NewTek TriCaster 8000 - Manual (Page 307)

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SECTION 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, one form of
information available to network sources connected is tally (on-air) notification.
Beyond this, though, AirSend also provides the ability to transmit commands
between NewTek live production systems and other connected sources. This
provides extremely powerful capabilities.
Note: AirSend is just one way for external systems and software tp communicate with
and control NewTek live production systems. For example, control applications can also
be prepared using simple TCP/IP commands. The NewTek Developer Network program
provides members with SDKs detailing the various communication methods available.
E
XAMPLE
– C
ONTROLLING
3P
LAY
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 “3PlayA”
as the active source for TriCaster’s “Net 1” input, a communication channel between
3Play’s A channel and Net 1 is automatically opened. Unique shortcut entries in the
macro identify which Network Input the instructions specified will be directed to.