NewTek 3Play 4800 - Manual (Page 220)

Page | 204
17.6 AIRSEND™ CONTROL
The software API (application programming interface) providing network A/V support in NewTek
products is called AirSend™. Various systems and software (both native and third-party) also
take advantage of AirSend to send and receive control instructions and tally (on air) notification.
AirSend supports more than just a/v data transfer. For example, AirSend also provides the ability
to transmit commands between NewTek live production systems and other connected sources.
This provides extremely powerful capabilities.
17.6.1 EXAMPLE – CONTROLLING 3PLAY
Let’s consider a simple example taking advantage of the potential this ability offers.
Using TriCaster’s Macro system, it is easy to take advantage of AirSend to send instructions from
TriCaster to 3Play via the macro system. Such a macro could actually perform sequential
operations on both systems, and be assigned to a shortcut keystroke or other macro trigger for
convenient execution with a single user interaction.
When both ‘parties’ to the network ‘conversation’ have been prepared using the AirSend API, as
in this case, there is no need for complicated configuration. TriCaster ’knows’ which network
source is connected to its network inputs, and automatically creates the necessary bi-directional
communication channel.
For example, 3Play network outputs typically appear in TriCaster’s Network Input source
selectors as something like “3Play(A)” and “3Play(B)”. If you select “3Play(A)” as the active
source for TriCaster’s Net 1 input, a communication channel between 3Play’s A channel and Net
1 is automatically established. Unique shortcut entries in the macro identify which Network
Input the instructions specified will be directed to. When examined in TriCaster’s Macro Editor, a
typical macro entry of this type might look as follows:
Delay (ms) Shortcut Value Key 1 Value 1
0 net1 clip_play speed .5
The shortcut “net1” defines which Network Input will be addressed. Additional entries on the
same line constitute an instruction that will be performed when the macro is executed.