Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Constellation 4K Plus

The switcher has a reference input, and each input features a frame synchronizer, frame rate converter, and format converter, allowing you to mix and match cameras that do not have genlock capabilities. Upstream and downstream keyers and effects are supported in real time. The switcher can be controlled using the integrated front panel, optional Blackmagic ATEM panels, or the downloadable ATEM Software Control Panel.

The switcher features a compact rack mount design with a built-in control panel and a large LCD so you can see program output and change switcher settings via on-screen menus. The compact design is perfect for portable live production, with the rear of the switcher including connections for 12G-SDI inputs, aux outputs, balanced audio, and Ethernet for control. It includes RS-422 for serial control and MADI digital audio connections. Even with all this power, the switcher is extremely quiet with its innovative high-efficiency thermal system.

The switcher features four independent DVEs that let you reposition graphics and up to 4 independent DVEs that let you reposition graphics and create picture-in-picture compositions with impressive results. 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 to add excitement to your programming. You can even combine DVE transitions with custom graphics to create your own graphic wipe transitions.

In addition to the DVEs in the M/E rows, the 4 M/E Plus model includes powerful SuperSource multilayer processors with eight extra DVE layers plus a background layer, all appearing to ATEM Constellation HD as an additional input source. Any switcher video input can be used for each SuperSource DVE; it’s then 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.

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 4 M/E model features four dedicated multiview outputs, and up to 48 outputs are independently routable.

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 HD 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.

The built-in media pool stores broadcast-quality RGBA graphics and animations that can be played back instantly by the four media players. Media players simply appear as additional input sources on the ATEM Constellation HD, 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 4 M/E model can hold 60 stills and 1200 frame animations, with four video clips up to 1080p60. You can easily manage all your media using the included ATEM Software Control or download directly from Photoshop using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in.

For news or virtual set work, this switcher features 16 ATEM advanced keyers for high-quality chroma or luminance keying. The chroma keyer is incredibly powerful and features a color picker to sample background colors for the automatic generation of the key parameters. You get precise controls for edge and flare, and there is even a foreground color corrector so you can match the “look” of the foreground layer to the background layer, making seamless compositions possible. The keyer can also be used for pattern and DVE keying.

With four upstream chroma keyers per M/E row, you get the perfect solution for building virtual sets. With so many ATEM Advanced chroma keyers, you can use a keyer per camera to create a seamless composition of the camera over the custom background. The 4 M/E model has enough keyers to generate a 4-camera virtual set. You can use external image processors for virtual sets, or you can even build a fixed camera virtual set by loading pre-rendered still image backgrounds from the media players and media pool. You can set up macros to change cameras and load the correct background into the media players.

The ATEM Software Control Panel gives you total control over your switcher and is included for free. The ATEM Software Control Panel features a beautifully designed interface with a visual switcher and parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Multiple users can connect to the switcher via Ethernet, and all work on different parts of the event at the same time. The ATEM Software Control also lets you access camera control, audio mixing, media, macro programming, and even control of HyperDeck disk recorders. You can even save the full state of the switcher as XML files, plus all media is backed up from the media pool. You can run the software on macOS or Windows.