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A.8 MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


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A.8.1 CAN I DO ANYTHING TO IMPROVE LATENCY/AUDIO SYNC?


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Latency might be defined as the ‘transit time’ for the a/v stream. Each device in the video chain introduces some limited (transmission) delay.

TriCaster’s latency is very minimal (as little as 1 frame), but you can take measures to keep it to a minimum – first and foremost, by genlocking your video devices – see Section 8.1.2. For genlocked sources, consider disabling TriCaster’s Frame Sync – see Section 8.2.3.

In a seemingly related matter, note that audio and video passing through TriCaster are always synchronized. However, aspects of the physical design for IMAG (video projection) installations can make mimic a sync issue for viewers at some locations in the auditorium. These issues are discussed in detail in Section B.3, IMAG and Latency.


SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION:

Q: Why does latency seem higher for certain video formats (i.e. 24p, 25p, or 30p)?


A: TriCaster passes frames through the switcher at the appropriate frame rate. When the session format calls for frames at 60Hz, displayed frames are refreshed much more often than (for example) a 24p format. Consequently, apparent latency will also be less than half what it would be at 24Hz.


In general, the lower the frame-rate of the session video format, the higher latency will seem to be.


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A.8.2 WHY IS MY POWER SUPPLY BEEPING?


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TriCaster 8-input systems provide redundant, replaceable power supply units. When you i) disconnect or ii) power down just one of the modules, or iii), if a PSU


should fail, a beep is sounded to alert you. If you wish, you can mute the alert by pressing the green button on the back of the unit.


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FIGURE 401 (8-INPUT TRICASTER SHOWN)


SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION:

Q: Where can I obtain replacement or spare Power Supply modules?


A: Contact NewTek Customer Support for information on purchasing TriCaster components.


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A.8.3 WHY DO SOME THUMBNAIL ICONS LOOK WRONG?


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Some file formats (notably AVI) do not provide embedded aspect ratio information. As a result, their thumbnail image in Media Player icons for may not be properly proportioned. Generally the problem does not extend to playback (the DDR will ‘guess’ the aspect ratio correctly).