Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Constellation 4K Blackmagic Design

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Details for Professional Production

The ATEM 4 M/E Constellation 4K is the Ultra HD model in the ATEM Constellation family of professional production switchers. The 4K variant is equipped with 40x 12G-SDI inputs with standard conversion and support for resolutions up to 2160p60. It offers the same rich feature set as the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD, as well as 24x 12G-SDI outputs (Aux), 16 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers (upstream), 4 downstream keyers, 4 media players (in Ultra HD), 2 SuperSource processors, and other powerful features!

ATEM Constellation production switchers feature a control panel on the front panel (e.g., for setting up the unit during installation, running less demanding shows, etc.) and an LCD display for video preview or navigating the unit’s menus. Their compact design is a major advantage for live broadcasts; the rear panel features SDI inputs/outputs, balanced audio interfaces, and an Ethernet port for remote control. The top-of-the-line 4 M/E model also adds an RS-422 serial port and a MADI digital audio interface.

12G-SDI Interface
The ATEM Constellation family of production switchers offers models with up to 40 independent SDI inputs with up/cross conversion. The switchers also feature a large number of independent SDI video outputs: even the smallest 1 M/E model is equipped with six 3G-SDI outputs. The 2 M/E model offers 12 3G-SDI outputs, and the 4 M/E model offers as many as 24 SDI outputs (3G-SDI for the HD variant, 12G-SDI for the 4K version). The outputs can be used to route inputs and internal video sources, for ISO recording, and more. The SDI output signal includes timecode (RP-188), audio (Program bus), camera remote control commands, status signals, and talkback.

Multiview
Integrated multi-view functions allow you to monitor multiple video sources on a single monitor. Independent multi-view outputs (1 for the 1 M/E model, 2 for the 2 M/E model, and 4 for the 4 M/E model) allow you to display any external or internal signal sources in a mode with 4, 7, 10, 13, or 16 simultaneous windows. Of course, additional information—including VU meters and status indicators—is also displayed.

Talkback
Communication features include a 5-pin XLR connector for direct headset connection and an RJ-45 interface for standard talkback systems such as ClearCom or RTS. Communication functions are fully configurable; additionally, SDI channels 15 and 16 can be used for two-way communication with camera positions, and channels 13 and 14 for communication with technical crews.

Media Library
The internal memory stores broadcast-quality RGBA graphics and animations, which can be played back using two or four dedicated media players. The 1 M/E model can store 20 still images and animations with up to 200 frames; the 2 M/E model can store 40 still images and 400 frames; and the 4 M/E model can store 60 still images and 600 frames.

Effects and Keying
The manufacturer has also catered to virtual studio creators: ATEM Constellation features ATEM Advanced Keyer modules for high-quality chroma and luma keying. The color keying system is very powerful and offers features for automatic removal of the keying background, mask edge adjustment, foreground color correction, and more. The 1 M/E model offers 4 instances of the ATEM Advanced Keyer, while the 2 M/E and 4 M/E versions offer 8 and 16, respectively.

ATEM Constellation switchers also offer a wide range of native transition effects with fully adjustable parameters, including transition duration, color and edge width, position, and direction of movement. The effects selection is complemented by DVE transitions, which can be combined with internal media players.

In addition to DVE effects in the M/E buses, the 2 M/E and 4 M/E models also feature a powerful multi-layer SuperSource processor with 4x DVE layers and a background that can be used as an additional signal source. Any video input can be used for each layer, and users can select backgrounds from the media library. SuperSource is the ideal tool for creating “picture-in-picture” interviews without having to use the main DVE modules, which are thus available for other purposes. The top-of-the-line ATEM Constellation 4 M/E model even offers two completely independent SuperSource processors!

Fairlight
The integrated Fairlight interface allows for highly complex audio processing of live broadcasts. The internal mixing console supports an incredible 156 channels, which is unprecedented in the field of live broadcast production. Audio channels are sourced from SDI inputs or, in the 4 M/E variant, the MADI interface. Each input features functions for adjusting dynamics and frequency response via a compressor/limiter/expander/gate or a six-band parametric equalizer; signal routing is, of course, supported. Additional audio sources can include devices connected to the analog inputs, a communication headset microphone, or media players. Audio mixing is performed using the ATEM Software Control console or a console compatible with the Mackie protocol.

ATEM Software Control Panel
The ATEM Software Control Panel application provides full control over the production and is included in the price. The program’s individual sections facilitate camera control, audio mixing, media management, macro programming, and even remote control of HyperDeck disk recorders. Additionally, the production status can be saved in XML format, and internal video data can be backed up.

Unlike many competing products, all of the features listed above are included in the base price of the product. There are no additional license or recurring fees: advanced production features—including multiview, SuperSource, DVE effects, and ATEM Advanced Keyer—are always available to users.