I currently help out with my college’s broadcast station, where we use a roughly 14-year-old NewTek TriCaster 8000. We have a big upcoming production, and I’m responsible for creating and managing the graphics.

I've been trying to learn as much as possible about the TriCaster, but finding help has been challenging because of how old the equipment is. Most of the resources I've found are outdated YouTube tutorials and a nearly 700-page user manual. Despite that, I've managed to teach myself quite a bit about how the system works.

Here's the problem I'm currently running into:

I'm trying to create custom animated transitions/buffers using graphics I've made in Adobe After Effects.

On the TriCaster 8000, I navigate to the startup menu, select Add-Ons, and open Animation Store Creator 2 (Advanced Edition). From there, I import my PNG image sequences containing RGB color information and an alpha channel for transparency. I then assemble the custom transition directly within the software.

Everything seems to work correctly during the creation process. I can import my files, configure the animation, and preview the transition without any major issues.

However, the problem starts when I try to render and export the finished transition.

After saving the project file, I attempt to render it. Almost immediately, an error message appears, which seems to indicate an issue with the export path or file location.

From what I've researched, the TriCaster is supposed to automatically determine where the completed transition file should be saved so that it can be accessed within the TriCaster's transition library.

For some reason, that doesn't seem to be happening on our system.

Instead, the software gets stuck in a continuous loading or rendering state without ever completing the export. It essentially freezes, forcing me to restart the TriCaster and attempt the process again.

I've gone through the creation process multiple times, and as far as I can tell, everything leading up to the export stage is configured correctly.

Has anyone experienced this issue before or worked with Animation Store Creator 2 on a TriCaster 8000? I'm wondering whether this could be an export directory issue, a permissions problem, or something else within the software.

Any troubleshooting suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated, especially from anyone familiar with these older TriCaster systems.

I've also attached an image of the error message that appears when I attempt to render the transition, in case it helps identify the issue.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Insane price increases. ~30% average across 36 products. Their IP stuff is up 60-80%.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/release/20261020-03

Does anyone have any recommendations for a brand and size of totes for storing AV equipment? The several we use now are falling apart after about a year.

Anything that interlocks and is clear with a decent lid.

Thanks.

Hi everyone, first time ever posting. I am currently working with a Zenith 200 from Analog Way, and we purchased and setup a Skaarhoj Air Fly Pro v3. While everything is working great, I have one issue with the Skaarhoj integration. The color of the buttons for selecting your layer (Green is not selected, Yellow is selected) is nigh impossible for my co worker to see, as he is colorblind. When I spoke to Analog Way about this they threw their hands and said they dont know anything about it, and Skaarhoj directed me to Analog Way. Does anyone have any experience with these devices, and would know if its possible to change the color of the active state buttons?

Hi,

I'm less into video engineering more into video compression/formats/codecs from the algorithm point of view, but I'm in this sub cause I'm curious what JPEGXS is used for in the industry and why? And whether it is a hot topic, since it seems they still release scientific papers that are not very old.

I get it, it is low complexity and low latency and I understand how it works. But can anyone share experience from application and economic point of view, who uses it and why? Is the hardware cheaper for it, does it save somewhere costs in production or so, is it widely adopted already?

Hi there,

I work for a small AV company doing various corporate AV events. For most events theres is some form of presentation usually through PowerPoint. As a company we have gotten in the habit of running 2 laptops (we use Lenovo Thinkpad T14) for everything. We normally stack them on top of each other to save space on our table using laptop stackers.

This process normally works fine but it gets annoying complicated and time consuming when we end up having to run audio. (in and out, as we also do zoom on these machines)

We're looking to assemble this into a more complete system where you could plug in a single UBC cable and everything works. We also considered mini pcs as a possible option. We're trying to keep space to a minimum while making it 'less stupid.' We also want to put an ATEM Mini in there too.

My thoughts were along the following:

-a 6U shallow rack in a hardshell case with 2 thunderbolt docks, 2 audio interfaces and HDMI converters for the included ATEM mini

- the other idea in conversation was making a 'pull out tray' that houses all of the equipment on it.

