Blackmagic ATEM SDI: an ultra portable live production with advanced broadcast features

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 inmpicture 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 means 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.

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 color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. Add a DVE effect for picture in picture effects with customized 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, theater production, music performances, sports and more!

Outputs Webcam for Video Software

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!

Connect 5G or 4G Phones for Mobile Data

If you’re doing live production on location then the ATEM SDI Pro and Extreme models support connecting an Apple or Android phone to the USB port to use mobile data! It's also a great backup for the main Ethernet connection. Phone tethering works with the latest high speed 5G phones plus the more common 4G phones! The ATEM switcher will automatically detect when a phone is connected and switch its internet connection to use it, eliminating the need for changing settings. When connected, the phone will power from the USB port so it remains charged from the switcher. By using phone tethering for mobile data, ATEM SDI Pro and ATEM SDI Extreme become the perfect mobile production solutions!

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 customize 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.

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 customizable 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 customized by adjusting parameters such as duration, border color, 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.

Create Amazing Virtual Sets

The ATEM SDI Extreme models include 4 upstream chroma keyers and this allows you to build exciting virtual sets! With 4 independent chroma keyers, you get a keyer per camera so you can build a virtual set for up to 4 cameras. With ATEM SDI Extreme you have 8 inputs, 4 to use for cameras and the other 4 can be connected to a virtual set computer for the rendered backgrounds. Or if you don't need to move your cameras, you can do fixed camera virtual sets by loading pre rendered still image backgrounds from the media players and media pool. You can setup macros to change cameras and load the correct background into the media players!