Blackmagic ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K

The Blackmagic ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K is a multi-camera live event production switcher with 10 discrete Ultra HD inputs built into a 1 RU chassis. Supporting NTSC/PAL/HD and Ultra HD video formats, the switcher can connect to a wide range of cameras and sources, delivering a single program stream in UHD 4K, HD or SD video. All of this is done live and in real time with no rendering required. The switcher features a reference video input for synchronising the switcher with other equipment using tri-level or black burst sync. Each input also features a frame synchroniser, allowing the use of cameras that are not genlocked, as well as video input from computer sources.

The switcher has eight always-on video outputs. It has two SDI and one HDMI program output, both of which deliver UHD/HD/SD, with three pass-through (AUX) UHD/HD/SD outputs that can deliver clean program feed with no downstream effects. The switcher also has a downconverted HD output for monitoring on an SDI-equipped HD monitor. Multiview monitoring is 1080i only via a dedicated SDI or HDMI output, and multiview allows you to view program, preview, and eight live sources simultaneously. The switcher has built-in luma and chroma keyers for real-time effects and composites in Ultra HD, with 10-bit processing. Dual downstream keyers allow you to use two images/logos/titles/lower thirds from up to twenty stored images in a variety of formats.

Rear view

A built-in 12-channel audio mixer handles the integrated HDMI and SDI audio from the 10 active video inputs, as well as audio from the balanced or unbalanced analog audio inputs, giving you flexibility and creative audio options. Audio output is embedded in the SDI and HDMI streams and is available via the balanced audio outputs. The switcher’s controls and settings are managed by a Mac or Windows PC using the supplied ATEM software. For those who prefer the feel of a physical control panel, the ATEM ME 1 and ME 2 Broadcast Panels connect via the Ethernet port and control all of the switcher’s functions. Illuminated buttons on the front panel allow you to locally select the AUX output, while a 2” LCD screen on the front of the unit allows you to see the AUX output for instant confirmation of the correct output.

Video

The ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K switcher supports Ultra HD 4K video (3840 x 2160), which is four times the resolution of Full HD. The video format is set by the user and must be the same for each input, as the switcher cannot scale different input formats to match the project format.

The switcher has ten single-link 6G-SDI and one HDMI 4K input, allowing you to connect UHD/HD/SD and computer-based signals to the switcher. However, the HDMI input is shared with one of the SDI inputs, so you can only have a maximum of ten inputs.

The switcher records reference video for sync timing, either black burst or tri-level sync, so it can interface with other post-production equipment.

Each input includes a frame synchronizer, allowing you to use cameras that do not have genlock capability or to input computer sources such as Keynote or PowerPoint presentations.

Audio

The switcher includes a built-in 12-channel audio mixer that lets you manually mix sources, or you can set mixer inputs to “audio-follows-video,” so your audio blends as you switch between sources.

Video outputs

The switcher has two program outputs for final video, delivering UHD/HD/SD via two 6G-SDI ports and an HDMI 4K connection.

The multiview output is available via an SDI or HDMI connector.

The switcher has an SDI AUX output that can provide program output with or without downstream keyer effects in SD, HD and Ultra HD. The AUX output is controlled by the front panel buttons and the built-in 2” LCD screen for instant confirmation of the AUX output.

Multiview Monitoring

The multiview output has four selectable screen layouts that display eight inputs or six inputs and the two internal media players, plus preview and program outputs, simultaneously on one screen.

Effects

Transitions

The ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K switcher features four built-in transitions:

Cut: ATEM instantly switches from the current program source to the preview source at the precise moment you press the button. Cuts can be performed by directly selecting sources on the program bus or, more commonly, by pressing the cut button to switch to the next source on the preview bus.

Mix: This transitions from one frame to another. You can program a preset transition speed or use the included software panel or available hardware panels to manually transition from one shot to another.

Dip: This is similar to the mix/dissolve, except it first transitions to a color/graphic or video source and then to the next shot.

Wipe Patterns: With 18 built-in wipe patterns, you can create over 100 different transitions, the patterns can be inverted or softened, and you can customize the border color. You can also insert up to three live video streams into the borders.

Key Frame Transitions

The built-in DVE lets you create keyframe-based DVE movements, flying graphics, and animated stingers.

Keyers

The switcher has four upstream keyers and a DVE, allowing you to layer live video, titles, graphics and animations over live video. You can choose from chroma, luma, linear and pattern keying in Ultra HD resolution with 10-bit processing.

Two downstream keyers let you add graphics, lower thirds, titles and logos for a polished live production.

With the DVE you can create a picture-in-picture effect.

Control interface

The switcher has illuminated control buttons on the front panel for manual operation.

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 using the included ATEM Software Control software from a Mac or Windows computer via Ethernet. You can manage all of the switcher's production settings and import images directly 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 Ultra HD, selecting the resolution and frame rate. This is done using the included software for macOS/Windows PC or via the ATEM 1 M/E or ATEM 2 M/E Broadcast Panel.

The Ethernet port on the switcher allows you to connect control surfaces directly to the switcher or control the switcher over a network.

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

Rackmount

The switcher is 1 RU high and has built-in rackmount ears for mounting in a production cabinet or post-production facility.

Power supply

Internal redundant power supplies keep you working if one fails.