Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8

Features

The ATEM Television Studio HD8 from Blackmagic Design is a compact professional live production switcher with an integrated broadcast control panel. The switcher combines live switching, streaming, audio mixing, and monitoring in one portable system.

• 8x 3G-SDI inputs with standards conversion

• 4 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers

• 2 downstream keyers

• SuperSource multilayer processor

• 2 media players

• 2 aux outputs

• Built-in hardware streaming engine

• 58-channel audio mixer

• Talkback and tally support

• 16-way multiview

• Recording to USB storage

• Support for RTMP streaming

• Compact broadcast control panel with T-bar controls

Operation

The ATEM Television Studio HD8 processes live video sources via 3G-SDI and automatically synchronizes all connected signals, even when different HD formats are used. Each input features its own standards converter, allowing sources in 720p or 1080i/p to be automatically adjusted to the video standard of the switcher.

The built-in hardware encoder enables direct livestreaming to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch via Ethernet or mobile data via a connected smartphone.

With the integrated multiview, all inputs, preview, and program output can be viewed simultaneously on a single monitor. Additionally, the switcher supports tally, talkback, and camera control for compatible Blackmagic cameras.

Recordings can be stored locally or shared within a network via USB or external storage for further post-production.

Application

The ATEM Television Studio HD8 is suitable for:

• Livestreams and online productions

• News and presentation productions

• Conferences and events

• Church services and educational productions

• Studio and multi-camera workflows

• Green screen productions

• Interviews and panel shows

Due to the combination of switching, streaming, and recording functionality, the system is suitable for both mobile and fixed broadcast setups.

Limits

• No ISO capture of individual inputs

• Works at a maximum of 1080p60, no Ultra HD switching

• No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

• No internal storage possible

• Limited to 8 SDI video inputs

• No built-in NDI support

Key features

Chroma key and graphics

With 4 ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, the switcher supports professional green screen workflows. The keyers include features such as color sampling, edge control, flare reduction, and foreground color correction.

SuperSource

The integrated SuperSource processor adds 4 extra DVE layers and a background layer as a single composite source. This is ideal for picture-in-picture layouts, interviews, and graphic compositions.

Multiview monitoring

The 16-way multiview displays inputs, preview, program, audiometers, and tally indicators on a single HDMI or SDI monitor. The layout can be fully customized.

Streaming

The hardware streaming engine supports live streaming in H.264 up to 1080p60 via RTMP and TCP/IP without additional encoder hardware.

Recording and storage

The switcher supports recording to external USB drives in H.264 with AAC audio or network storage. With append record, recordings can be continued in the same file.