The Blackmagic Design ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher is a 3 RU-high, 16-source switcher that accepts 16 10-bit HD/SD-SDI inputs and one HDMI input for a total of 16 simultaneous inputs, each with a frame synchronizer. The ATEM 2 M/E Switcher comes with a software control panel, and it’s also compatible with the 1 M/E & 2 M/E Broadcast Panels from Blackmagic (not included).

For serious live productions of all kinds, the ATEM 1 M/E represents an extremely affordable way to juggle a large number of sources with aplomb, switching HD and SD sources such as cameras with HDMI or SDI output, VTRs/DDRs, etc., and adding keys and graphics while enjoying the multi-layer processing power of the SuperSource Compositing Engine for multi-box compositions. Whether you’ll operate via mouse & laptop or you’re ready to switch your sources from a control panel, you’re still operating at a very high level, with a 10-bit signal path throughout (depending on your video system, of course).

Program outputs come in the form of SDI, analog, and HDMI, and there are six auxiliary SDI outputs. There’s also USB 3.0 output for Windows systems, for directly capturing a 10-bit master to your computer. The switcher features DVE transitions, 13 keyers, two built-in media players for clips and stills, and two independent multi-view outputs, which eliminate the need for separate monitors for each source.

Broadcast-Grade Production Switcher
ATEM switchers include advanced technology and unique, powerful features, all built into a familiar M/E setup that’s fast and easy to use. With an advanced broadcast SDI-based design, ATEM also includes loads of HDMI connections for connecting low cost HDMI consumer cameras! Now you can get started with live production, producing professional video right out of the gate
Built to Perform
ATEM uses a familiar M/E style of operation, so you get an instantly familiar workflow that’s fast and easy to use. ATEM is affordably priced because you can start with the chassis only with a software-based control panel for Mac and Windows. If you then need a complete solution, simply add the ATEM 1 M/E or 2 M/E Broadcast Panel (sold separately)
Premium Quality
For the highest-quality video with extremely low processing delay, ATEM features a fully digital 10-bit design. This means you get the highest quality available from cameras, servers, and character generators, with true 10-bit video quality maintained throughout the entire signal path. Get better chroma keying and seamless layering from HDMI and SDI sources so all your video maintains that pristine, broadcast-quality look. Even ATEM’s built-in analog video inputs and outputs feature low-noise A/D converters for incredible analog quality
Creative Power
ATEM is a truly creative solution for live switching. All transitions are instantly available via a button push on the software control panel, and they include the same cut, mix, and wipe found on traditional mixers. Plus you also get extra innovative ATEM transitions including dip, DVE, graphic wipe, and stinger. It’s simple to load clips into the two built-in media players, for exciting custom-animated graphic transitions. ATEM features a built-in DVE with 3D borders, light source, and drop shadow. You can even use the DVE for transitions, or route into any of the four built-in keyers for incredible multi-layer compositions
Incredible Features
ATEM includes all these broadcast features at an affordable price: You get four upstream keyers, each with independent chroma, pattern, shaped, and linear keying. You also get two downstream keyers and independent fade to black. Add unprecedented creativity with graphic wipes and stinger transitions using the two built-in media players. For the ultimate in professional live production, you can use the built-in DVE for amazing DVE transitions or key repositioning. When you’re on the move, the built-in multi-view monitoring totally eliminates monitoring costs because all cameras, preview, and program can be viewed on a single SDI or HDMI monitor – multi-view has outputs for both
SuperSource Multi-Layering
Add multi-box compositions quickly and easily with ATEM SuperSource. You get a completely separate five-layer switcher with the power of four picture-in-picture DVEs and four keyers connected as an ATEM video input. Position, resize, and key up to four video sources to create compositions that would normally require a multi M/E switcher. Use SuperSource for multi-camera interviews or picture-in-picture production while leaving all your M/Es, keyers, and DVE completely free for other tasks. SuperSource compositions can also be quickly saved and recalled in an instant
Software Control
For the ultimate in portability, ATEM production switchers include beautifully designed control-panel software for Mac and Windows, so you can even use your switcher from your laptop. ATEM software control provides a professional M/E workflow control panel with parameter adjustments in simple-to-use palettes. You can manage the switcher media pool and set all adjustments. Switcher control includes full keyboard shortcuts. ATEM lets you start at a lower cost because you’re not forced to buy a hardware control panel.
Built-in USB 3.0 Capture and Scopes
ATEM includes support for USB 3.0 capture direct to your PC. Get incredible-quality 10-bit captures in full HD resolution for a direct file-based master of your production. Because USB capture is connected to Aux 1, you can capture program or even clean feeds of your programming. ATEM includes Blackmagic’s Media Express software for easy capture to AVI or DPX files. If you need high-quality waveform monitoring, ATEM also includes Blackmagic Design UltraScope software so you can use the USB connection for incredible PC-based scopes
