NewTek TriCaster Advanced Edition Automation and Integration Guide - Manual (Page 62)

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OS X ® P
LATFORM
The NewTek Quicktime codecs are not required to be able to read TriCaster or 3Play Quicktime ® files on OS
X systems. However – depending on what other software you already have installed – you may need to
download and install a ‘professional’ codec pack available from Apple
® at the ULR shown below (at the time
of writing):
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1396
Apple® platform users may find it useful to install the NewTek Codec Pack for OS X ® anyway, since it does
offer certain added benefits. Specifically, suitable applications (such as Compressor™) will be able to access
them to read and write NewTek’s SpeedHQ Quicktime
® files, and even read the SpeedHQ AVI file format.
Section 9.2 I
MPORT
TriCaster and 3Play are able to play back media files in many, many different popular file formats, but it
must be admitted that some require more system resources to play than others. With a view to making
best use of precious resources, then, ideally media files should be prepared beforehand.
With the assistance of the NewTek codec packs just mentioned, it is often true that files can be prepared in
NewTek-friendly formats that are easy to play back right in your favorite non-linear editor or compositing
package. We can recommend NewTek’s own SpeedHQ Quicktime
® encoding as a good high quality format
for use in any of our live production systems. (SpeedHQ options include support for files with embedded
alpha channel, especially valuable for animations intended for use as overlays.)
Alternatively, dedicated Import modules are provided in all modern NewTek live production systems. This
module, found in the Startup control panel (see the manual for your specific product for details) provides a
way to add multiple items to a queue for batch processing, including optional transcoding as necessary.
Otherwise, most high quality Quicktime formats (other than ProRes) will work reasonably well. For HD
files, you might consider trying the Quicktime PNG encoder (especially when an alpha channel is required).
Section 9.3 E
XPORT
At times you may wish to export files recorded with a NewTek live production in some other popular
format. Of course, whether working with files captured to shared storage systems or copied to external
media across a network, for example, you could perform transcoding entirely externally using your favorite
conversion software. You may instead, though, wish to use your NewTek system to do transcoding.
All current NewTek live production platforms include an Export feature in the system’s Startup pages.
Most also provide a Publish Queue in the Live or Replay Desktop. Files can be added to the lists in these
modules using a variety of method, even – in this latter case – during live production. The modules provide
access to a deep set of transcoding tools and control over destinations for file output (including local and
networked volumes, and ftp).