ATEM performs live streaming Magic

Created for multi-camera productions and PC use in livestreaming via Ethernet, Blackmagic Design has added the ATEM Mini Pro ISO to its portfolio of production switchers. A five-stream recording engine allows separate H.264 video HDMI streams from a live production to be recorded in real time using multi-camera features and saved in the DaVinci Resolve project file for editing and remixing following the event. Audio on each input can be recorded as a separate ISO file, while the in-built audio mixer supports limiter, compressor and six-band EQ.

The ATEM Mini Pro model is equipped with record and streaming control in addition to output selection buttons that can change the video output between cameras, program and multi-view. On the rear panel there are HDMI connections for cameras or computers, extra microphone inputs, USB for webcam out plus an HDMI aux output for program video. The USB port operates as a simple webcam source and allows any streaming software to be adopted, while the ATEM Mini Pro model adds livestreaming and recording to USB disks. Each of the four HDMI inputs feature their own dedicated standards converter to automatically convert 1080p, 1080i and 720p sources to the video standard of the switcher. Media pool images are saved with the video files which include metadata tags such as synced timecode and camera numbers. The HDMI output for projectors accepts desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations.

A miniaturised control panel comes with four input buttons for the selection of various sources, video effects and transitions such as dissolve, dip to colour, DVE squeeze and DVE push. An integrated DVE allows picture in picture effects can instantly set up different pictures for commentary. With the ability to access every feature in the switcher, the ATEM Software Control App features a visual user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. For news or on-set presentation work, the ATEM Mini can be used as an upstream ATEM Advanced Chroma Key plus an additional downstream linear keyer.

Designed to connect video links directly from any ATEM Mini Pro model switcher, the ATEM Streaming Bridge decodes a live video stream before converting it back as SDI and HDMI video. Using H.264 codecs at low data rates promotes high-quality video that can be transmitted remotely over the local Ethernet network or via the internet globally.