Atem Television Studio Software

The ATEM Television Production Studio is an entry level hardware piece that takes the place of an actual TV studio. The only thing to keep in mind when setting up your ATEM is that you will not get an image out of the device if the resolution and framerate settings are not the same on both your camera, and your ATEM. If you have an ATEM Mini or ATEM Mini Pro, Blackmagic has released on a firmware update both for ATEM software (8.2.1) and Pocket Cameras (6.9.1). This free update allows you to control most of your Pocket settings remotely through the HDMI connexion.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has left many institutions scrambling for a way to live stream their productions. The Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini is a great, affordable four-channel switcher that you can also plug into a computer via USB for live streaming.

  • Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher
    $595.00

In a nutshell, here are the key differences between the ATEM Mini and the ATEM Mini Pro:

  • The ATEM Mini Pro has a built-in streaming encoder so that you can stream directly to your Content Delivery Network (CDN) (such as Facebook, YouTube, etc.) without having to use a computer.
  • The ATEM Mini Pro can record the program feed to external storage devices using its built in USB-C port.
  • The ATEM Mini Pro has a Multiview output option for live Program/Preview switching.
  • The ATEM Mini Pro can stream and be controlled directly through the Ethernet port instead of the USB-C port.

Blackmagic Atem Television Studio Software

Want to learn more about the differences between the ATEM Mini and ATEM Mini Pro? Why not hear about them directly from Grant Petty, the founder of Blackmagic Design himself! This is a great video and will blow your mind:

Atem Television Studio Software Version

In addition, here are some alternative products you can use to accomplish the same task.

If you just need to convert a single camera HDMI or SDI video signal to USB to stream on your computer

Atem Television Studio Software Manual

If you don’t actually need the multi-camera switching ability of the ATEM Mini and just need to convert the video signal from a single camera to USB so you can stream using your computer, then we recommend a USB capture device from Magewell. There is an HDMI version, and SDI version and the PLUS variants have loop through, headphone output and audio input.

  • $299.00
  • Magewell USB Capture HDMI Plus
    $359.00
    USB HDMI Capture Device with Loop-Through and Mic Input

If you need a compact, affordable, four-channel video switcher

Before the ATEM Mini was released, there was still an option for a professional, compact and affordable live switching system. The V-1HD and V-1SDI from Roland are very capable four-channel video switchers, and though they cost a bit more, the have some extra features such as a physical T-Bar, RCA Audio inputs and outputs, a headphone and microphone jacks, MIDI connections, HDCP mode, and multiple monitor outputs customizable for program, preview or multiview. If you want to stream using your computer, purchase one of the Magewell devices above and Roland switcher.

  • Roland V-1HD Portable 4 x HDMI Input Switcher
    $995.00
    4 Input HDMI Switcher, Scaler, & Multiviewer
  • Roland V-1SDI 4-Channel HD Video Switcher
    $1,495.00
    3x3G-SDI & 2xHDMI In, 2x3G-SDI &1xHDMI Out

If you need a switcher with linear key and really like Blackmagic Products

Studio

There is one feature that the Roland switchers above don’t have, and that is linear key, which allows the switcher to input a key and fill channel from a graphics software such as NewBlueFX Titler Live. The ATEM family of switchers all support this and host of other features.

  • Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio Pro HD Live Production Switcher
    $2,295.00
    An amazing price point for a fully functional production switcher!
  • Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD
    $995.00
    An amazing price point for a fully functional production switcher!
  • Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K Live Production Switcher
    $2,995.00
    An amazing price point for a fully functional production switcher!