Many people are having trouble using the MPEG files recorded in the TriCaster with Final Cut Pro. Dr. Andrew Cross of NewTek engineering posted the following on the NewTek forum Friday:
The following outlines why this happens and what you can do about it :
In order to play MPEG-2 files on FinalCutPro, or with the Mac in general you need to have the "QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X" installed on your system. This component ships with FinalCutPro as standard and so from a clean install you should be able to work with NewTek MPEG-2 files. Unfortunately, if you download a QuickTime update from the web, it will replace your entire QuickTime install and so the MPEG-2 playback component is no longer available and files will not play. The solution that Apple recommend for this problem is to use your account on the Apple store to download the plugin for the new version of QuickTime and install it manually.
There are three limitations of the "QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X" that one should be aware of:
Unfortunately QuickTime does not support high profile MPEG-2 files; as such you will need to use the "normal profile" files as the recording format inside the TriCaster. For all normal use there will be almost no perceptible difference between normal and high profile MPEG-2 files. Both far exceed the quality of competing formats (e.g. DV).
Embedded audio. It is a limitation of FinalCutPro support that it cannot read the audio embedded within an MPEG-2 file. For this reason, TriCaster writes out an MP3 file that you can lock to the video file for editing purposes.
Unfortunately FinalCutPro does not tag MPEG-2 files as "an optimized file format" and so for areas of your time-line where there are transitions of effects you might need to render before you can get perfect playback.
In another post a user posted a small AppleScript that re-wraps the Xd300 HQ MPEGS for use directly in FCP. It is available here. He's considering it beta so if you find it useful keep an eye out for updates.
At IBC NewTek announced TriCaster™ Virtual Set Editor (originally known as Artisan), which enables TriCaster TCXD850 and TriCaster TCXD300 users to customize their high definition (HD) live virtual sets. Each NewTek TriCaster comes with network-style virtual sets developed using proprietary NewTek LiveSet™ technology. With TriCaster VSE, these network HD virtual sets can be customized with logos, color schemes, furniture options, talent placement and more
TriCaster VSE is accessed from the HD TriCaster control panel, using functions familiar to TriCaster users such as position, scale, rotation, color correction (brightness, hue, contrast and saturation), media browser for image selection, and the T-bar to set custom start and end points for zooms. Once a TriCaster HD virtual set has been customized, it is automatically saved for use in your live production.
"TriCaster users are creating and delivering extraordinary live content. Our goal is to make it even easier for them to customize their programming," said NewTek Executive Vice President of Engineering, Andrew Cross. "By adding NewTek TriCaster Virtual Set Editor to our HD TriCaster line, schools, broadcasters and independent producers can personalize their productions - easily and affordably."
NewTek TriCaster Virtual Set Editor provides the ability to:
Change or insert logos
Customize the "beginning" and "end" zoom, and pan positions
Change the color of selected elements
Change background images
Switch background monitors on and off
Switch furniture (including desks and other furniture options) on and off, allowing easy creation of standing sets
Position and scale green screen area to accommodate multiple people whether sitting or standing
This doesn't have anything to do with anything but I thought it was a nice video. Brings back memories of my first Anchor Steam. I had it in a restaurant overlooking the Pacific in Northern California.
NewTek is offering a $10k trade in for your old VT[5] towards a new TriCaster TCXD850. Unfortunately there is now an expiration date November 19.
VT[4] owners get $7500 while VT[3], VT[2] and VTNT owners get $5000
Log on to your NewTek registration profile to download the voucher then call us at 1-800-692-6442 to place your order. We have a special agreement in place with NewTek so that you don't have to turn in your VT card until your TCXD850 arrives so you won't be shut down while you wait.
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