to open
Output Configuration.
b. Click the Output tab, and select either Composite + Y/C or Component for Inputs 1-3 according to the connection type used by devices connected to each output. (Please see Section 3.8 for more.)
A.1.6 CONNECT A SUPPORTED EXTERNAL CONTROL SURFACE? Connect the USB cable from the Control Surface to one of TriCaster’s USB ports.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION:
Q: The control surface has suddenly stopped working. What can I do?
A: The foremost reason this might happen is if the cable (or extender cable) you are using between the control surface and the TriCaster failed to deliver sufficient current consistently. In the short term (if you are in the middle of a show), you can generally resolve this issue by simply unplugging and re-plugging the control surface.
However, please note that the use of so-called "USB extenders" is not recommended. Whenever possible, use a single USB cable of the correct length. Each added connector on the signal path is a potential connection problem, and also causes signal ‘reflections’. Such an arrangement may seem to work for a while, then fail unpredictably.
If you are using a very long USB cable (or a poor quality cable), you should supply a powered hub at the end of the cable nearest the control surface, then complete the connection with a short USB cable from the hub to the control surface. (An unpowered hub will be of no help.)
A.1.7 MIRROR CONTROL OPERATIONS TO ANOTHER TRICASTER?
1. Connect the second TriCaster to the same network.
2. Refer to Section 17.7.1 for details of preparing the two TriCasters and enabling Remote Control.
A.1.8 INSERT/REMOVE A DRIVE FROM TRICASTER’S REMOVABLE DRIVE BAY
4. Open TriCaster’s front panel.
5. Open the removable drive bay door.
FIGURE 393
6. Pull the hard drive currently in the drive bay (if applicable) to remove it.
7. Insert the new hard drive (‘connector end’ first)
8. Close the drive bay door.
9. Close TriCaster’s front panel.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION:
Q: What hard drives are recommended for TriCaster’s removable drive bay(s)?
A NewTek supplied storage media has been carefully tested to meet exacting specifications, and can be expected to provide optimal performance and reliability. Of course, you are free to purchase storage media from other sources. Keep in mind that manufacturer specifications and reviews may highlight favorable statistics, focusing on results from ‘typical’ (i.e., less demanding) operating environments.
(Naturally, NewTek cannot guarantee that hard drives obtained from such sources will provide performance adequate to TriCaster’s requirements.)
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when obtaining hard drives from other sources:
All else being equal, larger drives are normally faster – try to use 1TB drives or above.
Use SATA 3.0GB/s drives with rotational speed of 7200 R.P.M. (or better).
Drives should have a larger onboard cache (32Mb or better is recommended).
A.1.9 CONNECT AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE?
Connect a suitable USB cable from the external hard drive to one of TriCaster’s USB ports. Note that the hard drive should probably be formatted using the NTSF file system (the FAT file system chokes on exported files exceeding 4 Gigabytes, as will often be the case).
10. Launch TriCaster, and click the Open icon on the Home Page of the Startup Screen.
11. Click the Eject gadget at upper right on the screen, and select the hard drive you wish to safely disconnect, or…
12. Open the Live Desktop’s TriCaster Options menu by clicking the label NewTek TriCaster at left in the Dashboard, select Eject and select the desired drive (see Section 7.1).
External tally light devices and their connections vary widely. Please refer to Section 3.9 for details on TriCaster’s tally light jack implementation.
A.1.12 CONNECT TO A NETWORK? Please refer to Section 3.16 and Chapter 16 Network .
A.1.13 LOCATE A SPECIFIC TRICASTER ON MY NETWORK?
Please refer to Section 3.2 for details on giving your TriCasters unique network names.
A.1.14 RESOLVE IVGA PRO QUIRKS ADDITIONAL NOTES
Some antivirus software can interfere with certain iVGA PRO features. In such cases, try disabling your protection briefly. If the problem goes away, consider using a different anti-malware product.
If iVGA PRO’s connection to TriCaster seems intermittent, make sure only one network path exists between the two systems, to prevent the PC from switching back and forth between connections.
In some cases, the use of headphones or other audio hardware may disable or hijack standard system audio output. You can sometimes resolve this issue by simply unplugging the headphones. In other cases, third party audio drivers that have been installed do not support
Some systems and third-party audio device drivers deliberately restrict access to system sound (for DRM reasons), preventing their output from appearing as an audio source option for iVGA PRO. Several workarounds exist.
o You could simply loop an audio cable from the system’s output back to an input, and select that input as the audio source for iVGA PRO.
o Often you may be able to select a different audio device (such as “Stereo Mix” or “SoundMAX”) as the system default. Right-click the ‘speaker’ icon at right in your Windows® Desktop taskbar, and select “Recording
Devices”. This opens the audio device control applet, allowing you to choose among those available. (It is sometimes useful to right-click in this pane and enable “Show Disabled Devices”, as well.)
o Other third-party software solutions exist as well. An Internet search for terms like “audio loopback software” or “virtual audio cable” will turn up relevant links.
A.1.15 CONNECT TO AN AIRPLAY® SOURCE?
The local network (the same network you connect TriCaster to) is the means of transmission for AirPlay®, and a wireless connection from the player to the network is perfectly acceptable.
1. Select the AirPlay® entry in the Source menu for Net 1 or Net 2 (just as you would select an iVGA™ or LiveText™ source).
