Blackmagic Design has announced two new panels to be used with its switchers and we want make you aware of all their updates.

The ATEM 1 M / E Advanced Panel, which was launched in early 2018, is now joined by the Blackmagic ATEM 2 M / E Advanced and the Blackmagic ATEM 4 M / E Advanced Panels.

The 2 M / E version comes with 2 rows of 20 buttons, 2 independent LCD screens for controlling each row and two fader levers. The 4 M / E version is equipped with 4 rows with 40 buttons, 4 independent screens, one for each row and 4 fader levers.

The ATEM Advanced panel family was designed to work as a control complement for the ATEM switchers, as is the case of the ATEM Constellation 8K switcher, in order to optimize and accelerate the entire mixing workflow in one place. The ATEM Constellation 8K switcher consists of 40 SDI-12G inputs, 2 SDI-12G outputs, 24 SDI-12G auxiliary outputs and 4 DVE. It also comes with 16 advanced Chroma-keys (with Ultimatte technology), 4 multiviewer outputs, 4 media players (images and animations), 2 SuperSource processors and pattern conversion on all inputs. Although the switcher can work by itself, using the control panel integrated in the front or by the remote software interface, it is recommended to use one of its ATEM Advanced panels, to guarantee a simpler and faster operation.

^{Front panel for the ATEM Constellation 8K switcher.}  

^{Rear for the ATEM Constellation 8K switcher with connections}

All ATEM Advanced Panel come equipped with programmable keys and small LCDs which allow the identification of each key individually. They were also designed to include a joystick for adjusting the DVE and individual fader levers, which allow the operator to have full control of the switcher.

ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel

This panel is equipped with a single row of 10 programmable buttons for video input, with its identification on a small LCD, and a single LCD screen on the top for configuring the panel. On this version you can find a joystick for position adjustments on the DVE and one fader lever. Although it is a 1 M / E panel, this does not prevent you from controlling all M / E when using larger switchers (with more M / E), since the panel has buttons to access the remaining M / E.

ATEM 2 M/E Advanced Panel

The ATEM 2 M / E Advanced Panel comes equipped with 2 rows, each with 20 programmable buttons for selecting the video input, and not one but 2 independent screens for panel configuration. Like the 1 M / E version, all keys also have mini LCDs that allow you to customize the individual identification of each key, and a joystick to control the DVE. On this version you will also find two fader levers.

ATEM 4 M/E Advanced Panel

The last member of this family is the ATEM 4 M / E Advanced Panel. There is no other control panel like this one. The size and weight do not go unnoticed, but the most impressive thing is that this version already has 4 rows, each with 40 buttons for selecting the video input, 4 independent screens for individual configuration of each row, a joystick like the others versions, but the number of fader levers goes up to four.

In addition to the features we describe here, there are some that are common to all versions of these panels, and that deserve some attention. We are referring to the integrated macros and the joystick for adjusting the DVE.

The integrated macros allow the operator to “shoot” a macro with a simple key, without having to resort to external computers or dedicated software. The recording and adjustment of the macros can also be done on the panel itself, and after updating the macro, all connected equipment, physical or virtual, is instantly updated as well.

When it comes to the Joystick, it gives control of 3 axes to adjust the X, Y and Z positions of the wipes, to position the DVEs of the ATEM Constellation and all other switchers. The joystick control with DVE is ideal for positioning live videos over other videos, being able to change the scale, position up and down or left and right, to obtain the perfect PiP effect. You can also use the joystick to move the DVE and insert start and end positions for keyframes to customize the animated DVE movements.

In general, this powerful equipment will reduce the steps necessary to perform a certain task during the broadcast and will reduce your margin for error, transforming your production into a professional product, without adding a layer of complexity.

Find additional info here.

July 2020