Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI Live Production Switcher

ATEM SDI is a family of live production switchers designed for broadcasters who need extreme portability! ATEM SDI switchers are very similar to ATEM Mini, however, the video connections are 3G-SDI and each model has double the number of video outputs! You get 4 SDI inputs on the ATEM SDI and ATEM SDI Pro ISO models and 8 SDI inputs on the ATEM SDI Extreme ISO model. Plus all SDI inputs feature standards converters and re-sync! You even get DVEs for picture in picture effects! The USB works as a webcam for connecting video to computers, while the Pro and Extreme models feature built in streaming. For audio the Fairlight mixer includes a compressor, limiter and 6 band parametric EQ on each input!

A New Generation of Ultra Portable Live Production!

ATEM SDI gives you the portable design of ATEM Mini, but its SDI connections mean you can connect advanced broadcast quality cameras and recorders. This opens up a whole new world of ultra portable live production. The incredibly portable design means you can fit a whole broadcast quality live production system in a small bag or even a backpack! You can use multiple cameras on location and live stream direct to YouTube, or create a broadcast quality link back to a studio with ATEM Streaming Bridge. Unlike single camera remote shoots, ATEM SDI lets you connect multiple cameras so you can create interesting remote interviews with multiple camera angles.

Self Contained Broadcast Quality Switcher

ATEM SDI’s compact all in one design includes both a control panel as well as connections. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, video effects and transitions. The source buttons are large so it’s possible to use it by feel, letting the presenter do the switching! You even get buttons for audio mixing! The ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models have buttons for recording and streaming control, as well as output selection buttons that let you change the video output between program, direct camera feeds and the multiview. On the rear panel there are SDI connections for cameras, extra microphone inputs, USB for webcam plus multiple SDI "aux" outputs for program video.

ATEM SDI

ATEM SDI is fast to set up and easy to use. It includes 4 standards converted SDI inputs, USB webcam, 2 SDI outputs, Fairlight audio mixer with EQ and dynamics, DVE for picture in picture, transition effects, green screen chroma key, 20 stills media pool for titles and free ATEM Software Control.

Easy to Use and Fast to Learn!

There's never been a switcher that’s easier to use, as you simply press any of the input buttons labelled by number on the front panel to cut between video sources. You can choose between cut or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM SDI to use a video effect when switching inputs. You can select from exciting transitions such as dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to colour, DVE squeeze and DVE push. Add a DVE effect for picture in picture effects with customised picture positions and background. There are even "media players" which are a still store for titles and graphics that you can load via external software control.

Connect up to 8 Broadcast Cameras

With 4 or 8 video inputs, depending on the model, ATEM SDI lets you connect multiple cameras for different views of the performance. Video cameras with SDI outputs such as Blackmagic Studio Camera or Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 are much better quality as they have better low light performance and they use professional lenses. All video sources will re-sync to the switcher, even if they operate at different video standards. Everything just works so setup on location is easy and you don't have to worry about technical problems. Imagine taking advantage of the creative freedom of multi camera live production for interviews, advertorials, theatre production, music performances, sports and more!

Outputs

To ensure maximum compatibility, all ATEM SDI models feature USB that operates as a simple webcam source. That means you can plug into a computer and get working with any video software! The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM SDI is a common webcam, but it's really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with any video software and in full resolution 1080HD quality. Choose any software you like, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype for a new way to do presentations with a professional multi camera broadcast quality style! The ATEM SDI webcam output also works with streaming software such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster and more!

Edit Live

The ISO models also save a DaVinci Resolve project file, so with a single click you can open your live production as video edit. All cuts, dissolves and media pool graphics will be loaded. This means you can fine tune edit points or even completely replace shots! The DaVinci Resolve Sync Bin lets you edit shots via a multiview interface, so it's easy to use and fast! All ISO files will be automatically aligned by timecode, so you can scroll along and see all camera angles perfectly synced.

