NewTek Unveils Next-Generation TriCaster Family with New System Architecture for Live Production and Media Publishing

Three new, live production solutions give producers the ability to meet 21st century consumer demands for high-impact video content delivered in real-time across broadcast, Web and mobile devices

LAS VEGAS (15 Apr 2012)

 

NewTek today unveiled a new line of TriCaster live production systems that use a completely reengineered platform-and introduce revolutionary capabilities for live event producers and media publishing professionals. The next-generation product family, which includes TriCaster 8000, TriCaster 855 and TriCaster 455—enables professionals to meet rapidly evolving consumer demand for high-quality, live programming, by delivering live video content to multiple viewing platforms with greater speed and flexibility than any other live production systems on the market.

"With 28% of the global online population watching video on mobile phones, and video accounting for 40% of all Internet traffic, the industry has reached a point where professionals need tools with capabilities that far exceed most traditional video production systems," said Andrew Cross, NewTek CTO. "We've reengineered our TriCaster line from the ground up to help video producers move beyond the confines of traditional equipment, and keep pace with the dramatic shift in consumer viewing habits. Using a TriCaster, people can deliver content with unprecedented speed, to larger audiences, on virtually any device or popular social media site—and with even greater HD network-quality production values. The video producers of today are becoming the media publishers of tomorrow—and with our new TriCaster line, we're helping them embrace this change head on."

The New TriCaster Family
The new generation of TriCaster integrated production systems places the highest level of video production tools into the hands of producers, regardless of the delivery destination—from live TV, projectors, LED screens, online video streaming, social media, or any combination. The new line includes a broad range of "industry firsts" as standard features, such as Apple AirPlay support, and NewTek's groundbreaking IsoCorder technology for recording of multiple input sources and output options with embedded timecode and four audio tracks. IsoCorder technology has been updated to include support for virtually every non-linear editing application for both the Mac and PC, without the need for transcoding. Audio mixing is more flexible with the ability to delegate the process to a separate iPad control app, or one of the Avid Artist series control surfaces.

The effects implemented in the new TriCaster series offer real-time warping that makes it possible to fly video away on a cloth-like surface, or integrate warping video into transitions in limitless ways, with sound. TriCaster effects are further enhanced with the innovative new TransWarp engine, which provides the ability to build warping transitions for every visual source, including overlays. Professionals can choose from the following TriCaster systems:

• TriCaster 8000—designed for production and media publishing professionals who deliver live video for large, complex events, with full integration of social media production tools. The system introduces extensive integration and customization options that include; virtually limitless scalability with third-party router support, recordable macros that can be triggered simultaneously, along with extensive effects and graphics capabilities with eight M/E rows. TriCaster 8000 includes a new social media-savvy "Share" panel that allows for video clips, individual stills, or batches of ISO-grabbed frames of the live show to be distributed to multiple social media platforms, including: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr—or FTP-transferred to a directory—in a single pass. The seamless integration of live production with social media interaction provides immediacy, relevant content, and a unified brand for both traditional video and social media audiences.

• TriCaster 855—developed for producers looking to build their businesses and brands with new programming, clients, advertising and sponsorships. TriCaster 855 is a facilities-class system, equipped with 24-channel switching, and inputs for up to eight cameras; five digital media players for video clips, graphics and titles, and two network channels for sharing computer screens and displays from wireless iOS devices. It has eight M/E-style virtual inputs and three outputs. The size, capacity and capabilities are scaled for professionals who produce big, live productions for delivery to on-air, projectors and the Web.

• TriCaster 455—targeted to mobile producers who want to deliver professional live video content to a worldwide audience, without concerns for location limitations. The system is scaled for virtually any restricted space, including small studios, production vans, control rooms, backstage, a blogger's office, and more. TriCaster 455 includes a 14-channel switcher with four camera inputs and the production and graphics power to deliver a network-quality show from locations that proved impossible before.

The new TriCaster 8000, TriCaster 855 and TriCaster 455 systems all include a corresponding hardware control surface to provide intuitive, hands-on control of any live production. In addition, TriCaster 8000 includes an innovative, redesigned control surface to provide the greatest level of intuitive control over the new capabilities in the system.

Pricing and Availability
TriCaster 455 and TriCaster 855, including their corresponding control surfaces, are available immediately for a retail price of US$19,995 and US$29,995, respectively. These new systems are designed as a path forward for the former TriCaster 450 and TriCaster 850 lines. TriCaster 8000, including the control surface, is expected to be available in Q3 2012 for a retail price of US$39,995. Prices may vary internationally. Educational pricing is also available. For more information, please visit www.newtek.com, or call NewTek Sales at 800-368-5441. International callers dial +1-210-370-8000.

About NewTek
Benefiting producers and artists with cost-effective and groundbreaking technologies, NewTek is a worldwide leader in portable live production, video editing, 3D animation and special effects tools, including the TriCaster™ product line, 3Play™ and LightWave 3D®. NewTek has won numerous industry accolades, including two Emmy® Awards.

Clients include: "The X Factor," ESPN X Games, New York Giants, NBA Development League, Fox News, BBC, NHL, Nickelodeon, CBS Radio, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports, Turner Sports, John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, MTV, TWiT.TV , USA TODAY, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NewTek products have been used in feature films and television shows, including "Hunger Games," "Avatar," "The Adventures of Tintin," "The Walking Dead," "Fringe," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and more.

NewTek is privately owned and based in San Antonio, Texas.  For more information on NewTek please visit: www.newtek.com, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr or connect with us on Facebook.