I have not used a switcher but need to purchase one in January to use with 2 EX3's and 1 EX1 for 'news' style programs ranging from 2 person interviews to 5 person round table discussions. I have done some research and the Tricaster TCXD300 is almost perfect for our needs except for the price ($15000) and limited frame rates of 1080/30i or 720/60p. I love the quality of its live keyer (the chepaer SD version has unacceptable keying quality) and its virtual sets.

1) I need to keep the switcher cost under $10,000.
2) Have at least 3 HD-SDI inputs.
3) I don't need an internal recorder as long as the switcher has an HD-SDI output so we can connect a nanoFlash.
4) It will be used 95% of the time in our studio so portability isn't very important.
5) I prefer DVI/VGA connections for hooking up external LCDs rather than small built-in monitors but this isn't necessarily a requirement.
6) The recording format must be compatible with Premiere Pro and After Effects CS5.

Can anyone help and offer some advice?

Are there certain features I should be aware of?

Thanks

I too am looking at getting a switcher and have looked at the Tricaster and a Broadcast Pix system. Panasonic has something you maybe interested in.

Learn about Panasonic's AW-HS50N (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=451702&catGroupId=14632&surfModel=AW-HS50N)