Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD User Manual Operating your ATEM Switcher
Internal Video Sources
In addition to the SDI inputs, the switcher also has 8 internal sources that can be used in a production. The internal source names are represented on the software control panel using both long and short names. On the ATEM switcher, a long name is used to represent the internal sources and the labels represent what the sources are, so they are easy to understand.
Black
Internally generated black is available as a source and can be used as a black matte in the production.
Color Bars
Internally generated color bars are available as a source. Color bars can be useful for verifying signals going out of the switcher and can also be useful when setting up a chroma key with a vectorscope monitor.
Color Generators
ATEM switchers have two color sources that can be customized to generate any color matte for use in the production. Color sources can be used to add color borders for wipe transitions or as dip through colors for a dip transition such as dip through white.
To adjust a color source on the software control panel, simply go to the color palette and click the color chip and the color picker will appear and you can select colors. On the ATEM switcher, select color on the system control and adjust hue, saturation and luminance.
It’s important to know that the deepest colors are set at 50% luminance.
ATEM switchers have two color sources that can be customized to generate any color matte for use in the production
Media Players
Each source has a fill and key (cut) output. Media player fill sources are called media player 1 or 2. Media player key sources are called media player 1 key, media player 2 key, etc.
The media player sources are used to play stills and clips from the media pool. The fill sources show the color channels of the selected clip or still while the key sources show the black and white alpha channel of the selected clip or still. Media players can be used in many parts of the production.
To control media players on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
From the system control menu buttons, navigate to the media player menu by pressing the ‘media players’ button.
Select the media player you want to control from the soft buttons above the LCD.
Use the control knob to select the clip or still from the media pool.
If you have selected a motion clip, press the right arrow button. The play/stop, loop, step back and frame controls will be enabled for controlling the clip.
To control media players on the software control panel:
From the switcher window, select the media player palette.
Use the select media drop down list to select a clip or still from the media pool.
If you have selected a motion clip, the begin, step back, play/pause, step forward and loop transport controls will be enabled for controlling the clip. If you want to loop a clip, then select the loop button and press play. The media player will keep looping until selected to stop.
Media players showing a clip loaded into each on ATEM software control
All Transition Types
One of the primary functions of a broadcast switcher is performing transitions from one video source to another. The combinations of transition effects and styles provide endless creative options that can enhance your production in just the right way for the right moment.
You can perform transitions using the ATEM switcher hardware or ATEM Software Control. This section shows you how to perform the various transitions available on your switcher.
Cut Transitions
The cut is the most basic transition that can be performed on the switcher. In a cut transition the program output is immediately changed from one source to another.
A cut transition can be performed directly from the program bus, or using the CUT button in the transition control block.
Program Bus
When a cut transition is performed from the program bus, only the background will be changed and all upstream and downstream keys will maintain their current state.
To perform a cut transition from the program bus on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the program bus, select the video source that you want on the program output. The program output will immediately change to the new source.
Press any of the source buttons on the program row to perform a cut transition from the program bus
To perform a cut transition from the program bus on the software control panel:
On the program bus, select the video source that you want on the program output next. The program output will immediately change to the new source.
To perform a cut transition on the software control panel using a keyboard:
Enable <caps lock> or press and hold the <shift> key.
Press the number key on the keyboard corresponding to the video source that you want on the program output. The program output will immediately change to the new source.
CUT Button
When a cut transition is performed using the CUT button, any upstream keys that were selected in the next transition and any downstream keys that were tied to the transition control will also change state. For example, a downstream key tied to the transition control will cut ON if off air, or cut OFF if on air. Similarly, any upstream keys selected in the next transition will be cut on if they were off air, or cut off if they were on air.
To perform a cut transition using the CUT button on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output. The program output will remain unchanged.
In the transition control block, press the CUT button. The sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa. It’s recommended to use the transition control block to perform transitions because it provides the opportunity to verify the video content on the preview output before sending it to the program output, for example to verify that a camera is in focus.
To perform a cut transition using the CUT button on the software control panel:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output. The program output will remain unchanged.
In the transition control block, press the CUT button. The sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa.
The Cut transition button is part of the Transitions Style group
To perform a cut transition on the software control panel using a keyboard:
Ensure that <caps lock> is off.
Press the number key on the keyboard corresponding to the video source that you want on the program output. The source will be selected on preview and the program output will remain unchanged.
Press <spacebar>. The sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa.
