Blackmagic’s ATEM switchers have many options to choose from that range in price, functionality, and features. They have switchers that can be used at home for live streamers as well as ones for television and production broadcasts. In this article, we will discuss some differences and features so you can choose the best ATEM switcher for you.
The first set of ATEM Switchers I’ll go over is from Blackmagic’s series of Mini options. Each switcher can take four HDMI input cameras and switch between them.
Minis
ATEM Mini
The ATEM Mini is the lowest in price for the ATEM Mini switchers. With this switcher, you can easily plug in your HDMI input cameras and use it for live streaming. Your computer will treat your ATEM Mini like a webcam. You can switch between cameras live and have options for transitions, adjusting different settings of your camera, and additional features provided by ATEM software control panel. This switcher is ideal for people who want a tool strictly for controlling their live broadcasts for Twitch, Youtube, and more. The main purpose of this switcher is to give you control over your live cameras.
ATEM Mini Pro
The ATEM Mini Pro has the same features as the ATEM Mini, but it provides a multi-view with the four cameras. It gives you an overall preview of each camera before placing them in the live view. The Pro is also able to directly record, rather than relying on a different software. You can record and switch between cameras in the main view similar to the ATEM Mini. Also, for streamers, you can directly stream via ethernet to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook and more from the ATEM software control panel. The ATEM Mini Pro would be ideal for people who want more control over their live streams and recorded videos. It allows you to preview each camera from a different monitor with the multiview feature. With the multiview, it would make your broadcast and productions run seamlessly.
ATEM Mini Pro ISO
The ATEM Mini Pro ISO has the exact same features listed with one major difference: the ability to record each HDMI input camera at the same time. With the previous two switchers, you can broadcast and record off one main camera at a time and switch between them. With the ATEM Mini Pro ISO you have the ability to record each is a large benefit. This option is amazing for people who edit their livestreams and recorded videos to show different perspectives. The ATEM Mini Pro ISO would be great for people who broadcast from large spaces or run their own show. Another big use for this would be for tabletop RPGs, where you want to record both the table-top game, the players, their score cards, and other aspects within the room.
ATEM Mini Extreme
The ATEM Mini Extreme is thepowerful model of the ATEM Mini switchers. It can take up to eight camera inputs. Similar to the ATEM Mini Pro, it has a multiview feature in order to see the feeds of each camera and preview them before placing them in live view.
This switcher would be great for live events in big spaces or individuals broadcasting a show that needs multiple areas highlighted. Being able to switch to different angles based on what’s happening — while simultaneously viewing each camera — can help production keep the most interesting content on the live screen.
ATEM Mini Extreme ISO
The ATEM Mini Extreme ISO is similar to the ATEM Mini Extreme. Although, the main feature is its ability to record all eight independent cameras and export it out. There’s also a DaVinci Resolve project file within the software so you can open your videos and edit it live with all of the cuts, dissolves, and graphics. This version of the ATEM Mini Extreme would also be amazing for people that need to broadcast live, highly produced shows.
Television Studio
ATEM Television Studio HD
The ATEM Television Studio HD is a switcher that includes both HDMI and SDI inputs. It can work in SD and HD up to 1080p60. You can preview and gain full camera control from the switcher. Having the option to view your main camera from the device itself is handy in addition to the multiview functionality similar to other ATEM switchers. The biggest benefit of the ATEM Television Studio HD is its professional quality. This switcher would be perfect for broadcasting live events such as gaming tournaments, conferences, and those where the production quality needs to be professional. This switcher is small, easily compact, and portable.
ATEM Television Studio Pro HD
With the ATEM Television Studio Pro HD, you get the same benefits as the ATEM Television Studio software but it allows you to record the four SDI and four HDMI inputs simultaneously. The ATEM Television Studio Pro HD would be great for those who plan on recording big events regularly like weekly gaming events, weddings, television shows, and more.
ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K
The ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K goes a step above the ATEM Television Studio Pro HD by adding Ultra HD and 12G-SDI technology for HD and Ultra HD format up to 2160p60. It also takes eight SDI inputs and can have each input running in different video formats. There’s an upgraded Fairlight audio mixer that is more customizable and an improved chroma keyer and HD multiview. This switcher would be best for live production shows that could either be broadcasted on television and additional professional programming.
Production Broadcast
ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K
The ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4k can take ten separate Ultra HD inputs up to 4K Ultra HD video. It can record in multiple video formats, and can give a stream in different quality formats consisting of SD, HD, or Ultra HD. There are twelve-channel audio mixers that can handle the audio of ten video inputs. It also allows you to customize your audio options from the software. Similar to the previous camera switchers mentioned, this switcher comes with multiview monitoring, transitions, and a control interface. This switcher would be best used for productions that need the highest quality possible such as filming professional film, television series, and productions led by companies that would benefit from streaming to large audiences.
ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K
The ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K is a camera switcher that has the same features as the ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K, but it has 20 inputs for cameras. This switcher would be best used for big events such as sporting events or huge conventions.
ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K
The ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K camera is one of the advanced production switchers with 20 inputs, six auxiliary outputs, and formats up to Ultra HD 2160. The ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio builds upon the ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K. It has been built to provide the highest quality production you can have with a camera switcher. This device definitely would benefit people producing content for television and live sports.
Advanced
ATEM Constellation 8K
The ATEM Constellation 8K has 40 12G-SDI inputs and 24 AUX 12G-SDI outpost. Each input can seamlessly switch between video formats. Ithas many channels for audio and is highly customizable. For keeping up with all your cameras, you will have four multiviewers and access to HD and Ultra HD. Each camera input can switch between 720p, 1080p, 1080i, Ultra HD, and 8k video standards. The ATEM Constellation 8K can also support 5 XLR headset connectors to keep the production team in contact during the live broadcast. This device definitely was made for use in large-scale events, concerts, festivals and conventions that have a production team working and collaborating with each other.
ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel
The ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel is designed as a control panel for ATEM switchers. It’s designed to help with faster workflows. The lighting inside helps identify and prevent any mistakes controlling the panel during the broadcast. You can havean easier time controlling sources and transitions while creating your own custom macros. There are many features that the ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel can provide to make your broadcast flow seamless. The people that will benefit most from this are users who have a designated individual running the broadcast for events, conventions, and television shows.
A camera switcher is a great device to help your workflow and production. Whether you’re live streaming your own content, or working with a broadcasting team, a Blackmagic ATEM switcher can enhance the process for live streaming, recording, and providing software to improve your content.
