Genlock & Failsafe - NewTek TriCaster Mini User Manual

TriCaster's Genlock feature allows it to 'lock'
its video output to a reference video signal
supplied to its Genlock input connector.
(Note that TriCaster 410, Mini SDI and Mini
lack Genlock options.)
This synchronizes TriCaster output to other
external equipment locked to the same
reference. Genlocking is not a requirement,
but it is very beneficial, and you should
definitely use it if you have the capability.
TriCaster mixes and switches output from
up to eight camera sources (8-input
models). 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 with a single reference 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.
Note: Digital audio is less tolerant in certain respects than analog. Some devices require
SDI sources to be genlocked when mixing digital audio (whether for recording or live
production).
8.1.2 GENLOCK & FAILSAFE
Hint: The term "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'.
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