Video Effects

One of the benefits of ATEM SDI is the professional production values that are possible using the range of built in video effects! The cut button ensures an instant cut when switching between sources. The auto button is a professional term that's used on large broadcast switchers to enable video effect transitions. There are duration buttons for video effects allowing 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 second settings. You can also select the type of effect you want including mix, which does a smooth transition between sources, and dip which fades via a colour during the transition. Or use fun DVE effects that move the image off screen when transitioning between sources!

Work with Professional Microphones

With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, you can connect desktop and lapel microphones. You can even connect a music player to generate introduction music after the live stream commences but before the program starts. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, you can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM SDI include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer. Plus all models feature a Fairlight audio mixer with all SDI inputs and both microphone inputs connected to the audio mixer allowing live mixing from all your audio sources. The ATEM SDI Extreme also adds a headphone output.

Automatically Converts Any SDI Input Format

Each 3G-SDI video input features its own dedicated standards converter. That means ATEM SDI will automatically convert 1080p, 1080i and 720p sources to the switcher video standard! By default the switcher will set its video format automatically, however you can also set the switcher to any video standard manually! The SDI outputs are a true "aux" outputs so you can independently customise the source video routed to each SDI output. All outputs can be connected to cameras as they include camera control and tally information. On the more powerful ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme models, the SDI output can also be selected to display the built in multiview.

Secret Broadcast Features Built In!

While ATEM SDI is easy to use, it also has very powerful high end broadcast features! ATEM SDI is even perfect for training new live production crews as it has the same features as the massive switchers used in large broadcast studios. You get an ATEM Advanced Chroma Key, Fairlight audio mixer, DVE, still store for graphics and much more! Simply run the free ATEM Software Control app on Mac or Windows while connected via USB or Ethernet to access the extended features of the ATEM SDI. With a little experimentation you can learn how to produce broadcast quality live production. Only ATEM SDI is a true broadcast switcher hidden in a tiny and affordable design!

Includes Free ATEM Software Control Panel

The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of ATEM SDI and allows access to every feature in the switcher. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although you can normally connect via USB, if you connect using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM SDI using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers! The software lets you access full audio mixing with effects, load still frames and even do advanced macro programming! You can even save the switcher state as an XML file! If you need clip playback, you can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.

DVE for Picture in Picture, Transitions and Effects

One of the most exciting features on ATEM SDI is the built in DVE that allows picture in picture effects and DVE transitions! The DVE lets you create professional picture in picture effects with customisable 3D borders, shadows and lighting. The image quality is the same as high end ATEM switcher models and the DVE supports position, resize and scale, all in real time. The DVE can also be used to create amazing transitions with 16 different DVE squeeze and DVE push effects for adding excitement to your programming. The DVE features a "fly key" so you can use it with custom graphics to create graphic wipe transitions!

Professional Broadcast Transitions!

ATEM SDI includes a wide range of broadcast quality HD native transitions such as mix, dip, wipe and more. All transitions can be customised by adjusting parameters such as duration, border colour, border width, position and direction. You can also use the DVE in transitions, allowing a graphic to be moved over the wipe edge which is called a graphic wipe, and is commonly used in sports programming. To eliminate errors, ATEM SDI has a preview transition feature so you can check your transitions before putting them to air.

Built-in Graphics with Photoshop Plug‑In

The built in "media pool" allows the loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. The media player is used to output the selected image so it appears as an extra internal video source for use in graphics and titles. You can even use still frames for complex effects such as graphic wipes. ATEM SDI can also grab stills from video and save them to the internal media pool. Graphics can be loaded via ATEM Software Control or downloaded directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in. The Photoshop Plug-in is perfect for graphics that change often, such as scoreboards, as you can download directly into the media player.

Includes New ATEM Advanced Chroma Key

For news or on-set presentation work, ATEM SDI is perfect as it features the powerful ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for green screen keying effects. The chroma keyer is incredibly powerful and features a colour picker to sample background colours for automatic generation of the key parameters. You get precise controls for edge and flare, and there is even a foreground colour corrector so you can match the foreground and background layers for seamless compositions. You can even use it for title overlays by creating graphics with a green or blue background. Plus the ATEM SDI Extreme includes a massive 4 separate ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, for a keyer per camera, allowing virtual set production!

