ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP Blackmagic Design

Network redundancy and production workflow

They are designed for high-end broadcast and live production, and their design includes front-to-back cooling, extensive redundancy, SMPTE-2022-7 support on all 100G video ports, redundant PTP clock connections, 2× 10G Ethernet for control ports, and redundant AC power supplies.

The ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP has a significantly different design, as it is intended for high-end broadcast operations. The design utilizes front-to-back cooling with 4 very quiet fans. All connections feature full redundancy with SMPTE-2022-7 on all video ports, plus additional redundancy on control and PTP Ethernet ports. The built-in LCD display shows all standard ATEM Constellation status information and provides access to settings. The front panel also includes a headphone output and a built-in speaker for local program monitoring.

The standard 4 M/E model features 32 inputs with standard SMPTE-2022-7 conversion via 4 sets of dual redundant 100G Ethernet connections. It also offers 32 SMPTE-2110 outputs, 16 ATEM Advanced Keyers, 4 multiview previews, and 2 SuperSources, for a total of 12 DVEs.

The ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP supports multiple SMPTE-2110 connections via 100G Ethernet, with each connection supporting 8 input and 8 output video channels. The switcher maps inputs and outputs across multiple 100G Ethernet connections. Each 100G Ethernet connection has two separate connectors to support SMPTE-2110 redundancy, so each port can be connected to a different switch. SMPTE 2022-7 Seamless Protection Switching sends two identical copies of video and audio over two paths and, on the receiving end, compares RTP packets by order and reconstructs the image from the first packet received. The switching is completely seamless.

One of the advantages of SMPTE-2110 is that network video sources use the same standard. In practice, however, live production isn’t always straightforward, and sources often operate in different formats. The ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP solves this problem because each input has a dedicated format converter. All inputs are thus automatically converted to the switcher’s standard, allowing any source to be connected.

The ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP supports all common broadcast standards. Thanks to conversion on all inputs, you can work with different formats simultaneously. It supports both HD and Ultra HD standards, including 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 2160p up to 60p. This is essential for working on various productions around the world. Talkback, tally, and control signals can also be sent to SDI devices when the Blackmagic SDI Expander 8x12G is connected, enabling feedback to cameras for program return, camera control, and communication.

Fairlight Live is the most powerful 2110 software audio mixer for broadcast and live events. It supports audio routing to and from ATEM switchers via USB and, unlike hardware mixers, natively supports stereo, surround, and immersive audio. It offers support for third-party plugins, AFL/PFL Solo, talkback, and advanced input features such as remote gain and dual inputs. It also includes a cue player, snapshots, an internal matrix, and other features. Multiple systems can be run for multiple users or full redundancy.

All ATEM 4 M/E Constellation switchers feature a simple built-in talkback system that uses audio channels 15 and 16 for two-way communication with Blackmagic Design cameras. However, Fairlight Live offers multiple talkback buses and full audio routing to the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP, allowing you to create any number of talkback buses. This enables even more advanced communication, including camera and technical loops, commentator buses, and separate mixes for each user. Simply route the talkback bus to channels 15 and 16 of any ATEM output and send it to cameras or commentators.

The front-to-back cooling design of the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP limits the space available for front-panel controls. The ATEM Rack-Mount Monitoring Panel solves this problem by combining control and monitoring functions. It offers the same controls as the SDI models and functions as a standalone monitoring converter and control panel. It features a rack-mount design with professional buttons, a dedicated Ethernet port, a redundant 10G Ethernet SMPTE-2022-7 to 12G-SDI and HDMI converter for local monitoring, and a 5-pin talkback interface on the front panel.

Key functions from the retained detail

• Powerful native SMPTE-2110 switch for live production
• Supports 12G-SDI or SMPTE-2110 IP video
• Redundant 100G Ethernet for full SMPTE-2022-7 compatibility
• Cut-bus or mix-effect modes
• Full standard conversion and resynchronization on all inputs
• USB output as a webcam for all video applications
• Support for all ATEM hardware and software panels
• Up to 4 customizable multiview outputs
• Mix, wipe, DVE, and stinger transitions
• Internal media for static and motion graphics
• 4 ATEM Advanced chroma keys per M/E row
• Fairlight Live audio mix support
• Professional talkback compatible with ClearCom and RTS
• Free ATEM Software Control for Mac and Windows
• Compatible with the ATEM Monitoring Panel
• Compatible with the ATEM Camera Control Panel
• All features are included at no additional cost