My church is just about to purchase a Tricaster Pro, and we will be using Sony Z1 camcorders in SD mode (for now) for taping and live streaming. A couple of questions:

It would make our life a lot easier if we could mount one of the cameras upside down; does anyone know if either the Tricaster or the camera has an option to flip the picture?

And what size/resolution monitor would you say is enough? From the pictures on their website it looks like there is a lot of stuff on the interface, plus the Pro model has no preview out... we do have a 37" 1080 Mitsubishi LCD monitor... good enough?

Thank you,

I work with an earlier version of the tricaster on a regular basis. It does NOT have the ability to flip the image. But check with the specs on the newer ones.

I work with the Sony HVR-z5u - I am unaware of the ability to flip the image.

I work with a smaller Monitor, and the previews are just fine. I send the Composite from the flypack to a Distribution amplifier - where I split it for an external monitor and possible broadcast feed - while sending the s-video out to the Recording unit.

I've got the latest version and I have not seen anyway to flip the video. That doesn't mean it can't be done, but I'm pretty sure you can't. As for monitor, you need at least a 17" at 1280x1024. Larger is easier on the eyes. My 19" does a nice job. As for multiply outputs, a video DA does nicely.

Hello I just checked my Z1P manual and there is no option to flip the video.

With regards

Jeff

Ervin,

What are you using for camera control if you are mounting these cameras - right side up or upside down? Why not just purchase one or two PTZ cameras - They WILL allow for flipping the image, and can be mounted in either position. Cheaper, and allow for remote controll in the master control room.

I use several versions of these in various City Council chambers around the Bay Area. Often, I am all alone in MC - controlling three cameras, running audio, and loading graphics - yeah, it's a nightmare. But budgets are contracting these days.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/449684-REG/Sony_EVID100_PAC3_EVI_D100_1_4_PTZ_Camera.html

Is a link to an SD version complete with controller and cable. DO a search under PTZ cameras for various brands and versions. Yes, they are offered in HD as well.

Thanks for the help.

We do need a third camera but looking forward we don't think an SD camera makes sense, rather a small higher-end consumer Sony.

Still... on a temporary basis we may consider a pan/tilt security camera, but we need broadcast quality as this stuff will end up on television. How would such a Sony measure up working with Z1s set to SD?

Ervin - those ARE Broadcast quality cameras. SD broadcast and are used to broadcast daily. I know - I use them. They also have HD versions available, but not everyone can afford them. The optics and chips are superb.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/631379-REG/Sony_BRC_Z330_BRC_Z330_High_Definition_PTZ.html

Hi Ervin,

Been a while since I used a TriCaster, but I know for certain it had the ability to do a horizontal flip, not sure about vertical though. Look in where you set up the virtual sets I believe, there are some special effects you can apply to the video source

Jeff Pulera

Two questions remain unanswered:

1. How is a Sony PTZ camera (say the EVID-70) compare to our existing Z1s as far as sensitivity and color/contrast/etc.

2. Any of these cameras do 16x9? If not... the whole idea is dead... we're not going back to 4x3.

Thanks for the help,