Blackmagic Design has unveiled the ATEM Television Studio 4K8, a professional live production switcher designed to handle Ultra HD standards up to 2160p60. The device combines robust broadcast features with portability, making it suitable for high-end work in small venues.
Key Features and Capabilities
The ATEM Television Studio 4K8 boasts eight standards-converted 12G-SDI inputs, ten 12G-SDI auxiliary outputs for external recorders, and a four-port 10G Ethernet switch. It supports live streaming, talkback functionality, and optional internal network storage. The device also includes a joystick for precise DVE (Digital Video Effects) control.
Available in July for $4,595, the ATEM Television Studio 4K8 integrates a powerful switcher with a broadcast control panel. This design allows it to be used in environments where equipment racks or broadcast vans are not feasible. The unit includes four chroma keyers, two downstream keyers, SuperSource, two media players, and various transitions.
Video Inputs and Outputs
The switcher supports up to eight SDI video inputs, enabling the connection of multiple cameras for diverse views. All video sources automatically re-sync to the switcher’s standard, simplifying setup on location. The device offers nine 3G-SDI program outputs and ten 12G-SDI auxiliary outputs, facilitating separate program return feeds to cameras and dedicated aux outputs for stage monitors and recorders.
Customers can choose from a variety of transitions, including dissolves, dips to color, DVE squeeze, and DVE push effects. The media players store graphics with alpha channels, allowing them to be used as live video inputs. The built-in Fairlight audio mixer supports complex live sound mixing with features like 6-band parametric EQ, compressor, limiter, expander, noise gate, level control, and pan control.
Advanced Video Effects
The ATEM Television Studio 4K8 includes a multiview feature that allows users to monitor all video inputs, preview, and program on a single SDI or HDMI monitor. It also features built-in hardware streaming capabilities for live streaming to global audiences via Ethernet or mobile data.
With the inclusion of the ATEM Software Control app, users can access advanced features such as visual switcher user interfaces, parameter palettes for adjustments, and macro management. The device supports recording to external USB flash disks or optional internal network storage in H.264 format with AAC audio.
Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, stated, “Customers have been very happy with the ATEM Television Studio HD range, but we’ve also been working on a 4K model. The ATEM Television Studio 4K8 is exciting as it has ten independent 12G-SDI outputs which can be used for external recording. That’s great for when customers want a high quality solution for multi-cam editing as all outputs are in sync and have matching timecode with full audio mapping.”