Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD8

Enhance your television studio, remote production, or live venue with the ATEM Television Studio HD8 from Blackmagic Design, an all-in-one live streaming switcher. This compact and newly designed live TV switcher is ideally suited for any streaming production, featuring eight 3G-SDI inputs that accommodate video resolutions of up to 1080p60. It includes built-in live streaming capabilities, USB webcam support, a 58-channel audio mixer, chroma keyers, digital video effects (DVE), transitions, media players, internal recording, and talkback functionality. Additionally, the switcher is compatible with Blackmagic Cloud, allowing for immediate access to your program recordings from anywhere in the world.

The switcher features an all-new button layout, and it's made from polycarbonate material, so it's much lighter than its predecessor. It provides numerous enhancements to the layout with professional buttons, LCD label displays, and an easy-to-navigate button layout.

Live Production

You get an incredibly powerful 8-input switcher with both program and two aux outputs, so you have everything you need for mobile production. That means you can connect up to 8 cameras. Plus, you get professional camera control, talkback, and audio mixing, all designed into a familiar broadcast panel.

Distribution

A built-in hardware streaming engine enables you to broadcast your event live to a worldwide audience. By recording in H.264 format with AAC audio, you ensure compatibility for uploading to YouTube. Additionally, you can engage your audience by sharing live broadcasts through auxiliary outputs, large screens, and projectors.

Production Switcher Control

You get an advanced broadcast-grade switcher, with built-in ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, Fairlight audio mixer, DVE, still store for graphics, and more. Most of the features can be operated from the front panel, or you can use the free ATEM Software Control on macOS or Windows to access even more features.

Easy Setup and Usage

To switch between video sources, simply press any of the program row buttons located on the front panel. Alternatively, you may pre-select a source on the preview row and then opt for either cut or effect transitions by selecting the appropriate cut or auto buttons. A variety of engaging transitions are available, including dissolve, as well as more dramatic effects like dip to color, DVE squeeze, and DVE push. Additionally, you have the option to incorporate a DVE for picture-in-picture effects featuring customized graphics. The system also includes media players that allow you to store graphics with alpha channels for titles and other visuals, which can be loaded as live video inputs. Subsequently, you can live stream the resulting output.

Redesigned Front Panel

The front panel is equipped with buttons designed for source selection, transition activation, and video effect configuration. Additionally, these buttons are of the premium quality typically found on high-end broadcast switchers. A built-in T-bar is provided for manual control of transitions. Furthermore, the front panel features a cutting-edge audio mixer control section, complete with live metering displayed on a dedicated LCD screen. It also includes buttons for managing recording and streaming, as well as live auxiliary switching, which allows for the adjustment of auxiliary outputs among all eight cameras, program, preview, or the multiview.

Broadcast-Style Mix/Effects Switching

The ATEM Television Studio operates using a professional program/preview method, mirroring the practices of major broadcasters who utilize live production switchers. Nonetheless, it can also be configured for A/B style switching, which is more user-friendly for volunteers or community organizations. For those wishing to operate the switcher in a manner akin to broadcast professionals, the program/preview mode is ideal. This approach ensures that a source is not broadcast until the cut or auto button is activated. This two-step procedure allows users to preview their selections before they go live, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors.

Add Exciting Video Effects

One of the benefits of ATEM Television Studio is the range of professional built-in video effects. The cut button ensures an instant cut when switching between sources. The T-bar fader can be used to transition video effects, or you can do the transition automatically by pressing the auto button. Auto uses the transition duration set in the system control. You can also select the type of effect you want, including mix, which does a smooth transition between sources, or dip which transitions via a third video source, such as a color generator. There is a wide range of SMPTE wipes included, plus DVE effects that slide or squeeze the image off screen when transitioning between video sources.

Creative Transitions

ATEM Television Studio offers a range of transitions similar to those found in high-end broadcast switchers. This allows for extensive customization of effects and transitions, making them remarkably versatile. Users will continually discover innovative applications for these features. Each transition can be tailored by modifying various parameters, including duration, border color, border width, position, and direction. Additionally, the Digital Video Effects (DVE) can be employed in conjunction with a wipe transition, enabling a graphic to move across the wipe edge, a technique commonly utilized in sports broadcasting known as a graphic wipe. The preview transition button facilitates the offline setup of effects, which is beneficial for minimizing errors.

Built-In DVE

The ATEM Television Studio HD is equipped with an independent Digital Video Effects (DVE) system that allows for the repositioning of graphics and the creation of picture-in-picture layouts. It delivers exceptional quality, with real-time support for positioning, resizing, and scaling. This DVE enables the production of professional-grade picture-in-picture effects, complete with customizable 3D borders, shadows, and lighting effects. Additionally, DVEs can be utilized to craft impressive transitions, including squeeze, swoosh, and push effects, enhancing the dynamism of your programming. Users can also merge DVE transitions with custom graphics to design unique graphic wipe transitions. Furthermore, the system includes a SuperSource multilayer processing engine that features four additional DVEs.

