Page 2 TimeWarp, VT, VT[3], VT[4], V[T5], Video Toaster, Toaster, Inspire 3D, 3D Arsenal, Aura, LightWave, LightWave 3D and LightWave CORE are trademarks, service marks, and registered trademarks of NewTek. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Page 3 About This Manual ......................1 Introduction ........................3 TX™ ™ ................... 3 ECTION SKYPE 2.1.1 Skype TX™ Client and Control – Overview ............... 3 2.1.2 TalkShow™ ........................4 2.2 F ........................4 ECTION EATURES 2.2.1 Physical..........................4 2.2.2 Multi-Tier Failsafe ......................5 2.2.3 A/V Features........................
Page 4 4.1 M ......................27 ECTION AKING A 4.1.1 The Contacts List ......................27 4.1.2 Skype Calling ......................... 31 4.1.3 Talk Back ........................32 4.1.4 Disconnecting ........................ 33 4.2 R ......................34 ECTION ECORDING ALLS 4.3 C ......................35 ECTION ALLER NAPSHOT The TalkShow™...
Page 5 8.5.4 Workflow Settings ......................93 8.6 A ....................... 94 ECTION DDING ACHINES 8.7 M ......................96 ECTION AKING A 8.7.1 Adding a Contact ......................97 8.7.2 Making Multiple Calls....................105 8.8 T ....................105 ECTION AKING A NAPSHOT 8.9 M ......................
Page 7 P A R T I ( G E T T I N G S T A R T E D ) Introducing TalkShow – connections and registration, a top-level overview of primary features, and a quick hands-on tour to get you started.
Page 9 This manual tells you everything you need to know to use your TalkShow™ system. It attempts to convey essential information in a friendly, concise way, while also deeper reference information you can turn to when you really need all of the relevant details. Even if you are the hands-on, never-ask-directions type, please peruse this page.
Page 11 TalkShow live production system, and explains how to perform initial connection and configuration. Thank you for purchasing this NewTek system. TalkShow® is a proud member of our talented family of video production and broadcast systems. Its sleek profile conceals a robust system that has been lovingly crafted to fill an important role in your studio.
Page 12 Contacts database. Physical access to the Skype TX unit or the Skype TX software is not required in this case. TalkShow™ is the brand name of NewTek live production systems purpose-designed to support the Skype TX™...
Page 13 NewTek’s ‘Always on Air’ failsafe system provides multi-tier redundancy. Software processes continually monitor and safeguard the live performance. Recoverable error conditions are quickly and unobtrusively dealt with. The system can automatically display a still image of the remote caller while maintaining audio transmission, should unforeseen bandwidth constraints occur below specified values.
Page 14  Call management is handled separately from a/v output, resulting in a feed that is free of pop-ups, advertisements and notifications.  Tally notification tells operator and caller when they are ‘live to air’.  Included SkypeTX™ Control application permits multiple TalkShow systems and Skype™...
Page 15 This chapter explains how to connect and configure your NewTek TalkShow™ system. It also reviews the registration process, and explains how to connect to external video production devices. After completing this short section, you’ll be all set to continue into the Live Production Walkthrough chapter that follows it.
Page 16 However, such units should generally be the On/Off will illuminate, as will the viewed as being of low quality and NewTek logo at right, and the unit will possibly inadequate to fully protect the boot up. (If this does not happen, check system from abnormal power events..
Page 17 TalkShow’s power supply and other electronics, and provide a further measure of protection from surges, spikes, lightning and high voltage. Hint: Power saving settings such as ‘sleep’, etc., that could negatively imact TalkShow functionality are off by default. You will want to take time to ensure that your system is configured correctly for your own locale.
Page 18 FIGURE 5 4. In the Windows™ Control Panel, click Clock, Language, and Region (Figure 5), and make appropriate selections as required. On first launch, TalkShow presents an End User License Agreement dialog. After you accept this, the Registration dialog shown in Figure 6 is presented. If necessary, enter the unique Serial Number and Product ID for your system.
Page 19 In either case, after registering on the website, enter the resulting registration code into the field provided in the Registration dialog. NewTek’s Customer Support center can also handle registration requests by telephone, if that is more convenient (when opportunity permits, you should still visit the website as discussed above to gain access to software updates).
