NewTek TriCaster TC1 Perfect for Multicam Sports Webcasting with NDI Capabilities
By Adam Noyes
Instant Replay
Those familiar with TriCaster systems have likely heard of NewTek’s 3Play instant replay hardware (Figure 2, below). Since instant replay is practically expected in any sports production today, the TC1 delivers with a built-in instant replay system. The 60-frame recording provides silky smooth replays that can be scrubbed at multiple speeds from a DDR. The differentiation between the built-in replay of the TC1 and the dedicated replay system of 3Play primarily lies in versatility.
NewTek’s Chris Burgos explained the TC1 replay system this way: “The replay functions of the TC1 allow for a user to cut simple replay clips in production. Once the replay feature is enabled and the DDR of choice is selected, the user can click the channel of record they want to replay and it will create a growing file in the DDR. This file can be transitioned to, and it will play out a clip of a preset length and then transition back to gameplay. Because the file is growing, the user can change its in point and out point to adjust for a better fitting replay, and the DDR file can be previewed before rolling live. The angle can be selected (as long as the camera was coming directly to the TC1), and the replay trigger takes you a number of seconds back in time. This workflow is simple and designed for teams without the resources for full replay capabilities.”
Sounds great for high school sports or smaller colleges and universities with limited budgets and staff, right? Here’s what springing for the dedicated 3Play nets you, according to Burgos: “3Play is a full-scale replay solution that allows for users to quickly cut multi-angle replays, play back highlight reels, enable slow motion and reverse functions, all from a single unit. 3Play allows for operators to adhere to broadcast styles of workflow and playout and even has a dedicated control surface to help for its specific purpose.”
Skype TX and Live Sports
When you simply can’t get a camera where you need to, the TC1 offers a creative solution to bringing in remote video to your workflow. Skype TX is a new feature from the Microsoft-owned property that allows you to maintain a call with multiple individuals simultaneously. It also supports HD quality.
The TC1 has Skype TX integration built in. This allows you to pull from any of your connected Skype calls and use them in your program. One potential is getting unique on-field coverage from a reporter or camera operator that otherwise couldn’t take a large camera on location. You could also pipe in callers from remote locations to provide color commentary or reactions to your event.