PRE-ORDER: Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI

ATEM SDI is a family of live production switchers designed for broadcasters who need extreme portability! ATEM SDI switchers are very similar to ATEM Mini, however the video connections are 3G-SDI and each model has double the number of video outputs! You get 4 SDI inputs on the ATEM SDI and ATEM SDI Pro ISO models and 8 SDI inputs on the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO model. Plus all SDI inputs feature standards converters and re-sync! You even get DVEs for picture in picture effects! The USB works as a webcam for connecting video to computers, while the Pro and Extreme models feature built in streaming. For audio the Fairlight mixer includes a compressor, limiter and 6 band parametric EQ on each input!

ATEM SDI gives you the portable design of ATEM Mini, but its SDI connections means you can connect advanced broadcast quality cameras and recorders. This opens up a whole new world of ultra portable live production. The incredibly portable design means you can fit a whole broadcast quality live production system in a small bag or even a backpack! You can use multiple cameras on location and live stream direct to YouTube, or create a broadcast quality link back to a studio with ATEM Streaming Bridge. Unlike single camera remote shoots, ATEM SDI lets you connect multiple cameras so you can create interesting remote interviews with multiple camera angles.

ATEM SDI’s compact all in one design includes both a control panel as well as connections. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, video effects and transitions. The source buttons are large so it’s possible to use it by feel, letting the presenter do the switching! You even get buttons for audio mixing! The ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models have buttons for recording and streaming control, as well as output selection buttons that let you change the video output between program, direct camera feeds and the multiview. On the rear panel there are SDI connections for cameras, extra microphone inputs, USB for webcam plus multiple SDI "aux" outputs for program video.

There's never been a switcher that’s easier to use, as you simply press any of the input buttons labelled by number on the front panel to cut between video sources. You can choose between cut or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM SDI to use a video effect when switching inputs. You can select from exciting transitions such as dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. Add a DVE effect for picture in picture effects with customized picture positions and background. There are even "media players" which are a still store for titles and graphics that you can load via external software control.

With 4 or 8 video inputs, depending on the model, ATEM SDI lets you connect multiple cameras for different views of the performance. Video cameras with SDI outputs such as Blackmagic Studio Camera or Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 are much better quality as they have better low light performance and they use professional lenses. All video sources will re-sync to the switcher, even if they operate at different video standards. Everything just works so setup on location is easy and you don't have to worry about technical problems. Imagine taking advantage of the creative freedom of multi camera live production for interviews, advertorials, theater production, music performances, sports and more!

To ensure maximum compatibility, all ATEM SDI models feature USB that operates as a simple webcam source. That means you can plug into a computer and get working with any video software! The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM SDI is a common webcam, but it's really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with any video software and in full resolution 1080HD quality. Choose any software you like, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype for a new way to do presentations with a professional multi camera broadcast quality style! The ATEM SDI webcam output also works with streaming software such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and more!

ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models have a built in hardware streaming engine for live streaming via their ethernet connections. That means you can live stream to YouTube, Facebook and Twitch in better quality, without dropped frames and with simpler settings. Just select the streaming service and enter the streaming key! There are palettes in ATEM Software Control for streaming setup, plus streaming status is also displayed in the multiview. Streaming status is easy to understand as the data rate indicator shows internet speed required for the video format you're using. If you're technically minded, you can update the streaming profiles in an XML settings file to load new services.

If you’re doing live production on location then the ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models support connecting an Apple or Android phone to the USB port to use mobile data! It's also a great backup for the main Ethernet connection. Phone tethering works with the latest high speed 5G phones plus the more common 4G phones! The ATEM switcher will automatically detect when a phone is connected and switch its internet connection to use it, eliminating the need for changing settings. When connected, the phone will power from the USB port so it remains charged from the switcher. By using phone tethering for mobile data, ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme become the perfect mobile production solutions!

The ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models also support direct recording of your streaming data to USB flash disks! That means you get very long recordings in the same H.264 video files with AAC audio that you streamed, so you can direct upload to any online video site, such as YouTube or Vimeo. Recording to multiple disks is also supported via a USB hub so when a disk fills, recording can continue to a second disk so you get non-stop recording. Record settings and disk selection are set up in ATEM Software Control and you can also display the recording status in the multiview.

The ATEM SDI Pro ISO and Extreme ISO models allow you to edit your live event as they can record multiple video streams, including clean feeds of all inputs and program, all at the same time! Media pool images used are also saved with the video files. The video files include metadata tags such as synced timecode and camera numbers. Imagine re-editing your show with new color grades, effects and graphics! Even the audio sources are all recorded so you can professionally remix your audio!