Supports Internal Media

The integrated media pool is designed to store broadcast-quality graphics and animations, which can be accessed through the built-in media players. These media players function as separate sources, eliminating the need to utilize any of the SDI inputs for graphics. To ensure the highest quality, all media is compatible with the RGB color space and includes an alpha channel, facilitating transparency and layering effects. The media pool has the capacity to accommodate 20 still images at HD resolution. Additionally, motion graphics clips for animations and stingers can consist of up to 400 frames in 720HD and 200 frames in 1080HD. The ATEM Software Control provides the functionality to upload and manage media effectively. Furthermore, graphics can be created in Adobe Photoshop and subsequently transferred to the media pool using the complimentary ATEM Photoshop plug-in.

Includes 4 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers

The ATEM Television Studio is ideally suited for news broadcasting and on-set presentations, as it is equipped with four ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers designed for green screen keying effects. These chroma keyers are highly effective and come with features such as a color picker that allows users to sample background colors for the automatic generation of key parameters. Users benefit from precise controls for edge and flare adjustments, and a foreground color corrector is also included, enabling the matching of foreground and background layers for flawless compositions. Additionally, it can be utilized for title overlays by producing graphics with a green or blue background. With its four ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, the ATEM Television Studio is an excellent choice for creating fixed camera virtual sets.

SuperSource Processing

In addition to the Digital Video Effects (DVE) available in the ATEM Television Studio, there exists a robust SuperSource multi-layer processor. SuperSource provides four additional DVE layers along with a background layer, all combined to function as an extra input source. Any video input can serve as a source for each DVE, which are then overlaid on a custom background from the media pool or live video feed. This feature is particularly advantageous for creating multiple picture-in-picture displays during interviews, allowing viewers to see each interviewee within an elegant graphic layout. Essentially, SuperSource operates as a fully independent multi-layer visual effects switcher integrated into the system.

8 Standards Converted 3G-SDI Inputs

The ATEM Television Studio HD is equipped with eight independent 3G-SDI inputs, each featuring its own dedicated standards converter. This capability allows for the conversion of any 1080HD or 720HD input source to match the video standard of the switcher. Consequently, it is feasible for each SDI input of the switcher to operate under a different television standard, ensuring seamless functionality across all inputs.

Additionally, audio channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 from the SDI inputs can be manually routed to various embedded audio channels in both the program and auxiliary outputs. Furthermore, audio channels 1 and 2 can be routed from the SDI inputs to the MADI digital audio output, enabling the transfer of switcher input audio to an external audio engineer for mixing purposes.

3G-SDI Outputs with 16 Channel Embedded Audio

The ATEM Television Studio is equipped with nine 3G-SDI program outputs, providing ample connections to deliver a distinct program return feed to each of your cameras. This feature is crucial as the SDI program return facilitates the transmission of tally, talkback, and control signals back to the cameras. Additionally, the device offers two dedicated auxiliary outputs designed for operating stage monitors and master recorders. These auxiliary outputs can be live-switched via specific buttons on the control panel. Notably, Aux 1 features an on-screen counter to assist presenters in monitoring their timing. Furthermore, users have the capability to manually route audio across all 16 embedded audio channels within the SDI outputs. For camera monitoring purposes, there is a dedicated 3G-SDI and HDMI output available for multiview functionality.

16-Source Multiview on a Single Monitor

In larger live productions that utilize multiple cameras, it is essential to monitor all video sources simultaneously on a single display. The ATEM Television Studio HD features a professional multiview capability, allowing users to view all video inputs, as well as preview and program feeds, on one SDI or HDMI monitor. Additionally, the multiview can be routed to the auxiliary outputs. Each camera feed is equipped with tally indicators to signal when a source is live, and each view can be customized with labels and audio meters. The multiview layout is fully adjustable, accommodating up to 16 concurrent views. Furthermore, users can opt for additional status views to monitor recording, streaming, and audio mixer status directly from the multiview interface.

Add Audio Expansion for More Microphones

For those establishing a podcasting studio or requiring additional microphones, the ATEM Microphone Converter facilitates the expansion of audio inputs. It connects seamlessly to the ATEM Television Studio via the MADI port, eliminating the need for complicated setups, and allows for daisy-chaining of units to increase input capacity. Each converter is equipped with four analog inputs that can be selected for either microphone or line use and provide phantom power.

The design boasts exceptional quality, featuring an impressively low noise floor of -129 dBV, a dynamic range of 131 dB(A), and minimal distortion at 0.002%, with consistent tolerances maintained across all channels. Additionally, it employs eight distinct ADCs for each input, enhancing the overall dynamic range. Furthermore, it includes an engaging HDMI monitoring output that displays scrolling audio waveforms.

Record Direct to Internal Cloud Storage or USB Disks

The ATEM Television Studio HD is capable of recording to external USB flash drives. Alternatively, if an optional M.2 flash drive is installed, recordings can be made directly to internal cloud storage. Both the internal storage and any connected external USB drives can be accessed over the local Ethernet network, allowing collaboration on postproduction tasks such as editing, color correction, and graphics preparation.

All recordings are produced in H.264 format with AAC audio, ensuring broadcast-quality video while maintaining compact file sizes. Additionally, multiple USB drives can be connected, allowing for uninterrupted recording even if one drive reaches capacity. The control panel is equipped with buttons to initiate recording, and the recording status can be monitored on the multiview display.

Outputs to Any Software that Supports USB Webcams

The ATEM Television Studio HD is compatible with any video software due to its USB connection, which simulates a webcam. This allows users to connect to a computer and utilize any video application that supports webcam functionality. The software is led to believe that the ATEM Television Studio HD is a standard webcam, while it actually functions as a live production switcher. This ensures complete compatibility with various video software and maintains full 1080HD resolution quality.

Envision delivering a presentation from a professional broadcast studio using platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Skype. Additionally, the webcam output is also compatible with streaming software such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, and others.

Includes Free ATEM Software Control Panel

The ATEM Software Control application reveals the full potential of the ATEM Television Studio HD by providing access to all functionalities of the switcher. It features a graphical user interface designed for the switcher, complete with parameter palettes for making necessary adjustments. While a USB connection is available, utilizing an Ethernet connection allows for the operation of multiple instances of ATEM Software Control across different computers.

This software enables live switching, audio mixing, camera color correction, and media management. Additionally, it allows users to create and execute intricate macros. Users can also save the switcher’s configuration as an XML file for future reference. Furthermore, it offers the capability to control external HyperDeck recorders.

Localized for 13 Popular Languages

ATEM Television Studio HD offers a variety of language options within its menus and the ATEM Software Control, allowing users to select their preferred language. The device supports a range of languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Polish, and Ukrainian.

To change the language, simply navigate to the setup menu, and you can switch to a different language at any time in the future. Once a language is chosen, all menus displayed on the LCDs will reflect this selection. The availability of multiple languages makes the ATEM Television Studio HD an ideal choice for live production work globally, accommodating diverse teams.

Flexible and Redundant Power

The ATEM Television Studio features an integrated design that incorporates a built-in power supply, eliminating the need for an external power brick. You can easily connect it to any AC mains outlet to commence live production. The universal power supply operates seamlessly between 100 and 240 VAC, allowing for use in any global location. Additionally, the ATEM Television Studio is equipped with both AC and DC power connections.

A broadcast-standard XLR 12 VDC power connection is also provided, making it ideal for backup power or operation on batteries, which is particularly advantageous for use in remote areas. Furthermore, in the event of a failure of the internal power supply, you can conveniently attach an external DC supply to ensure continued operation.

Designed to Be Easy to Repair

Given the numerous integrated features, it is essential that the ATEM Television Studio is designed for straightforward repair. Additionally, the system incorporates significant redundancy, featuring four Ethernet connections, nine program SDI outputs, two USB ports, and two power connections. Nevertheless, in the event that a cable is accidentally tripped over and a connector is damaged, it is important to facilitate a cost-effective repair of that connector.

All internal electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs) are modular, allowing any qualified technician to purchase a replacement and easily install the new board. This includes the connector PCBs, which are available for separate purchase. The technician simply needs to remove the bottom cover to replace the PCB. A large broadcasting organization could even acquire these boards as part of a spare parts kit.

Applications

Compact Broadcast Vans

The all-in-one design enables the creation of a new generation of ultracompact broadcast vans. The absence of multiple equipment racks allows for the removal of clutter, resulting in a significantly improved work environment. Additionally, for enhanced stability, the switcher can be mounted recessed into the desk.

Music Venues and Clubs

Certain thrilling locations, including intimate music venues and comedy clubs, often lack the space for extensive video equipment setups. Nevertheless, the ATEM Television Studio is portable enough to be transported to any venue. Additionally, it can be conveniently packed away, even in the midst of a bustling crowd.

Online Education

The ATEM Television Studio is an excellent tool for producing educational content. With the ISO model's capability to record video inputs, you can refine edits, substitute shots, and apply color correction. Additionally, it allows for integration with Zoom, enabling live interaction with students.

Live Sports

The ATEM Television Studio is ideally suited for live sports broadcasts due to its user-friendly design, which allows community volunteers to operate it with ease. It can be permanently installed in sports clubs or transported alongside the team for on-the-go use. With the capability to connect up to eight cameras, it ensures that all thrilling perspectives are captured.