Vizrt has just announced a major refresh of the TriCaster live production portfolio, introducing a simpler three-tier lineup, new integrated hardware, more flexible SDI connectivity, browser-based control, AI-powered keying and a new generation of 3Play replay.
For teams still producing with a TriCaster TC1 or TriCaster 2 Elite, this release prompts a question that we all have: is the TriCaster back?
The refresh preserves TriCaster’s all-in-one production model while updating the hardware, product structure and capabilities available at each level. From switching and graphics to recording and automation, everything remains integrated within the same production environment, while the upgrade path is now much clearer.
Why This TriCaster Refresh Matters
TriCaster has been one of the most recognizable all-in-one live production systems for more than two decades. It became especially valuable for smaller production teams that needed professional switching, graphics, recording and streaming without building a large control room from separate systems.
The TriCaster TC1 launched in 2017, followed by the TriCaster 2 Elite in 2020. Both became fixtures across broadcast, sports, education, corporate production, government and houses of worship, and many are now approaching the point where owners need to plan a replacement.
Vizrt introduced the original TriCaster Vizion as a more powerful platform with additional inputs and flexible I/O, but its computer-based hardware and external connectivity represented a noticeable departure from the purpose-built TriCaster appliance many customers knew.
The latest refresh addresses much of that feedback from customers. TriCaster Prizm and TriCaster Vizion now use new 2RU hardware with onboard audio and dual power redundancy. Vizrt has also organized the family into three straight forward tiers: TriCaster Mini, TriCaster Prizm and TriCaster Vizion.
A Simpler Three Tier TriCaster Lineup
The updated family gives customers a more direct way to match the system to the scale of the production and the people operating it.
Product | Tier Level | External Inputs | M/Es | SDI I/O | Best Fit |
TriCaster Mini | 1 (Entry level) | 8 | 4 | Model dependent | Content creators, classrooms and smaller productions |
TriCaster Prizm | 2 (Mid tier) | 16 | 4 | Up to 8 configurable ports | Corporate, education, houses of worship, sports streaming and live events |
TriCaster Vizion | 3 (Flagship) | 44 | 8 | Up to 16 configurable ports | Larger studios, broadcasters and demanding live production environments |
TriCaster Mini remains the entry point and is available as software or desktop hardware. Prizm gives growing production teams a practical middle tier, while Vizion delivers the family’s highest input count, connectivity and processing capacity.
TriCaster Vizion Returns to Integrated Rackmount Hardware
For current TriCaster 2 Elite owners, TriCaster Vizion is the most direct comparison to evaluate.
The biggest change is visible before a signal ever reaches the system: Vizion is back in a purpose-built 2RU chassis with integrated balanced stereo audio, a shorter rack depth and redundant power supplies. The flagship model therefore returns to the integrated appliance design many longtime users expected.
Vizion supports up to 44 simultaneous external inputs, compared with 32 on the TriCaster 2 Elite. It retains eight M/Es and eight output mixes while adding greater connectivity and room for expansion.
Other key capabilities include:
- A 44-channel integrated audio mixer
- Up to 16 configurable 12G-SDI ports
- 4TB of internal SSD storage
- UHD 4K and HDR production workflows
- Three streaming encoders
- Live Call Connect for remote contributors
- Support for up to 44 PTZ cameras
LivePanel Pro browser-based production control
Current advertised hardware pricing begins at approximately $22,995 for the IP-only configuration. The eight-port SDI model is listed around $26,995, while the 16-port configuration reaches approximately $29,995. Pricing can change based on configuration, licensing, support and control panel requirements.
The top configuration sits near the later MSRP of the TriCaster 2 Elite, while adding newer hardware, more inputs and more flexible I/O.
TriCaster Prizm Creates a Clearer Upgrade Path From TC1
TriCaster Prizm is likely to be the most relevant option for many current TC1 users.
Like the TC1, Prizm supports 16 external inputs and four M/Es, along with production at up to UHD 4K 60p. The larger difference here is the flexibility. The TC1 provided four dedicated SDI inputs, while Prizm can be configured with as many as eight 12G-SDI ports that can operate as inputs or outputs according to the production.
Prizm also adds:
- A 16-channel integrated audio mixer
- 4TB of internal storage
- No software-imposed recording limit
- A third streaming encoder
- Live Call Connect
- LivePanel Pro
- Supplemental audio capabilities
New 2RU rackmount hardware with onboard audio
Current advertised pricing starts at approximately $13,995 for the IP-only version and $15,995 with eight configurable SDI ports.
For schools, corporate studios, houses of worship, regional sports productions and event teams, Prizm provides a familiar TriCaster workflow with more flexible connectivity and a clearer path into 4K production.