The ISO models also save a DaVinci Resolve project file, so with a single click you can open your live production as a video edit. All cuts, dissolves and media pool graphics will be loaded. This means you can fine tune edit points or even completely replace shots! The DaVinci Resolve Sync Bin lets you edit shots via a multiview interface, so it's easy to use and fast! All ISO files will be automatically aligned by timecode, so you can scroll along and see all camera angles perfectly synced.

One of the benefits of ATEM SDI is the professional production values that are possible using the range of built in video effects! The cut button ensures an instant cut when switching between sources. The auto button is a professional term that's used on large broadcast switchers to enable video effect transitions. There are duration buttons for video effects allowing 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 second settings. You can also select the type of effect you want including mix, which does a smooth transition between sources, and dip which fades via a color during the transition. Or use fun DVE effects that move the image off screen when transitioning between sources!

With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, you can connect desktop and lapel microphones. You can even connect a music player to generate introduction music after the live stream commences but before the program starts. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, you can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM SDI include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer. Plus all models feature a Fairlight audio mixer with all SDI inputs and both microphone inputs connected to the audio mixer allowing live mixing from all your audio sources. The ATEM SDI Extreme also adds a headphone output.

Each 3G-SDI video input features its own dedicated standards converter. That means ATEM SDI will automatically convert 1080p, 1080i and 720p sources to the switcher video standard! By default the switcher will set its video format automatically, however you can also set the switcher to any video standard manually! The SDI outputs are a true "aux" outputs so you can independently customize the source video routed to each SDI output. All outputs can be connected to cameras as they include camera control and tally information. On the more powerful ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models, the SDI output can also be selected to display the built in multiview.

While ATEM SDI is easy to use, it also has very powerful high end broadcast features! ATEM SDI is even perfect for training new live production crews as it has the same features as the massive switchers used in large broadcast studios. You get an ATEM Advanced Chroma Key, Fairlight audio mixer, DVE, still store for graphics and much more! Simply run the free ATEM Software Control app on Mac or Windows while connected via USB or Ethernet to access the extended features of the ATEM SDI. With a little experimentation you can learn how to produce broadcast quality live production. Only ATEM SDI is a true broadcast switcher hidden in a tiny and affordable design!

The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of ATEM SDI and allows access to every feature in the switcher. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although you can normally connect via USB, if you connect using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM SDI using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers! The software lets you access full audio mixing with effects, load still frames and even do advanced macro programming! You can even save the switcher state as an XML file! If you need clip playback, you can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.

One of the most exciting features on ATEM SDI is the built in DVE that allows picture in picture effects and DVE transitions! The DVE lets you create professional picture in picture effects with customizable 3D borders, shadows and lighting. The image quality is the same as high end ATEM switcher models and the DVE supports position, resize and scale, all in real time. The DVE can also be used to create amazing transitions with 16 different DVE squeeze and DVE push effects for adding excitement to your programming. The DVE features a "fly key" so you can use it with custom graphics to create graphic wipe transitions!

ATEM SDI includes a wide range of broadcast quality HD native transitions such as mix, dip, wipe and more. All transitions can be customized by adjusting parameters such as duration, border color, border width, position and direction. You can also use the DVE in transitions, allowing a graphic to be moved over the wipe edge which is called a graphic wipe, and is commonly used in sports programming. To eliminate errors, ATEM SDI has a preview transition feature so you can check your transitions before putting them to air.

The built in "media pool" allows the loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. The media player is used to output the selected image so it appears as an extra internal video source for use in graphics and titles. You can even use still frames for complex effects such as graphic wipes. ATEM SDI can also grab stills from video and save them to the internal media pool. Graphics can be loaded via ATEM Software Control or downloaded directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in. The Photoshop Plug-in is perfect for graphics that change often, such as scoreboards, as you can download directly into the media player.

For news or on-set presentation work, ATEM SDI is perfect as it features the powerful ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for green screen keying effects. The chroma keyer is incredibly powerful and features a color picker to sample background colors for automatic generation of the key parameters. You get precise controls for edge and flare, and there is even a foreground color corrector so you can match the foreground and background layers for seamless compositions. You can even use it for title overlays by creating graphics with a green or blue background. Plus the ATEM SDI Extreme includes a massive 4 separate ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, for a keyer per camera, allowing virtual set production!

The ATEM SDI Extreme models include 4 upstream chroma keyers and this allows you to build exciting virtual sets! With 4 independent chroma keyers, you get a keyer per camera so you can build a virtual set for up to 4 cameras. With ATEM SDI Extreme you have 8 inputs, 4 to use for cameras and the other 4 can be connected to a virtual set computer for the rendered backgrounds. Or if you don't need to move your cameras, you can do fixed camera virtual sets by loading pre rendered still image backgrounds from the media players and media pool. You can setup macros to change cameras and load the correct background into the media players!

