Blackmagic's ATEM Mini switchers make it easy to create professional multi camera productions for live streaming and videoconference presentations. Simply connecting ATEM Mini, users can switch live between 4 high quality video camera inputs for 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 built-in video effects too, and all ATEM Mini models have USB that works like a webcam so users can add any streaming software while the ATEM Mini Pro model adds live streaming and recording to USB disks.
There is also support for recording the stream directly to USB flash disks in H.264, plus support for recording to multiple disks for continuous recording. That means users get very long recordings in the same H.264 video files with AAC audio, so they can directly upload to any online video site, such as YouTube and Vimeo.
The new ATEM Mini Pro also includes an HDMI out for projectors, and a multiviewer 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 Fairlight audio mixer.
With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Mini makes it possible to do complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features a total of 12 channels so users can mix audio from all sources. That’s audio from all HDMI sources and the 2 stereo mic inputs. Each input channel features a high quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning. Microphone inputs allow high quality desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations.
The switcher compact all in one design includes both a control panel as well as connections. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, video effects and transitions. The source buttons are large so it’s possible to use it by feel, letting the presenter do the switching. There are even buttons for audio mixing, buttons for record and streaming control as well as output selection buttons that let Users 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.
To ensure maximum compatibility, ATEM Mini features a USB connection that operates as a simple webcam source. That means users can plug in and instantly get working with any video software. 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. The 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.
Each of the 4 HDMI inputs feature their own dedicated standards converter. That means the 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 users 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 unlocks the full hidden power of the ATEM Mini and allows access to every feature in the switcher, featuring a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for quick adjustments. Although users can normally connect via USB, if connecting using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to the ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. Users can even save the switcher state as an XML file and if clip playback is needed they can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.
There's also a "media pool" allowing the loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. Graphics can be loaded via ATEM Software Control or downloaded directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in. For news or on-set presentation work, there is an upstream ATEM Advanced Chroma Key plus an additional downstream linear keyer.
"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," says 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 users 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."
The Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro is available now for US$595, excluding local duties and taxes, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.
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