Blackmagic Design has announced a new range of all-in-one live production switchers. The ATEM Television Studio HD8 is a broadcast-grade control panel with advanced features such as streaming and recording. There is also an ISO model that can record all video inputs and can connect to up to eight remote cameras. In addition, Blackmagic Design revealed a new ATEM Microphone Converter and new models in its Studio Camera range, Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro and the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2.
ATEM Television Studio HD8
The ATEM Television Studio HD8 is a professional live production switcher built into a broadcast control panel. This means you can use it for high-end work even though it is very portable. You can connect eight cameras via 3G-SDI video inputs at resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. In addition, each input features its own dedicated standards converter to convert any 1080p or 720p input source to the video standard of the switcher. This should make setting up quick and easy.
Professional features
The ATEM Television Studio HD8 includes nine 3G-SDI program outputs to send tally, talkback and control information back to the cameras. You also get two dedicated aux outputs for driving stage monitors and master recorders. For camera monitoring, there is a dedicated 3G-SDI and HDMI output for the Multiview. In addition, the front panel includes buttons for selecting sources, triggering transitions and setting up video effects. There’s even a built-in T-bar for manual transition control.
Video effects
The ATEM Television Studio HD8 has four ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers for green screen keying effects. The device also has various digital video effects, including dissolve, dip to color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. You can even add digital video effects for picture-in-picture. In addition, the built-in media pool stores broadcast-quality graphics and animations that you can play back using the built-in media players. The media pool can hold 20 HD resolution stills and motion graphics clips up to 400 frames in 720p and 200 frames in 1080p.
Fairlight audio mixer
The ATEM Television Studio HD8 has a built-in Fairlight audio mixer so that you can do complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer has enough channels for all the SDI inputs and extra channels for the XLR, RCA and MADI inputs. Each input channel also features a high-quality 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate and level and pan controls. In addition, you can operate the audio mixer from the front panel using the dedicated audio mixer controls and built-in LCD screen.
ATEM Microphone Converter
Blackmagic Design also announced the ATEM Microphone Converter. This connects to the ATEM Television Studio using the MADI (Multi-channel Audio Digital Interface) port and has four analog inputs that are mic/line selectable with phantom power. You can also daisy chain units to add more inputs. In addition, the ATEM Microphone Converter has an extremely low noise floor of -129 dBV and a dynamic range of 131 dB(A). It even uses eight separate ADCs on each input to collectively extend the dynamic range.
New Studio Cameras
Along with the new ATEM devices, Blackmagic design also announced the launch of two new cameras. The Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro is a more powerful studio camera model with an EF lens mount and a larger 6K sensor for improved colorimetry and fine detail handling. It also has built-in ND filters and livestreaming via Ethernet or mobile data. In addition, the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 is an updated model that now includes built-in live streaming. Both cameras have a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate body, integrated seven-inch HDR viewfinder and broadcast connections.
What we think
Blackmagic Design describes the ATEM Television Studio HD8 as the world’s most portable all‑in‑one television studio, which looks pretty accurate. Whether you need to stream or record your event, the ATEM Television Studio HD8 looks to have everything you need. With the ISO version, you can even record each camera’s output separately so you can re-edit the event later. When paired with the new 4K or 6K Studio Cameras, the ATEM Television Studio HD8 is an attractive solution for live video production. It’s not cheap but is an investment that would soon earn its keep.
Pricing and availability
The Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD8 is priced at $2,995, while the ISO version costs $1,000 more at $3,995. The ATEM Microphone Converter costs $395.
The new Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro retails at $2,495; the Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 costs $1,865.
Blackmagic Design says that all the new equipment is available to buy now.