Auto Transitions
An auto transition allows you to automatically transition between program and preview sources at a predetermined rate. Any upstream keys that were selected in the next transition and any downstream keys that were tied to the transition control will also change state. Auto transitions are performed using the auto button in the transition control block. Mix, dip, wipe, DVE and stinger transitions can all be performed as an AUTO transition.
To perform an auto transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the transition type using the transition type buttons in the transition control block.
In the system control, set the transition rate and adjust any other parameter for the transition as needed.
Press the AUTO button in the transition control block to initiate the transition.
Transition types, for example dip, mix and wipe, have their own independent selection button
During the transition, the red and green buttons on the program and preview buses both turn red to indicate that you are in the middle of a transition. The fader bar indicator displays the position and progress of the transition and the transition rate display updates to indicate the number of frames remaining as the transition progresses.
At the end of the transition, sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa.
Each transition type has its own independent transition rate allowing the operator to perform faster transitions by simply selecting the transition type and pressing the AUTO button. The previously used transition rate is remembered for that transition type until it is changed.
A production switcher provides multiple methods of transitioning from one shot to another. Generally, you use a simple cut transition to move from one background source to another. Mix, dip, wipe and DVE transitions allow you to transition between two background sources by gradually phasing out one and phasing in another. Stinger and Graphic Wipe are special transitions which will be covered in a later section. Mix, dip, wipe and DVE transitions are performed as an auto transition or manual transition using the transition control block.
The Auto transition button is part of the Transitions Style group
To perform an auto transition on the software control panel:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the transition type using the transition style buttons in the transition control block.
In the transition palette, select the settings tab for the same transition type as the transition control block.
Set the transition rate and adjust any other parameter for the transition as needed.
Press the AUTO button in the transition control block to initiate the transition.
During the transition, the red and green buttons on the program and preview buses both turn red to indicate that you are in the middle of a transition. The virtual fader bar automatically follows the progress of the transition and the rate display updates to indicate the number of frames remaining as the transition progresses.
At the end of the transition, sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa.
To perform an auto transition on the software control panel using a keyboard:
Ensure that <caps lock> is off.
Press the number key on the keyboard corresponding to the video source that you want on the program output. The source will be selected on preview and the program output will remain unchanged.
Select the transition type using the transition style buttons in the transition control block.
In the transition palette, select the settings tab for the same transition type as the transition control block.
Set the transition rate and adjust any other parameter for the transition as needed.
Press the <return> or <enter> key to initiate the transition.
During the transition, the red and green buttons on the program and preview buses both turn red to indicate that you are in the middle of a transition. The virtual fader bar automatically follows the progress of the transition and the rate display updates to indicate the number of frames remaining as the transition progresses.
At the end of the transition, sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa.
Mix Transitions
A mix is a gradual transition from one source to another and is achieved by interpolating gradually between two sources, effectively overlapping the sources for the duration of the effect. The length of the transition or length of the overlap can be adjusted by changing the mix rate.
Program output for a mix transition.
To perform a mix transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Press the DIP/MIX or MIX button to select the mix transition type. The system control automatically navigates to the transition menu.
Using the LCD panel, use the soft control knob to adjust the mix rate. The transition rate display in the switcher’s transition control block will update dynamically. You can also enter a rate duration using the number pad.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block. f
To perform a mix transition on the software control panel:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the mix transition style in the transition control block.
Expand the transition palette and select mix from the transition types bar.
Adjust the mix rate by entering a number in the rate window. The rate display in the transition control block will update.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
Mix Transition Parameters
Rate The mix transition rate in seconds : frames.
Dip Transitions
A DIP is similar to a mix in that it is a gradual transition that transitions from one source to another. However, a dip transition gradually mixes through a third source, the dip source. For example, the dip transition can be used for a transition that calls for a white flash or a transition that quickly flashes the sponsor logo. The length of the dip transition and the dip source can both be customized.
To perform a dip transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Press the DIP button to select the dip transition type. The LCD menu will automatically display the transition settings.
Under the LCD use the control knob to adjust the dip rate. You can also enter a rate duration using the number pad.
Use the corresponding control knob to select the dip source. You can also use the select bus to select a dip source.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
To perform a dip transition on the software control panel:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the DIP transition style in the transition control block.
Expand the transition palette and select dip from the transition types bar.
Adjust the dip rate by entering a number in the rate window. The rate display in the transition control block will update.
