Articles tagged #SWITCHERS
Articles tagged
#SWITCHERS

New Blackmagic ATEM Mini

Blackmagic Design announced the ATEM Mini a new low cost live production switcher specifically designed to allow live streaming to YouTube and business presentations via Skype. ATEM Mini will be available in November 2019 from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for AU$495. The new ATEM Mini makes it easy to create professional multi camera productions for live streaming to YouTube or innovative business presentations using Skype. Simply connect ATEM Mini and customers can switch live between 4 high quality video camera inputs in dramatically better quality images. Customers can even connect to a computer to present PowerPoint slides or add a gaming console. The built in DVE allows exciting picture in picture effects, perfect for live commentary. There's loads of video effects too. To live stream, ATEM Mini has a USB output that works like a webcam, so customers can connect to any video software. There's also HDMI video out for projectors. Microphone inputs allow high quality desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations. ATEM Mini features a compact control panel based design with all video, audio and control connections on the rear panel. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, adjusting audio inputs, as well as selecting video effects and transitions. The rear panel includes HDMI inputs for connecting cameras or computers, plus additional microphone inputs. The ATEM Mini program is output via an HDMI video out as well as a USB for webcam output. The front panel buttons are large and easy to use by feel, so its even possible to use the switcher while presenting. Customers also get audio mixer buttons for live audio mixing. ATEM Mini is very easy to use, as customers simply press any of the input buttons labelled 1 to 4 on the front panel to change or cut between video sources. Customers can choose between cut transitions or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons on the panel. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM Mini to use a selected video effect when switching between inputs. Customers can select from exciting transitions such as a commonly used dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. The DVE is perfect for picture in picture effects and customers can instantly set up different picture positions from the buttons on the control panel. There is even a still store for titles and graphics accessible via external software control. With 4 independent HDMI inputs, customers can connect up to 4 high quality consumer video cameras. All connected sources will re-sync to the switcher if they operate at different video standards, which means all inputs just work and customers can handle unknown equipment if customers are visiting new venues or locations. Imagine using the low light capability of professional cameras for theater production and music videos. To ensure the maximum compatibility possible, ATEM Mini features a USB connection that operates as a simple webcam source. That means customers can plug in and instantly get working with any video software. The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM Mini is a common webcam, but it's really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with all software in full resolution 1080HD quality. Choose any software customers like, such as Open Broadcaster for live streaming, or Skype for point to point presentations. ATEM Mini works with software and platforms such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Twitch TV, Periscope, Livestream, Wirecast and more. The HDMI program output is perfect for connecting ATEM Mini into an external recorder or monitor. ATEM Mini supports recorders such as the HyperDeck Studio Mini and Blackmagic Video Assist. Customers get a high quality output with switcher program video, plus live audio from the internal audio mixer. The HDMI output can even be connected to video projectors in large venues. If customers connect the ATEM Software Panel customers can even change the HDMI output direct from any of the video inputs. There's also a low latency setting allowing output of connected gaming consoles on the HDMI output. If customers enable broadcast style mix effects switching, the HDMI output can be used to preview sources before a transition. With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, customers can connect desktop and lapel microphones. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, customers can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM Mini include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer. The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of the ATEM Mini as customers get total control over the switcher features, plus the software is included free for Mac and Windows. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although customers can normally connect via USB, if customers connect using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. Customers can even save the switcher state as XML files. If customers need clip playback, customers can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet. The built in "media pool" allows loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. Customers can even use still frames for complex effects such as graphic wipes. ATEM Mini can even grab stills from the video output and add them to the internal media pool. Customers can easily manage the still store graphic using the included ATEM Software Control app, or customers can download directly from Photoshop software using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in. The Photoshop Plug-in is perfect for graphics that need to change often, such as scoreboards, as customers can update the text and download directly into the switcher, allowing graphics to get on-air fast. For news or on-set presentation work, ATEM Mini is the perfect choice as it features an ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for high quality chroma or luminance keying, plus an additional downstream linear keyer. Customers can even use it for title overlays simply by using PowerPoint or other software with a green or blue background and the keyer will knock out the green and make the background transparent. With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Mini makes it possible to do extremely complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features a total of 12 channels so customers get the ability to mix audio from all sources. 8 mixer channels are de-embedded from the HDMI inputs, while an extra two stereo audio channels are input via the 3.5mm microphone connections on the rear panel. Each input channel features the highest quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning. The HDMI output is a true "aux" output so customers can clean switch each of the 4 HDMI inputs or the program feed to this output. Customers can even "direct" switch input 1 to the HDMI output for low latency for eSport. If customers select broadcast style mix effects switching, customers can also output a preview feed, allowing verification of the source before transitioning to it. "The new ATEM Mini is a perfect example of the spirit of Blackmagic Design," said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. "It looks like an easy to use low cost live production switcher, however it has professional broadcast features hidden inside so customers won't be creatively limited and using their creativity they can use it the exact same way all as high end switchers found in the broadcast television industry. What this means is even though it's low cost, there is no glass ceiling with ATEM Mini!" ATEM Mini Features • Features miniaturized control panel based design. • Supports streaming live to all media platforms such as YouTube. • Works with Skype for multi camera business presentations. • Supports connecting up to 4 cameras or computers. • USB output operates as a webcam and supports all video software. • Wide range of professional video effects included. • HDMI video output allows direct recording of programs. • Two stereo audio inputs for connecting desktop or lapel microphones. • Includes free ATEM Software Control for Mac and Windows. • Includes full HD DVE for picture in picture effects and DVE transitions. • Broadcast quality transitions including mix, dip and wipe. • Internal media for 20 RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. • Includes ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for green/blue screen work. • Operates in cut-bus or professional mix effects switching styles. • Audio mixer supports limiter, compressor, 6 band EQ and more! • Automatically standards converts and re-syncs all HDMI inputs. • Built in Ethernet control and SDK allows customer developer solutions. • Compatible with all professional ATEM hardware control panels. Availability and Price ATEM Mini will be available in November 2019 for AU$495

