NewTek’s new TriCaster 2 Elite claimed to be ‘better than broadcast’

Its new flagship promises “better than broadcast functionality and uncompromised flexibility”.

Besides high-end video production capabilities, it can also harness nearly every major video calling application in use today, delivering users a myriad of creative options. The platform is also said to be highly flexible and scalable, and supports both video over IP and traditional SDI.

“Serving the needs well of those who make visual storytelling a key part of their business is made possible by combining IP networking, software-defined solutions and a focus on the customer experience,” said Dr Andrew Cross, president of R&D for the Vizrt Group (which owns NewTek). “TriCaster 2 Elite currently has no equal in terms of capability and value, and I believe that it is the best product we have ever made.”

It can work with nearly every web conferencing tool, including Skype, MS Teams, Zoom Meetings and GoToMeeting – as well as all IP video sources, such as NDI, SRT, RTMP, RTP, HTTP, SRC and smartphones. These, along with SDI sources, can be accessed and used simultaneously, meaning show producers will be able to connect with in-studio guests and remote video callers “without compromise or worrying about connectivity”.

The core of TriCaster 2 Elite is a high speed 60x45 video crosspoint that includes 32 external inputs that automatically determine video format and resolutions up to UHDp60. Unlike conventional routing switchers, each input includes proc amp tools, independent keying and cropping for crisper video, as well as triggers for automation. It also has eight configurable mix outputs in HD or two in UHDp60, direct NDI outs of media players, multiple streaming encoders, continuous NDI conversion of all eight SDI inputs, and eight independently-selectable recorders for immediate replay. Its flexibility should allow users to produce simultaneous mixes, deliver multiple UHD streams to different places at once, feed video walls and accommodate separate branding and language packages, record programme and line cuts, and more.

The system, which lists at $27,995, includes eight mix/effects with four layers each, enhanced by strong integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud tools. It also includes simplified teleprompter-based scripting with Microsoft Word document support. Virtual and augmented reality scenes can be rendered in real time from Adobe Photoshop files while non-standard frame rate and aspect ratios such as 9:16 simplify delivery to a plethora of different media screens. Other features include: frame sync on every input; animated GIF support in buffers; social media publishing; audio mixing and routing, including optional support for Dante and AES-67.

The new NewTek TriCaster 2 Elite is claimed to be “the most powerful and complete live video production system on the planet”.