The NewTek TriCaster 40 is an all-in-one live production switcher, streaming system, and recorder that costs much less than its higher-model TriCaster relatives.
Like most of its relatives, TriCaster 40 streams to the Web, records program out as MPEG2, and features 4 camera inputs and 14 channels to switch between. So how is it available at a lower price-point? The outstanding reasons are that its connections are analog only and that it doesn't come with a control surface nor a character generator software. Switcher software is included though and comes installed.
So if component and composite inputs/outputs are enough for your productions, and so are a mouse and keyboard in place of a control surface, then the TriCaster 40 will do everything you need it to. Moreover, it's easy to set up, to use, and to carry, and you can at any future time separately purchase and add a control surface and CG software to it.
| Channels | 14: 6 external, 4 internal, 4 virtual inputs |
| Video Input |
4 simultaneous live video sources, in any combination of HD Component, SD Component, Y/C or Composite and supported resolutions - Each input includes integrated frame synchronizer - Independent keying, cropping and Proc Amp controls per input - BNC connectivity |
| Network Sources |
2 simultaneous live sources via Gigabit connection, selectable from any networked computer or Apple AirPlay device - Independent keying, cropping and Proc Amp controls per input |
| Media |
3 integrated digital media sources for video and graphics: DDR and GFX x 2 - Independent keying, cropping and Proc Amp controls per media source |
| Virtual Inputs |
4 independent, mix/effect-style channels supporting multi-source compositions, virtual sets, double-box effects and more - 3 configurable sources per channel, each with independent positioning, scaling and cropping, including upstream keyer with DVE and transition controls |
| Downstream Key | 2 downstream keyers, each with independent DVE, transition controls, positioning and scaling |
| Video Layers | Up to 5 layers on-screen simultaneously |
| Virtual Sets | 24 HD live virtual sets, with multiple camera angles, real-time reflections, specular highlights, animated zoom and presets |
| Video Output |
A/V output signal through up to 5 output connections - 2x Analog BNC configurable for Component or Y/C + Composite (Program and SD-only AUX) - Network output for live streaming |
| Recording |
Native recording in resolutions up to 1080i Encoded as QuickTime or Web-quality H.264 |
| Recording Capacity |
Accommodates ~ 20 hours 1080i or ~ 120 hours 480i via internal drive in QuickTime format - Capacity expandable using external media drives |
| Live Streaming | HD live streaming via Adobe Flash or Microsoft Windows Media Push/Pull |
| Audio Inputs |
1/4" Mono (Mic) 2x RCA Stereo L/R (Line) |
| Audio Outputs | 2x RCA Stereo L/R 1/4" Stereo (phones) |
| Audio Mixing | Integrated multi-channel audio mixer for internal and external audio sources, output, stream and headphones |
| Supported Formats | NTSC: 1080i, 720p, 480i (16:9), 480i (4:3) |
| Playback Media Formats | AVI, DV, DVCPro, DVCProHD, FLV, F4V, H.263, H.264, MOV, MKV, MJPEG, MPEG (1, 2, all profiles, program or transport streams), MP4, WMV, WebM, PSD, PNG, TGA, BMP, JPEG, EXR, RAW, TIF, AIFF, MP3, WAV, and more, with Import Media application for batch import with optional transcoding of files (including Apple ProRes) |
| Processing |
Video: 4:4:4:4, 32-bit Floating Point Audio: 2 channels, 96 kHz, 32-bit Floating Point |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 8.5 x 17.5" (26.4 x 21.6 x 44.5 cm) |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) |
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NewTek TriCaster 40:
We just started using to stream our church services to the internet. The T-40 is very easy to learn but takes much more time for volunteer staff to get up to speed than traditional switchers.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about NewTek TriCaster 40:
Received the product last week and set it up in my home office to test it out. So far it does everything it claimed it would do without a hitch. Great product so far. I hope I can say this in 6months time.
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