Blackmagic Design ATEM Production Studio 4K Live Switcher

The Blackmagic ATEM Production Studio 4K Live Switcher is an advanced multicamera production solution designed for live events, featuring eight Ultra HD inputs housed in a compact 1 RU chassis. It supports a variety of video formats, including NTSC, PAL, HD, and Ultra HD, through four Single-Link 6G-SDI and four 4K HDMI inputs, enabling connections to an extensive range of cameras and sources. This switcher delivers a seamless program stream in SD, HD, or UHD 4K video without any rendering delays. It includes a reference video input for synchronising with other equipment using tri-level or Blackburst Sync, and each input is equipped with its own frame synchroniser, allowing the use of non-Genlock cameras and video from computer sources. The switcher can manage multiple inputs simultaneously, ensuring flexibility and efficiency during production.

The switcher provides six video outputs that are always active. Featuring one SDI and one HDMI Program output, both of which deliver SD/HD/UHD 4K, with one Aux SD/HD/UHD 4K output that can deliver a clean program feed without any downstream effects, as primary outputs. The switcher also features an HD-only program output signal for monitoring on an SDI-equipped HD monitor. Multiview monitoring is also HD only over dedicated SDI or HDMI output, and multiview allows you to view the program, preview, six active inputs, and two graphic channels (media players) on one screen at the same time. The switcher features one upstream and two downstream keyers for real-time effects and composites in Ultra HD, with 10-bit processing. The two downstream keyers allow you to use two graphics/logos/titles/lower thirds from up to twenty stored graphics in a wide variety of formats.

Back View

A built-in two-channel audio mixer handles the embedded HDMI and SDI audio from the six active video inputs as well as audio from the balanced and unbalanced analog audio inputs to provide you flexibility and creative audio options. Audio output is embedded in the SDI and HDMI stream, as well as available via balanced audio outputs. Either a Mac or Windows computer running the included ATEM Software controls the switcher's operation and settings. For those who like the feel of a physical control panel, available ATEM Broadcast Panels, connected via the Ethernet port, also control all the features of the switcher. Illuminated front panel buttons allow you to locally select the Aux output, while a 2" LCD screen built into the front of the unit allows you to see the Aux output for instant confirmation of the correct output.

Video

The ATEM Production Studio Live 4K switcher supports UHD 4K video (3840 x 2160) and has eight video inputs, all of which can be active simultaneously.

The switcher features four single-link 6G-SDI and four HDMI 4K inputs, which allows you to connect SD/HD/Ultra HD and computer-based signals to the switcher. Although the switcher takes reference video in for sync timing so it can interface with other post-production equipment, each input has its own frame synchroniser, which enables you to use cameras that do not have genlock capability or for the input of computer sources such as Keynote or PowerPoint presentations

The capture video format is set by the user and must be the same across each input, as the switcher cannot scale different input formats to match the project format.

Audio

The switcher includes a built-in audio mixer that allows you to adjust the audio embedded in the SDI and HDMI signals. With 10 inputs available, the two-channel mixer can also adjust levels of both the balanced and unbalanced analog inputs.

Six Video Outputs

The switcher features three program outputs for the final video, delivering SD/HD/Ultra HD via both a 6G-SDI port and HDMI 4K connector. The third program output is an HD-SDI-only port (Ultra HD is automatically down-converted).

Two multiview outputs allow you to see program, preview, the six live inputs, and the two graphic channels on one screen at the same time. There is one each SDI and HDMI connector which feeds the multiview output to HD monitors.

The switcher features an SDI Aux output that is capable of delivering the program out feed with or without the downstream keyer effects in SD, HD, and Ultra HD. Control of the Aux output is by front-mounted panel buttons and a built-in 2" LCD screen for immediate confirmation of the Aux output.

Multiview Monitoring

Multiview allows you to view the program, preview, six live inputs, and two media players side by side. You can also add custom labels that make it easy to identify each input.

Effects

The switcher features an upstream keyer that includes independent chroma, pattern, shape, and luma keying all at Ultra HD resolution with 10-bit processing. Two downstream keyers allow you to add graphics, lower thirds, titles, and logos for a polished live production.

Control Interface

The ATEM 4K switcher uses an Ethernet connection to interface with control surfaces such as the optional ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E Broadcast Panels.

You can also control the switcher by using the included ATEM Software Control software from a Mac or Windows computer over Ethernet. You can control all production settings of the switcher as well as directly import graphics from your computer into the switcher's media pool.

You set the format for each project you are working on, from SD to HD to UHD 4K, selecting resolution and frame rate. This is accomplished by using either the included software for Mac/Windows PC or via the ATEM 1 M/E or ATEM 2 M/E Broadcast Panel.

Using the Ethernet port on the switcher allows you to connect control surfaces directly to the switcher, or you can control the switcher across a network.

The Switcher features a mini-USB port that is used for software updates and to set the switcher's chassis IP address, which can only be done by using a computer running the ATEM Switcher Utility connected to the switcher's USB port.

Rack Mount

The switcher is 1 RU in height and has built-in rack mount ears, for mounting in a production road case or a post-production facility.