ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K Brings 12G-SDI to Live Programs

Blackmagic Design's new ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K, a high frame rate Ultra HD 2160p60 switcher, has 20 inputs, 4 M/Es and 16 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers. The device is designed with two Ultra HD multi viewers, 2D DVE and re-synchronization on each input. SuperSource compositing engines are built in with four picture in picture DVEs.

A free software upgrade adds all of the same new functionality to the previous ATEM 2 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K model.

The new ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K can be used to create and switch high frame rate HD and Ultra HD programs live at up to 60 fps. With 12G-SDI connectivity, users can connect the 2160p60 cameras using a single, standard SDI cable.

The multi rate 12G-SDI connections automatically switch to 6G-SDI, 3G-SDI and HD-SDI, making the switcher  compatible with existing HD equipment. The ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K can be used to master programs in 2160p60 while simultaneously outputting them in HD with realtime down conversion. Broadcasters may start building a library of Ultra HD content, even if they need to continue broadcasting 1080HD today.

For keying and effects, the ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K has 16 new keyers, extending their creative options. There are four of the keyers on each of the 4 mix effects rows. They have adjustable on-screen controls for selecting and sampling a region of colour, adjustment controls for foreground, background and edges, and chroma correction tools for spill and flare suppression. Users can pull clean keys for broadcast composites and full-sized multi layer effects.
 
The new 4K switcher works in both HD and Ultra HD. It is designed for sporting event action and live concerts where smooth, clear, detailed, realistic looking video is important. When combined with the extra resolution, higher frame rate and bigger colour space of Ultra HD, the ATEM 4 M/E 4K can make the fast paced action and drama of live sports look much more compelling than conventional HD production switchers.
 
Four built in media players and a larger media pool allow more memory for graphics and video clips. As well as the Chroma Keyers, included are dynamic transitions, a DVE, SuperSource multi layering, power macros, audio mixing, camera control with colour correction and other items.

As well as the more advanced 12G-SDI, the ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K has many other broadcast connections. Every input has automatic frame re-synchronization so that users can take any source, even if it is not referenced, and make clean switches. There are also two balanced XLR audio inputs and outputs for connecting mixers and other pro audio gear.

An Ultra HD program output as well as a down converted HD program output are included, along with 6 auxiliary outputs for sending clean feeds out to giant screens, projectors, recorders or monitors. Dual Ultra HD multi view outputs allow monitoring of program, preview and cameras on large screen Ultra HD displays.
 
The ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K can be controlled using ATEM’s professional hardware control panels or using the ATEM Software Control on a Mac or Windows computer connected via ethernet.
 
The ATEM hardware control panels suit live production. The new ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel has an updated layout and built in LCD screens that display context-sensitive tools and settings. The ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel fits in a standard equipment rack and works tight locations such as outside broadcast trucks.

The ATEM software control panel, which is included free, is visual control panel with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments, loading graphics, mixing audio and more. Customers can even combine multiple hardware and software control panels on the same show so different people can be working on switching, graphics, audio, camera control and so on, all at the same time. The ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K is available now.

ATEM Camera Control Panel

Blackmagic Design today also announced a new ATEM Camera Control Panel, which is a compact remote camera control unit designed to control up to four different URSA Broadcast, URSA Mini, Blackmagic Studio or Blackmagic Micro Studio cameras.

The ATEM Camera Control Panel works with any ATEM live production switcher and features LCD screens, professional joystick for iris and master black control, and control buttons that allow a single operator to adjust the primary parameters such as the black level, gain, colour balance and shutter speed. This gives camera operators more time to focus on the creative aspects of live production such as framing and composition. The ATEM Camera Control Panel will be available in May/June this year.  www.blackmagicdesign.com