Blackmagicdesign ATEM Television Studio, ATEM 2 M/E, ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher Chassis Installation And Operation Manual

Installation and Operation Manual

ATEM Production Switchers

Windows

™

September 2011

Mac OS X

™

Welcome

Welcome to ATEM Live Production!

Thank you for purchasing an ATEM switcher for your live production work!

If you’re new to live production switchers, then you’re about to become involved in the most exciting part of the television industry and that’s live production! There is nothing like live production and it’s so easy to become addicted to the adrenaline rush of editing in real time while the live event unfolds before your eyes. It’s real television the way it should be!

Previously broadcast quality live production has always been way too high in cost for most people to afford, while affordable switchers lacked broadcast features and quality. The new ATEM switchers change this, and you can use it for the most amazing professional live production results. We hope you get years of use from them and have lots of fun with your live production!

Not only does this ATEM switcher include all the features and SDI connections that broadcasters demand but you also get loads of HDMI connections so you can get started with low cost HDMI HD cameras and televisions. This really reduces cost and lets you build your business while adding additional equipment as you grow.

This instruction manual should contain all the information you’ll need for installing your ATEM Production Switcher. The ATEM switcher includes a software control panel which you can run on your computer or you can purchase a hardware based broadcast control panel separately. The computer and control panels connect to your ATEM switcher via a network cable and you can directly connect them together without any extra equipment!

Please check the support page on our web site at www.blackmagic-design.com for the latest version of software for your ATEM switcher. Simply connect your computer to the ATEM switcher and the ATEM broadcast control panel via USB to update software so you get all the latest features! When downloading software, please register with your information so we can keep you updated when new software is released. We are constantly working on new features and improvements, so we would love to hear from you!

Grant Petty

CEO Blackmagic Design

Contents

ATEM Production Switchers

Getting Started

Introducing ATEM 5

What is an M/E Switcher? 5

Understanding the ATEM Processor Chassis 8

Plugging in Multi View Monitoring 9

Plugging in a Control Panel 10

Installing Blackmagic ATEM Software on Mac OS X 11

Installing Blackmagic ATEM Software on Windows 7 12

Plugging in your Computer 13

Settings You Need To Check! 14

Plugging in Cameras 15

Connecting to a Network 16

Changing the Switcher Network Settings 17

Understanding the Broadcast Panel Network Settings 17

Setting the Broadcast Panel to Find the Switcher IP Location 18

Changing the Broadcast Panel Network Settings 19

Updating the Software

How to Update the ATEM Software! 20

Updating the Switcher Chassis Software 20

Updating the Broadcast Control Panel Software 21

22 24

Connecting Video Outputs

Using ATEM Software Control

Interface Overview 24

Switcher Control Panel 24

Media Manager 25

Switcher Settings 26

Using the Software Control Panel 26

Mix Effects 26

Program Bus Source Select Buttons 27

Preview Bus Source Select Buttons 27

Transition Control and Upstream Keyers 27

Downstream Keyers 29

Fade to Black (FTB) 29

Processing Palettes 29

Using the Media Manager and Media Pool 31

Changing Switcher Settings 33

Controlling Auxiliary Outputs 36

Contents

ATEM Production Switchers

Using the ATEM 1 M/E Broadcast Panel

Control Panel Overview 37

Using the Control Panel 37

Mix Effects 37

Source Names Display 37

Program Bus 37

Preview Bus 38

SHIFT 38

Destination Display and Select Bus 38

Transition Control and Upstream Keyers 38

Downstream Keyers 40

Fade to Black 40

System Status 41

System Control 41

Menu Buttons 41

Joystick and Numeric Keypad 41

Operating Your ATEM Switcher

Video Processing Overview 42

Internal Video Sources 42

Black 42

Color Bars 42

Color Generators 42

Media Players 43

Cut Transitions 44

Auto Transitions 46

Manual Transitions 62

Preview Transition 63

Keying on ATEM Switchers 64

Understanding Keying 64

Using Adobe Photoshop with ATEM 82

Setting up Plug-in Switcher Location 82

Preparing Graphics for Download 82

Using Auxiliary Outputs 83

Using USB 3.0 Connection 85

Blackmagic Media Express

What is Media Express? 86

Capturing Video and Audio Files 87

Playing Back Video and Audio Files 91

Browsing Media 92

Help

Warranty Information

94 95

Getting Started

Introducing ATEM

The ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher is a professional broadcast grade digital production switcher capable of switching and creatively processing a variety of video sources in live video production and broadcast environments. The switcher uses a familiar M/E (Mix Effects) based design with software and hardware control options that provides a familiar, fast and easy to use workﬂow!

An ATEM production switcher only requires an ATEM production switcher chassis and the included software control panel to get started. Then you can optionally add one or more hardware control panels if you need a more advanced solution.

Multiple control panels can be connected to control the same switcher chassis by simple ethernet connections. The ATEM software control panel can be installed on as many computers as you like at no extra cost.

What is an M/E Switcher?

If you have used low cost switchers before, then these might not have used the mix effects style of operation that’s commonly called an M/E style of operation. If you have used an M/E style switcher, then you might want to skip ahead to install and get working with your new ATEM switcher!

When you’re starting out with a switcher for the ﬁrst time, the ATEM can look a little intimidating with all its buttons and knobs, however it's all very logically laid out so it's very simple to use!

ATEM is a true high-end broadcast switcher that operates using the M/E workﬂow standards used in the broadcast industry. This means once you get familiar with how it works, you will feel instantly at home on virtually any switcher used in broadcast today.