Page 20 TalkShow is designed for convenient mounting in standard 19” racks (side rails are available from NewTek, if desired). Please keep in mind that adequate cooling is a very important requirement for virtually all electronic and digital equipment, and this is true of Talkshow as well.
Page 21 ASTER ETWORK UTPUT NewTek’s TriCaster™ live production system has both an integrated audio mixer and the ability to transmit a user-selected a/v program across a standard *network by means of NewTek’s AirSend™ technology. TalkShow provides native support for this very convenient alternative.
Page 22 FIGURE 8 In this instance, no incoming (or outgoing) SDI or XLR connection is even required. All you need to do is connect both TalkShow to the same network that hosts the TriCaster. Ideally, this will be a local network that is not in heavy use for purposes unrelated to your production, as opposed to a busy corporate network.
Page 23 ONNECTIONS FIGURE 9 The Talk Back feature, discussed in Section 4.1.3, provides a convenient means for the TalkShow operator to communicate directly with a remote caller, without a complicated or expensive external audio solution. Simply connect the mic and headphone connectors of a headset to the pink and green audio jacks on TalkShow’s rear panel.
Page 24 As discussed under “TriCaster™ Network Output” back in Section 3.5.1, in a studio pipeline including a NewTek *TriCaster, TalkShow can both send and receive all necessary audio and video across a local network via AirSend™. * See note below. 1. This includes: o The Skype™...
Page 25 Return video stream sent back to the remote Skype™ caller. Tally notification can be sent from a NewTek TriCaster™ live production system across a network connection, as described in Section 3.6.1. Otherwise, it can be triggered by a GPI signal presented to the Tally connector on TalkShow’s rear panel.
Page 26 The upper portion of the TalkShow Desktop always contains the Skype TX™ Client controls. This area hosts the primary call management features and settings, along with various preview monitors. Across the bottom you will see the NewTek TalkShow™ Dashboard, which provides quick access to advanced settings and features.
Page 27 Although you can configure some settings of your Talkshow system before signing in, you will need to do so before long anyway, so let’s review this part of the process now. 1. When you first launch, your screen will look much like Figure 12. The familiar Skype™...
Page 28 FIGURE 14 Having connected, let’s continue to configure audio and video settings. Hint: Once signed in to a Skype account, a Sign Out button is available at upper right (Figure 14). At this point, let’s configure Talkshow for either PAL or NTSC video standard, according to your locale.
Page 29 7. Locate and click the Video (camera) icon at the top of the Skype TX settings pane (Figure 16) to populate the settings panel with video options. FIGURE 16 Notice that there is an SDI frame rate menu in the settings group labeled Output. This important setting determines whether TalkShow’s video hardware runs in PAL or NTSC mode, and other options will update as required based on your selection here.
Page 30 FIGURE 18 9. Click the large blue Return button centrally located in the TalkShow™ Dashboard at the bottom of the TalkShow Desktop (Figure 18). FIGURE 19 This maximizes the TalkShow™ Dashboard and displays the Return Settings pane (Figure 19). Controls and settings related to the signals you wish to send back to the remote Skype caller are all configured here.
Page 31 10. In the Video group at left (Figure 20), choose the appropriate option in the Input Connection drop-down menu. (You’ll see a number of popular video formats listed there; as well, if your workflow includes a TriCaster live production system (other than TriCaster 40) connected to the same network as Talkshow, you’ll be able to choose the TriCaster’s network output listed –...
Page 32 (Optional) As mentioned earlier, the Genlock input on TalkShow’s backplate is for connection of a ‘house sync’ or reference signal. FIGURE 22 While not an absolute requirement for Talkshow, genlocking is standard procedure in high-end production environments, and genlock connections are typically provided on professional gear.
Page 33 However, if you supply an HD reference signal to the Genlock input, you may want to change the setting to HD (Tri-level). 14. With the aid of downstream Waveform and Vector Scopes, adjust TriCaster’s Horizontal Position, Vertical Position, and Phase settings. For a deeper discussion of Genlock settings, see Section Section 6.3 in Chapter 5).
Page 35 This chapter provides a quick hands-on tour of the major components and functions of your NewTek TalkShow™. In a very short time, these basics will be second nature to you. (More detailed reference material on all aspects of TalkShow follows in Part II.) In the previous section, you made the necessary device connections to TalkShow™, and...