TriCaster Vizion AI/R Adds AI Keying and Augmented Reality
TriCaster Vizion AI/R adds a new creative layer to the lineup through a separate subscription that combines real-time AI keying with augmented reality graphics.
The AI keyer can separate a person from the background without requiring a traditional green or blue screen. That creates new options for virtual environments, immersive graphics and branded production elements without building a dedicated virtual production studio.
For example, a production could place presenters inside a virtual set or add a sponsor logo within the scene without physically changing the studio. That may create new presentation and monetization options for sports, education, corporate communications and live events.
The result is a way to bring virtual production and AR capabilities into live environments without the complex builds and specialist operators traditionally associated with those workflows. The annual subscription was announced at a shade under $10,000, with final pricing and availability subject to confirmation.
LivePanel Pro Simplifies Control for Different Operators
LivePanel Pro is included with TriCaster Prizm and TriCaster Vizion and will be available later this year. It provides a redesigned browser based environment for controlling the switching, audio, media, automation and macros.
The important benefit is not simply remote access. LivePanel Pro allows organizations to build interfaces around the responsibilities of different operators.
A church volunteer, classroom operator or corporate producer may not need the full TriCaster interface. Their browser-based panel could contain only the controls required to select cameras, play a video or start a stream. Other users could receive dedicated layouts for graphics, PTZ cameras, audio or automation.
That gives teams with different experience levels a more approachable way to use advanced TriCaster capabilities, while role based layouts can reduce training time and limit changes outside an operator’s assigned responsibilities.
3Play Vivid Brings Dedicated Replay Into the New Generation
Vizrt also introduced the 3Play Vivid, the next generation of its dedicated instant replay platform.
3Play Vivid supports eight external inputs and two outputs with configurable NDI and 12G-SDI connectivity. It can capture up to eight streams simultaneously at resolutions up to UHD 4K 60p and supports 10-bit HDR and SDR workflows.
Additional capabilities include:
- 8TB of internal storage
- Simultaneous recording and playback
- Browser-based control through LivePanel
- Real-time playlist sharing
- Built-in telestration
- Professional color correction and audio management
Compatibility with the current 3Play control panel
Current advertised pricing is approximately $23,495 with the control panel included.
For high schools, universities, regional sports organizations and smaller production teams, 3Play Vivid creates a dedicated replay option without requiring a larger enterprise platform.
Which New TriCaster Should You Consider?
The right choice comes down to the system currently in place, the number and type of sources, the need for SDI and IP connectivity, and the size of the production team.
Current Environment | Product to Consider | Why |
Smaller production or first TriCaster deployment | TriCaster Mini | Accessible entry point with core all-in-one production capabilities |
Existing TC1 or growing mid-size production | TriCaster Prizm | Similar input and M/E scale with more flexible SDI I/O, integrated audio and newer hardware |
Existing TriCaster 2 Elite or larger production | TriCaster Vizion | More external inputs, greater I/O flexibility, redundant power and larger processing capacity |
Production adding virtual sets or AR graphics | TriCaster Vizion with AI/R | AI keying and augmented reality graphics without a traditional green screen |
Sports production requiring dedicated replay | 3Play Vivid | 8 input UHD replay with HDR, SDI, NDI and a dedicated control surface |
These comparisons are starting points, not automatic replacements. An organization moving from a TC1 may still need Vizion if its production has expanded significantly, while a smaller facility may find that Prizm delivers the right balance of connectivity and cost even if its existing switcher came from another product family.
Why This Release Matters for Existing TriCaster Users
There are thousands of aging TriCaster systems still producing shows every day. Over the last several years, the next upgrade was not always obvious. This refresh makes that path easier by returning to rackmount hardware, integrating audio, expanding configurable SDI I/O and establishing more distinct product tiers.
It also preserves the all-in-one production model that made TriCaster valuable in the first place. Teams can modernize their hardware and add capabilities without abandoning a workflow their operators already understand.
Plan Your Next TriCaster Upgrade
Replacing a live production system involves more than comparing input counts. Teams should consider a range of factors, including camera formats, SDI and NDI requirements, audio integration, streaming destinations and recording needs, along with control surfaces and operator experience, among others.
Key Code Media has worked with TriCaster systems for nearly two decades and has deployed them for customers nationwide. Our team can help compare TriCaster Mini, Prizm and Vizion, confirm current pricing, arrange a demonstration and determine how the new systems would fit into an existing production environment.
Whether you are replacing a TC1, upgrading from a TriCaster 2 Elite or evaluating another all-in-one production switcher, contact Key Code Media for a free consultation and a practical upgrade plan built around your workflow.
Additional Resources
Vizrt: Refreshed TriCaster Portfolio Announcement
Vizrt: TriCaster Family Comparison
Vizrt: TriCaster Vizion
Vizrt: TriCaster Prizm