Namaste everyone, Blackmagic Design announced some new switchers under the ATEM lineup.
So let’s discuss what’s great and what’s not so great. We will also discuss what you need to consider before buying them, also why you may want to stick to the ATEM mini you want to stick with it.
The Blackmagic design had launched 3 new models and called them “Constellation HD” models. These three great models include a 1 M/E model with 10 inputs, a 2 M/E model with 20 inputs, and a massive 4 M/E model with 40 inputs!
Let’s talk about these models in detail;
ATEM 1 M/E Constellation HD
Powerful 1 M/E live production switcher includes 10 standards converted 3G-SDI inputs, 6 x 3G-SDI outputs, DVE, 4 chroma keyers, a 16-way Multiview, media players, talkback, and USB webcam output.
The ability to get USB out for the program feed is one of the additions to all of these new models. Also, the rackmount design is also another plus for these switchers.It is 2/3 rack wide. Also, there is a nice feature where you have the ability to cut and auto transition buttons in the front to switch between sources. There are some additional buttons for FTB, MP1, and for accessing keys.
Also on the left panel, we have buttons to access intercom features. If you are using Blackmagic cameras or their talkback camera converter products you can actually have an intercom built into these as well. In addition, there is a screen which is something that is not available in the ATEM Mini line. There is a headset connector for the intercom feature. It has a standard 5-pin connector widely used in intercom systems.
ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD
The 2 M/E model doubles the features of the 1 M/E model with 20 x 3G-SDI inputs, 12 x 3G-SDI outputs, 2 DVEs, 8 ATEM Advanced Keyers, 2 multiview and a SuperSource for a total of 6 DVEs.
The form factor of this model is again rack-mountable full rack wide. The buttons in the front panel and features are somewhat similar to the 1M/E model.
ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD
The massive 4 M/E model doubles the features of the 2 M/E model with 40 x 3G-SDI inputs, 24 x 3G-SDI outputs, 4 DVEs, 16 ATEM Advanced Keyers, 4 multiviews and 2 SuperSource for 12 x DVEs in total.
Here apart from the number of inputs and a few extra buttons in the front panel rest all the features are identical. It is full rack wide with 2U height.
All the models are SDI only which is reliable and better connection type. The dedicated multiview output does do 3G Sdi which is great. There is a dedicated Lan control connector for connection to Blackmagic advanced control panels. Also, there is a USB port and REF in on the back. With USB port, you can use these switchers as a webcam for your PC and get the HD audio video for live streaming or recording on your PC.
These models are HD only. So, if you are looking for a 4K workflow or want to shift to 4k sometime in future, these models are probable not right for you. There are some features missing if you compare it with ATEM Mini. They don’t have any internal streaming, so you need separate streaming hardware to get your live stream going. Another big miss is that they don’t have an internal recording feature and you have to use a separate recording component.
ATEM 1 M/E Constellation HD does not have a super source where as 2M/E and 4 M/E do have a supersource.
If you are used to ATEM mini higher-end models and want to shift to any of these models you may lose some of the features. The good thing is all of these models have inbuilt scalers and converters, so it doesn’t matter what matters your video source is it will accept the feed.
Price as per Blackmagic Design Website:
ATEM 1 M/E Constellation HD = ₹ 85,100
ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD = ₹ 1,45,000
ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD = ₹ 3,16,000
For more info: CLICK HERE
Images courtesy: www.blackmagicdesign.com
