Live switcher ATEM Constellation HD 2 M/E 20 3G-SDI inputs - Blackmagic Design BLM-SWATEMSCN2/1ME2/HD

ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD is a high-definition live production switcher with a dual M/E design, 20 standards-converted 3G-SDI inputs and 12 independent 3G-SDI aux outputs. It also provides a USB-C webcam output supporting 720p or 1080p at the programme frame rate, SuperSource processing, DVE, chroma keying, media player, two 3G-SDI multiview outputs, Talkback and a professional Fairlight audio mixer with EQ and dynamics.

Audio connectivity consists of 2 balanced 1/4" jack inputs and 1 5-pin XLR Talkback input, while the audio output is 1 5-pin XLR Talkback output. There are no Time Code connections. The reference input supports Tri-Sync or Black Burst. Video input re-sync and frame-rate and format conversion are available on all 20 inputs. All SDI inputs carry 8 channels of embedded audio, while all SDI outputs carry 16 channels of embedded audio. Any of the 12 SDI outputs can be assigned as an aux, preview or programme output.

The control panel connects through Ethernet, either directly between the panel and chassis or through a network. An internal Time Code generator is included. Talkback uses RJ45 for third-party Talkback systems. Tally is added through an Ethernet connection to the Blackmagic Design GPI and Tally Interface product, which is not included. Ethernet supports 10/100/1000 BASE-T, and the computer interface is 1 USB-C connection supporting USB 2.0.

There are no SD video standards. Supported HD standards are 720p 50, 720p 59.94, 720p 60, 1080i 50, 1080i 59.94, 1080i 60, 1080p 23.98, 1080p 24, 1080p 25, 1080p 29.97, 1080p 30, 1080p 50, 1080p 59.94 and 1080p 60. SDI compliance includes SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 424M and SMPTE 425M level A and B. Video sampling is 4:2:2, colour precision is 10-bit, and the colour space supports REC 709 and REC 2020. Automatic SDI switching detects 1.5G-SDI, level A 3G-SDI and level B 3G-SDI.

Processing includes 8 upstream keyers, 2 downstream keyers, 8 advanced chroma keyers, 1 SuperSource, Talkback support and mix-minus support. The switcher has 11 linear/luma keyers, 2 stinger transitions and 2 DVE transitions, with 15 layers in total. It also includes 11 pattern generators and 2 colour generators. The software supports Mac 14.0 Sonoma, Mac 15.0 Sequoia or later, Windows 10 and Windows 11. The package contains ATEM 2 M/E Constellation HD and a welcome wallet with a QR code for software download.