The M/E style of operation has been developed over decades to help eliminate errors when switching live events and is a broadcast standard. It's extremely easy to see what's going on at any time so you don't get confused and make mistakes. The M/E style of operation lets you check the sources you are about to switch on air, as well as try effects before using them on air. You can see buttons for each keyer and transition, so you instantly know what's going on and what's about to happen.

The best way to learn about how your ATEM works is to grab your switcher and play with it while referencing this manual! You might want to jump ahead and install your switcher before reading the rest of this section!

To start, the most visible part of an M/E based control panel is the fader bar fader, and the program and preview rows of source buttons!

Getting Started

The program bus source select buttons are used to hot switch sources to the program output. The source currently on air is indicated by a button that is illuminated red. Be careful when selecting sources on this row, as they will instantly be switched on air!

A better and more orderly way to do transitions is to select them on the preview row, and then use a transition to cut or transition them on air.

The bottom row of buttons is the preview bus source selection. This is where you will spend most of your time selecting sources about to go on air. This selected source is sent to the program output when the next transition occurs. The next transition can be triggered by pushing the cut button, the auto button, or by toggling the fader bar. You can select between a mix, dip, wipe, DVE or other transition depending what you have selected in the transition control section.

This is a very powerful way to use a switcher, because you can select your source on the preview row, and see it on the preview video output to conﬁrm that you have the correct source before you select the transition you want. You can see what's happening at all stages so it’s hard to make mistakes. Only the M/E style of operation allows you to keep track of what's going on.

You also might notice that once your transition is complete, the sources selected on the preview and program rows swap over. This is because the source you selected on the preview row is now the new on air source, so it becomes selected on the program row once the transition is complete. Remember the program row always shows what's on air.

You will also see both the program and preview buttons illuminate red when doing an auto transition, as for a short time, they are both on air while the transition occurs.

There are multiple types of transitions available, and they can be selected in the transition control. On the ATEM 1 M/E Broadcast Panel there are two transition type buttons. One is labeled dip/mix and the other is labeled DVE/wipe. Hitting these buttons selects mix and wipe transitions, however pressing shift and then selecting mix or wipe allows more types of transitions, dip and DVE. You can also select both buttons for a stinger transition. If you are using the ATEM software control panel on your computer, all transition types have their own button, and no shifting in necessary to select any of them. Extra details on how all these transitions work are provided later in this instruction manual.

The other concept that is important to know about M/E style switchers, including ATEM, is the video on the program and preview rows is technically called the background video. This is because the upstream (effects) keyers and downstream keyers will overlay on top of this source. So you can load graphics into the keyers and see them with the preview video and when keys are turned on, you will see the overlay on top of the program video. This is very powerful and allows multiple layers to be built up.

Getting Started

Another great advantage of the ATEM M/E style of operation is you can tie keyers to the transition. This means when you do a mix transition, you can also fade on or off keyers at the same time. This allows you to build up a composition, and then bring the whole lot on air at the same time. This is what the next transition buttons do, and you can select background for normal transitions, or select one or more keyers to transition them on air.

You can even press multiple buttons on the hardware control panel to tie multiple keys and the background at the same time. There are also dedicated downstream key tie buttons to tie downstream keyers to the transition. Downstream keys also have dedicated cut and mix buttons and so are very ﬂexible. Downstream keyers are always layered over the top of everything including the transition, so are a great place to key bugs and logos!

Finally, when your live production is ﬁnishing, it's nice to have a dedicated fade to black (FTB) control to fade everything to black!. You can see the dedicated fade to black control on the right side of the keyboard. This lets you fade everything to black, and helps make sure you don't miss a layer. Fade to black is at the extreme end of the processing chain so you get a clean fade of all sources.

The last part of an M/E style switcher is the select bus. This is above the program row, and simply allows sources to be selected for effects processing and other purposes, and there is a label above this to show what you’re switching. The select bus is commonly used to select key inputs, and aux. outputs. It's a clean switch, so when used to select aux. outputs, you get a clean cut.

As you can see by this quick overview, M/E style of operation allows conﬁdent live production with good feedback on what's going on and the state of your switcher and programming at any point in your production. Once you learn M/E style of operation, you can move between models of production switchers with little retraining as they all work the same!

Getting Started

Understanding the ATEM Processor Chassis

The ATEM processor chassis provides all the video processing as well as all video input and output connectors, connection for control panels and power connections. You use the ATEM switcher by connecting and using various types of control panels. This allows the switcher to be located remotely, such as in machine rooms where it's closer to the connected video devices, while the control panel can be placed in a location from where it is easier to run production.

The Television Studio is capable of switching 6 external inputs from its SDI and HDMI input connectors. Input 3 and 4 are selectable between HDMI and SDI, which can be set in the ATEM software control panel settings tab.

The 1 M/E model of switcher is capable of switching 8 external inputs from its analog, SDI and HDMI input connectors. Input 1 is selectable between the HDMI Input 1 connector and the analog component Input 1 connector and is set in the ATEM software control panel settings tab.

The 2 M/E model of switcher is capable of switching 16 external inputs from its analog, SDI and HDMI input connectors. Input 1 is selectable between the HDMI Input 1 connector and the analog component Input 1 connector and is set in the ATEM software control panel settings tab.

The ATEM chassis mounts in a standard 19" rack. The Television Studio is only 1 rack unit high while the 1 M/E is only 2 rack units and the 2 M/E is only 3 rack units high. The ATEM chassis is very thin and so is ideal for either ﬁxed installation or portable use. You can mount at the front or back of a rack to save space.

When running your ATEM, you might notice the ATEM processor chassis feels warm to the touch. This is because the internal microprocessors are connected to the rear mounted heat sink via the metal chassis. This causes heat to spread out over the metal chassis, however your ATEM chassis is not overheating. This design eliminates noisy fans, so is more reliable, and you won't get noise into your microphones.

ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher Chassis

ATEM Television Studio

ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher Chassis

Getting Started

Plugging in Multi View Monitoring

The ATEM switcher chassis can be a little intimidating when ﬁrst seen, because it has no controls to access, just lots of connectors! So the ﬁrst step is to plug in the power, and a monitor, to see it working!

A fantastic way to check that your ATEM is powered on and working correctly is to plug in a HDMI television into the Multi View output on the right side of the heat sink on the ATEM rear panel. You should see 8 video boxes at the bottom, and two larger boxes at the top, all bound by white borders. Each box will have a label.

If you see this video output, then your ATEM switcher is powered on and running ﬁne! All you need to do now is plug in some control panels and video sources so you can start using your switcher!

If you don't see the multi view output on your television, then check the connections and cables are correct. You need to plug into the multi view connector on the rear of the ATEM chassis. Next check your television is compatible with 1080i59.94 video, as your ATEM defaults to that video standard when new. If your television is not compatible with 1080i59.94, then don't worry, as it's easy to change once we connect your computer to the ATEM chassis.

If you still don't see the multi view on your television, then double check your power connection to make sure your ATEM is powered on.

Getting Started

Plugging in a Control Panel

If you have purchased an ATEM Broadcast Panel, then you won't want to wait to plug in your computer, as it's much more fun to plug in the hardware panel ﬁrst!

Plugging in the ATEM Broadcast Panel is simple, because it's already set to the correct network settings to plug into your ATEM processor chassis without any changes required.

Step 1. Plug in the power to the ATEM Broadcast Panel. If you want redundant power supplies, then you

can purchase a second power supply and plug that into the second power connector.

Step 2. Plug one end of an ethernet cable into one of the control panel’s ethernet ports. Either of the

ports will do, as there is an ethernet switch inside the panel, so both ports work the same.

Step 3. Plug the other end of the same cable into the ethernet port on the ATEM processor chassis

labeled switcher control.

If everything is working ﬁne, you should see the lights on the ethernet port start to ﬂicker, and the panel should come alive with buttons illuminated, and the main display on the panel should say ATEM Production Switcher.

If you don't see this appear, then check the ATEM processor chassis and the control panel are powered correctly and the cables are screwed in tight.

If things are still not working, then you should make sure you are not plugged into a network, and that your panel is connected directly to your ATEM switcher processor chassis. If this is correct, then the most likely cause of the problem is the switcher and the chassis have different IP addresses. In this case, you will need to check and set these as described later in this manual.

If you need to manually set the network settings, then you might need to get the assistance of a technically minded friend who understands how to set IP addresses. By default, the ATEM processor chassis is set to a ﬁxed IP address of 192.168.10.240, and the ATEM Broadcast Panel is set to ﬁxed IP of 192.168.10.10, so when connected directly they should communicate without any problems. Go to the connecting to the network section in this manual to see how to check and set your switcher to these addresses. Then it should work ok with a direct connection between the panel and the switcher processor chassis.

MAIN 12V POWERBACKUP 12V POWER

USB 2.0

ETHERNET 2ETHERNET 1

Getting Started

Installing Blackmagic ATEM Software on Mac OS X

Before installing any software you will need administrator privileges.

Step 1. Ensure you have the very latest driver. Visit www.blackmagic-design.com/support

Step 2. Open the “Blackmagic ATEM Switchers” folder from the disc or downloaded disk image and

launch the “Blackmagic ATEM Switchers Installer”.

Step 3. Click Continue, Agree and Install buttons and the software will be installed on your system.

Step 4. Now restart your computer to enable the new software drivers.

Plugins and Applications that are Installed

The ATEM Switchers software installs the following components which are used by ATEM Switchers:

 ATEM Software Control  ATEM Setup Utility  Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers  Blackmagic Media Express

The ATEM Switchers software also installs additional Blackmagic Desktop Video components which are used by other Blackmagic Design capture products when installed on the same computer:

On Mac OS X, all the ﬁles needed to run your ATEM switcher will be installed into a folder called Blackmagic ATEM Switchers in the Applications folder.

In this Blackmagic ATEM Switchers folder, you will see ATEM Software Control, which is the software control panel for your switcher, and also allows loading graphics into the switcher media pool and changing settings. The ATEM Setup Utility allows you to change the switcher IP address, or update the switcher and panel software via USB. Also included in this folder is this instruction manual and some example graphics. Use the example graphics to explore the internal media pool and keying functionality.

In the Applications folder, you will see Blackmagic Media Express which allows you to capture the Program Output of ATEM Television Studio to H.264 ﬁles.

Follow install prompts.

Getting Started

Installing Blackmagic ATEM Software on Windows 7

Step 1. Ensure you have the very latest driver. Visit www.blackmagic-design.com/support

Step 2. Open the “Blackmagic ATEM Switchers” folder and launch the “Blackmagic ATEM Switchers

Installer”.

Step 3. The software will now be installed on your system. An alert will appear: “Do you want to allow the

following program to install software on this computer?” Click Yes to continue.

Step 4. You will see a dialog bubble saying “found new hardware” and the hardware wizard will appear.

Select “install automatically” and the system will ﬁnd the required Desktop Video drivers. You will then receive another dialog bubble saying “your new hardware is ready for use.”

Step 5. Now restart your computer to enable the new software drivers.

Plugins and Applications that are Installed

The ATEM Switchers software installs the following components which are used by ATEM Switchers:

 ATEM Software Control  ATEM Setup Utility  Blackmagic Desktop Video drivers  Blackmagic Media Express

The ATEM Switchers software also installs additional Blackmagic Desktop Video components which are used by other Blackmagic Design capture products when installed on the same computer:

Once the computer has restarted, all the ATEM software applications will be installed and can be accessed from Start > Programs > Blackmagic Design.