Page 36 It’s useful to know that TalkShow’s Contact List is local to the unit, not the Skype account you use to sign in. This is very convenient, since the contacts you add persist, regardless of which Skype™ account you log in with. Thus, no matter which account you use to sign in on your TalkShow system, you will have access to this contact list (even when the same Skype client account, which has its own contact list associated with it, is used for other purposes or modified).
Page 37 The left side of the screen is a large, mostly-empty gray pane. This is where your Skype TX contacts will appear once added. FIGURE 25 (If you see a pane showing other options and settings instead of the blank gray Contacts List, as in Figure 25, simply click the blue ‘gear’...
Page 38 FIGURE 27 2. Fill in the various fields (Figure 27) with the details of the new contact you wish to create as follows. o Display Name – The name of the remote caller. (This name is for Contact use reference only, and is not displayed on the video output. Location –...
Page 39 3. Select a group for the new contact. Four different groups are available, allowing you to organize your contacts conveniently for many different purposes. 4. Click the checkmark (Apply) button to complete the process of adding the contact. FIGURE 28 Your newly created ‘contact card’...
Page 40 FIGURE 29 A successful Skype call relies, of course, on the remote caller being both signed in and available for calls. Additionally, the contact must either a) list the account you sign into TalkShow with as a contact, or b) configure their local Skype client settings to allow calls from users that are not included among their personal Contacts.
Page 41 you will often want to communicate directly with the remote caller apart from the program. In most call-in production pipelines, a secondary audio return path is provided to allow in-studio personnel (such as a ‘call-screener’) to converse with the remote caller. This secondary audio return is typically configured so that it can interrupt the program audio feed normally returned to the caller.
Page 42 TalkShow makes recording incoming Skype™ calls very easy. Once configured and enabled, capture starts and stops automatically at the beginning and end of each call. FIGURE 32 Begin by selecting a destination for the captured files using the Record Path menu under the Record Skype Calls label in the TalkShow Setup pane (Figure 32).
Page 43 You may also want to go into the Return pane and enable the switch labeled Copy to Ch. 3 and 4 in the Audio settings group (Figure 33). When this feature is enabled, the return audio feed from the studio is also stored in the file. FIGURE 34 Finally, click the Record button in TalkShow’s Dashboard (Figure 34).
Page 45 P A R T 2 ( R E F E R E N C E ) A thorough examination of the various aspects of TalkShow: every button, menu item, feature and control is considered in this section, so you can take full advantage of your system.
Page 47 The TalkShow™ Desktop is the control center for your Skype TX ™ live production work. Naturally it provides call management features such as a Contact List, preview monitors, and more. As well, you will find configuration controls and settings for audio and video here, both for output to studio systems (such as video and audio mixers) along with signals you wish to return to the remote caller.
Page 48 1. The two upper zones contain the controls and settings of TalkShow’s embedded Skype TX™ Client application. The white header is home to a few key Skype™ controls. 2. Just beneath the Skype TX™ header, a larger gray area hosts the Skype TX Client features, and is subdivided into three segments from left to right (we’ll discuss each in much more detail soon).
Page 49 TalkShow™ provides extensive control over video sources for both the Skype™ Call and Return audio and video signals. Both the Call channel output and Skype™ Return source have their own settings, including Proc Amp, as well as resolution, aspect control, and other options.
Page 50 ASIC To view the basic configuration options affecting Return video, click the Skype TX™ Settings button (gear) at upper-left, just below the Skype TX header label (Figure 38), and then click the Video Settings button (which looks like a camera) at right. FIGURE 38 Notice the Input control group just beneath the Video pane label.
Page 51 TriCaster™ (or 3Play™) across the local network. We’ll discuss these alternatives momentarily. For now, simply note that the Device menu selection is already set to “NewTek Video Source”, and we’ll move on to discuss the next item. AX RETURN RESOLUTION This setting governs the maximum video resolution that is exposed to Skype, and is independent of the Return source resolution.
Page 52 SPECT RATIO CORRECTION METHOD FIGURE 41 This setting affects how the Return image is scaled to fit the resolution selected above. The picture can either be scaled to fit the width or the height of the requested resolution. REAT AS ANAMORPHIC FIGURE 42 When checked, this features causes all Return video supplied in standard definition as 16:9.
Page 53 If you use it, most common broadcast sources will not be recognized at TalkShow’s video Return input. An interesting and valuable alternative source is available in studios that include NewTek live production systems that can supply one (or more) a/v stream across a network.
