Any help would be TRULY appreciated!!!

[dands]

Our first visit here...

We just purchased the Tricaster and have gone through some learning curve frustrations. But, we've worked it through and actually finished a 1/2 production that we are actually sort of proud of... although we will get better. We've exported it to tape and everything seemed happy.

Now, last night we went to start project #2 of the series and everything seems haywire. All of the things that used to be AVI seem to have translated to something called .vtp.

They won't open. They won't be dragged down to the storyboard or timeline. If I pull them down they seem to slide in behind the storyboard or timeline boxes but aren't evident anywhere where I can do anything with them.

When I do discover a random .avi that hasn't been "translated" I can pull it down... but if I go to save it the only options for saving are .vtp or *_*

I've tried that and get nowhere.

I took our finished product and went to the file information. I typed in ".avi" over the .vtp at the end of it's designation and the machine seemed to be doing something to it when I hit "apply" but I can't see any change.

We are up against ugly deadlines and we REALLY could use some wisdom out there even if you have to tell us that we are really simpletons and the cure takes 1/2 a second. (Up to this point we've taken 6 hours and we don't mind being called stupid.)

Thanks so much.

[KWeaver]

Hi folks,
This is an observation of dealing with the above issues and getting Don and many other folks on the path to Happy Tricasting!
Consistency of the interface is very important!
A lot of Don's confusion is from this lack of consistency!
As an example, on page 21 of the Tricaster Pro manual it states:
"Note: Tricaster treats remove and delete as very different functions: where remove takes assets out of module lists, it will never delete the file. Delete will permanently discard the file."
than further down under the Picture play list, "...and the Remove button will remove highlighted pictures from the existing play list. You can also use the delete key to remove images, which only affects the play list, and does not remove any images from your library."
This seeming confusion to a novice and total newcomer leaves them wondering what to do, so they fall back to familiar territory and use Windows and Word conventions and become increasing frustrated.
I would suggest that the Project path be displayed or a title like: current project: or project name: be add in front of the project name in the display window.
I would also suggest that an addendum sheet be included in the Tricaster manual that goes over file management of the Tricaster from starting a new project to renaming folders and clips.
Another suggestion would be a rename button in the editor interface.
I am working on an addendum sheet to give out and will gladly post it for comment.
The easier and clearer we make this for people the better for all of us longer time users and Newtek.
Newtek thanks again for your dynamite products! :)

Ken Weaver
Bradley Audio Video of Arizona
“VT4 Rocks™, Do more for less with Tricaster™ ”

[dands]

After massive exasperation and self-recrimination for my stupidity Ken actually called me. Man, has he bailed me out!

I'd encourage anyone with challenges to take advantage of his expertise and what he offers.

I probably will hit more glitches, but it appears I'm back on task now and can actually feel like I'm not a complete dorker.