In the ATEM Switchers folder, you will see the ATEM Software Control, which is the software control panel for your switcher, which also allows loading graphics into the switcher media pool and changing settings. The ATEM Setup Utility allows you to change the switcher IP address, or update the switcher and panel software via USB. Also included in this folder is this instruction manual and some example graphics. Use the example graphics to explore the internal media pool and keying functionality.

In the Media Express folder, you will see Blackmagic Media Express which allows you to capture the Program Output of ATEM Television Studio to H.264 ﬁles.

Follow install prompts.

Getting Started

Plugging in your Computer

You can plug your computer directly into the ATEM switcher so you can control the switcher, load the media pool with graphics and clips, and change switcher settings.

You will need to connect a computer otherwise you cannot change settings such as the switcher video standard, as well as down conversion modes, input video connections and labels, as well as customizing the multi view.

Connecting your computer is easy and after installing the ATEM Switcher Software simply follow the directions below:

Step 1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the chassis ethernet port labeled Switcher Control to the Ethernet

port of your computer.

If you have a hardware panel installed, and already have this connected to your ATEM, then plug

your computer into the second ethernet port on your hardware panel instead. Now the computer will talk via your panel to the switcher, and both the hardware panel and this software control panel can be operated in parallel.

Step 2. Ensure your ATEM switcher is powered on.

Step 3. In the network settings on your computer, enable ethernet, and set the IP address setting to

manual. Then enter the IP address 192. 168.10.1.

Now when you run your ATEM Software Control you should see the buttons on the control tab light up and show the switcher state after a slight pause.

If you’re more technically minded and want to connect your ATEM switcher to your network, then you will need to change the network settings on your ATEM switcher and control panel. Information on how to do this is available in the next section. You will need to manually set the IP address for the switcher chassis as well as all control panels to match your network IP address range. Your ATEM switcher defaults to a ﬁxed IP address of 192.168.10.240 when shipped and, by using the ATEM Setup Utility, you can customize the IP address for your custom network conﬁguration.

Set IP Address for your Computer

Getting Started

Settings You Need To Check!

Now you have the software control working, you need to change some settings to use your ATEM switcher. The changes are made in the settings tab of the ATEM Software Control and the most critical settings are listed below:

Check 1. Set the switcher video standard

ATEM defaults to 1080i59.94 when purchased, however you might want to select another video

standard if you’re working in Europe or Asia. 1080i59.94, 720p59.94 and NTSC is common in the US and Japan, while in Europe and Asia, 1080i50, 720p50, or PAL is more common.

You need to make sure all your cameras and any connected HDMI devices are also set to the

same video standard, or they won't be visible on the switcher video inputs. This means you need to standardize on a speciﬁc video standard for all your equipment. This is generally quite easy, as countries have standards for their HD broadcasts and all equipment sold in these countries matches this standard or at the very least can be switched between standards. When all video standards are matched, you should see connected devices show up in the multi view video input windows.

Check 2. Set and label the video input settings

Different models of ATEM switchers allow some inputs to change between multiple connections

on the rear panel. For example on the ATEM 1 M/E Production switcher model, input 1 can be switched between HDMI and analog component.

While you’re setting inputs, you might also want to change the input labels. These labels appear

on the multi view and the hardware panel. There are two labels to change: a long label used in software, and the short label that's limited to 4 digits and used in the hardware control panel.

Check 3. Customize the multi view

There are 8 input views in the multi view, and you can select from a range of external and internal

sources to display on these views. Simply click the menus to select what you want on each view. If you don't have 8 cameras on your job, then you can even select media players, color generators, or aux. outputs on these views. It's extremely ﬂexible, and you can also change the multi view layout to suit your preference.

Set Video Inputs and Labels

Set Video Standard

Customize the Multi View

Getting Started

Plugging in Cameras and Other Video Sources

Now you’re ready to plug in cameras! All you need to do is connect a cable from the camera video output, either HDMI or SDI, and then connect it to an input on the ATEM switcher chassis.

Each connector on the rear chassis has an input label so you can see what camera is what input when viewed on the multi view and the control panel. If all your cameras are using the same video standard as set in your switcher, you will see each camera appear as you plug them in.

You don't need to worry about genlock for cameras, because each input of your ATEM switcher has a full frame re synchronizer. If the ATEM switcher detects at any time that a video source is out of sync, it will automatically enable the frame sync so the input is clean for use. The frame sync function also allows consumer cameras to be connected to your ATEM, and using consumer cameras is a great way to get started because the latest HDMI based consumer HD cameras are now very affordable, and give quite nice HD. This lets you spend your money on more cameras, and then as you grow, you can start adding professional SDI based cameras.

If you’re plugging in a computer to the HDMI inputs of the ATEM switcher, then be sure that the monitor settings on the computer are set to the correct resolution and frame rate. If you’re using 1080i video, then your monitor needs to be 1920 x 1080 resolution. If you’re running 720p on your switcher, then your monitor needs to be set to 1280 x 720 in resolution. If you are using NTSC then your monitor needs to be 720 x 486. If you are using PAL then your monitor needs to be set to 720 x 576. The frame rates also need to match.

It's important to know that HDMI cable quality can vary, so we recommend buying good quality cables, and high end video resellers will stock a range of high quality cables. Good quality cables will help eliminate unwanted sparkle or glitches in HDMI video inputs.

If you don't see video on a HDMI video input, even though you have a device connected, then you might want to check if the HDMI device you have connected uses HDCP content protection. This content protection actually encrypts the video data in the HDMI video cable, so the manufacturer does not allow the content to be seen on anything other than a television, so you won't be able to see images from these devices. Devices with HDCP content protection include DVD payers, and set top box's.