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Blackmagic Design Announces New ATEM Constellation 8K

Powerful 8K switcher with 8K DVE, standards converted 8K inputs, 8K SuperSource, 8K chroma key and 8K MultiView! The new ATEM Constellation 8K is an Ultra HD live production switcher with so many features, that customers can combine them all to make an incredibly powerful 8K switcher. Customers get 4 M/Es, 40 x 12G-SDI inputs, 24 x 12G-SDI aux outputs, 4 DVEs, 16 Keyers, 4 media players, 4 multiviewers, 2 SuperSource and standards conversion on every SDI input. Then when switched to 8K, all these features combine to make a powerful 8K switcher. ATEM Constellation 8K features a compact 2RU rack mount design with a built-in control panel. This allows operation of the switcher, critical during setup or for emergency use. Also included is a large LCD so customers can see program output and change switcher settings via on-screen menus. Although only 2RU size, the rear of the switcher has a massive 40 x 12G-SDI inputs, 24 x 12G-SDI aux outputs, plus balanced audio, Ethernet, RS-422 control and MADI digital audio extra inputs to the internal Fairlight audio mixer With a built-in control panel, customers can simply walk up and take full control of ATEM Constellation at any time. Customers get incredible power with both PGM/PVW or cut-bus style operation. The buttons are the same premium type used on full-sized panels, and allow control of transitions, upstream/downstream keyers, media players and fade to black. But users are never limited, as the LCD menus also allow every single operational feature of the switcher to be accessed.