Page 54 Note: TriCaster 40 models do not support network output. OLOR Lighting conditions can vary dramatically, affecting the color of video imagery quite dramatically. Especially in some settings, color balance can even change over time during a call. FIGURE 45 TalkShow’s unique Auto Color feature can remove all of the worry and any need to manually monitor color balance using potentially expensive equipment and manpower to account for the associated problems.
Page 55 A switch at the top of the Proc Amp control group toggles the feature on/off. Other controls operate as follows:  Brightness: Adjustment range from -50 to +50 IRE (the default being 0). As reference, the full luminance range of the visible portion of a video signal can be thought of as ‘100 IRE units’...
Page 56 o The V portion of the video signal carries red and green color information. Rotate V Offset clockwise to shift the signal toward red and counter-clockwise to shift the signal toward green. To automatically white balance – click and hold the mouse button over the Color (eyedropper) button, and then slide the pointer onto the monitor for the corresponding source.
Page 57 FIGURE 50 NPUT EVICE The Input Device can always be left set to the NewTek audio driver option, as shown in Figure 50. Note: Further configuration and more advanced control over of Return audio sources connected to TalkShow is provided in the Return Settings pane below the TalkShow Dashboard.
Page 58 ISABLE OISE UPPRESSOR The noise suppressor provides a means to reduce or eliminate unwanted audio artifacts such as computer fan noise, hiss and hum. ISABLE Similarly, AEC (Automatic Echo Cancellation) helps prevent audio from the remote caller’s microphone being sent back to his or her own headphones or speakers as part of the Return audio feed, which can be very disconcerting.
Page 59 Hint: A single network connecting TalkShow to both a NewTek system and the Internet can actually handle all Return and Call audio and video data transfer, along with Tally notification, without any need for additional a/v cabling.
Page 60 OPY TO FIGURE 53 Enable this switch to copy the selected sound from the Return channel onto Channel’s 3 and 4 of the Call audio output. This allows you to pass the ‘studio’ portion of the Skype call to be included on discrete channels (separate from the incoming Skype call audio) with system output to studio equipment, and also captured by TalkShow’s Record feature for post-production use.
Page 61 VU M AIN AND ETERS Use the Gain knob to adjust the level of sound returned TalkShow Audio Specifications to your remote caller. TalkShow’s analog audio conforms to SMPTE RP-155. VU (Volume Unit) meters, The maximum input/output located right above the level is +24 dBu.
Page 62 The calibration of the units shown for VU Meter can be changed to suit your preference. Click the small triangle gadget at left, below the scale, to open a menu offering three options as follows: • dBFS (a.k.a., dB ‘Full Scale’) – The modern digital standard. •...
Page 63 Enable or disable the Equalizer using the switch beside its label. The vertical sliders attenuate or boost the tonal range centered on the frequency shown at the top. The effect Compressor, Limiter – what’s the applied falls off gradually as sound draws difference, anyway? closer to neighboring frequencies on either side.
Page 64 The highest ratio setting will effectively reduce any signal that would rise above the threshold all the way down to the threshold level (with the exception of a brief period during a sudden increase in source loudness, as dictated by the Attack setting). TTACK Attack (like Release) is labeled in milliseconds.
Page 65 Skype video that you want to send to your studio. Note: Talkshow always delivers Call video output to both the SDI Out connector on the system’s rear panel, as well as Network output for use by NewTek live production systems that are part of the studio pipeline.
Page 66 ATERMARK OSITION When the Watermark Enabled switch is checked, two numeric sliders are shown beneath. These settings govern the location where the Skype™ watermark appears on the screen. SDI R ESOLUTION This menu controls the resolution and format of the outgoing video stream. Changes to the SDI resolution setting require a software restart.
Page 67 Note: Output when either 1080p24 or 1080p23.97 is chosen is actually in PsF (Progressive segmented Frame) format. SPECT RATIO CORRECTION METHOD The selection in this menu determines how the incoming Skype Call video is scaled to fit the SDI output resolution (when necessary). Supported scaling includes: ...
Page 68  320 × 240 (4:3)  320 × 180 (16:9)  160 × 120 (4:3)  160 × 90 (16:9) PTION FIGURE 57 This menu setting controls what is seen on TalkShow’s Call output when no call is active. The default option is Testcard, with the nearby Logo and Clock switched both checked (Figure 57).
