Skype integration

[DanielG]

I work for a church and we are connecting to our 3 satellite campuses via skype. We would like to know if we can use Skype on the Tricaster TCXD300 computer and integrate it via PIP.

Can Skype run on the Tricaster computer in the background and send program A/V as well as receive A/V?

[PIZAZZ]

You will need to use a separate PC to receive the Skype video/audio. Then you can take the video to your TriCaster via iVGA, audio via analog out of the PC to the inputs of the TC or your audio console. If you don't know how or don't like iVGA then use a DVI to SDI convertor from BlackMagic Design. Simple easy and cheap. You end up eating up an input but the quality is very nice.

Take the program audio and video out of the TriCaster and feed it back into the Skype computer via an inexpensive capture card/usb/firewire adapter so the remote person can see and hear what is going on at the master campus.

Hint Hint: Use a Virtual input to crop and scale the Skype input into a PIP or Virtual Set 2Up even.

[DanielG]

Extremely helpful thank you!!

[joseburgos]

I want to add that I make sure to return video to the Skype computer otherwise I get what I call the Stevie Wonder affect. The person, not seeing you, forgets they are on camera and think they are on a voice only call. This makes for constant reminders to them to please look at their camera. I use Black Magic Decklink or Intensity Pro.
Also get the person on Skype to purchase a headset or a lav mic. Most people use the webcam mic or the built-in computer mic and it sound horrible.

[csandy]

The mic on Microsoft's HD webcams are actually very good. The auto focus will drive you nuts though.

[jmmultex]

You will probably want to do a mix-minus on the audio feed you send back to remote Skype location - you don't want to send them back the audio they are sending to you. Even if feedback isn't a problem, the slightly delayed audio a person hears of themselves speaking can be really problematic, and make it difficult for the speaker to focus on what they are saying.

Best
John

[joseburgos]

No probably about it, do a mix minus.
Here two Skype computers were used so two mic minus;
http://worldsciencefestival.com/webcasts/fabric

[mahasf]

very well done, jose

[joseburgos]

Thanks
I handled the Skype and Chris, my son was the op (he is a freelance op taught by a highly ranked TriCaster master) :)

[dkinskey]

I want to add that I make sure to return video to the Skype computer otherwise I get what I call the Stevie Wonder affect. The person, not seeing you, forgets they are on camera and think they are on a voice only call. This makes for constant reminders to them to please look at their camera. I use Black Magic Decklink or Intensity Pro.
Also get the person on Skype to purchase a headset or a lav mic. Most people use the webcam mic or the built-in computer mic and it sound horrible.

do you use the intensity in the skype computer or in the tricaster?

[csandy]

do you use the intensity in the skype computer or in the tricaster?

Never, ever, ever try to put a third party i/o card in your TriCaster. You will be very unhappy. José means in the other PC.