< Previous | Contents | Next >
SECTION 3.8 OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
Next we’ll discuss the audio and video output connectors along with relevant settings. We’ll start with video output – not only so you can view your results, but because certain items are best considered before beginning a TriCaster session.
TriCaster provides multiple video and audio output connector groups, and very flexible options for display of your live and recorded video streams. Here are some of the possibilities:
Simultaneously send output to standard and/or high definition devices from HD sessions.
Simultaneously send output to both analog and digital devices (except TriCaster 410, which provides digital output connections only).
Send program output, a secondary mix, or custom ‘monitor bridge’ layouts to a supplemental monitor or projector using Multiview.
Supply independent video outputs to the two Display ports for supplemental monitoring or projection.
Stream program output to the Internet via a suitable network connection.
As mentioned earlier, for HD sessions TriCaster supports simultaneous output of both SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition) video. Except for TriCaster 410 and TriCaster Mini, the Video Output connector groups on TriCaster’s backplate are arranged in vertical columns of four BNC connectors, offering the following connection possibilities for live production:
Output 1 video output format is determined by the session (see Section 5.1).
When the session is SD 4:3 or 16:9, output is likewise SD 4:3 or 16:9. When the session is HD, output is HD.
Output 2 is user-configurable, and can be set up in the Live Desktop (Output Configuration panel).
(8-input models only) Output 3 can be used to mirror either of the two primary outputs, or transmit a completely different source in its original format.
1. Connect downstream video devices to the appropriate output connectors in the VIDEO OUT section, whether SDI, HDMI, Component, Y/C (BNC) or Composite (TriCaster 410 supports SDI output only, TriCaster Mini supports HDMI only). Please note that Y/C and Composite may require RCA (cinch plug) or S-video (4 pin mini-DIN) to BNC adapters, and also that both of these connection options support output at SD resolution only.
a. SDI or HDMI – Attach SDI connectors to BNC or HDMI (TriCaster Mini only) connectors in the VIDEO OUT group labeled 1-(2 or 3).
Hint: If your equipment supports SDI, this is the best alternative. Note that the following analog output options are not supported by TriCaster 410 or TriCaster Mini
b. Component – Attach your device to the second, third and fourth BNC connectors (Y, Pb and Pr).
c. Y/C – If your S-Video equipment and cabling has the usual 4-pin mini- DIN connectors, you will need an ‘S-Video to dual BNC’ adapter.
i. Attach the Y (luma) connector of your device to the second analog BNC connector row (labeled Pb at far left in the VIDEO IN group).
ii. Attach the C (chroma) connector to the third analog connector (labeled Pr).
d. Composite – Attach the device’s connector to the first (top) analog connector (just above the pair labeled Y/C).
2. Connect TriCaster’s audio outputs:
a. Analog audio – Connect external audio devices to the connectors in the
AUDIO OUT section.
8-input TriCasters offer two pairs of four audio output connectors:
i. Connectors 1a-(1b or 1d) provide sound from the mix assigned to
Output 1 (defaults to Master in Output Configuration)
ii. Connectors 2a-(2b or 2d) provide sound from the mix assigned to
Output 2 (defaults to Aux in Output Configuration)
b. Digital audio – A separate digital audio connection is not necessary for SDI or HDMI output with embedded audio. AES/EBU connectors are provided for Output 1(channels a-d) on 8-input models.
Hint: TriCaster’s SDI and analog output sections can be used simultaneously. For example, you could use the Composite output to view your program on a local composite monitor at the same time as you use the SDI connection to supply broadcast equipment.
3.8.3 SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEO OUTPUTS
Additional dedicated video outputs make it possible to connect monitors or projection devices to TriCaster for a variety of purposes including program output for IMAG (Image Magnification) installations or flexible monitoring for the convenience of the operator.
1. TriCaster’s external Multiview output is supplied by a connector located near the main Interface monitor connector (8-input models) or a neighboring HDMI port (4-input models). Again, connect a suitable monitor or display device. The new device should be recognized and enabled by the system automatically.
The Multiview output offers a variety of optional monitoring layouts that can be selected at any time in TriCaster’s Live Desktop.
2. Some TriCaster models also provide an additional, assignable video output on a labeled HDMI connector. Simply connect a suitable external monitor or device to the connector on the backplane.
3. Stream and Network both require only a network connection.
4. Two special outputs are labeled Display (numbered [5] and [6] on 4RU TriCaster’s backplate). These ports can serve projectors or similar large display systems, though of course they can be used for other purposes too.
With the exception of Output 3 (8-input models only), most Outputs are similar as respects the optional video sources they can be configured to supply. Output 3 supports cloning either Output 1 or 2, or any single Switcher source (including Buffers).
Note: A mismatch of output format and connection type is possible at times. For example, a Graphics player can display imagery that does not correspond to the current output resolution or is not supported by the selected connection type. TriCaster will attempt to display the output despite mismatches, but may not always succeed.