I'm sure other people have similar systems, I'd love to see what you guys have. I'm sure theres also things I'm not thinking about so I would love to hear suggestions. Any input is appreciated.

was in the process of rewiring our tricaster mini x’s cables (which was a pain) but now multiview 3 is all messed up. i tried restarting to no avail. any tips on how to fix this?

Recently picked up a used PDS4K-SDI with Dante/DP card that was in great shape. Was a big Barco guy years ago (during the imagepro/encore days, pre-E2), and wanted something for mid level corporate gigs that was nicer than my vmix rig and above a Roland/BMD kit. Call me a stickler, but I like traveling with certain gear that I know I can trust. In-house providers burn me all the time. It's a double edged sword, I know. Somewhere the line between freelancer with a pelican or two and AV rental company gets blurry, and here I am.

Bought a really nice 2U case from OCD labs and kitted out the cavity below the rack. Big fan of the product. Pricey, but I'm hoping it's buy once cry once.

The goal was to keep it under 70lbs total, as my airline status gives me 3 free bags under that amount. This config is 68lbs all in.

Any opinions? I don't usually rent my gear to other ops. I feel pretty happy with how it turned out, but haven't used it yet. What might you add/remove? I'm US based, and this kit is intended for local or domestic use. I feel like it's a good overall Swiss army knife approach to *most* corporate or concert setups. I have plenty of laptops and cameras to connect to it as needed. How would you feel if someone handed this to you as a baseline? Assume projectors/led walls/confidence monitors/cameras get rented locally and come with power infrastructure and cabling for most gigs. 2nd pic is just the empty rack for reference. Didn't get a pic with the switcher mounted before I left.

Contents: (1) Barco PDS4K-SDI switcher (1) 22" 2.5k touchscreen monitor (1) Intel NUC Win11 Pro, dual SDI internal capture card, EM software (1) BT keyboard & mouse (1) Anker 150w charger (8) Decimator MD-LX (2) Decimator 4K/12G Cross (2) 12G SDI 1x4 DAs (freakshow, lemo variant) (2) 4K HDMI 1x4 DAs (muxlab) (2) HDMI mini cables (2) DP 1.2 to HDMI cables (8) 12G SDI Jumpers (8) 4k HDMI Jumpers (1) Cat 6e Jumper (1) IEC

We usually source Panasonic PJs which are my preference, but due to availability this time of year I got subbed M4K25s. I've had this issue before and my only work around has been converting to HDMI at each projector Not my preference as it wastes a converter and forces me to run regular Ed to a PJ scarf that already had 208v at it.

When connecting direct with SDI 1080p 59.94, the PJ seems to cut the raster in half, and take the top half of the raster and stretch it to fill the entire vertical chip. Going HDMI in fixes it. Multiple other projectionists have looked at this and been stumped as well. We have gone through every menu, and every service menu. No setting has fixed it.

We've tried changing the SDI input from single, to dual, to quad, back to single and still nothing. We've changed 3GA vs 3GB. We've tried different frame rates at 1080.

In the photos, one is of my test monitor where the signal shows correctly. The other is of the projector cutting it in half and stretching. (My monitor shows the signal at 60 even if it is 59.94 or 60) It is a verified 59.94 signal.

Any ideas? 1080p59.94 is listed as a supported SDI resolution by Christie.

Hey guys,

i have some truble with a HE120KE...

I'm trying to control it via LAN on a RP-50, which does not work. The RP-50 doesn't register the cam, the ip is 192.168.0.10/24 so the normal Panasonic IP. The WebGui is kind of broken, only safari can open it and all the menu points are out of order, clicking on them won't do a thing. Controling it over serial works. Yes i changed control Mode from Serial to Network. I Firmware upgraded it, didn't do a thing either.

On a HE130KE everything works quiet well.

Do you think it is broken?

My company just very recently got it's first real LED wall, only 65 panels (absen PL2.5 Pro v2), but a good first step. Along with 2 Novastar VX1000 Pros and a CVT10-Pro-S. The VX1000s just have empty SFP+ cages, which I can easily source transceivers for.

The CVT-10 Pro-S has the pictured Neutrik Optical connectors. I'm just flat not familiar with them. All of my existing fiber is single-mode, which the CVT-10 Pro is the "-S" model. But all my spools are LC-LC.
Just wanted to ask you all if these are just fancy Neutrik LC duplex connectors or some sort of OpicalCon? And if the latter, is there any adapters to use my existing reels?

Ideally I'd like to move away from LC down the road. I'm working on racking all of my FIDOs, considering moving to ST for some panel mount connecting? I'm open to opinions and experience.

Thanks in advance!

I've been given $5,000 to build rolling flats or something and assemble a better set. Mostly do interviews, but have a few different events that we do and need to have a few different looks so that everything doesn't look the same. Any suggestions?

Got a new tv. Yes it is a budget panel, but what is going on with the blacks? Is it normal for crystal lcd's or is the tv defective? Anytime there is a bit of shadow, it goes full blue. For context this is streaming from the onboard netflix app, hdr is not active.

Sometimes I have works that requires me to install unattended TV for exhibition and the exhibitor wanna plug in their own USB into the TV, but everytime the video ends and goes to the next one or when it loops the progress bar keeps popping up. Are there any way to set this on the TV itself. Preferably without having to plug another device into the TV. The TV that I have are Samsung's and LG's.

Hello, does anyone know if it’s possible to get 5376x1536 video playback from Mitti into an E3 using a single USB-C to display port connector? I’m using a M1 MAX MacBook Pro

Aside from the RC400T(which sucks) or a Stream Deck(which rocks) what does anyone use for a controller on an Aquilon? We are wanting to create a more Broadcast ME switcher feel for our Camera's inputs and main output.

I’m still learning about video switchers for corporate presentations and small company livestreams. For those who’ve used hardware switchers under $2,000 in these settings, what would you recommend based on your experience, and were there any limitations that only became obvious once you started using them?

Heyo, we have a slight wall vibration in our back wall where we need to mount the camera, and curious if either of these models’ image stabilization is effective.

Separately, are either good enough for auto tracking a speaker who is walking lightly around the presentation stage? It’s a small corporate stage.

Thanks!

Any suggestions for a solid laser level and tripod when building ground supported LED walls? Two of the companies I work for have them but they’re not in great shape, the rest are always provided by freelance engineers and I always forget to ask which one they like. They’ve helped my workflow tremendously and I’m ready to purchase a set up.

Shoal 2.0 is out

A few months ago I made Shoal, its a very fast terminal LAN discovery tool that shows its work: every device detail says which probe found it, what was sent and what came back. It was designed with AV Networks in mind allowing users to quickly identify that PTZ camera or Projector with an old IP still on it, not being discover-able sitting off subnet, or that has a self assigned IP.
It also shows users what AV services that device runs - Dante, NDI etc to quickly identify the device you are looking for.
Release 2 is now out as v2.0.1.

Whats New since 1.0

• Windows support, through Npcap
• Wireshark export: record every packet Shoal sends and hears as a pcapng file (w or --pcap FILE)
• Switch interfaces with i, and Shoal asks before sweeping anything larger than a /22
• Remove devices that have stopped answering (d and D)
• Six new dark themes
• Easier installs: Homebrew, .deb, .rpm and Arch packages, and an install script
• Network access is set up once with shoal --setup, so no more sudo on every run, and shoal --upgrade updates Shoal however you installed it
• Fixes, including devices that leave the network now turning red after a rescan

How to Get it

• Homebrew, on macOS 13 or later and Linux: brew install bt10011/tap/shoal

• Linux packages, the Windows zip and the install script all can be found at: https://github.com/BT10011/shoal/releases/latest

• Already on 1.0? Run sudo shoal --update

Terminal Based APP
This is a terminal based app, a TUI... you will need to run it in your OS pre-built terminal program.

Every release is built by GitHub Actions, with checksums you can verify. Please only scan networks you own or are allowed to test.

https://github.com/BT10011/shoal

If you do, does the tally light come on when you press the Call button on the studio convertor?