NewTek TriCaster Advanced Edition User Guide - Manual (Page 84)

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This synchronizes TriCaster output to other external equipment
locked to the same reference. Genlocking is not a requirement, but
it is very beneficial, and you should definitely use it if you have the
capability.
TriCaster mixes and switches output from up to eight camera
sources (8-input models). Miniscule local timing differences
between these may force tiny delays during switching operations,
which can also contribute to throughput latency.
Thus, serving i) TriCaster’s Genlock input and ii) other video
devices in the chain with a single reference is the best approach.
You could think of it this way:
 Genlocking your cameras has the effect of locking their output
together, ensuring optimal synchronization for live switching.
This may result in throughput latency benefits.

Supplying the same sync source to TriCaster’s Genlock input ensures a
match between TriCaster output and any downstream video devices required to
handle both it and other (genlocked) sources.
Note: Digital audio is less tolerant in certain respects than analog. Some devices require SDI sources to be
genlocked when mixing digital audio (whether for recording or live production).
TriCaster, however, includes dynamic audio re-sampling for each input. Genlocking of SDI audio/video sources is
not a requirement. Still, genlocking sources and TriCaster to a house reference signal, or genlocking the cameras
directly to the TriCaster output is encouraged (to genlock cameras, see your camera manual).
V ERTICAL P OSITION , H ORIZONTAL P OSITION AND P HASE
Locking all devices to house sync is important, but this alone does not actually ensure a perfect downstream
match. Consider an army marching along: each step the soldiers take occurs at precisely the same moment,
so we could say their timing is synchronized.
Even so – problems result if one soldier leads with the left foot while everyone else is on the right. Or perhaps
everyone is evenly spaced and perfectly aligned but for one misfit who ‘tailgates’ the soldier ahead of him
and keeps stepping on his heels.
This is essentially why TriCaster provides several adjustments in its Genlock section. The Horizontal and
Vertical Position settings pin the image in the proper space in the frame, and in doing so could be likened to
making sure each marching soldier is in position relative to his fellows (as viewed from above).
The Phase setting ensures proper color alignment, corresponding to making sure everyone is on the left or
right foot at the same time.
Hint: The term “genlock” refers to
“generator locking”.
Professional video devices often
provide a “genlock input”, which
allows an external reference signal
(often referred to as ‘house sync’)
to control its video timing.
The output of video devices
connected in this manner is
synchronized to the reference
signal, and they are referred to as
‘genlocked’.