ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K combines a professional control panel with an eight-input 12G SDI mixer

The mixer for live Ultra High Definition productions has 8 independent 12G SDI inputs, format conversion, Fairlight quality audio, ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyer, simultaneous image monitoring, communication system and digital effects.

One of the main dishes of Blackmagic Design At this NAB 2018 it was the new ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K switcher, a comprehensive solution for live UHD productions with an integrated control panel.

This device has 8 independent 12G SDI inputs, Fairlight quality audio tools, ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyer composer, simultaneous image monitoring, main and auxiliary outputs, analog audio inputs, communication system, two multimedia players, creative transitions and digital effects, among other features.

It combines the functions of a professional control panel with an extraordinary mixer that has eight 12G SDI inputs compatible with HD and UHD formats at a maximum resolution of 2160p59.94. Additionally, all inputs feature independent format and frame rate resynchronization and conversion, meaning up to eight sources with different resolutions and frame rates can be connected and switched between without glitches or errors. The mixer automatically converts them to match these parameters of the main signal.

On the other hand, the team has Fairlight quality audio tools. Fairlight has been used for years in the audio post-production of high-quality feature films and television series, and now for the first time, Blackmagic Design has integrated these exceptional features into a switcher for live productions. The device includes both a 6-band parametric equalizer and an expander/noise gate, a compressor and a dynamics limiter on each of the inputs.

It also offers the latest generation ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyer composer. It has on-screen controls for sampling color and adjusting the background, foreground, and edges of your composition, as well as additional tools that make it easy to remove chromatic reflections. This allows you to generate overlays that border on perfection in order to replace the green or blue background, thus obtaining professional quality compositions.

On the other hand, the mixer also has two analog audio channels, RS-422 and Ethernet ports, an integrated IEC power supply and main and auxiliary outputs. Additionally, SDI and HDMI outputs for simultaneous image display provide the ability to view all sources, previews, on-air feeds, signs, and light meters on a single monitor or TV at the same time.

Portable design

The new ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K features a portable design and offers a variety of high-end features that make it easy to create live programs with effects and transitions. The panel includes illuminated buttons for easy source selection, as well as additional controls for monitoring audio, overlaying images, activating media players, or performing direct cuts and fades to black or transitions at the touch of a button.

In turn, the integrated liquid crystal screen provides the possibility of viewing the broadcast signal and previews, while the rotary control facilitates access to the menus to configure different settings. Simply select the source you want to stream, then press the CUT or AUTO buttons to cycle through signals, add effects, or even overlay graphic elements.

The ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K version allows you to create professional quality transitions, effects and graphics. Transitions, such as fades, wipes, or blends, are performed simply by pressing a button on the front panel. There are 37 different types that provide the user with a wide range of creative options with configurable parameters such as direction, color and border width.

On the other hand, an integrated function is provided to create two-dimensional visual effects, which can be modified in real time without any inconvenience. In this way, the user can overlay images (PIP), make animated transitions to change from one source to another or create banners with custom graphics.

Using the switcher with Blackmagic Studio, Micro Studio, URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras allows you to communicate with operators, turn on pilot lights and adjust the color of the units remotely, without the need to purchase additional cables or other dedicated devices. These cameras feature DaVinci Resolve's built-in color correction feature, which makes it easy to balance color and create extraordinary looks, right from the control panel. Likewise, it is possible to modify the focus and aperture of the aperture on the lens, or even change the settings of the unit remotely.

The ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K model has a multimedia panel that allows you to store 90 frames in UHD definition, 360 in 1080 HD or 1440 in 720 HD to later use them in the two available multimedia players. In addition, the integrated flash memory prevents content from being erased when the device is turned off, which in turn allows you to create custom graphic elements. On the other hand, the precomposition function offers the possibility of performing chroma overlays on shots with green backgrounds, so that weather maps, graphic elements and virtual recording sets can be added. In this sense, it is possible to carry out linear superpositions, by chrominance or according to certain geometric shapes.

This new version offers two additional channels to add logos and mobile texts to the broadcast signal. At the same time, it is possible to install a HyperDeck Studio Mini adjacent to the mixer, in order to use it as a source of ProRes files in 4:4:4:4 format with the alpha channel. This allows compositions to be superimposed on the signal transmitted to the air or to use graphic animations with said channel instantly to make a transition between two images.

SDI intercom

The ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K model also has an intercom system for SDI devices. Information is transmitted to the camera using the SDI return signal on audio channels 15 and 16, which are generally not intended for any specific purpose. When working with a journalist outdoors, a slight audio delay may occur, causing you to hear their voice echo through your headphones. In this sense, the new version presents an innovative N–1 mode, through which the main mix is ​​transmitted without your voice, in order to avoid possible distractions.

In order to provide maximum speed and flexibility during live productions, the ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K model includes free software for Mac and Windows operating systems that facilitates the simultaneous connection of multiple users, meaning that different people can be in charge of the different tasks that can be carried out with the device.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, said: "The new ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K is our most technologically advanced professional switcher that features a compact, elegant and highly portable design. What's unique about this version is that it has the same functions as larger and more expensive models, but thanks to its size it can be installed in common racks or mobile units. Users will have the speed of a 1 M/E control panel so they can use it in more complex live productions and dynamic”.

Main features

• Professional mixer with integrated control panel.
• 8 12G SDI inputs with resynchronization and conversion of formats and frame rates.
• Support for HD and UHD formats up to 2160p at a maximum frequency of 59.94 f/s.
• 1 multi-display output allowing viewing of 8 sources as well as the main signal and previews.
• Integrated multimedia panel that allows you to store 90 frames in UHD format or 1440 in 720 HD.
• Visual effects with borders and drop shadow.
• Different types of transitions including cuts, dissolves, fades and wipes.
• 1 composer for chrominance pre-overlays and 2 additional composers for post-overlays.
• An auxiliary output with selection buttons and LCD screen.
• Mixing of audio channels from all independent inputs.
• XLR inputs for stereo analog signals.
• Internal sources that include black signal, bar chart, two color generators and two outputs for multimedia players.
• Ethernet connection for computer equipment.
• Virtual control panel included for Mac and Windows.
• Compatible with all ATEM line control panels.
• Input for reference signals (Black Burst and Tri-Sync HD) that facilitate integration into large systems.