In general, cameras and computers don't have content protection, so you should not have any problems connecting these devices. Some gaming consoles don't include HDCP content protection, however generally these are only the developer versions of these gaming consoles. Using the analog component input on your ATEM switcher to connect devices is a good work around in these situations.

Please always be sure you have copyright ownership before using content, or displaying content publicly.

Getting Started

Connecting to a Network

If you want to connect your ATEM switcher to a larger ethernet network, then you will most likely need to change the network settings on your ATEM switcher. Most people simply plug their computer and control panel direct to the ATEM chassis, however in some situations it can be very powerful to connect via your network!

Your ATEM ships from the factory with settings to allow hardware control panels to simply be connected directly with an ethernet cable. However your ATEM supports full ethernet IP protocols so you can place your switcher and panel on your network or anywhere on the planet using the internet.

However it's worth noting that if you use your ATEM on a network, then you’re also increasing the complexity of the connection between your control panel and the switcher, so there is possibly a greater chance of something going wrong. However ATEM can be used when plugged into a switch, and even via most VPN's and over the internet.

To allow communication over ethernet, the IP addresses of the switcher chassis, broadcast panel and any computer's running the ATEM Software Control Panel need to be conﬁgured correctly. The IP address used for each device will depend on the IP address range of the network you’re plugging into.

The ATEM switcher chassis always needs a ﬁxed IP address so control panels have a stable location to connect to. This means you need to ﬁnd a free ﬁxed IP address in the range of your network that you can use.

The control panels can be set to DHCP or ﬁxed IP addresses. Generally when used on a network, the control panel would be selected to DHCP, so it is automatically assigned an IP address when connected to the network.

For all devices to communicate, they must share the same IP address subnet, which means the ﬁrst 3 ﬁelds in the IP address need to be the same. Each device must also use a unique IP address.

Please remember to set all devices to the correct IP address so they can all communicate. You will need to set the IP address of the ATEM Production Switcher via USB using the ATEM Setup Utility. You will need to set the DHCP or ﬁxed IP mode on the ATEM Broadcast Panel and if using a ﬁxed IP address on the panel, set the IP address on the panel. You will also need to set the panel, switcher address to the new IP address you have just set for the switcher.

Lastly, you need to ensure your computer is connected and working on your network. Then when you launch the ATEM Software Control application, you will be prompted automatically to enter in an IP address for the switcher if ATEM Software Control cannot communicate with the ATEM processor chassis. Use the IP address you just entered in for the switcher processor chassis. Then the ATEM Software Control can ﬁnd the switcher and communicate.

Getting Started

Changing the Switcher Network Settings

The switcher network settings are changed using the ATEM Setup Utility via USB. Please follow the steps below:

Step 1. Connect the switcher chassis via USB, to the computer running the ATEM Setup Utility software.

Step 2. Launch the ATEM Setup Utility software.

Step 3. The switcher's current IP address and other settings will be displayed in the window. If you only

want to check the IP address and not change it, you can simply quit ATEM Setup Utility.

Step 4. To change the IP address or any other settings, simply edit the numbers and then select apply.

Step 5. A dialog box will prompt you to please power cycle your ATEM switcher. Turn off and on the

power on the switcher and then press OK.

Understanding the Broadcast Panel Network Settings

A broadcast panel's network settings are conﬁgured from the network setup menu in the broadcast panel's system control. Along with its own IP address, the broadcast panel also needs to be conﬁgured with the network location of the switcher, so that communication between the two devices can be established over the ethernet connection. If the broadcast panel's network settings are correctly conﬁgured, you will see the panel light up and buttons turn on so you can control the switcher.

If the broadcast panel is displaying a message looking for the switcher, then you will need to set the broadcast panel's network settings so that the broadcast panel and switcher share the same subnet, and the network location to which the broadcast panel is trying to connect, matches the switcher's IP address.

ATEM Setup Utility Connects via USB

Getting Started

Setting the Broadcast Panel to Find the Switcher IP Location

To set the network location of the switcher on the broadcast panel, so the panel can ﬁnd the switcher and communicate, simply follow these steps:

Step 1. When there is no communication with the switcher, the NETWRK SETUP menu will appear on the

broadcast panel system control. Select the NETWRK SETUP menu button.

Step 2. Select the SWITCHR IP menu button and use the knobs or the numeric keypad to edit each ﬁeld

as required.

Step 3. When a ﬁeld is changed, SAVE and REVERT menu buttons become available. Select SAVE to save

the changed IP address, or REVERT to ignore the changes and revert to the currently stored IP address.

Step 4. If the switcher IP address setting is changed, selecting SAVE will apply the changes and the

broadcast panel will attempt to establish communication with the switcher using the new IP address.

This does not change the IP address of the switcher itself. It just changes where the control panel is looking to ﬁnd the switcher. If the control panel cannot ﬁnd the switcher, then you might need to check the switcher processor to see if it's been set correctly. To change the IP address of the switcher, connect the switcher via USB to a computer and run the ATEM Setup Utility software as described previously in this manual.

Home Menu

ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher

Panel IP Address: 192.168.10.10

Connecting to 192.168.10.240...

Control Panel Connected OK

Control Panel Not Connected

Getting Started

Changing the Broadcast Panel Network Settings

Because the broadcast panel is also on the network and communicating with the switcher processor chassis, it also has network settings so it can connect to the network. These settings are different to the switcher IP address, which is just where the panel is looking to ﬁnd the switcher. The panel network settings can be changed by following the steps below:

Step 1. On the broadcast panel system control menus, select the NETWRK SETUP menu button.

If the broadcast panel has already established connection to the switcher, you can access the

NETWRK SETUP menu from the HOME menu by pressing the SHIFT and CUT/FILL buttons simultaneously. This will reveal the NETWRK SETUP menu button so you can select the network settings.

Step 2. The broadcast panel's current IP address, net mask and gateway information is displayed.

Step 3. The next step is to decide if you want the panel to use a ﬁxed IP address or to be automatically

assigned an IP address from a DHCP server. Select PANEL DHCP to set this using the soft keys on the main display.

If you’re connecting direct to a switcher without a network, then you won't have a DHCP server

to assign an IP address automatically, so you will want to select ﬁxed. ATEM Broadcast Panels are delivered with a ﬁxed IP address set to 192.168.10.10, for a direct connection.

However if your network has lots of computers that automatically assign IP addresses via DHCP,

then you can also select DHCP on the panel so the panel can get its network information automatically. This is possible on the panel, and it's only the switcher chassis itself that always requires a ﬁxed IP, as the switcher needs to be found by the control panels at a known ﬁxed address on your network.

If you select DHCP, your network settings will be complete because the panel network settings

will be obtained from the network automatically.

Step 4. If you have elected to use a ﬁxed IP address, you now need to set this IP address by selecting the

PANEL IP menu button and use the knobs or the numeric keypad to edit each ﬁeld as required. Changing this IP address may cause the panel to lose communication.

Step 5. If the subnet mask and gateway address need to be set, then select the relevant buttons on the

system control buttons to set and use knobs or the numeric keypad to edit.

Step 6. When any settings have been changed, SAVE and REVERT menu buttons will become available.

Select SAVE to save the changes to the new network settings, or REVERT to ignore the changes and revert to the current network settings.

Change Network Settings from the System Control

Updating the Software

How to update the ATEM Software!

From time to time Blackmagic Design will release new software for your ATEM switcher, with new features, bug ﬁxes, and increased compatibility with third party software and video devices.

To update your ATEM switcher with new software, you need to use the ATEM Setup Utility to connect to the ATEM processor chassis and panels via USB. This utility always checks the switcher software and lets you know if there is new software.

Always update all your equipment at the same time so it's all running the same version of software.

First, download the latest Blackmagic ATEM Switcher software and install it on your Mac or PC using the instructions listed previously in the Installing Software section of this manual. Once installed, the new software for your ATEM processor chassis and broadcast panel will be included in the ATEM Setup Utility.

Updating the Switcher Chassis Software

Step 1. Connect the switcher chassis via USB to your computer. The switcher chassis is equipped with

a USB connector which can be connected to a computer's USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port using a USB cable.

When upgrading software, make sure the switcher is the only ATEM device connected via USB to

the computer running the setup utility software. If more than one ATEM device is connected, the switcher may not be recognized.

Step 2. Launch the ATEM Setup Utility software.

Step 3. If the switcher software requires updating, you will be prompted by a window asking if you would

like to update the software. Select Update Now to initiate the update process. The update process may take a few minutes. Do not unplug power from the switcher during the software update.

Step 4. Once the software update is complete, a window will prompt you to cycle power on the switcher.

Select OK and cycle power on the switcher.

ATEM Setup Utility

Updating the Software

Updating the Broadcast Control Panel Software

Step 1. Connect the broadcast panel via USB to your computer. The broadcast panel is equipped with

a USB connector which can be connected to a computer's USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port using a USB cable.

When upgrading software, make sure the broadcast panel is the only ATEM device connected

via USB to the computer running the setup utility software. If more than one ATEM device is connected, the panel may not be recognized.

Step 2. Launch the ATEM Setup Utility software.

Step 3. If the broadcast panel software requires updating, you will be prompted by a window asking

if you would like to update the software. Select Update Now to initiate the update process. The update process may take a few minutes. Do not unplug power from the panel during the software update.

Step 4. Once the software update is complete, a window will prompt you to cycle power on the broadcast

panel. Select OK and cycle power on the broadcast panel.

Connecting Video Outputs

There are multiple video outputs on your ATEM switcher, and they can be used to connect to a wide range of video equipment, in all kinds of locations. ATEM includes SDI, HDMI and analog component, plus SD SDI and composite video outputs, so you should be able to connect to equipment at any location. Descriptions of each output connection are listed below.

SDI Program Output

This SDI output switches between SD and HD, and outputs the main program video output of the ATEM switcher. It can be connected to any SDI based video device. The audio on this output is embedded from the audio inputs on the ATEM switcher chassis or the ATEM audio break out cable.

HDMI Program Output

Similar to the SDI program output, this output switches between SD and HD of the main program video output of the switcher. It can be connected to televisions, video projectors or even Blackmagic Design's H.264 Encoder or HyperDeck Shuttle. The audio on this output is embedded from the audio inputs on the ATEM switcher chassis or the ATEM audio break out cable.

Component Video Program Output

These three BNC connectors output analog component video that switches between SD and HD from the main program output of the ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E production switchers. This output can be connected to older analog equipment, encoders and video projectors for greater compatibility with equipment you might be forced to use on location.

Standard Deﬁnition SDI Program Output

This output is down converted from high deﬁnition video and always outputs the program video feed as standard deﬁnition on the ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E production switchers. This output is perfect for connecting to older standard deﬁnition equipment or even when you need to generate simultaneous streams to master or broadcast in both SD and HD at the same time. When running SD this output will be the same as the program output. The audio on this output is embedded from the analog audio inputs on the ATEM audio break out cable.

Composite NTSC/PAL Program Output

This output is down converted from high deﬁnition video and always outputs the program video feed, as standard deﬁnition NTSC or PAL composite video, on the ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E production switchers. Some locations might have old televisions or video equipment, and this composite output means you can connect direct to these systems.

