You can connect a single switcher to multiple control panels and this is useful when you have multiple operators assigned to different roles like audio, graphics, camera control (with supported BMD video cameras), and switching the main program outputs. Like all rackmount ATEM switchers, the Constellation 8K is designed to be connected to a hardware panel or a software control panel with ethernet. Once you are all set up and connected to software or hardware control panels you can lock the switcher panel to avoid accidental switches. The large-front LCD monitor with visible audio meters is helpful for testing and confirming inputs sources during setup. The Constellation 8K is comfortable as a table-top unit but is designed to be rackmounted and has a 2U height. Obviously, converting the SDI to HDMI is an easy conversion, but I was still surprised that there wasn’t a single one. There isn’t even one for the multiview monitor output. And yes, you can also display internally generated video inputs on the Multiview from sources like the internal media players, clean output versions, and your aux outputs.Īt some point I need to point out that despite there being 40 SDI inputs, there is not a single HDMI input or output. While all the other ATEM switcher models can display 8 inputs on the Multiview, along with the preview and program, the Constellation 8K with its 40 external video input options, can display 4, 7, 13, or 16 different inputs on each Multiview output. There is also a single 8K Multiview output that can be used as 4 UHD 4k Multiview outputs. On the output side you have six 8K outputs. The 8K part comes in if you use the 12G-SDI inputs as quad-link and then you can connect 10 8K inputs.įigure 2. Yes, there are 40 inputs and this matches the 40-input HD-SDI spigots on the back ( Figure 2, below), each of which is capable of processing 12G-SDI UHD 4K video inputs. The front of the switcher has 40 buttons that you can use to control the preview and program outs with straight cuts or an auto take on your default transition. Now that I got that important detail out of the way, let me now say that I am glad that didn’t stop me from reviewing this product because there is a lot more under the hood with the Constellation 8K than just being an 8K upgrade on an existing model, and it’s good for me to start to work with products that might form part of my future workflows. The Blackmagic Design ATEM Constellation 8K ATEM Constellation 8K I/Oīefore I get to far into this review, allow me to take a moment to highlight that the Constellation 8K supports 7680x4320/60p inputs and outputs. It’s more likely to be used by newsrooms and larger productions with more complicated video routing needs.įigure 1. The Constellation 8K ( Figure 1, below) isn’t targeted at small live event producers like myself. You definitely can purchase an ATEM hardware control panel, but the combined cost and size is overkill for my needs. When I was given the opportunity to review the ATEM Constellation 8K in my workflows, I was initially hesitant because I don’t currently have any 8K video cameras, and this switcher doesn’t have a dedicated control panel. Hardware switchers are still required on my productions when I need low latency for a projector IMAG and where physicals switcher controls are preferred over software controls. Ultimately, my software-based solutions see more action and are generally used on every production, sometimes paired with a hardware switcher as recorders, streaming encoders, and for advanced compositing and graphics. We also have the ability to produce multiple events on a given day–sometimes running multiple video switchers for the same client in different rooms and other times for different clients at different locations. I have multiple switcher solutions, depending on the requirements of the particular live event that I am producing on a given day. The ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K is now my go-to Blackmagic video switcher as it is an all-in-one switcher and control surface with scalers on each input. Ultimately, the lack of an affordable control surface meant that I gravitated to my hardware switchers more often, instead of feeling limited by using a software control panel only. Over the years, the 1080/60i resolution didn’t match my progressive HD and 4K workflows, and the lack of internal scalers meant I often had to run several external format converters. I loved it for its combination of HDMI, SDI, and XLR inputs with dedicated multiview, program, and several aux outputs. The 1 M/E became a key part of my kit and earned me a lot of money over the years. It has been eight years since I first reviewed and then purchased the Blackmagic ATEM 1 M/E video switcher, which was launched in 2011, along with the ATEM Television Studio.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |