Which Switcher? ATEM Mini Pro vs ATEM TV Studio HD // Gear Review

[@computerjantje]

Very good comparison. Just some audio remarks: The Atem mini (pro, iso) has (besides the audio via hdmi) 4 channels unbalanced audio input via 2x stereo minijack inputs. The TV Studio has 2 channels balanced audio inputs. If the audio mixer is standing further away (above 4 feet) from the Atem then it is not recommended to use unbalanced audio transport due to electronic interference that can get into the cables through the air. This means that either your audio mixer has to be more or less on the same table as the Atem mini or you have to use a proper unbalancer close to the Atem. A convert cable 2x xlr to 1x mini-jack is NOT a proper way to unbalance and this means the whole lentgh of the total xlr cable works unbalanced. A proper way to unbalance is to use a second (standing around) old mixer or a 1:1 audio transformer. A DI box can be used when it has xlr inputs but be aware of the signal getting weaker due to usually it is not a 1:1 trasnformer.

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

I use a SEETEC (FEELWORLD) ATEM156 Multi-view monitor in addition to a FEELWORLD T7 Field Monitor all support HDMI pass through as a multi-view and program view out. I pass the program view from the T7 into an Elgato HD 60 Pro capture card. With this setup, I am able to see every camera as well as output from my ATEM Mini.

[@ProfitandPixels]

Why don’t you stream directly from your ATEM then? Seems redundant to send it into a computer when it has an encoder built in already. I could see your setup being useful if you need to distribute your PGM in-house though

[@CayroproductionsAdan]

U have a video?

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

@@ProfitandPixels I’ve run into issues on my system (I think it has something to do with the USB-C interface) in which the ATEM’s output freezes and/or zoom/OBS can’t detect the webcam output on my ATEM. This was my solution for it.

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

@@CayroproductionsAdan no video yet, but I was thinking of doing a behind the scenes or livestream on my channel soon. I’ll have to include a segment dedicated to my setup. It’s quite elaborate now. lol

[@KimFatica]

There are a few reasons I chose to use the ATEM TV Studio HD for live streaming my CEO's town hall meetings, which he holds at every one of our 23 hospitals twice yearly. I am a one-man crew, so keeping things simple and reliable is super important. The robustness of the device can withstand the rigors of setup and teardown. We will sometimes do as many as three streams a day, so I'm hustling from one location to the next, which can be very challenging because he always goes 20-40 minutes over his allotted time at each location. When he first started doing these town halls, I kept a monitor in tow for Multiview, but that was one more thing for me to pack/carry/unpack/set up. The built-in monitor is handy on the TV Studio HD, which allowed me to drop the monitor. The TV Studio HD also can take multiple HDMI and SDI inputs, but I stick with SDI because of necessary long cable runs from camera and laptop running PowerPoint. I use a Decimator to scale and loop the HDMI input from the laptop to split the output to HDMI for the projector at each location, and then run the SDI out to my TV Studio HD. The all-HDMI inputs of the Mini Pro, the lack of a built-in monitor are deterrents for me. I take the SDI PGM out and run it into an AJA capture box out to USB 3.0 for webcam conversion.

[@franke.643]

Thanks!!! we want to add a TV or two on our church building and this B M TV studio HD is what we need, we have a streamer already.

[@ProfitandPixels]

I wouldn’t get this switcher just for distribution, unless you need a switcher also. They have rack distributors that exist just to support building feeds you may want to look at. You should also consider the new ATEM Constellation

[@ronanmc1978]

Great comparison video - well done 👍🏻 Something else worth considering when choosing between the two models is Chroma Key. The Atem mini has “ Advanced Chroma Key” controls allowing the user to pull a more accurate key. The Atem Television Studio HD has BMs standard chroma key interface which is limited to basic Hue & luminance adjustments in order to define your key.

[@ProfitandPixels]

Very good point, and one that can make a difference for those using keys more frequently, especially kids-focused content.

[@gravitymediapro]

After requesting multiple times through Blackmagic support, one of their engineers clarified the difference between streaming through Ethernet vs the the USB web cam option. Direct quote: “The signal hits the same encoder so the data path shouldn't matter. Effectively, the encode happens on the ATEM device prior to transmission over Ethernet or USB. “. Woah, right?!

[@ProfitandPixels]

That’s interesting. The issue to me is that webcam data is handled differently by the computer, and also compressed a second time by software, thus creating a noticeable lower quality stream

[@austinhowell7074]

Not to argue with you about the audio on the Mini Pro, but I was concerned about the 1/8' jack as well. However, after speaking with Black Magic, this input can be controlled to be line level or mic level. So although both situations are very unique, you can plug a console straight in or any mic. The biggest feature for the Mini is the audio control section within. Normally when we're running the Studio HD we're having to run a small mixer or a MacBook running pro tools - VERY inconvenient. Not to mention, the scaling feature is incredible! Great content man!

[@ProfitandPixels]

Thanks Austin! I’m pretty sure the audio controls are the same for both since they use the same software control, just a matter of getting the right plugs, so you should be able to run straight out of your mixer into the Studio HD as well.

[@austinhowell7074]

@@ProfitandPixels I use a Studio HD regularly and they're great for what they are, but they can be a pain! haha. On the mini, you have the ability to EQ and compress inputs, that's huge! I've been trying to order one to install somewhere, but haven't pulled the plug yet. Can't wait though.

