First Look: NewTek TriCaster Mini
The ultra-portable TriCaster Mini joins the TriCaster 40 at the sub-$6k end of the TriCaster line, but weighs in 10 lbs. lighter and adds HDMI input ISO-recording, a new compact control surface, an internal monitor, and more.
Omissions
Looking at the specs, I notice that 1080p24 is somehow missing among the various output standards supported by the TriCaster Mini. NTSC 1080/30p, 1080/60i, 720/60p, 720/30p, 480/60i; PAL 1080/25p, 1080/50i, 720/50p, 720/25p, 576/25i. Given that many cameras, especially DSLRs, shoot 24p (23.978fps), and that the lower frame rate allows for more bits per frame, and that it does 25p, 24 fps should not be omitted from the list of supported standards.
NewTek is adding more and more capability to the systems as they evolve, and I applaud that. Coming from a broadcast background, however, I still long to have a waveform monitor under each source input so I, or my TD, can see and make sure a shot is properly exposed before we cut to it. Having scopes on program is good. Having scopes on each input before it becomes program is better.
While not an omission, the 7" LCD is an interesting feature. It's not really usable as a critical program monitor, especially with the reflective glare of the plastic case over it, but I can see it being used as a dedicated view for the scopes, which Nelson showed during his demo.
Two Models
The TriCaster Mini comes in two models, Mini HD-4 and the Mini HD-4i. The 4 lacks the monitor and the second internal HDD for multimedia recording and playback, but it can use external HDDs. The 4i also adds the integrated LCD screen. There is also a control surface that serves the needs of the TriCaster Mini.
With nearly every camera and LCD monitor supporting HDMI these days, the Tricaster Mini is an essential evolution of the TriCaster line for NewTek. Making it smaller and lighter, while also improving on the capaibilities of the TriCaster 40, is a welcome advancement for end users. The TriCaster 40 has a street price of about $5,000. The Mini HD-4 looks to street for about $6,000.
If you use the TriCaster in a different place every time, smaller and lighter may indeed be worth upgrading. If you're new to the TriCaster product line and were looking at the TC40, the Mini makes a very compelling case to spend the extra $1000. The Mini-4i with the screen & second internal HDD sells for about $8,000. I don't see those two options being worth an additional $2,000.
All in all, it's an exciting addition to the TriCaster lineup and one that I look forward to using.
DISCLOSURE: There is no relationship between NewTek and myself. I was invited to attend a product announcement show in my home city of Dallas, TX where the TriCaster Mini was revealed.
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