Blackmagic Design ATEM 2 M/E Constellation UHD 4K Live Production Switcher

The ATEM 2 M/E Constellation UHD 4K Live Production Switcher adds UHD 4K capabilities and 12G-SDI ports to the familiar switcher construction of its predecessor. Designed for powerful live event UHD 4K switching, the unit features 20 individual 12G-SDI inputs that support 12G/3G/HD-SDI signals and deliver them to 12 12G-SDI outputs or webcam USB-C output. In addition, the switcher has a multiview output with up to 16 routable windows that can display inputs, keyed video, graphics, and stills from the media pool, as well as the program output. Each input connects to a built-in Fairlight audio mixer supporting up to 28 channels of audio.

The switcher features a reference video input, and each input features a frame synchronizer, frame rate converter, and format converter. This allows you to mix and match cameras, formats, cameras that do not feature genlock, and video input from computer sources. Upstream and downstream keyers and effects are supported. All this is done live and in real time with no rendering required. You can control the switcher using the integrated front panel, optional Blackmagic ATEM panels, or via the downloadable control software.

Broadcast-Quality Transitions
The ATEM Constellation UHD 4K includes a wide range of broadcast-quality native transitions such as mix, dip, wipe, and more. All transitions can be customized in the system control menus with adjustments for border color, border width, position, direction, and a lot more. The ATEM Constellation switcher includes a powerful digital video effects processor for DVE transitions, which can be used to squeeze the current picture offscreen, revealing a new video under it. The DVE can even be used to create graphic wipe transitions. To eliminate errors, ATEM Constellation UHD 4K features a preview transition feature so you can set up your transitions before you switch it on air.

Built-In DVE
The ATEM Constellation features two independent DVEs that let you reposition graphics and create picture-in-picture compositions. You get amazing quality, and the DVE supports position, resize, and scale, all in real time. The DVE lets you create professional picture-in-picture effects with customizable 3D borders, shadows, and lighting. DVEs can also be used to create amazing DVE transitions with squeeze and swoosh effects for adding excitement to your programming. You can even combine DVE transitions with custom graphics to create your own graphic wipe transitions. The 2 M/E model includes SuperSource processors for six DVEs.

SuperSource
In addition to the DVEs in the M/E rows, the 2 M/E model includes powerful SuperSource multilayer processors with four extra DVE layers plus a background layer, all appearing to ATEM Constellation UHD 4K as an additional input source. Any switcher video input can be used for each SuperSource DVE, then it's all layered together over a media pool custom background. SuperSource is just like having an extra multilayer VFX switcher built in. SuperSource is perfect for doing picture-in-picture displays for interviews because you can set up the effect while keeping the main DVEs free for other tasks.

Multiview
Configurable to 16, 13, 10, 7, or 4 up view. It includes monitoring of program, preview, inputs, media players, DSK, and clean feed with optional labels and audio meters. The 2 M/E model features two multiview outputs.

Professional Broadcast Talkback
To keep crews working as a single creative team, ATEM Constellation features built-in talkback. Talkback supports a 5-pin XLR headset connector, plus a rear-mounted RJ12 connector for interfacing with industry-standard talkback systems such as ClearCom or RTS. You get full talkback control, including program and engineering loops, sidetone control for hearing the headset mic into the headphones, and program mix. ATEM Constellation UHD 4K also supports SDI talkback that uses SDI channels 15 and 16 for 2-way communication with Blackmagic Design cameras. You can even use channels 13 and 14 for engineering talkback. It's even possible to mix the talkback mic into the program audio for voiceovers.

Internal Media Pool
The built-in media pool stores broadcast-quality RGBA graphics and animations that can be played back instantly by two or four media players. Media players simply appear as additional input sources on the ATEM Constellation UHD 4K, so you don't have to use extra SDI inputs for graphics. The built-in media pool holds graphics for use with the media players. The 2 M/E model can hold 40 stills and 400 frame animations. You can easily manage all your media using the included ATEM Software Control or download directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in.