Following the success of the ATEM Mini video switcher based on HDMI inputs and outputs, the company has created a new family of SDI switchers that represent a more compact and streamlined solution: the ATEM SDI. It has up to 8 3G-SDI ports.
3 versions of Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI
The new ATEM SDI family consists of three models: ATEM SDI, ATEM SDI Pro ISO and ATEM SDI Extreme ISO. The first difference between them is the number of professional 3G-SDI ports. Switcher Extreme comes with 8 SDI inputs and 4 independently customizable SDI outputs. While we find that the entries for the Standard and Pro models are limited to 4 only.
All inputs support 720p, 1080p and 1080i formats. Moreover, they are all equipped with standard converters that automatically convert and re-sync the input source to match the switcher's video standard. However, unlike the ATEM Constellation models, the new ATEM SDI switches are primarily designed for online broadcasting. Therefore, their SDI output ports do not support interlaced signals.
The I/O interface of the ATEM SDI switches is very wide. On the back panel of each unit, we can find two 3.5mm microphone jack inputs, a power jack, a USB-C webcam output, and an Ethernet connection for the remote control. Furthermore, the Extreme model features a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio monitoring as well as an additional USB-C port.
All models feature built-in DVE ports for transitions and effects, Advanced Chroma Keyers, and a full suite of Fairlight audio tools (6 parametric EQ limits, compressor, limiter, and more). Furthermore, they all come with ATEM software control built in, which allows for more precise control compared to a simple hardware physical button layout.
ATEM SDI Pro ISO and Extreme ISO
The main advantage of Video Switcher Pro and Extreme is that it offers built-in streaming and recording capabilities. In fact, their Ethernet interface supports live streaming in broadcast quality to some of the most popular platforms, including YouTube and Facebook. Moreover, users can connect an iPhone or Android smartphone to a USB-C port to take advantage of mobile data when working in the field. This feature can also act as a backup in case the main Ethernet connection fails.
ATEM SDI Pro ISO and Extreme ISO can also record all of their video inputs as well as the software simultaneously on USB flash disks. A USB hub allows connecting multiple discs to extend recording time.
All video and audio sources are recorded independently using high quality H.264 and AAC codecs. This enables users to re-edit the live program footage and re-edit it at a later time. To facilitate this process, direct conversion actions are automatically translated into a DaVinci Resolve project file that contains an editable program timeline.
Both the mid-range model and the high-end model support professional multi-width output (up to 16 widths on ATEM SDI Extreme ISO). Finally, the flagship model in the series supports two independent DVEs and a supersource (a multi-layer processor with four additional DVEs).
Price and availability
Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI, ATEM SDI Pro ISO and ATEM SDI Extreme ISO video switches are now available, and the price is as follows:
1266 AED | 1293 SAR | $345 - ATEM SDI (B&H/CVP)
2,917 UAE dirhams | 2,980 SAR | $795 - ATEM SDI Pro ISO (B&H/CVP)
AED 5,485 $1,495 - ATEM SDI Extreme ISO (B&H / CVP)
The control is included in the ATEM software, which is compatible with both Mac OS and Windows machines, for free.
Have you been waiting for the SDI version of ATEM Mini converters? What do you think of the new Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI products? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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