Blackmagic Design announces ATEM Mini Pro, a new lower cost live production switcher with all the features of ATEM Mini but now with extra features for recording, streaming and monitoring. ATEM Mini Pro includes a new hardware streaming engine to allow direct streaming via its Ethernet connection to YouTube Live, Facebook and Twitch. There is also support for recording the stream direct to USB flash disks in H.264, plus support for recording to multiple disks for continuous recording. The new model also includes a multiview on the HDMI video output that allows all inputs to be monitored on a single monitor, as well as live status of recording, streaming and the audio mixer.
ATEM Mini Pro is available from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for $595.
According to the announcement, “ATEM Mini switchers make it easy to create professional multi camera productions for live streaming to YouTube and innovative business presentations using Skype or Zoom. Simply connect ATEM Mini and customers can switch live between four high quality video camera inputs for dramatically better quality images. Or connect a computer for PowerPoint slides or gaming consoles. The built in DVE allows exciting picture in picture effects, perfect for commentary. There are loads of video effects too. All ATEM Mini models have USB that works like a webcam so customers can use any streaming software while the ATEM Mini Pro model adds live streaming and recording to USB disks.”
There is also an HDMI out for projectors. Microphone inputs allow desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations.
ATEM Mini’s compact all in one design includes both a control panel as well as connections. The front panel features buttons for selecting sources, video effects and transitions. The source buttons are large and designed to be used by feel, letting the presenter do the switching. There are also buttons for audio mixing. On the ATEM Mini Pro model there are buttons for record and streaming control as well as output selection buttons that let customers change the video output between cameras, program and multiview. On the rear panel there are HDMI connections for cameras or computers, extra microphone inputs, USB for webcam out plus an HDMI "aux" output for program video.
A user can press any of the input buttons labelled 1 to 4 on the front panel to cut between video sources. Customers can choose between cut or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM Mini to use a video effect when switching inputs. Customers can select from transitions such as dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. The DVE is designed for picture in picture effects and customers can instantly set up different picture positions. There is also a still store for titles and graphics accessible via external software control.
With four independent HDMI inputs, customers can connect up to four high quality video cameras. All video sources will re-sync to the switcher if they operate at different video standards, allowing users to take advantage of the low light capability of better cameras for theater production, weddings, school concerts and music videos.
To ensure maximum compatibility, ATEM Mini features a USB connection that operates as a simple webcam source. The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM Mini is a common webcam, but it's really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with any video software and in full resolution 1080HD quality. ATEM Mini works with software and platforms such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Zoom, Twitch, Periscope, Livestream, Wirecast and more.
The ATEM Mini Pro model has a built-in hardware streaming engine for live streaming via its Ethernet connection. There are palettes in ATEM Software Control for streaming setup, plus streaming status is also displayed in the multiview. Streaming status is displayed as the data rate indicator shows internet speed required for the video format users are using.
The ATEM Mini Pro model also supports direct recording of streaming data to USB flash disks. ATEM Mini Pro supports multiple disks when used with a USB hub or Blackmagic MultiDock. Record settings and disk selection are set up in ATEM Software Control and there's a record status view in the built in multiview.
With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, customers can connect desktop and lapel microphones. With two extra stereo audio inputs, customers can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. ATEM Mini features a full Fairlight audio mixer and all HDMI audio inputs and both microphone inputs are all connected separately to the audio mixer so customers can live mix from all audio sources.
Each of the four HDMI inputs feature their own dedicated standards converter. ATEM Mini will automatically convert 1080p, 1080i and 720p sources to the video standard of the switcher. The HDMI output is a true "aux" output so customers can clean switch each HDMI input or program to this output. If users are using program/preview switching, the HDMI out can be selected to preview, or on the ATEM Mini Pro model, it can be selected to display a full multiview.
The ATEM Software Control app allows access to every feature in the switcher. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although customers can normally connect via USB, if customers connect using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. Customers can save the switcher state as an XML file. If customers need clip playback, they can control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.
The built in "media pool" allows the loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. Customers can use still frames for effects such as graphic wipes. ATEM Mini can grab stills from the video output and add them to the internal media pool. Graphics can be loaded via ATEM Software Control or downloaded directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in. The Photoshop Plug-in is designed for graphics that change often, such as scoreboards, as customers can download directly into the media player.
"This is an amazing new model as it has all the power of the original ATEM Mini and adds even more features with built in recording, streaming and multiview monitoring," said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “What's been surprising is the types of work customers have used the ATEM Mini model for and we never expected it to be used for such large events! So now with this new ATEM Mini Pro model we are making this easier because customers can stream via the Ethernet, while at the same time record to files on a USB disk, all while monitoring all cameras, media and status on a single HDMI video monitor. It's really exciting and we cannot wait to see what customers do with this new model!”