Page 69 path shown below (you can replace this file with a custom one with the same resolution): ‘%USERPROFILE%\Pictures\ Skype TX\Client\  Black DVANCED PTIONS The features in TalkShow’s Call Settings pane (opened by clicking the Call button in the white horizontal TalkShow Dashboard - Figure 36) are virtually identical to those previously considered when discussing Return Settings –...
Page 70 It doesn’t seem necessary to slay another virtual tree and waste pixels to reiterate the foregoing, so let’s do the ‘green’ thing and move on, shall we?  Just as incoming Skype™ Call video is simultaneously supplied to TalkShow’s SDI Out and Network outputs, likewise audio output goes to all outputs at the same time.
Page 71 FIGURE 61 DVANCED PTIONS As for video, advanced Return (output) channel audio options are found in the Call Settings pane, opened by clicking the Call button in the center of the TalkShow Dashboard. FIGURE 62 Here you will find Gain, VU, EQ and Compressor/Limiter features you can use to control and enhance the quality of the Call audio received from a remote Skype™...
Page 72 The workings of these features are identical to those described in Section 6.1.2, so again, we will not bore you by repeating them here. We’ll skip ahead at this point to discuss one configuration control that uniquely located in the central Skype TX Preview pane (Figure 63). FIGURE 63 As discussed back in Section 6.2.1, TalkShow can automatically handle matters should the incoming Call video fall below a preset resolution (or drop out completely).
Page 73 FIGURE 64 Notice that there are three buttons nested just below the Video Output monitor in this pane. At any time, these buttons control what is sent to the video output. Hint: The first and third buttons are actually action buttons, and clicking them immediately sends the corresponding selection to output.
Page 74 This synchronizes TalkShow’s output to other external equipment locked to the same reference. Miniscule local timing differences between What’s “Genlocking” All About? video sources in a studio environment can delay switching operations very slightly, or The term “genlock” refers to even cause glitches in downstream video.
Page 75 FIGURE 65 This is essentially why TalkShow provides several Genlock settings in its Setup pane (Figure 65). The Horizontal and Vertical Position settings pin the image in the proper space in the frame, and in doing so could be likened to making sure each marching soldier is in position relative to his fellows (as viewed from above).
Page 76 The ‘bi-level’ reference signal long used for standard definition television is often used for genlocking both SD and HD installations. However, if you are supplying an HD reference signal to TalkShow’s Genlock input (and your other equipment), select the HD (Tri-level) switch in the Reference Type area of the Genlock settings group.
Page 77 Naturally, TalkShow™ provides easy to use Skype TX™ call management features. It also provides a great deal of valuable feedback regarding the status of your Skype™ call and video signals. This chapter delves into these matters. We introduced the Skype TX™ Contact List back in Section 4.1.1. There, we discussed how to add (and group) contacts, and how to initiate and terminate a call.
Page 78 We might also mention that you can edit existing contacts if you like, by clicking the little blue pencil icon at right in the contact card, beneath the green Call button (phone). Another feature worth mentioning is that the vertical stripe at left on the contact card, which can provide useful feedback about each contact.
Page 79  Return Video – displays the video stream that will be sent back to the remote Skype™ caller (after TalkShow processing).  Video Output – displays the Skype™ Call video after processing by the embedded Skype TX™ client (but before processing by the features housed in the Talkshow Call Settings features, such as Auto Color and the Proc Amp).
Page 80 FIGURE 71 Similarly, the icons ()Figure 72 in the Call Status Box, just left of the Connection Status Box, are drawn in either green or red colors to signify the status of the connection.  A green silhouette indicates a connection has been established.
Page 81 When you really want to burrow down into connection detail at a ‘molecular’ level, you can refer to the Call Technical Info pane, at upper-right (Figure 74). It would be hard to overstate the level of arcane detail provided, including excruciating data on the Network connection, System resource usage (for both TalkShow™...
Page 82 but this limits performance. In this case, lower performance might mean a lower resolution and a less reliable connection. o UDP Status – A value of ‘good’ indicates the UDP connectivity is possible in the relevant direction. A value of ‘bad’ indicates that there is a problem, such as a router configuration issue.