Customers get 40 independent 12G-SDI inputs, with each input featuring its own dedicated up and cross converter. That means it’s possible to convert 1080p and Ultra HD sources to stunning 8K to use them in their 8K programs. When used in HD or Ultra HD, customers can connect up to 40 different sources in all formats up to 2160p60. When running 8K formats, customers can connect 10 Quad Link 12G-SDI 8K sources in all formats up to 4320p60. ATEM Constellation 8K features 24 independently routable 12G-SDI outputs that can be fully customized. All of these outputs are similar to aux outputs, however, they're more powerful because customers can route any external SDI input and all internal sources to any of these 12G-SDI outputs. All 12G-SDI outputs contain embedded program audio, plus customers get mix minus support, RP-188 embedded timecode, SDI camera control, tally and talkback. The built-in multiviewer let customers monitor multiple sources in a single monitor. Customers get 4 independent multiview outputs that can each be individually customized or transformed into a single full-resolution 8K multiview when customers switch to 8K. Plus all external inputs and all internal sources can be routed to any view. Plus each multiview can be independently set to 4, 7, 10, 13 or 16 simultaneous views. Each view also has on-screen status including a custom label, VU meters and tally. ATEM Constellation 8K includes a wide range of broadcast quality 8K native transitions such as mix, dip, wipe, and more. All transitions can be customized by adjusting parameters such as their duration, border colour, border width, position and direction. Transitions are even fully 8K native. Customers also get exciting DVE transitions, perfect for graphic wipes and even stingers when used with the internal media players. To keep crews working as a single creative team, ATEM Constellation 8K features built-in talkback. Talkback supports a front 5 pin XLR headset connector, as well as a rear RJ12 talkback expansion connector for interfacing with industry standard systems such as ClearCom or RTS. Customers get full talkback control including program and engineering loops, sidetone control for hearing the headset mic into the headphones and program mix. ATEM Constellation also supports SDI talkback that uses SDI channels 15 and 16 for 2-way communication with Blackmagic Design cameras. Customers can even use channels 13 and 14 for engineering talkback. The built-in media pool stores broadcast quality RGBA graphics and animations that can be played back instantly by the two media players. For the highest quality, the media pool can hold up to 24 full resolution 8K stills, or 64 Ultra HD or HD stills. Motion graphics clips for use in animations and stingers can be up to 100 8K RGBA frames, 400 frames in Ultra HD or a massive 1,600 frames in 1080HD. For news or virtual set work, ATEM Constellation 8K is the perfect choice as it features 16 ATEM Advanced Keyers for high-quality chroma or luminance keying. The chroma keyer is incredibly powerful and features a colour picker to sample background colours for automatic generation of the key parameters. Customers get precise controls for edge and flare, and there is even a foreground colour corrector so customers can match the "look" of the foreground layer to the background layer making seamless compositions possible. The keyer can also be used for pattern and DVE keying allowing incredible versatility. Then when customers switch to 8K, customers still get four independent full resolution 8K ATEM Advanced Keyers. With a built-in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Constellation makes it possible to do extremely complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features a massive 156 channels, for the biggest audio mixer in a live production switcher. 80 mixer channels are de-embedded from the SDI inputs, while an extra 64 audio channels are input via MADI in. Each input channel features the highest quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning. Customers get extra channels for the analog input, talkback microphone and media players. All this audio power can be controlled via the ATEM Software Control, a Mackie compatible panel or Fairlight Audio Console. The ATEM Software Control Panel gives customers total control over their switcher and is included free. ATEM Software Control Panel features a beautifully designed interface with a visual switcher and parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. The ATEM Software Control also lets customers access camera control, audio mixing, media, macro programming and even control of HyperDeck disk recorders. Customers can even save the full state of the switcher as XML files, plus all media is backed up from the media pool. Unlike other switchers, all features are included in the purchase price. That means customers get all features fully enabled and always ready for use. There are no license fees to allow customers to use features and no ongoing monthly costs. This means users will never experience a license expiring 5 minutes before their program starts. Advanced features such as multi view, SuperSource, DVEs or the ATEM Advanced Keyers are always enabled and always ready to use. "This switcher is so incredibly big that we think customers will love it, even if they don't need to do 8K production," said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. "The ATEM Constellation 8K will help our customers handle more complex jobs and put more cameras into scenes than ever before possible. It’s very exciting!" ATEM Constellation 8K Features • HD and Ultra HD switcher can be switched to 8K. • Advanced design with built-in front panel controls. • Large 40 standards converted 12G-SDI inputs. • 24 customizable 12G-SDI outputs. • Supports all ATEM hardware and software control panels. • Includes 4 Ultra HD multiview with multiple layout options. • Includes DVE and stinger transitions. • Includes 4 Ultra HD DVEs that combine into an 8K DVE. • Professional talkback is compatible with ClearCom and RTS. • Internal media for stills and motion graphics. • Includes new ATEM Advanced Chroma Key in 8K. • Multi-rate 12G-SDI for HD, Ultra HD and native 8K. • Built-in 156 channel Fairlight audio mixer. • Includes free software control panel. • Compatible with all ATEM hardware control panels. • Supports Blackmagic Design studio camera with SDI control. • All features are included with no extra customer costs. Availability and Price ATEM Constellation 8K is available now for AU$15,155

