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

The Blackmagic Design ATEM 2 M/E Constellation UHD 4K Live Production Switcher turns the familiar construction of its predecessor into a vastly powerful, UHD 4K switched for live events like a supercomputer. The Blackmagic Design ATEM 2 M/E Constellation UHD 4K Live Production Switcher unit comes with 20 individual 12G-SDI inputs to mask 12G/3G/HD-SDI signals and stream them to 12 of its 12G-SDI outputs or webcam USB-C output. It comes with a multiview output with a maximum of 16 routable windows to display inputs, keyed output videos, graphic and stills from its own media pool, and even its own programme streaming. Each input feeds to a built-in Fairlight audio mixer of up to 28 channels.

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.

Chroma Keyers

• The ATEM chroma keyer features a color picker to sample background colors for automatic generation of the key parameters. Use the precise controls to adjust edge and flare, and there is even a foreground color corrector to match the look to the background layer for seamless compositions. The keyer can be used for pattern and DVE keying applications. You get eight Advanced Keyers with the 2 M/E model.
• There are four upstream keyers per M/E row for virtual set building. You can use a keyer per camera to create cohesive compositions over a custom background in a 4-camera virtual set. You can use external image processors or build a fixed camera set by loading pre-rendered still image backgrounds from the media players and media pool. Set up macros to change cameras and load the correct background into the players.

Multi-Rate 12G-SDI

With up to 20 multi-rate 12G-SDI connections, the ATEM 2 M/E Constellation UHD 4K is compatible with various video sources. You can connect equipment in UHD and HD video standards including 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 2160p formats. Switch between formats to adapt to the needs of your production. The inputs can also accommodate embedded audio to mix audio from the inputs together. Program outputs include talkback, tally, and camera control information to connect the switcher outputs back to the camera for program return, control, and talkback purposes.

Fairlight Audio Mixer

All SDI inputs on the Constellation UHD 4K are connected to a built-in Fairlight audio mixer with 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, noise gate, and expander. Audio is de-embedded from the SDI sources and passed to the internal mixer for up to 156 input channels. The mixer has additional inputs for integrated analog sources or talkback microphones for voiceover capabilities. Control the audio with the ATEM Software Control or compatible Mackie panel.

ATEM Software Control Panel

Use the ATEM Software Control Panel to facilitate control over your Constellation unit using your personal computer. The software has a visual switcher interface and parameter palettes for quick adjustments. Multiple users can connect to the switcher via Ethernet and work on different aspects of your event simultaneously. The software also lets you access camera control, audio mixing, media, macro programming, and control of HyperDeck disk recorders. Save the full state of the switcher as XML files and back up your media from the media pool. The software is compatible with macOS and Windows operating systems.

Optional Control Panels

The Constellation UHD 4K is compatible with three models of the ATEM Advanced Panels. The panels feature industry-standard M/E-style layouts with built-in LCD screens. High-quality buttons with customizable illumination color, a DVE joystick, and a T-bar fader make controlling your unit a breeze. You can even set up and trigger macros. All rows of M/E buttons include integrated LCDs for dynamic input button labeling. The 1 M/E model features a single M/E row with 10 input buttons. The 2 M/E model features 2 M/E rows with 20 input buttons. The massive 4 M/E model features four M/E rows with 40 input buttons per row and four independent system control LCD screens.