Select the dip source.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
Dip Source Menu
Dip Transition Parameters
Rate | The dip transition rate in seconds and frames. |
Dip Source | The dip source is any video signal in the switcher that will be used as the intermediate picture for the dip transition, usually a color generator or media player. |
Wipe Transitions
A wipe is a transition from one source to another and is achieved by replacing the current source by another source with a pattern that forms a shape. For example an expanding circle or diamond.
Program output for a wipe transition.
To perform a wipe transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Press the WIPE button to select the wipe transition type. The LCD menu will automatically display the transition settings.
Use the system control knob to select the wipe pattern and rate. The buttons can be used to select the wipe direction.
Use the arrow buttons to the left of the LCD button to navigate all the available wipe properties including position, symmetry and border source.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
Wipe Transition Settings
To perform a wipe transition on the software control panel:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the WIPE transition style in the transition control block.
Expand the transition palette and select wipe from the transition types bar.
Use the settings in the wipe palette to customize the wipe transition.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
Wipe Transition Parameters
Rate | The length of the wipe transition in seconds and frames. |
Symmetry | Symmetry can be used to control the aspect ratio of the pattern. For example, adjusting the symmetry will allow you to change a circle into an ellipse. On the ATEM switcher symmetry can be adjusted using the control knob. |
Position | If the wipe pattern has positioning then the control knobs on the switcher or the x position: and y position: boxes in the transition palette of the software control panel can be used to move the center of the pattern. |
Reverse Direction | Reverse changes the progression of closed patterns such as circles, diamonds and boxes so that the pattern closes in from the edges of the screen toward the center. The text will illuminate orange when selected. |
Flip Flop | When flip flop mode is toggled on, the transition changes between normal to reverse every time the transition is executed. The text will illuminate orange when selected. |
Border Softness | The edges of the wipe pattern can be adjusted between sharp and fuzzy by adjusting the softness parameter. |
Border | Width of the border. |
Border Fill Source | The border source used in a wipe transition can be any source in the switcher. For example, a thick border with the media player as its source can be used for sponsorship or branding. |
Stinger Transitions
The stinger transition uses a clip from the media player to perform a transition. The clip is normally a graphic animation that is keyed over the background. As the animation plays, when it is full screen, a cut or mix of the background is performed under the animation. For example, this type of transition is very popular in sports productions for transitioning in and out of instant replays. The stinger transition takes advantage of a special keyer that is built into the transition block, leaving all of the upstream and downstream keyers available for compositing your output. The following section explains how to build and perform stinger transitions.
Performing a Stinger Transition
To perform a stinger transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
Press the ‘sting’ transition type button in transition control block.
Rotate the LCD menu soft control knob labeled ‘source’ to select the desired media player. Use the arrow buttons to reveal the additional settings to adjust the preroll, trigger, mix and duration times as needed.
Now that you have set the stinger transition to use the correct media player, press the ‘media players’ button in the system control menu buttons next to the LCD to configure the media player.
In the media players menu, select the still or clip you want to use from the media pool by rotating the ‘media’ soft control knob. If required, set which frame you want to start the clip from using the corresponding ‘frame’ soft control knob.
Perform the transition as an auto transition from the transition control block.
Stinger Transition Settings
To perform a stinger transition on the software control panel:
Select the STING transition style button in the transition control block.
From the source menu select the media player for the transition. Make sure the media player source has the clip you plan to use.
Adjust the clip duration, trigger point, mix rate and pre roll parameters if required.
Perform the transition as an auto transition from the transition control block.
You cannot perform a manual stinger transition using the fader bar.
Stinger Transition Parameters
Source | The media player which will be used to play the clip for the animated transition. |
Clip Duration | Clip duration refers to the length of the animation. The duration should normally match the length of the animation. It can also be used to trim out the end of the clip. |
Trigger Point | Trigger point is the time at which the switcher will start the background mix transition, which will occur under the animation. Usually, this is the point when the animation is full screen. |
Mix Rate | The mix rate specifies the duration of the mix that will occur between preview and program under the animation. To specify a cut instead of a mix simply set the rate to 1 frame. |
Pre Roll | Pre roll is a trim in that can be used to trim the beginning of the clip. The maximum preroll time is 3:00 seconds. |
Pre Multiplied Key | Identifies the key signal of the media player clip as a pre-multiplied key. |
Clip | The clip level adjusts the threshold at which the key cuts its hole into the clip that is playing back through the media player. Decreasing the clip level reveals more of the background. If the background video is completely black then the clip value is too low. |
Gain | The gain adjustment electronically modifies the value which allows the softening of the edges of the key in the clip that is playing back on the media player. Adjust the gain value until the edge softness is desirable but the background video luminance (brightness) is not affected. |
Invert Key | Inverts the key. |
It is important to understand that the trigger, mix and duration times are dependent on one another. For example the trigger + mix rate cannot be larger than the overall duration. Note also that the time displayed in the transition rate window is equal to the overall duration + preroll.
DVE Transitions
Your switcher includes a powerful digital video effects processor for DVE transitions. A DVE transition displaces the image in various ways to transition from one picture to another. For example, a DVE transition can be used to squeeze the current picture off screen revealing a new video under it.
To perform a DVE transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Press the DVE transition type button to select the DVE transition. The DVE settings will appear on the LCD menu.
📘NOTE If the DVE is already being used in an upstream key, the DVE transition type will not be available for selection until the key is taken off air and off next transition. Refer to ‘sharing DVE resources’ later in this section for more information.
In the DVE LCD menu, use the soft control knobs and buttons to configure the DVE parameters. For example, select the DVE pattern, movement, direction and adjust the DVE transition rate. Use the ‘left’ and ‘right’ arrow buttons to the side of the LCD to navigate to the additional settings.
Perform the transition as an auto or manual transition using the auto button or fader bar.
DVE Transition Settings
To perform a DVE transition on the software control panel:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the DVE transition style in the transition control block.
Expand the transition palette and select DVE from the transition types bar. If the DVE is being used in an upstream key, the DVE transition style button will be unavailable for selection until the key is taken off air and off next transition. Refer to sharing DVE resources below for more information. Use the settings in the DVE palette to customize the transition.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
DVE Transition Parameters
Pattern | Select between push and squeeze for the DVE pattern |
Movement | Movement lets you set the direction for the pattern transition. |
DVE Rate | The duration of the DVE transition in seconds and frames. On ATEM Television Studio HD8 rotate the DVE rate knob to adjust the DVE transition rate. The new rate is immediately displayed in the transition rate window in the transition control block. |
Direction | The normal direction applies the DVE effect on program, revealing the preview channel. |
Reverse Direction | Reverse changes the direction so that the DVE effect is applied on the preview channel. In the case of reverse, program is covered by a DVE effect with the preview video. |
Flip Flop | When flip flop mode is toggled on, the transition changes between normal and reverse every time the transition is executed. |
DVE key parameters
Enable key | Enables/disables the DVE key. The DVE key is enabled when the button is illuminated. |
PreMult | Selects the DVE key as a pre-multiplied key. |
Clip | The clip level adjusts the threshold at which the key cuts its hole. Decreasing the clip level reveals more of the background. If the background video is completely black then the clip value is too low. |
Gain | The gain adjustment electronically modifies the angle between on and off thereby softening the edges of the key. Adjust the gain value until the edge softness is desirable but the background video luminance (brightness) is not affected. |
Inverse | When the key is not pre-multiplied, inverts the key signal. |
Sharing DVE resources
ATEM features DVE channels which can be used to perform DVE transitions or used in an upstream keyer. When you select a DVE transition, if the DVE is used elsewhere in the system, the DVE transition type will not be available and, on the switcher the DVE button will be disabled. In order to use the DVE transition you must free the DVE from where it is currently used. Verify that the upstream keys currently on program or preview are not DVE keys and do not have flying key enabled. To free DVE from the upstream keyer, change the key type to anything other than DVE or disable flying key. The DVE will be released and therefore available for use as a DVE transition.
The graphic transition is a popular transition that uses the DVE and moves a graphic across the screen over a background transition. For example, the graphic wipe moves a graphic over a horizontal wipe, essentially replacing the wipe border. A graphic mix spins the graphic across the screen over a mix transition. Graphic transitions are perfect for wiping the station logo or spinning a football across the screen revealing a new background. Graphic transitions use a special keyer built into the transition block, leaving all of the upstream and downstream keyers available for compositing the output. The following section explains how to build and perform graphic transitions.
The above image sequence provides an example of the program output for a graphic wipe transition.