Built-in Multi-View
Save thousands of dollars on costly camera monitoring with ATEM’s built-in multi-view. Multi-view allows 10 channels of video to be displayed on a single SDI or HDMI television or monitor. Views are fully routable, so you can select any external video source or any internal video source such as media players, color generators, auxiliary outputs, clean feeds, and more. You can change the multi-view layout, as well as customize the labels and set safe-area markers on the preview display. Multi-view includes tally, so on-air sources have red borders and preview sources have green borders. ATEM is so portable because you only need the ATEM chassis, laptop, and a single television for a complete multi-camera production environment
More Connections
ATEM is a professional broadcast SDI switcher, with an HDMI input for flexibility. Unlike with other switchers, every video input features an automatic frame re-synchronizer, so you can plug in any device and it always works. Imagine getting started with incredible multi-camera production using the latest low-cost and high-quality HD consumer cameras! ATEM is perfect at locations where you need to adapt to the environment because it includes SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs. You can send live program output to anyone who needs it because ATEM includes six program outputs in HD-SDI, HDMI, and USB 3.0, as well as permanently downconverted SD-SDI and composite video. All ATEM models include built-in black, bars, media player, and color generator sources. The ATEM multi-viewer includes both SDI and HDMI outputs, plus you get Aux outputs for connecting to stage screens and venue monitoring. The ATEM 2 M/E model features a 16 SDI inputs and one HDMI input for a total of 16 live simultaneous inputs. There are six Aux outputs (plus a USB 3.0 Aux output) and support for two independent multi-viewers
Preview Transition
When you’re in the middle of a busy live production, the last thing you need is to make a mistake. ATEM includes a transition preview function that’s as easy to use as pushing the Preview Transition button. The Preview Transition button lets you see how the transition will look on the preview output of the switcher. Now you can see the effect before it goes on air
Adobe Photoshop Plug-in
For incredible character and title generation, every ATEM includes a Photoshop plug-in that lets you instantly download graphics and titles from Photoshop directly into the ATEM media pool. Imagine the moment a live event happens, you can update your Photoshop file and instantly download it into the ATEM media player: Now you can get titles on air in seconds. Because Photoshop is the standard tool for millions of graphic designers, it’s easy to get help to create your own custom graphics. ATEM supports rendered stills and clip sequences from Photoshop, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, and many more programs
Eight Simultaneous Layers
Only ATEM includes a massive eight layers in such an affordable broadcast-grade switcher! With so many simultaneous layers, the compact 1 M/E ATEM packs all this power into a tiny 2 rack unit size, so it’s perfect for portable use. You get four fully independent upstream keyers with full chroma key and pattern generators. The ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher features a whole second M/E row and the powerful SuperSource for even more layers for greater control over complex live productions
Stinger Effects
ATEM includes stinger transitions for animated transitions and graphic wipes, and because there is a separate keyer for stingers, all your upstream and downstream keyers are completely free for other uses. Stingers also include sound effects, so you can create exciting custom transitions that are limited only by your creativity. You can customize the transition point, so you get seamless stinger effects – plus the animation in the media player is automatically triggered, so you get perfect results every time
High-Quality DVE
ATEM includes a premium-quality DVE that’s perfect for DVE transitions or repositioning elements into the ATEM keyers. The built-in ATEM DVE features the highest-quality filtering combined with anti-aliased key channel for true broadcast quality. For full control, the DVE also features x and y position, size and rotation controls, with customizable 3D borders with color and softness settings. DVE light source is also included with customizable softness for amazing-looking drop shadows. The DVE can also be used for high-quality push, squeeze, and move animation, giving you the perfect solution for DVE transitions
Built-in Media Players
ATEM includes two built-in media players, so you free up switcher video inputs plus save thousands of dollars by eliminating the need for external character generators and servers. Because media players are built into ATEM, you get a fantastic portable solution. Media players include 2 GB of memory for 32 stills, and the two live clips support both fill and key channels. Media players are great for animated logos, backgrounds, lower thirds, bugs, stinger transitions, and more. You can route media players into any switcher input, upstream keyer, downstream keyer, background, or into the transition block for stinger transitions