Blackmagic ATEM SDI Switchers

 Blackmagic Design has unveiled a groundbreaking series of ATEM SDI live production switchers, delivering unparalleled portability and professional-grade 3G-SDI connections. Crafted for broadcasters seeking a blend of power and mobility, the ATEM SDI family ensures swift setup and user-friendly operation. Despite their compact dimensions, the ATEM SDI switchers boast impressive capabilities, featuring standards converters on all inputs, a built-in Fairlight audio mixer with a 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, and Compressor across all inputs, built-in DVEs, chroma keyers, high-quality transitions, and other advanced functionalities. Blackmagic ATEM SDI Switchers is an Ideal for high-quality live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, the ATEM SDI series offers a seamless solution for creating professional live productions using multiple cameras.

Blackmagic ATEM SDI

The ATEM SDI lineup provides customers with 4 SDI inputs on the ATEM SDI and ATEM SDI Pro ISO models, and an expanded 8 SDI inputs on the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO model. All SDI inputs come equipped with standards converters and re-sync functionality. The ATEM SDI switchers feature a user-friendly front panel with easily accessible buttons for source selection, video effects, transitions, and audio mixing. The Pro and Extreme models include dedicated buttons for recording, streaming control, and output selection, allowing users to switch between program, direct camera feeds, and the multiview. The back panel provides SDI ports for cameras, extra microphone inputs, USB for webcam capability, and numerous SDI "aux" outputs for program video.

With 4 or 8 video inputs, depending on the model, ATEM SDI enables users to connect multiple cameras for diverse views of the performance. The Blackmagic ATEM SDI switchers automatically re-syncs all video sources, even if they operate at different standards, ensuring a hassle-free setup on location without concerns about technical issues.

Blackmagic ATEM SDI Pro ISO

The ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models feature a built-in hardware streaming engine for high-quality live streaming via ethernet connections. This capability enables users to stream to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch with superior quality, no dropped frames, and simplified settings. Users can easily select the streaming service and enter the streaming key, with convenient setup options in ATEM Software Control and real-time streaming status displayed in the multiview. For on-location productions, the Pro and Extreme models support connecting an Apple or Android phone to the USB port for mobile data usage, serving as a reliable backup for the main Ethernet connection.

Blackmagic ATEM SDI Extreme ISO

The ATEM SDI Pro ISO and Extreme ISO models offer advanced capabilities, allowing users to edit their live events by recording multiple video streams simultaneously, including clean feeds of all inputs and the program. The recorded video files, along with associated media pool images, include metadata tags such as synced timecode and camera numbers. This opens up possibilities for re-editing shows with new color grades, effects, and graphics, with recorded audio sources available for professional remixing.

Moreover, the ISO models save a DaVinci Resolve project file, facilitating seamless integration into video editing workflows. Users can open their live production as a video edit with a single click, and all cuts, dissolves, and media pool graphics are loaded into DaVinci Resolve. The DaVinci Resolve Sync Bin ensures easy and fast editing of shots via a multiview interface, with automatic alignment of ISO files by timecode for perfect synchronization.

Each 3G-SDI video input is equipped with its own dedicated standards converter, automatically converting 1080p, 1080i, and 720p sources to the switcher's video standard. The SDI outputs serve as true "aux" outputs, allowing users to customize the source video routed to each SDI output independently. All outputs include camera control and tally information for connection to cameras. The ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models also allow the SDI output to display the built-in multiview for enhanced monitoring.

The ATEM Software Control app serves as a powerful tool, unlocking the full potential of ATEM SDI and providing access to every switcher feature. Featuring a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for quick adjustments, the software allows connectivity via USB or Ethernet. Multiple users can connect to ATEM SDI simultaneously using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers when connected via Ethernet. Additionally, users can save the switcher state as an XML file for easy retrieval. For clip playback, HyperDeck disk recorders can be controlled via Ethernet.

The ATEM SDI Extreme model stands out with 4 upstream chroma keyers, enabling the creation of dynamic virtual sets. With 4 independent chroma keyers, users can build virtual sets for up to 4 cameras, providing a versatile platform for creative production. The ATEM SDI Extreme model offers 8 inputs, allowing 4 for cameras and the remaining 4 to be connected to a virtual set computer for rendered backgrounds. For fixed camera virtual sets, pre-rendered still image backgrounds from media players and media pool can be loaded, with the flexibility to set up macros for camera changes and background loading.

In addition to 2 independent DVEs in the ATEM SDI Extreme model, a powerful SuperSource multi-layer processor is included, featuring 4 extra DVE layers and a background layer. This SuperSource functionality appears to ATEM SDI Extreme as an additional input source, enabling intricate layering over a media pool custom background.

For larger live productions with multiple cameras, the ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models offer a professional multiview. This feature allows users to view all video inputs, preview, and program on a single SDI monitor. Tally indicators for on-air status, custom labels, and audio meters are included for each camera view. The ATEM SDI Extreme model allows users to select up to 16 custom views, and the multiview provides status information for recording, streaming, and the audio mixer.

Blackmagic Design, expressed enthusiasm for the new ATEM SDI live production switcher, emphasizing its suitability for broadcasters seeking advanced features and extreme portability. The ATEM SDI series comprises three models with 3G-SDI video connections, featuring DVEs for picture-in-picture effects, graphics, transitions, advanced chroma key, and a Fairlight audio mixer.

Key Features of ATEM SDI Switchers:

  • Miniaturized control panel based design.
  • Support for connecting up to 8 cameras or computers.
  • Live streaming via Ethernet on ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models.
  • Enabling remote streaming via mobile data through phone tethering on ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models.
  • Recording to USB disks in H.264 on ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models.
  • Automatic standards conversion and re-sync for all SDI inputs.
  • Free ATEM Software Control for Mac and Windows.
  • Four advanced ATEM Chroma keyers are featured on the ATEM SDI Extreme model.
  • Additionally, the ATEM SDI Extreme model supports up to six independent DVEs.
  • Customizable 16-way multiview on ATEM SDI Extreme model.

ATEM Family Products

ATEM Mini Pro Multicamera Live Production Switcher

ATEM Mini Extreme Live Production Switcher

ATEM Streaming Bridge Switcher and Converter

Read our Blog:

ATEM Mini: Affordable Multi-Camera Live Production Switcher

Comments