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INTRODUCING X-ONE – EVS’ UNIFIED MULTICAM LIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEM

EVS has announced a brand-new product within its family of live production solutions - X-One. This all-in-one toolset, delivers the signature speed and reliability of EVS technology for live productions requiring six cameras or less. The new system is built with EVS’ software-defined technology foundation and puts all of the capabilities of a control room in the hands of a single production operator – all controlled from the solution’s touchscreen.

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Videocraft Designs, Supplies, Builds and Installs New Television Studio for RMIT

Recently Videocraft played a major part in the delivery of RMIT’s New Academic Street (NAS) consolidation project which included providing teaching and learning environments for students in their Screen and Media, Screen and Media Productions, Communications and Journalism programs. The scope of works required to deliver this project involved Videocraft designing, building and being responsible for the full construction of RMIT’s new TV Studio A.   Videocraft MD James Taylor explained, “This was a very comprehensive project and build and involved the acoustic treatment of ceiling, walls and windows, specialist acoustic doors, an upgrade of existing mechanical and electrical services and the relocation of existing equipment which was no mean feat. Bearing all this in mind Videocraft fulfilled all of RMIT’s audio visual requirements.”   Moving studios is never easy. Moving studios and simultaneously building a new one is even more complex as Taylor detailed, “This was a challenge for all involved. Maintaining continuity of business whilst shutting down one facility and building and troubleshooting a new state-of-the-art studio definitely had its challenges. That said we approached the broadcast AV installation in our usual professional manner and completed the project on a very tight timeframe and within the budget.”   According to Taylor the program constraints were difficult to achieve however he added, “Despite this major constraint we delivered in full and worked extensively with the end user to ensure their functional requirements were comprehensively addressed. I’m delighted to say RMIT were very happy with the end result.”   When all was complete Videocraft built and installed a state-of-the art digital television studio and master control including fibre link to C31, live streaming capabilities and green lighting technologies throughout. To which Taylor added, “All of this on a very tight budget by and within a very short timeframe. I’m very proud of our team for making this happen. It was an incredible effort and they were so professional.”   Videocraft supplied RMIT with the equipment for two TV studios with all associated cabling, two control rooms, comms, master control, cameras, audio, vision switchers, routers, racks, patch bays, CCUs and graphics. Now complete and ‘on-air’ the new studio is a dynamic and busy teaching facility catering to both VE and HE classes at RMIT in addition to RMITV. As a result students can now put live broadcasts to air on CTV31, live stream broadcasts over IP and cater for numerous pre-records and teaching activities.   James Taylor concluded, “RMIT’s feedback is that the users are ecstatic with the new spaces and the overall user experience has been excellent. The students find the state-of-the-art gear we installed a joy to work with and represents best industry practice, which in turn ensures the graduates are industry ready.”  

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#NAB2014 Products to Watch - Live Production

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