In addition to 2 independent DVEs in the ATEM SDI Extreme models, there's also a powerful SuperSource multi layer processor with 4 extra DVE layers plus a background layer, that all appear to ATEM SDI Extreme as an additional input source. Any ATEM SDI Extreme video input can be used for each SuperSource DVE, then it’s all layered together over a media pool custom background. SuperSource is perfect for doing multiple picture in picture displays with people being interviewed because you can set up the effect before putting it to air, still keeping both main DVEs free for other tasks. SuperSource is just like having an extra multi-layer VFX switcher built in!

Although ATEM SDI works in "cut bus" mode when first purchased, it can also be changed to "program/preview" style operation, which is the way broadcasters normally use live production switchers. Cut bus switching is easy and selecting any input will instantly switch to that source. However if you want to operate ATEM SDI like a true professional then you can change the switcher to program/preview using ATEM Software Control settings. Mix effects operation allows a source to be selected but it won't be put on air until you press the cut or auto buttons. That 2 step program/preview process means fewer mistakes.

When doing larger live productions with multiple cameras, it’s very useful to see all your video sources at the same time on a single monitor. The ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models include a professional multiview that lets you see all video inputs, preview and program on a single SDI monitor! Simply select M/V button on the front panel to select the multiview! Each camera view includes tally indicators so you know when each source is on-air, and each view also has custom labels and audio meters. Plus the ATEM SDI Extreme models allow you to select up to 16 custom views! Multiview even includes status for recording, streaming and the audio mixer!

With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, ATEM SDI makes it possible to do complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features enough channels for each SDI input so you can mix audio from all sources! That’s audio from all SDI sources, plus the 2 stereo mic inputs. Each input channel features the highest quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning. You can even set up the software to auto mix between inputs as you switch "AFV" or to live mix multiple sources together all at once. All this audio power can be controlled via ATEM Software Control, or you can add a Mackie compatible panel.

The ATEM Streaming Bridge is a video converter that lets you receive a H.264 stream from any ATEM SDI Pro or ATEM SDI Extreme and convert it back to video. This means you can send video to remote locations around your local Ethernet network, or via the internet globally! That's possible because it uses an advanced H.264 codec for high quality at very low data rates. This means you can create broadcast quality links back to your studio using the internet, so it's much lower cost. To make setup is easy, the ATEM software utility can create a setup files that you can email to the remote studio. ATEM Streaming Bridge is the perfect way to use ATEM SDI as a remote broadcast studio!

The Ethernet connection also allows customized control solutions! Even though ATEM SDI includes ATEM Software Control, you can use the Ethernet to control the ATEM remotely, anywhere in the world. A popular workflow is to use the Ethernet to allow the ATEM SDI to be positioned near the cameras, but the control is positioned remotely in a quieter space, such as a control room. Imagine using the switcher from a control room and building a professional broadcasting studio where the control room can be separated away from the performance or interviews. Ethernet allows you to add as many panels as you like all at the same time, or you can build custom solutions using the developer SDK!

With Ethernet built in, ATEM SDI can use hardware control panels for high end workflows that take advantage of the hidden broadcast features in the switcher! The ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel features the fast program/preview style with separate source buttons for both program and preview rows. Get direct access to all transitions automatically or manually using the t-bar. For accurate control of the DVE, the joystick provides X, Y positioning with rotation setting the DVE size. You also get LCD menus to control features that don't have dedicated knobs and buttons. You can even program and trigger macros! Plus you can still use the hardware panel if you upgrade to a bigger ATEM switcher later!

When working on live production, its critical all cameras are perfectly matched with good color balance for a consistent look when transitioning between the each camera. The ATEM Camera Control Panel works with ATEM SDI and is the perfect solution for camera control. All control commands are sent to the cameras using the SDI camera control protocol which is supported by cameras such as Blackmagic URSA Broadcast and Blackmagic Studio Cameras. You get dedicated controls including CCU style joystick and controls for RGB camera color, master gain, black, iris and more. Plus all controls are arranged in a familiar broadcast layout perfect for both experienced and new operators!

ATEM SDI is even more powerful it can be expanded to grow with you. Add an ATEM Advanced Panel to get professional industry standard switcher control. Then add an ATEM Camera Control Panel for fast control and color balancing of up to four cameras. For cameras, Blackmagic Studio Cameras make great studio cameras as they have tally and control all built into the compact and very portable design. For mastering, Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio recorders are perfect because they include popular file formats such as ProRes, H.264 and DNx. You can even live stream using an UltraStudio or Blackmagic Web Presenter! Then add a Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G converter for HDMI monitoring!