Connecting Video Outputs

Multi View HDMI Output

This HDMI output is always high deﬁnition and includes 8 video input views, as well as preview and program views. Tally is included with red for sources on air, and green for sources selected on the preview bus. You can connect this output to televisions and computer monitors with HDMI connections.

Multi View SDI Output

This SDI output is always high deﬁnition and includes 8 video input views, as well as preview and program views. Tally is included with red for sources on air, and green for sources selected on the preview bus. You can connect this output to televisions and professional monitors with SDI connections.

Auxiliary SDI Outputs

The ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E production switchers have auxiliary outputs that match the video standard and switch between SD and HD. They can be routed from all internal and external video feeds. You can select these outputs to be program feeds if you need more program outputs from your ATEM, or you can select other sources such as clean feeds that include program video, without down stream keying, or even speciﬁc video inputs. Aux. outputs are perfect for driving video screens on stage, or other feeds in venues where you can independently control what these viewers see. Aux. outputs switch cleanly and can be used as little cut only switchers independent of the main program outputs. The audio on these outputs is embedded from the analog audio inputs on the ATEM audio break out cable.

USB 3.0 Output

The USB 3.0 output, available in the ATEM 1 M/E and ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher can be used to capture video direct to a Windows PC for real time mastering to ﬁle or for waveform monitoring. When encoding software is used, you can also stream over the internet. ATEM switchers include Media Express software for recording from this output, as well as Blackmagic UltraScope software for waveform monitoring. The USB 3.0 output is connected to the Aux. 1 output so you can customize what feed you send to the USB

3.0. This lets you record clean feeds, or other sources based on the needs of your job. The audio on this output is embedded from the analog audio inputs on the ATEM audio break out cable.

USB 2.0 Output

The ATEM Television Studio has a USB 2.0 output which can be used to capture an H.264 compressed master ﬁle of your program. ATEM switchers include Media Express software for recording from this output. The audio on this output is embedded from the AES/EBU input.

Preview SDI Output

This output shows the source selected on the preview bus on the switcher, as well as preview transitions. This output is perfect when you want to use a full resolution preview monitor. The audio on this output is embedded from the analog audio inputs on the ATEM audio break out cable.

Using ATEM Software Control

Interface Overview

The ATEM Software Control is included with your ATEM Production Switcher, and allows you to control your switcher in a similar way to a full hardware control panel. However instead of menu buttons, it uses a range of pallets on the right side that shows you all processing features of your production switcher, and allows settings to be easily made.

You can also use the ATEM Software Control to conﬁgure your switcher settings as well as upload graphics and manage the media pool.

Switcher Control Panel

The software control panel user interface has three tabs; Switcher, Media and Settings, which can be accessed by selecting the tab at the bottom left of the screen. The media and settings tabs contain unique settings for the switcher, which can only be made from the software control panel.

When ﬁrst launched, the switcher screen is selected, which is the main control interface for the switcher. The software control panel must be connected to a switcher chassis to run.

Mouse or Trackpad Operation

The virtual buttons, sliders and fader bar on the Software Control Panel are operated using your computer mouse or a trackpad if you’re using a laptop.

To activate a button, click once with the left mouse button. To activate a slider, click and hold down the left mouse button while dragging. To control the fader bar, click and hold down the left mouse button on the fader bar handle and drag in the desired direction of travel.

Using ATEM Software Control

Using Keyboard Hot Keys

Hot keys can be used allowing convenient control of some switcher functions using a standard QWERTY keyboard as shown in the following table:

Hotkeys Function

<1> - <8> Previews source on switcher Inputs 1 - 8

<Shift> <1> - <8> Hot switches source on switcher Inputs 1 - 8 to Program output

<1> - <8> with <Caps Lock> ON Hot switches source on switcher Inputs 1 - 8 to Program output

<Space> CUT

<Return> or <Enter> AUTO

More information on how to use the switcher control panel is included in the next sections.

Media Manager

The media manager allows you to upload graphics and image sequences to the media pool in the ATEM switcher. Each ATEM switcher model has memory for graphics that’s called the media pool. This memory varies in size between different ATEM models, and holds images with alpha channel that can be assigned to a media player for use in the production. The ATEM Television Studio holds 2 still graphics with alpha and the ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E hold 32 still graphics and 2 clips.

So for example you could have the maximum 32 still graphics and 2 clips loaded that will be used on your live production and then assign each of the 2 media players to various stills as you work. As you take a graphic off air, you can change the media player graphic to the next graphic you want, and then you can put that media player back on air with the new graphic.

When a still or clip is loaded into the media pool, the alpha channel is loaded automatically if one is included in the image. When a still or clip is loaded into a media player, the output of the media player will include both key and ﬁll outputs that need to be routed into keyers in the switcher. So if your graphics have an alpha channel, be sure you select both the ﬁll and key outputs of the media player into the switchers keyers!

Using ATEM Software Control

Switcher Settings

The last tab in the ATEM Software Control allows you to change the video input selections and labels. Setting labels is important, and they are visible in the multi view output as on-screen labels and on the broadcast control panel in the source names row.

In the settings tab, you can also set the switcher video standard. This is the master video standard that the whole switcher operates at, and it's very important you set this to the same video standard as your video inputs. More details on setting the video standards is included later in this manual.

The switcher settings also let you customize your multi view. The multi view can change its orientation and, on the ATEM 1 M/E and 2 M/E production switchers, any of the 8 video views can be changed allowing you to view any source in the switcher. This lets you monitor cameras, internal sources, media players and even aux. outputs on a single monitor. Multi view really saves space when doing portable location based events because you only need a single monitor.

