Getting Started; Introducing Atem; What Is An M/E Switcher - Blackmagicdesign ATEM Television Studio Installation And Operation Manual

Getting Started

5

Introducing ATEM

The ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher is a professional broadcast grade digital production switcher capable
of switching and creatively processing a variety of video sources in live video production and broadcast
environments. The switcher uses a familiar M/E (Mix Effects) based design with software and hardware
control options that provides a familiar, fast and easy to use workflow!
An ATEM production switcher only requires an ATEM production switcher chassis and the included software
control panel to get started. Then you can optionally add one or more hardware control panels if you need
a more advanced solution.
Multiple control panels can be connected to control the same switcher chassis by simple ethernet
connections. The ATEM software control panel can be installed on as many computers as you like at no
extra cost.

What is an M/E Switcher?

If you have used low cost switchers before, then these might not have used the mix effects style of operation
that's commonly called an M/E style of operation. If you have used an M/E style switcher, then you might
want to skip ahead to install and get working with your new ATEM switcher!
When you're starting out with a switcher for the first time, the ATEM can look a little intimidating with all its
buttons and knobs, however it's all very logically laid out so it's very simple to use!
ATEM is a true high-end broadcast switcher that operates using the M/E workflow standards used in the
broadcast industry. This means once you get familiar with how it works, you will feel instantly at home on
virtually any switcher used in broadcast today.
The M/E style of operation has been developed over decades to help eliminate errors when switching live
events and is a broadcast standard. It's extremely easy to see what's going on at any time so you don't get
confused and make mistakes. The M/E style of operation lets you check the sources you are about to switch
on air, as well as try effects before using them on air. You can see buttons for each keyer and transition, so
you instantly know what's going on and what's about to happen.
The best way to learn about how your ATEM works is to grab your switcher and play with it while referencing
this manual! You might want to jump ahead and install your switcher before reading the rest of this section!
To start, the most visible part of an M/E based control panel is the fader bar fader, and the program and
preview rows of source buttons!