True Broadcast Style Mix Effects Switching

Although ATEM SDI works in "cut bus" mode when first purchased, it can also be changed to "program/preview" style operation, which is the way broadcasters normally use live production switchers. Cut bus switching is easy and selecting any input will instantly switch to that source. However if you want to operate ATEM SDI like a true professional then you can change the switcher to program/preview using ATEM Software Control settings. Mix effects operation allows a source to be selected but it won't be put on air until you press the cut or auto buttons. That 2 step program/preview process means fewer mistakes.

Built In Audio Mixer with 6 Band EQ, Compressor and Limiter

With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, ATEM SDI makes it possible to do complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features enough channels for each SDI input so you can mix audio from all sources! That’s audio from all SDI sources, plus the 2 stereo mic inputs. Each input channel features the highest quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning. You can even set up the software to auto mix between inputs as you switch "AFV" or to live mix multiple sources together all at once. All this audio power can be controlled via ATEM Software Control, or you can add a Mackie compatible panel.

Develop Custom Remote Control Solutions

The Ethernet connection also allows customised control solutions! Even though ATEM SDI includes ATEM Software Control, you can use the Ethernet to control the ATEM remotely, anywhere in the world. A popular workflow is to use the Ethernet to allow the ATEM SDI to be positioned near the cameras, but the control is positioned remotely in a quieter space, such as a control room. Imagine using the switcher from a control room and building a professional broadcasting studio where the control room can be separated away from the performance or interviews. Ethernet allows you to add as many panels as you like all at the same time, or you can build custom solutions using the developer SDK!

Connect an HDMI Computer

If you need to connect computer graphics to ATEM SDI, then you can use a Micro Converter HDMI to SDI. Because the connection is direct, the quality is amazing! If you create graphics with a green background, then the ATEM Advanced Keyer will allow compositing titles over a live background! Computers also make fantastic media players!

Connect an HDMI Camera

Connect a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or 6K by using a Micro Converter BiDirect SDI/HDMI. It will convert the camera HDMI to the switcher SDI input. It can also take an SDI output of the switcher and embed the camera control into the HDMI data link back to the camera. This gives you tally and colour corrector control direct from the switcher!

Switch Faster with an ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel

With Ethernet built in, ATEM SDI can use hardware control panels for high end workflows that take advantage of the hidden broadcast features in the switcher! The ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel features the fast program/preview style with separate source buttons for both program and preview rows. Get direct access to all transitions automatically or manually using the t-bar. For accurate control of the DVE, the joystick provides X, Y positioning with rotation setting the DVE size. You also get LCD menus to control features that don't have dedicated knobs and buttons. You can even program and trigger macros! Plus you can still use the hardware panel if you upgrade to a bigger ATEM switcher later!

Get Industry Standard Professional Camera Control

When working on live production, it's critical all cameras are perfectly matched with good colour balance for a consistent look when transitioning between the each camera. The ATEM Camera Control Panel works with ATEM SDI and is the perfect solution for camera control. All control commands are sent to the cameras using the SDI camera control protocol which is supported by cameras such as Blackmagic URSA Broadcast and Blackmagic Studio Cameras. You get dedicated controls including CCU style joystick and controls for RGB camera colour, master gain, black, iris and more. Plus all controls are arranged in a familiar broadcast layout perfect for both experienced and new operators!

Compatible with Blackmagic Cameras, Panels, Decks and More!

ATEM SDI is even more powerful it can be expanded to grow with you. Add an ATEM Advanced Panel to get professional industry standard switcher control. Then add an ATEM Camera Control Panel for fast control and colour balancing of up to four cameras. For cameras, Blackmagic Studio Cameras make great studio cameras as they have tally and control all built into the compact and very portable design. For mastering, Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio recorders are perfect because they include popular file formats such as ProRes, H.264 and DNx. You can even live stream using an UltraStudio or Blackmagic Web Presenter! Then add a Micro Converter SDI to HDMI 3G converter for HDMI monitoring!