Are you Planning to buy a Tricaster 40?

[Linuxcooldude]

You really have to examine if your broadcast justifies the high cost. If someones very well established and has revenue coming in with a multitude of viewers then its probably money well spent. Other then that cheaper solutions for smaller broadcaster like video switchers. Even a ATEM is a good alternative with some good options.

[andrewzarian]

For sure the Tricaster isn't for everyone doing Internet Broadcasting but there is a place for it. If you do the match the software and hardware needed to do HD broadcasting can be upwards of 3500 dollars. Another 1500 bucks for a tricaster doesn't sound too bad

[andrewzarian]

I did a little math. Here is what I have spent over the past 3 years when it comes to Video. Im sure im missing some things but here it goes.

Video Hardware
Switching machine: $1500
Encoding Machine: $1500
Skype machine 1: $750
Skype machine 2: $500
Audio laptop: $350
Remote Show machine $750
Upgrades over 3 years $1000
Total For hardware $6500
_____________________________


Software
Vidblaster Broadcaster $2000
Vidblaster 2 Upgrade $1000
Vidblaster Pro $500
Total for Software $3500
_________________________

Grand Total $10,000

[robistech]

Like others are saying, if you think about how much you've spent on hardware and software, it's not to bad of a deal. Especially considering the Trcaster is a finally tuned combination of both hardware and software, so there can be a lot of hassle avoided. Don't forget those awesome live virtual sets included in the Tricaster. That's an additional cost for Wirecast and (I believe) not even a feature in Vidblaster.

[joedemax]

This new TriCaster is going to be a revolution. Just watch.

[mcphillips]

How well would it work with four Skypezillas?

[joedemax]

How well would it work with four Skypezillas?

TriCaster 40 has 4 component video inputs, and also 2 network inputs. If you didn't have any cameras to use, you could plug in your 4 Skype's right into the front of the TriCaster using the video inputs. TriCaster 40 also has 2 external network inputs which can be used for iVGA, which is used to grab computers via the LAN. This could be used to bring in 2 more Skype sources.

[andrewzarian]

Each skype line would have to go in via component or a converter.

[robistech]

I agree with Joedemax. It's not only a revolution for Internet Broadcasters, but also for churches, schools, and non profits. I would love to use a Tricaster 40 for our live morning broadcasts at my High School. Those virtual sets look amazing! I'm interested to see if Newtek is following our discussion. My High School would be a great test candidate, we would love to try it!

[joedemax]

I agree with Joedemax. It's not only a revolution for Internet Broadcasters, but also for churches, schools, and non profits. I would love to use a Tricaster 40 for our live morning broadcasts at my High School. Those virtual sets look amazing! I'm interested to see if Newtek is following our discussion. My High School would be a great test candidate, we would love to try it!

You've got the right idea. This is a video appliance - and as such is not comparable to rolling your on solution without whatever software switcher you choose. This isn't going to be immune to tearing, dropped frames, lost video inputs ect. It's an appliance, not a computer.