Page 83 o Audio Packet Loss % – The percentage of voice data packets being lost. Lower is better. o Audio Cap – The maximum audio bandwidth achievable, according to the network bandwidth monitor. Higher is better. o Audio Packet Length – Indicates the length of each audio data packet sent. ...
Page 84 o Profile – Indicates which H264 profile is in use. o Encoder Type – Indicates which H264 encoder type is in use. o Target Frame Rate – User-defined frame rate being negotiated by the client and the remote caller. Higher is better. o Bitrate –...
Page 85 bottom of the Call Technical Info pane until you see the Export technical diagnostics file button. Click this button when you want to save the information. The exported file can be viewed by pressing the Show diagnostics files button, or by navigating to: %APPDATA%/Skype TX/Client/TechInfo.
Page 87 Skype TX Control™ is a management solution for Skype TX included with your TalkShow system™. Using this software, it is possible to manage multiple Skype TX Channels. Calls can be initiated to any contact in the central contacts database using any Skype TX Channel. Physical access to the Skype TX unit or the Skype TX software is not required.
Page 88 Skype TX Control uses the features and settings of each Skype TX™ Client. Features include:  Manage multiple Skype calls o Skype TX Control can (within reason), manage any number of HD quality, broadcast ready calls.  Receive incoming calls ...
Page 89 This allows you, for example, to apply less restrictive internet access policies to Skype TX machines (potentially improving call quality), yet keep Skype TX Control within a more strictly controlled network. Hint: Consult your network administrator, IT manager, or Internet provider for questions about your network.
Page 90 Note: You can’t reopen Skype TX Client from Skype TX Control. 2. Multi-Channel status and preview – Each row represents a Skype TX Channel. The current details of each channel are arranged into columns. The background color of each row indicates the channels current state as shown below. FIGURE 77 - CHANNEL NOT FOUND STATE FIGURE 78 - CHANNEL FOUND STATE FIGURE 79 - CHANNEL ON A CALL STATE...
Page 91  Channel Number – Used to access technical information for that channel.  User Name – The account username of the remote caller. (This information is from the contacts space under Identity).  Machine – The name of the TalkShow machine. ...
Page 92 Yellow means audio is in the process of being connected. Green mean audio output is connected.  Level – Shows the level of the audio being set to the remote caller.  Audio In – Shows the status of the audio being received from the remote participant.
Page 93  – When a call is active or inactive, this button shows Not Ringing. When receiving a call, this button shows the username of the remote caller. Clicking this button accepts the incoming call on this channel and becomes the active call. ...
Page 94 Settings changes are confirmed by clicking the Apply button at the end of the settings categories. This enables you to apply several changes at once. 3. Central Contacts Space – This is a list of contacts to which calls can be made from any Skype TX Channel.
Page 95  Location – This is the location of the remote caller. This is only for reference; the information won’t appear anywhere on the Skype call. This information can be accessed via the Skype TX API.  Flag – Shows if the contact has been flagged by way of a check box. Flagged callers may be prevented from making calls to Skype TX, depending on other settings in Skype TX Control.
Page 96  Live calls – A list of all current calls on the selected channel including ongoing calls, incoming calls which have not yet been accepted and outgoing calls which have not yet connected. Incoming calls may be accepted or declined with the Join and Leave buttons.
Page 97 A further dialog (Figure 84) informs you that no settings have been found, so default settings will be applied (you can update these settings later). These messages only appear on the first attempt to run the software. Once these messages have been cleared, the Skype TX Control interface is shown (Figure 85). FIGURE 85 This is the default state of Skype TX Control.
Page 98 Most settings in Skype TX Control can be configured by accessing the Settings tab, accessed by clicking the ‘gear’ button. Skype TX Control provides the most useful settings through the Settings tab; more advanced settings are found in the ‘settings.xml’ file. Skype TX Control can be set up to behave a certain way should any Skype TX Clients receive an incoming call.
Page 99  Auto-decline non-flagged – If checked, calls from non-flagged incoming callers will be declined. This means that only flagged incoming callers will be able to call into the Skype TX Client. Settings changes are confirmed by clicking the Apply (checkmark) button at the end of the settings categories.
Page 100 The transport security setting works in conjunction with the Enable transport security setting on Skype TX Client. For more information on adding a Skype TX unit, see Section 8.6 Adding Machines. Skype TX Control has a public API so that certain features can be externally controlled. The settings that can be configured in the API settings section are discussed next.
