Blackmagic Design has released its ATEM Television Studio HD8, a new family of all-in-one live production switchers that combine broadcast features with extreme portability. These new switchers feature broadcast-grade control panels with advanced features like streaming and recording. There is also an ISO model that can record all video inputs and can connect to up to eight remote cameras. These new switchers also support live streaming, talkback and optional internal storage.

The new ATEM Television Studio HD is a professional live production switcher built into a broadcast control panel so it can be used for high-end work—and is also portable. This means customers can use it in small venues that don’t have the access for equipment racks or broadcast vans. Customers get a switcher with eight standards converted SDI inputs, two aux outputs, four chroma keyers, two downstream keyers, SuperSource, two media players, and lots of transitions. Plus, it includes a whole television studio of features such as hardware streaming, recording, audio mixer, talkback, multiview, and optional internal cloud storage—there’s even an ISO model that records all 8 inputs for editing.

While ATEM Television Studio HD is a compact design, it still includes very powerful broadcast features, according to the company. Customers get an advanced broadcast grade switcher, with built in ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, Fairlight audio mixer, DVE, still store for graphics, and more. Most of the features can be operated from the front panel, or customers can use the free ATEM Software Control on Mac or Windows to access even more features. With a little fun experimentation it’s possible for anyone to create high end broadcast quality live television, says Blackmagic Design.

“These new ATEM Television Studio HD8 switchers are amazing as they pack so many features into an extremely portable design,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “However we also wanted them to be high end broadcast grade switchers so customers don’t have to compromise. We have achieved this as they feature full broadcast control panels, innovative audio mixing, plus streaming and recording all built in. It’s very exciting!” 

One of the benefits of ATEM Television Studio is the range of professional built-in video effects. The t-bar fader can be used to transition video effects, or customers can do the transition automatically by pressing the auto button. There is a wide range of SMPTE wipes included, plus fun DVE effects that slide or squeeze the image off screen when transitioning between video sources.

The ATEM Television Studio HD ISO model allows customers to edit their live event, as it can record all inputs to separate video files. Customers get eight separate video input files with matching timecode and sync—plus the program video is also recorded into a separate master video file. This means customers can edit using any NLE software that supports multi-cam editing. A DaVinci Resolve Project file is saved and linked to the input video files, so their live switching is converted into an edit timeline that customers simply click to open.

With support for DaVinci Resolve project files in the ISO model, customers get a full post production workflow with editing, color correction, visual effects and audio mixing. Simply open the project and users will see their live production as an edit timeline. Customers can even relink to Blackmagic RAW camera files if customers want to finish in Ultra HD.

The ATEM Television Studio HD ISO model is that it can connect to remote cameras. The Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2, Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 and Blackmagic Studio Camera 6K Pro cameras can live stream in H.264 direct to the switcher. Plus customers even get camera control and tally. Program audio is also sent back to the camera, which the company says is ideal for live interviews.

ATEM Television Studio HD8 is available now from $2,995, excluding local duties and taxes, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.