Black Magic Design Announces ATEM Mini – Affordable Video Switcher

Posted on Sep 24, 2019

Black Magic Design has announced the ATEM Mini, an affordable live production switcher specifically designed for YouTube live streaming and business presentations via Skype. Setup the ATEM Mini and you can live switch between four high-quality HDMI video camera inputs. You can even connect to a computer to present PowerPoint slides or add a gaming console. This new switcher comes in at a price point which should compete well with Roland and other manufacturers with similar offerings.

ATEM Mini also has a USB output that works like a webcam, so you can connect to any video software for live streaming. There’s also HDMI video out for a projector. ATEM Mini contains a built-in DVE (digital video effects), allowing for picture– in-picture effects. There are video effects as well, and you can select from straight cuts or add transitions such as a dissolve, dip to color or squeeze and push. The DVE processor, also lets you add customizable picture in picture effects from the buttons on the control panel. There is even a still store for up to 20 titles and graphics.

ATEM Mini Features:

• Features miniaturized control panel based design.
• Supports streaming live to all media platforms such as YouTube.
• Works with Skype for multi camera business presentations.
• Supports connecting up to 4 cameras or computers.
• USB output operates as a webcam and supports all video software.
• Wide range of professional video effects included.
• HDMI video output allows direct recording of programs.
• Two stereo audio inputs for connecting desktop or lapel microphones.
• Includes free ATEM Software Control for Mac and Windows.
• Includes full HD DVE for picture in picture effects and DVE transitions.
• Broadcast quality transitions including mix, dip and wipe.
• Internal media for 20 RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos.
• Includes ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for green/blue screen work.
• Operates in cut-bus or professional mix effects switching styles.
• Audio mixer supports limiter, compressor, 6 band EQ and more!
• Automatically standards converts and re-syncs all HDMI inputs.
• Built in Ethernet control and SDK allows customer developer solutions.
• Compatible with all professional ATEM hardware control panels.

ATEM Mini features a compact control panel based design with all video, audio and control connections on the rear panel. The front panel includes buttons for selecting sources, adjusting audio inputs, as well as selecting video effects and transitions. The rear panel includes HDMI inputs for connecting cameras or computers, plus additional microphone inputs. The ATEM Mini program is output via an HDMI video out as well as a USB for webcam output. The front panel buttons are large and easy to use by feel, so it’s even possible to use the switcher while presenting. Customers also get audio mixer buttons for live audio mixing.

Simply press any of the input buttons labeled  1 to 4 on the front panel to change or cut between video sources. Customers can choose between cut transitions or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons on the panel. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM Mini to use a selected video effect when switching between inputs. Customers can select from transitions such as a commonly used dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. The DVE is perfect for picture-in-picture effects and customers can instantly set up different picture positions from the buttons on the control panel. There is even a still store for titles and graphics accessible via external software control.

With four independent HDMI inputs, customers can connect up to four high-quality  consumer video cameras. All connected sources will re-sync to the switcher if they operate at different video standards, which means all inputs just work and customers can handle unknown equipment if customers are visiting new venues or locations. Imagine using the low light capability of professional cameras for theater production and music videos.

To ensure the maximum compatibility possible, ATEM Mini features a USB connection that operates as a simple webcam source. That means customers can plug in and instantly get working with any video software. The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM Mini is a common webcam, but it’s really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with all software in full resolution 1080HD quality. Choose any software customers like, such as Open Broadcaster for live streaming, or Skype for point to point presentations. ATEM Mini works with software and platforms such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Twitch TV, Periscope, Livestream, Wirecast and more.

The HDMI program output is for connecting ATEM Mini into an external recorder or monitor. ATEM Mini supports recorders such as the HyperDeck Studio Mini and Blackmagic Video Assist. Customers get a quality output with switcher program video, plus live audio from the internal audio mixer. The HDMI output can even be connected to video projectors in large venues. If customers connect the ATEM Software Panel customers can even change the HDMI output direct from any of the video inputs. There’s also a low latency setting allowing output of connected gaming consoles on the HDMI output. If customers enable broadcast style  mix effects switching, the HDMI output can be used to preview sources before a transition.

With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, customers can connect desktop and lapel microphones. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, customers can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM Mini include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer.

The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of the ATEM Mini as customers get total control over the switcher features, plus the software is included free for Mac and Windows. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although customers can normally connect via USB, if customers connect using Ethernet it’s possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. Customers can even save the switcher state as XML files. If customers need clip playback, customers can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.

Black Magic Design’s ATEM Mini will be available in November for only US$295.

Black Magic Design