Page 101  API Port – This is the port number on which Skype TX control should listen for incoming connections to the API. Default is ‘8989’. Skype TX Control can be used as part of a greater workflow, and often is. Workflow settings can help a broadcast facility by allowing the team to see the editorial state of each call.
Page 102 FIGURE 90  Use workflow functions – If enabled, extra columns will be shown in the Multi- Channel status and preview panel that help signal how Skype TX channels are being used.  Auto-ready – If true, all calls which are delivering video will be marked as ready automatically.
Page 103 Before adding machines, it is best practice to make sure the target machines are running Skype TX Client, this means that the machines will appear in Skype TX Control when added, providing a clear indication as to whether Skype TX Control has been able to establish a connection with the target Skype TX Client.
Page 104 FIGURE 93 It is important to understand that Skype TX Control doesn’t make the Skype calls. Skype TX Control sends commands to Skype TX units and reports back status updates. By using a centralized contacts database with multi-channel status and preview, it makes it easy to control and manage each TalkShow Channel.
Page 105 Skype TX Control features an easy-to-use interface for you to add and manage multiple contacts over multiple channels. Skype TX Control supports an almost unlimited number of contacts as part of a centralized contacts database. FIGURE 94 Contacts entered into the Control software are stored locally and independent of the client instances and their associated Skype accounts.
Page 106 FIGURE 95 Double-click the box directly under Identity (Figure 96). This opens the box where you enter the ID of the contact. FIGURE 96 Enter the account username of the contact. Press Enter to confirm the entry. Page | 98...
Page 107 Double-click the box in the Display Name column. This opens the box where you enter the name of the contact. FIGURE 97 Enter the name of the contact. Press Enter to confirm the entry. Note: This is optional. A contact can still be called without a Display Name. Double-click the box directly under Location.
Page 108 The contact has now been created. To add another contact, double-click the empty field under the last contact. This starts the process to add another contact. To delete a contact, click on the row and press the Delete button. FIGURE 99 Skype TX Control will also show the status of the contact, if they have been added as a contact in the Skype contact list for the account used to sign in to Skype TX Client on the Skype TX unit.
Page 109 Open Skype on the remote caller’s computer. Sign in to Skype. Go to the Tools tab and left-click Options. Go to the Privacy section and set Allow calls from… to Anyone. Left-click Save and return to Skype. The remote caller is now set up to be called from Skype TX.
Page 110 It is best practice to make sure all channels are signed in and the desired channel to call the contact on shows as red under Call, Audio Out, Audio In, Video Out and Video In. FIGURE 101 Next, click the button to the far right of the contact.
Page 111 Note: Channels which are not currently available for new calls will be disabled in this list. They may not be available because the channel is not connected or there is already a call in progress. Hover over the desired channel with the mouse. The channel darkens to indicate this channel is the desired channel.
Page 112 FIGURE 105 Skype TX connects the audio before the video, so the call status in Skype TX Client changes to Sound OK, video connecting. This means you are able to hear the remote caller before seeing them. If the remote caller clicked Answer when the Skype call was made, they have to manually turn their video on by clicking the Turn Video On button in Skype, which is represented by a camera symbol.
Page 113 Skype TX Control’s main function is to provide easy management of multiple Skype calls. It communicates to each Skype TX Channel, instructing them to make calls, utilizing a centralized contacts database. To place a single call, see 0 Establishing a Call. To make multiple calls, first make sure you have the details of all contacts you wish to call.
Page 114 You can also use the snapshot if the video feed from the remote caller drops entirely, leaving a snapshot and the remote caller’s audio feed. FIGURE 108 Taking a snapshot takes a still of the remote caller in whatever state they are currently in. Note: There is no preview of the snapshot in Skype TX Control.
Page 115 Skype TX Client has the ability to revert to a previously configured state if video is lost or has unacceptable video resolution. It can switch between live video from the remote caller, a pre-grabbed still image, or a pre-defined image. Skype TX Control can manage a call in the same way Skype TX Client can.
Page 116 Skype TX Control is able to monitor multiple calls as they are on air. You can use the quick previews built into the Multi-Channel Status and Preview space to check that audio and video are being sent to the remote caller, and that audio and video are being received by the Skype TX unit.
