Those guys are not even doing HD. But even for basic HD cameras, it seems to me, some solution should be possible by clever software and with much cheaper switching solutions than one of a 26'000€ tricaster solution.

I understand Tricaster is probably cost effective and compact solution for really professional 8-HDI super expensive cams of real professional crews and stuff.

Yet I am not going to pay 26'000€ for a real-time editing box. I'm rather looking eventually for a real-time HD video conferencing software that records from several HD webcams, but why not nice quality ones like 200-300€ optics one can get in modern Sanyo HD2000 camcorder, which has USB to a computer and can function as webcam (but I think for some reason their webcam mode is SD only). But the HD webcams are coming, Skype and others are pushing for these to come to the market sooner and include high quality compression inside the webcam itself.

I want to believe that an ARM Cortex A9 powered Laptop or Desktop, will be able to run 4 or 5 USB HD webcams, and each of those can be with high quality optics like low cost medium range modern camcorders. Each channel also could have decent sound inputs connected directly to each HD webcam with any type of affordable external mini-jack microphones. All that with real-time HD switching for below 1000€ including all the cams.

The reason it doesn't exist yet, is manufacturers don't really think there is a market for such low cost HD video-podcasting solutions. It's a bit too complicated for a low cost mass market proposition, and also probably a bit too low quality solution for “real” real-time video professionals.

No and no. First off, most ARM processors and mobile Intel processors would melt if it tried to do a fraction of what the TCXD850 TriCaster can do. Second, you'd have to use some kind of external interfact to get 16 channel XLR audio, 8 HD/SD/-SDI connectors, 8 Component connectors, etc into your laptop. User ethernet you say? Certainly can from a digital interface board that costs twice the amount of the product you're trying to rebuild on the “cheap.”

If you want to plug in a web cam and stream using FMLE with your laptop using Ustream, this box isn't for you. You can join the hords of teenagers having a grand time showing their latest tats on their grainy and poorly lit webisodes.

On the other hand, if you are a professional and require professional results in a compact high-definition unit – this TriCaster is a bargain.

Sandy Audio Visual