NAB 2011 3Play 820

Pre-NAB rumors were that NewTek was going to announce a new four input instant replay unit. But instead we are going to get a 10 channel replay server! The 3Play 820.

I mourn the 4Play that never was. :)

Ten channels translates to 8 inputs and 2 independent outputs all in a 4U rack mount that looks a lot like the TriCaster 850.

Some of the new features:

• Record up to eight inputs
• Two outputs so you can have one replay on-air while another is being cued up by the operator.
• Mult-Tier Failsafe. Similar to the 850 Extreme (see the previous post).
• Multi-view output.
• Mix input formats HD/SD etc.
• Import Clips So you can add opens and closes to your highlights along with music beds.
• LTC Timecode Support
• All new user interface making it easy to manage everything.
• All new super-smooth controller
• TRANSITIONS!

List is $39,000. 3Play owners can upgrade for the difference in price.

Again, no one can touch these capabilities in such a compact unit. More details to come.

Update: I watched the 3Play 820 in action and the workflow is quite a bit different then the original 3Play (3Play 300). It's much more like an EVS so it will make EVS operators feel right at home. This is good news since the 820 is aimed directly at EVS and their preeminent position in the production truck market.

The ergonomics of the controller are also much improved over the 3Play 300's. The original controller wasn't well thought out in my opinion.