Performing a Graphic Transition
To perform a graphic transition on ATEM Television Studio HD8:
Press the DVE transition type button in the transition control block. The DVE settings menu will appear on the LCD. If the DVE is already being used in an upstream key, the DVE transition type will not be available for selection until the key is taken off air and off next transition. Refer to ‘sharing DVE resources’ in this section for more information.
Press the ‘effect’ soft button in the LCD menu to open the effect settings. The default direction is left to right, but you can change the direction by selecting ‘reverse direction’. You can also enable ‘flip flop’ which will let the effect move forwards and backwards with each performance of the transition, rather than repeating the same movement direction.
Press the right arrow in the system control buttons to adjust the key settings. Enable the key and select the fill and key source. If you need to make adjustments to the key, for example adjusting clip and gain settings, press the right arrow in the system control buttons to access the key parameters.
📘TIP Typically, for a graphic transition, the source would normally be a graphic loaded in a media player. By default, when you select a media player for the fill source, the key source will automatically select the media player key channel and set pre multiplied key to ‘on’. This means a graphic with a key matte embedded in the alpha channel will automatically be selected by the switcher. You can disable pre multiplied key and change the key source if you want to use a separate media file on a different media player, or a different input source.
Press the auto button to perform the transition as an auto transition, or use the fader bar for a manual transition.
To perform a graphic transition on the software control panel:
Select the DVE transition style button in the transition control block. If the DVE is being used in an upstream key, the DVE transition style button will be unavailable for selection until the key is taken off air and off next transition. Refer to sharing DVE resources in the next section for more information.
Expand the transition palette and select the DVE transition type. Use the previous or next arrows to select a different DVE type.
From the effects options select the graphic wipe transition.
Select the fill source and key source for the graphic from the drop down list.
Adjust the key parameters if required.
Perform the transition as an auto transition or manual transition from the transition control block.
Description of Graphic Wipe Parameters
Rate | Rate specifies the length of the transition in seconds and frames. The rate can be adjusted using the rate knob or by entering a number on the number pad and pressing the enter button. |
Normal | The normal direction moves the graphic from left to right. On the switcher system control, normal is indicated by a white ‘reverse direction’ setting. |
Reverse Direction | Reverse changes the direction so that it moves the graphic from right to left. On the ATEM switcher, reverse direction will be orange to indicate it is enabled. |
Flip Flop | When flip flop mode is toggled on, the transition changes between normal and reverse every time the transition is executed. The ‘Normal’ or ‘Reverse’ light indicates the direction of the next transition. |
Fill Source | The fill signal is the graphic used to move across the top of the transition. |
Key Source | The key signal is a grayscale image that defines the region in the graphic that will be removed so that the fill signal can be correctly stacked on top of the wipe. |
Graphic wipe images
The graphic wipe feature requires a static graphic that is used as a moving border for a horizontal wipe. This graphic should be a vertical ‘banner’ type graphic that is no more than 25% of the total screen width.
Graphic Wipe Screen Width Requirements
1080i | If the switcher is operating at 1080i then the graphic should be no wider than 480 pixels. |
720p | If the switcher is operating at 720p than the graphic should be no wider than 320 pixels. |
Manual Transitions
Manual transitions let you manually transition between program and preview sources using the fader bar in the transition control block. Mix, dip, wipe and DVE transitions can all be performed as a manual transition.
To perform a manual transition on the software control panel or ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the transition type using the transition type buttons in the transition control block.
Manually move the fader bar from one end to the other to execute the transition. The next fader bar move will begin a new transition.
During the transition the red and green buttons on the program and preview buses both turn red to indicate that you are in the middle of a transition. On the switcher, the fader bar indicator also displays the position and progress of the transition. On the software control panel, the virtual fader bar displays the position and progress of the transition.
At the end of the transition sources selected on the program and preview buses are exchanged to indicate that the video source that was on preview is now on program and vice versa.
Preview Transition
ATEM switchers have a powerful feature which allows you to review and adjust a transition on the preview output. The preview transition mode lets you verify a transition before actually performing it on air.
To preview a transition on the software control panel or ATEM Television Studio HD8:
On the preview bus, select the video source that you want on the program output.
Select the transition type using the transition type buttons in the transition control block.
Press the PREV TRANS button to put the switcher into preview transition mode. The PREV TRANS button will illuminate red and the preview output will change so that it is a copy of the program output.
Manually move the fader bar from one end to the other to preview the transition on the preview output. The program output will remain unchanged.
Press the PREV TRANS button to turn off preview transition mode.
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