With just two months to go to NAB, Blackmagic has launched a host of broadcast and streaming-based tools to stream live video, chiefly in a mobile configuration.
The tools include a redesigned Blackmagic ATEM Studio Pro console and a new 6K Blackmagic Studio Camera Pro. Let’s take a closer look.
Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
The next-generation ATEM Television Studio HD8 is designed to be an all-in-one turnkey solution for streaming on location. Conceived for use in compact and cramped broadcast spaces, the ATEM Television Studio is no longer intended to be installed into a broadcast rack but instead laid out for easy use on a desk.
Blackmagic has even included a template for those who wish to cut a hole and drop the switcher lower into the desktop for a more flush fit.
“The old model of the ATEM TV Studio had both rack-mounted and panel-based models in the family, and that was just confusing,” said Blackmagic CEO Grant Petty.
“We designed to fit them in a rack shelf, but nobody used them that way. So we decided it was time to update the design.”
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic has created a self-contained broadcast panel that is both high-end and portable. It can be used in a cramped space of a broadcast van, or tight spaces of a basement nightclub.
The panel is built from carbon-reinforced polycarbonate to keep the unit lightweight, with a layout that can be navigated purely by feel, so the operator can keep their eyes on the action.
The panel is designed to be plug-and-play, with support for up to eight camera and video inputs, with preview and live program screens. Running on ATEM software control from a dedicated computer, the panel is configurable to multiple multiview layouts based on production needs.
Buttons are laid out in typical ATEM style, with some additional new functions. The buttons can also be remapped according to specifications and preferences.
There’s a preview bus row that selects and displays shots in the preview window, plus a transitions section for cutting and mixing between cameras.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
And there’s the popular t-bar for smoothly engaging the transition manually, streaming status display buttons, a timecode generator, recording to an optional M2 flash memory that is sharable to the cloud and on the network, and an LCD screen that describes what’s being used at the moment for reference.
Other features include graphics titlers and an advanced chromakey function, and a dedicated fade-to-black button with protective guards to prevent accidental pressing.
In the rear, connections include both AC and XLR power, with eight 3G-SDI in and out connections and support of up to 32 audio channels via MADI.
There are also two USB C ports for external recording or webcam access, talkback and tally, ethernet, and audio mapping for various audio channels.
Two aux outputs can also be used to clean feed to hyper decks for video walls, titles, and more. There’s also an HDMI Multiview, as well as balanced control and studio outputs and RCA inputs for connecting hi-fi music audio and XLR Audio and talkback connections.
Lastly, there is an ISO model for performing ISO recording and creating Davinci Resolve project files for a dedicated post-production workflow.
Pricing and availability
The retail price of the Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8 is extremely affordable at $2,995, and it is available now. Blackmagic is also offering a limited-time deal for those purchasing the ATEM Television Studio HD8 ISO, and it includes a 2TB M2 flash storage preinstalled for $3,995.
Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Looking at the Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro, the company has updated the compact studio camera design for higher resolution and performance. Affectionately described as an iPad with a lens assembly built-in, the Studio Camera Pro has been an affordable way for capturing broadcast-quality content.
Designed to have the same features as a studio camera that costs nearly ten times as much, the Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro offers recording of 6K Blackmagic RAW files at up to 30 frames per second, with a super bright LCD screen with folding barn doors, and a broadcast tally light to let talent know what camera it active.
There are both HDMI and SDI connections, and a 10G Ethernet connection for IPTV functions.
On the opposite side comes XLR microphone connections to supplement the built-in microphone that Petty says is pretty good for up-close sound. The camera uses full RGB color thanks to the larger 6K image sensor, an EF lens mount, and built-in ND filters that are electronically controlled for remote access directly from the ATEM TV switcher.
The camera also comes with a built-in mobile phone connection, which enables connection to the internet and the Cloud through a mobile device when a network connection isn’t available.
The camera can also have all the settings imported into it from the switcher through a downloadable XML file, which can be plugged in and automatically connected the camera to the switcher online once a secure connection is established. Once enabled, it’s simply a matter of turning on the stream and the signal goes live over the mobile phone network.
Pricing and availability
The retail price of the new Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro is $2,495 and it’s available now. Blackmagic has also updated the micro four-thirds Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 with a retail price of $1,865 and offers an updated user interface and live streaming support.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
BMD has also announced a new analog microphone converter that is designed to take full advantage of the MADI connector in the Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8.
Dubbed the ATEM Microphone converter, it has up to four XLR connectors, a pair of 3G-SDI connectors, and an HDMI connector. The retail price of the ATEM Microphone converter is $395.
Meanwhile, Blackmagic has also updated the Camera OS to version 8.0 with improvements to focusing and zoom commands, and support for Blackmagic RAW. Version 8, along with ATEM Switchers version 9.0 are available as a free download from the Blackmagic Design Support website.
[source: Blackmagic Design]
Order Links:
- Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8 (B&H)
- Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8 ISO (B&H)
- Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro (B&H)
- Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 (B&H)
- Blackmagic ATEM Microphone Converter (B&H)
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