Archive for March, 2009
Newtek updates the Tricaster series to version 2.5
With this latest release Tricaster owners can take full advantage of the latest Flash Media Live encoder, and more:
NewTek is pleased to announce the immediate availability of TriCaster Upgrade 2.5. This download, at http://register.newtek.com is free for TriCaster owners already using Upgrade 2.0. (Any TriCaster that records Live Production in MPEG-2 is utilizing the newer software). TriCaster producers can take advantage of the following benefits:
The ‘Regular’ encoder profile (when recording live productions and in Capture Media) has been dramatically upgraded. Doubling the base bit-rate reduces compression and, along with a number of other MPEG-2 encoding improvements, provides much improved image quality. The Regular Profile is an excellent choice for general purpose use, and is equivalent to or better than the common ‘DV’ file format in most situations
A new, even higher-quality option is now available for Record and Capture Media. The ‘Studio’ profile likewise cuts MPEG-2 compression in half and doubles the bit-rate. In addition, though, it also implements 4:2:2 color sampling. Enhanced sub-sampling reduces motion artifacts, provides better color registration and apparent sharpness, and most importantly ensures optimal results for chroma keying.
The resulting files fulfil the requirements for “High Profile” MPEG-2 encoding established by the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG). It’s worth noting that these files even exceed the quality of NewTek SpeedHQ files. Please note, though, that Studio Profile is ‘off’ by default. This maximizes file compatibility with external applications (some of which may lack support for High Profile definition MPEG-2 files).
TriCaster Upgrade 2.5 supports Adobe® Flash® Media Live Encoder 3. This important update offers H.264 streaming, offer simultaneous streams at multiple bit rates and improved compatibility with popular streaming providers, such as UStream.TV.
Several new streaming profiles have been provided in TriCaster’s Record/Stream tab to make it easy for you to access these new streaming capabilities.
Full review in a few hours after I install the 333MB upgrade.
Update: See test stream here: http://ne.edgecastcdn.net/00025B/LivePlayer/testplayer/LivePlayer.html H.264 512k, 480×270 (audio off).
No comments“Webcast” from your iPhone, Nokia handheld.
Sure the Tricaster, a machine built to webcast, can’t connect to Ustream these days, but your iPhone sure can. Ironic.
Today the people at Ustream released their Ustream Mobile client, iPhone and Nokia compatible. Apple has yet to give it an official blessing, much like the similar Qik app, so you will need a jailbroken iPhone. For what it’s worth it crashes at the log-in screen on my iPhone. (And I don’t seem to be the only one). -Update- they updated the software to version 1.1 and it now works.
What does this evolution mean for webcast production, well more sources of live coverage of an event, and different view points (figuratively and literally). I’ll be looking to crowd-source this end user content created by these new tools into my production.
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