Page 117 FIGURE 110 If there are multiple calls incoming to the channel, multiple rows will appear in the live calls window with a separate row for each unique caller. This is where you can use the Answer and End call buttons. Pressing Answer connects the call; pressing End call rejects or leaves the call.
Page 118 Skype TX Control and Skype TX Client are able to make and manage calls spanning over several days if required. You can safely shut down a call by following this procedure: 1. Start by making sure Skype TX Control is no longer connected to the remote caller and use of Skype TX is no longer required.
Page 119 The headings that follow list related questions and answers together, along with cross-references and other helpful remarks. Hint: The NewTek website includes a comprehensive FAQ database containing a wealth of useful information on all of its products – please see http://www.newtek.com/faq/ How do I ...
Page 120 Find TalkShow’s hardware/firmware revision numbers? ............. 119 Page | 112...
Page 121 Connect the video source you wish send to the remote caller to the BNC input connector labeled SDI IN on TalkShow’s backplate. Alternatively, if you have a NewTek TriCaster live production system on the same network, you can dispense with this connection, and supply both audio and video return using the network connection - see Section 3.5.2.
Page 122 A2: By default, the Windows® Firewall is disabled on TalkShow. If your TalkShow unit does not recognize TriCaster, it may be that someone has enabled the firewall, and it is preventing a connection. You can either disable the firewall, or (if you really must have it) adjust its settings as follows: 1.
Page 123 Other devices contributing to RF clutter include microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless video cameras, outdoor microwave links, wireless game controllers, fluorescent lights, and so on. These sources can cause significant interference and signal degradation. Where possible, try to eliminate or minimize the potential interference in your installation design.
Page 124 Restore operation (see item A.4.6 in this section). Click the Check for Updates button in TalkShow’s Setup tab, or visit the Support page on the NewTek website (www.newtek.com), and locate the TalkShow listing on the Updates and Downloads page from the Support menu.
Page 125 TalkShow is not a ‘general purpose’ computer. The installed software suite is finely tuned to provide reliable performance. Anything you install apart from official TalkShow updates places this important goal at risk. Doing so is strongly discouraged. The Backup and Restore system permits you to create a bootable clone of TalkShow’s system drive on another (same size) hard drive inserted into one of the removable drive bays or connected externally for this purpose.
Page 126 4. In the NewTek Talkshow group, click the icon labeled Restore TalkShow 5. Select the Restore Factory Defaults bootup option. If TalkShow should ever fail to boot up properly, you may need to try a different approach to restore your system software, as follows: 1.
Page 127 (Please see Section 3.3 for more detail. Also, note that it’s always good to check for updates after registration.) Visit the NewTek Website to find the latest support information for your NewTek products, including FAQs and documentation, along with the Customer Support Department’s hours of operation and contact details.
Page 129 (NewTek can also supply optional side-rails). Good rear access is important for convenience in cabling. In view of the positioning of air vents at the rear of the chassis’...
Page 130 We know our products play vital roles in your productions. Durability and consistent, robust performance are much more than just adjectives for your business and ours. For this reason, all NewTek products undergo rigorous reliability testing to ensure they meet our exacting test standards. In addition to our own exhaustive NewTek Hardware Reliability Specifications, the following are applicable for TalkShow™:...
Page 131 Aspect ratio, 58 Failsafe, 5 Audio, 48 Features, 4 Auto Color, 46 Genlock. See Connections:Genlock Call A/V (Output), 55 Configure, 24 Call Monitoring, 70 Configure. See I/O Configuration Call Status, 71 Reference Type, 67 Codecs, 117 Compressor Limiter, 54 Configure Return to Caller, 22 Configuring Windows™, 9 I/O Configuration Connections...
Page 132 Software Installing Third-Party, 117 No Call Option, 59, 63 Startup Screen NTSC, 20 System Utilities Restore TalkShow, 117 Update TalkShow, 116 PAL, 20 Proc Amp, 46 Talk Back, 15, 32 TalkShow Register, 10, 119 Rack Mounting, 12, 121 TalkShow™ Desktop, 39 Recording, 34 Tally, 17, 67 Register.
Page 133 TimeWarp, VT, VT[3], VT[4], V[T5], Video Toaster, Toaster, Inspire 3D, 3D Arsenal, Aura, LightWave, LightWave 3D and LightWave CORE are trademarks, service marks, and registered trademarks of NewTek. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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