2. TriCaster identifies itself as a potential client device to the AirPlay® source.
3. One or more TriCaster devices will be listed as potential output devices for the AirPlay® device. Select one and you are done.
Note: A limitation of the current iTunes release prevents it from properly addressing the second AirPlay® connection it detects. Instead, it attempts to use the first connection. If the first connection is already committed to another source, this attempt will fail.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS:
Q: Why doesn’t my AirPlay® device list TriCaster as a target?
A1: The first time you connect to a network with the TriCaster, a network ‘location’ is selected. This is a standard Windows® process that automatically configures appropriate firewall and security settings for the type of network that you connect to.
There are three location options: Home, Work, and Public. If TriCaster’s active network has inadvertently been set to ‘Public’, AirPlay® will not connect. Be sure this is set to either Home or Work.
A2: By default, the Windows® firewall is disabled on TriCaster. If your AirPlay device does not recognize TriCaster after enabling AirPlay® for Net 1 or Net 2, it may be that someone has enabled it, and it is preventing connection. You can either disable it, or (if you really must have it) adjust its settings as follows:
1. Click Configure Network in the Administration Mode screen.
2. Open the Windows® Firewall interface using the link shown at lower-left in the Network and Sharing control panel.
3. In the left pane, click Advanced Settings. (If prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation).
4. In the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security dialog box, click Inbound Rules in the left pane, and then click New Rule in the right pane.
5. Follow the instructions in the New Inbound Rule wizard.
6. Ensure that the following ports are open:
Port | Protocol | Name |
80 | TCP | HTTP |
443 | TCP | HTTPS |
554 | TCP/UDP | RTSP |
3689 | TCP | DAAP |
5353 | UDP | mDNS (Bonjour) |
A3: Make sure you are connected to the correct network, especially for Wi-Fi. iOS® connects to known networks by default. If multiple Wi-Fi connections are available, it may connect automatically to a previously known network. For a wireless AirPlay® source such as iPad®, follow these steps:
1. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi is off, turn it on by tapping the on/off icon.
2. Available Wi-Fi networks appear under Choose a Network...
3. Locate and tap the Wi-Fi network that TriCaster is connected to.
A4: Wi-Fi uses radio frequency technology to connect hardware and software applications so that they can communicate. However, RF interference can be a major problem, especially in an environment such as a trade-show or conference that might entail numerous competing signals.
Other devices contributing to RF clutter include microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless video cameras, outdoor microwave links, wireless game controllers, fluorescent lights, and so on. These sources can cause significant interference and signal degradation. Where possible, try to eliminate or minimize the potential interference in your installation design.
A5: Consider the following suggestions when many conflicting wireless sources are in the immediate area:
Set the wireless network SSID to any unique name. Choose a name that is unique to your network and is not shared by other nearby networks or other networks you are likely to encounter to avoid connection failures, or unintentionally connecting to other networks sharing the same SSID.
Make sure that the network is not set to ‘hidden.’ iOS® devices may interpret this as a closed network and fail to connect.
If using security, make sure that it is set to WPA2 Personal (AES). Use of WEP is not recommended for compatibility, reliability, performance, and security reasons.
If possible, configure 2.4 GHz Radio mode to 802.11b/g/n.
If the router supports 5 GHz Radio mode, set it to 802.11a/n.
Channel Settings should be set to 1, 6 or 11 (11 is the most common choice, since it is the starting channel, making 1 or 6 a good choice).
Channel width should be set to 20 MHz or “Narrow Band” in 2.4 GHz mode.
Channel width should be set to both 20 MHz and 40 MHz in 5 GHz mode.
Ensure that only one DHCP server is active on the network.
Q: Why do some clips not play properly across an AirPlay® connection?
A: There are several possibilities: First, TriCaster cannot play media governed under Digital Rights Management (DRM) schemes. This is a common limitation of commercial content.
Otherwise, if an iOS® device loses its connection with the network for any reason it does not refresh the AirPlay® destination list for about one hour. It may seem as though the TriCaster is detected even though the connection has been lost.
One way to flush the AirPlay list is to enable and disable ‘Airplane mode’ in the device settings. Finally, make sure you are connected to the correct Wifi network (etc.)
A.1.16 ENABLE TERMINATION FOR VIDEO INPUTS?
TriCaster has full-time video termination. If you need to loop through (or t-off from) other video devices (such as an external monitor) prior to TriCaster in your video pipeline, you should ensure termination is OFF for earlier devices.
A.1.17 CONFIGURE WIRECAST® TO RECEIVE TRICASTER’S NETWORK OUTPUT?
To set up Telestream’s Wirecast® software to recognize TriCaster’s Network output as a source, follow these steps:
1. Double-click the main Program monitor to open TriCaster’s Output Configuration panel.
2. Select the desired audio and video sources for Network output, and enable it.
3. At the time of writing, Wirecast® does not fully support interlaced video, so you must also checkmark De-Interlace at the bottom of the Network video source menu.
4. Next, open the Sources menu in the Wirecast® interface (Figure 394), and select the “New Web Stream” option.
The Source Settings dialog will open.
5. Set Protocol to “HTTP”.
6. Type the Network URL displayed in TriCaster’s Output Configuration pane into the Wirecast® URL field.
TriCaster’s Network video output should now appear in Wirecast®, ready to be added to a shot like any other valid source.