NewTek TriCaster TCXD300, User Manual

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14.7.2 CONNECTION CONSIDERATIONS
As mentioned above, washed-out areas in the video signal lack sufficient color information to
provide good separation. For similar reasons, it’s worth considering the color characteristics
different types of video signals.
SDI connections are ideal, if you can use them. Otherwise, in the analog video realm you will
encounter three main types of camera connections. We present them here in ascending order
according to the quality of video signal they provide (and as things go, in the reverse order of
their cost, and the likelihood that you will have access to them):
Composite – a two conductor design using the classic RCA connector (also referred to as a phono
connector or CINCH/AV connector)
Y/C – typically using a round, 4-pin mini-DIN connector or two BNC connectors, Y/C keeps Y
(luminance) and C (chrominance) signals separate.
Hint: Y/C is occasionally called “component” (which while technically correct, can be a bit
confusing given the name of the next class), S-Video (legitimate) or “S-VHS” (completely incorrect,
though a common error.)
Component (a.k.a. ‘YUV’ or ‘Y, Pb, Pr’) – a three wire system typically using BNC (push & twist-
on) connectors.
For analog connections, either of the last two methods is to be preferred – but it is entirely
possible to succeed with only a composite signal. When you have something better available,
however, you should naturally use it. (Try to avoid downgrading the pre-LiveMatte signal from a
Y/C camera, for example, by connecting it to your TriCaster using composite cabling.)
Hint: cameras using IEEE 1394 connection (such as mini-DV or HDV format) are not supported as
live switching sources, for several reasons. However they may often be connected by Y/C cable
(mini-DV cameras only) or Component cabling. This configuration may actually provide a better
color rendition for keying purpose than if it were possible to connect them by IEEE1394 cable.