Genlock – NewTek TriCaster 855 User Manual
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GENLOCK
7.1.7
TriCaster’s Genlock feature allows it to ‘lock’ its video
output to a reference video signal (house sync, such
as ‘black burst’) supplied to its Genlock input
connector. This synchronizes TriCaster output to
other external equipment locked to the same
reference. Genlocking is not an absolute
requirement, but it is very beneficial, and you should
definitely use it if you have the capability.
TriCaster mixes and switches output from eight video
sources. 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.
Hint: 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 live dynamic audio re-sampling for each input. Genlocking of SDI
audio/video sources is not a requirement for TriCaster. 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).
Hint: “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’.