NewTek, the makers of the tremendous TriCaster line of broadcast and streaming systems, has a wonderful little broadcast studio that can almost fit in your pocket — the TriCaster Mini.  I’ve been using Tricasters for over 10 years and produced hundreds of hours or live streaming content using most of them.  The Mini ranks right up there with the big ones!  I love it.  I’ve even streamed some long-form broadcasts with it.   For churches that want to move up to “Broadcast Mode” but are on a budget, this box can get you moving quickly and professionally.

For organizations on a budget, that need to get up and running with a streaming system that is rock solid and affordable, this unit has what you’re looking for.

The larger TriCaster systems use component and SDI equipped video cameras.  Since most higher end production and event companies already have higher end cameras with SDI connectors, they’re a natural fit.  Most consumer level and higher cameras come standard with an HDMI output (for hooking up to your TV).  The Mini lowers the barrier of entrance by standardizing on HDMI for inputs, meaning, you can use a MUCH wider range of cameras, which help you keep cost down, while keeping creativity high.   BUT there is a mini version with SDI inputs for those who want to use higher end cameras.

The physical footprint of the unit is also staggering.  They’ve managed to put all the horsepower of a much larger TriCaster in something the size of your child’s lunch box, but with the quality and performance of its big brothers.  I’ve been able to pack this whole unit into a single Pelican case that I can carry onto a plane.  When I had my Tricaster 8000 system, I had to get a truck to move it from event to event.

In this video, I walk you through just how easy it is to get up and running with a Mini HD-4.