Using the Software Control Panel

The switcher tab is the main control interface for the switcher. During live production, the switcher tab can be used to select sources and take them to air.

You can select the transition style, manage upstream/downstream keyers and turn on/off the master fade to black. The palettes on the right hand side of the interface are where you adjust transition settings including transition rates, adjust color generators, control media players, and adjust the upstream and downstream keyers as well as control fade to black rate.

Mix Effects

The mix effects block of the switcher tab contains all the source select buttons for the program and preview buses, allowing external inputs or internal sources to be selected for next transition previewing or switching to air. On multiple M/E switcher models, this part of the interface controls M/E 1.

ATEM Mix Effects

Using ATEM Software Control

Program Bus Source Select Buttons

The program bus source select buttons are used to hot switch background sources to the program output. The source currently on air is indicated by a button that is illuminated red.

INPUTS Input buttons match the number of external switcher inputs. BLACK Color black source internally generated by the switcher. BARS Color bars source internally generated by the switcher. COLOR 1 and 2 Color sources internally generated by the switcher. MEDIA 1 and 2 Internal media players that display stills or clips stored in the switcher.

Preview Bus Source Select Buttons

The preview bus source select buttons are used to select a background source on the preview output, this source is sent to the program bus when the next transition occurs. The currently selected preview source is indicated by a button that is illuminated green.

Transition Control and Upstream Keyers

CUT

The CUT button performs an immediate transition of the program and preview outputs, overriding the selected transition style.

AUTO/RATE

The AUTO button will perform the selected transition at the rate speciﬁed in the RATE display. The transition rate for each transition style is set in the transition palette for that style and is displayed in the RATE window of the transition control block when the corresponding TRANSITION STYLE button is selected.

The AUTO button illuminates red for the duration of the transition and the RATE display updates to indicate the number of frames remaining as the transition progresses. If an ATEM broadcast panel is connected, the fader bar indicator on the panel updates to provide visual feedback on the progress of the transition.

Transition Control

ATEM Mix Effects

Using ATEM Software Control

Fader Bar

The fader bar is used as an alternative to the AUTO button and allows the operator to manually control the transition with a mouse. The AUTO button illuminates red for the duration of the transition and the RATE display updates to indicate the number of frames remaining as the transition progresses. If an ATEM broadcast panel is connected, the fader bar Indicator on the panel updates to provide visual feedback on the progress of the transition.

Transition Style

The TRANSITION STYLE buttons allow the operator to select one of ﬁve types of transitions; mix, dip, wipe, DVE, and stinger. The available transitions depend on your switcher model. For example the Television Studio does not have DVE and stinger transitions. The selected transition type is indicated by a yellow illuminated button.

PREV TRANS

The PREV TRANS button enables the preview transition mode, allowing the operator to verify a mix, dip, wipe or DVE transition by performing it on the preview output using the fader bar. When the PREV TRANS is selected you will see the preview output match the program output, and then it's simple to practice your selected transition with the fader bar to conﬁrm you are going to get what you want. This is a very helpful feature to avoid mistakes on air!

Next Transition

The BKGD, KEY 1, KEY 2, KEY 3, KEY 4 buttons are used to select the elements which will transition on air or off air with the next transition. The number of available keyers depends on your switcher model. All keys can be faded on and off when the main transition occurs, or you can select just keys to transition individually, so the main transition control can be used to fade keys on and off.

When selecting the elements of the next transition, the switcher operator should look at the preview video output because it provides an accurate representation of what the program output will look like after the transition is completed. When only the BKGD button is selected, a transition from the current source on the program bus to the source selected on the preview bus will occur without any keyers. You can also select only keyers to transition, leaving the current background live throughout the transition.

ON AIR

The ON AIR indicator buttons indicate which of the keys are currently on air and can also be used to immediately cut a key on or off air.

Transition Control

Using ATEM Software Control

Downstream Keyers

TIE

The TIE button will enable the DSK on the preview output, along with the next transition effects, and tie it to the main transition control so that the DSK can be taken to air with the next transition.

The DSK will transition at the rate speciﬁed in the RATE display of the transition control block. If the DSK is tied, the signal routing to the clean feed 1 is unaffected.

ON AIR

The ON AIR button is used to cut the DSK on or off air and indicates whether the DSK is currently on or off air. The button is illuminated if the DSK is currently on air.

AUTO

The AUTO button will mix the DSK on or off air at the rate speciﬁed in the DSK RATE window. This is similar to the main AUTO rate on the transition control block, however it's limited only to the speciﬁc downstream keyer. This can be used to fade up and down bugs and logos, such as live or replay bugs during production, without interfering with the main program production transitions.

Fade to Black (FTB)

The FTB button will fade the whole program video output to black at the rate speciﬁed in the fade to black RATE window. Once the program output has been faded to black, the FTB button will remain illuminated red until it is pressed again, fading the program output up from black at the same rate. Fade to black is mostly used at the start of your production, and at the end of your production, or when cutting to commercial breaks. It ensures all layers in the switcher are faded down together. A fade to black cannot be previewed.

Processing Palettes

The following processing palettes are available in the software control panel for the ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher model. These change based on the model you’re connected to, and are an easy way to see what processing is available in the switcher. Different ATEM models will have different features, so the palettes can change. The palettes also show the order of the processing in the switcher.

You can expand and minimize palettes to save space and scroll them up and down to get the adjustments you need to set.

Color Generator 1 and 2

The ATEM switcher has two color matte generators which can be conﬁgured from the color generator palette using a color picker or by setting hue, saturation, and luminance levels.

Fade to Black

Downstream Key

Processing Palettes

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Blackmagicdesign ATEM Television Studio, ATEM 2 M/E, ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher Chassis Installation And Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual