NewTek Tricaster TCXD850, User Manual, Page: 144 / 336

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7.1.6 GENLOCK
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.
Figure 122
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’.
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 all with the same reference signal 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.
IMPORTANT Note: Digital audio is less forgiving in certain respects than analog. To avoid
occasional audio glitches when mixing digital audio (whether for recording or live production) you
must ensure that the timing for all digital audio sources is synchronized.
This means you must do one of the following: i) genlock all digital audio sources and TriCaster to
a house reference signal, or ii) genlock the cameras to TriCaster’s output.