[@johnjeremih]

What do you think about the Blackmagic Design ATEM 2 M/E Constellation ?

[@ProfitandPixels]

I think it’s a great, and overdue, upgrade from the TV Studio HD

[@cjvpjackson9350]

Totally Excellent Video and explanation. Kingdom work on a Professional level... God Bless!!!

[@nestoraoc32]

Great video and explanation

[@KERIFIS7]

I wish you will compare next time the "Atem mini pro extreme" to match 8 input of the Atem tv studio! And the Price!

[@ProfitandPixels]

Check out my ATEM Mini Extreme review video, I did just that

[@ProfitandPixels]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJiTcnt_oc-Zjbs

[@megamattzero7348]

I was thinking in buying both. Using the Blackmagic Studio as my cameras only for SDI inputs and the Mini Pro as the dedicated brain to OBS with Gopros. Do you have any caveats using both systems together?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Well... I try to avoid OBS whenever possible. I also think operating 2 switchers at the same time sounds like a recipe for trouble. I could see streaming through the mini pro if you already have one, but otherwise I’d pick one and build around it

[@ppcmke2331]

Please help me with my livestream setup using Propresenter 7 & the stem mini pro iso

[@ProfitandPixels]

Send an email to [e-mail] and we can find a way to help you out

[@franke.643]

any ideas or a YT video in how to add a PC to the HDMI input of the TV studio HD?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Just run HDMI from the computer, either directly or with a USB adapter, into an open HDMI port

[@ainsiparleleternel]

Can i use the ethernet port to stream via NDI to OBS Studio ?

[@bryanhembree83]

So to be clear with the television studio HD I can bring in my pro presenter feed of lower thirds, lay it over my video feed coming in and then send them out together?

[@ProfitandPixels]

That is correct- the switcher combines them and your incoming audio into one signal

[@bryanhembree83]

@@ProfitandPixels I’m assuming EasyWorship would be the same way. We currently use that and the learning curve on pp7 is vast. We could still do what we need to do with easy worship correct? I have a more in depth question if it’s okay to message you. Your videos have been so helpful.

[@ProfitandPixels]

Thanks Bryan, yes feel free to email [e-mail] if you’d like to discuss further. But in general, yes, the same workflow with EasyWorship is possible

[@AConnect06]

How do you get a key and fill in the extreme iso?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Same as with any switcher… dual outputs from PP7 and then convert to HDMI

[@gracenotes5379]

Very detailed and thorough analysis! How bad is the MJPEG compression on the USB-C "web cam" output? You make it sound like it really is not fit for purpose, and indeed I see some forum posts that suggest it is badly flawed. Can you elaborate on the issues you've experienced in the ATEM Mini Pro USB-C video quality, please?

[@ProfitandPixels]

It just looks like a step up from regular Zoom calls, because of the better camera. But very compressed still. I believe the FB Live I did 2 weeks ago was through USB-C and OBS if you want to compare that!

[@MrFattarot]

Hey I have a question and i'm hoping you can help me out. I have been using a Tv studio hd at my church but whenever we run audio through it we get a weird audio glitching sound over the stream. currently we have to run our audio separately through a scarlett 2i2 instead of the switcher to fix the issue. i was wondering if you had any idea what could be goin on

[@ProfitandPixels]

That could be any number of things. If you’re running balanced XLR in, there shouldn’t be any issues unless the cables are bad, the send is bad, or the switcher is faulty. If you’re not running XLR out from your mixer, then doing so will probably fix your issue

[@evidenceeriamiatoe3815]

Can the atem studio HD be seen as a webcam on your computer by connecting through your USB cable or you need a video capture device?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Unfortunately it cannot, the USB is only for control/updates. You’ll have to use one of the program outputs into a capture device or encoder.

[@videotraxx]

@@ProfitandPixels Can you recommend a software encoder for use with the ATEM Production Studio HD?

[@ProfitandPixels]

Any streaming service will work, as long as you connect your PGM output into your computer via a video capture card. I personally would avoid OBS if at all possible. Software works okay if you have a decent computer, but if not I’d just get the BMD Web Presenter HD

[@videotraxx]

@@ProfitandPixels We do have the ATEM switcher connected to the computer by way of BMD Decklink / SDI - currently using Adobe Flash Media Live encoder 3.2 - The encoder connects to KZbin for live streaming, but frequently doesn't start the encoding - and we have to Stop, disconnect and start over. So we're looking to replace the Adobe Flash encoder. Are you saying that I may be able to connect directly to KZbin without a live streaming encoder? If not can you recommend a software encoder? Or please suggest an inexpensive solution. Thanks.

[@JimmyDThing]

Why would anyone buy a HD Studio instead of the Extreme?

[@Jo77We]

SDI-inputs?

[@charlespatt]

Also, I found an advantage of the TVS HD is the ease of rack mount use by volunteers. I use the AUX to go to the projector, so if that is all that is going on for an event, I can leave the TVS HD set so the buttons are just the for AUX projector input, and it's easy for someone to control. When streaming, I can still leave the AUX buttons up and just hit the Cut or Auto button which will swap the Preview and Program feeds. The mini was not available when I bought the TVS HD, so if it had been I may have gone that direction. But I'm happy with it now as we have grown to use a lot of other outputs, etc.

[@KimFatica]

For plenty of reasons. First, if you work with pro broadcast cameras like I do, they likely will not have HDMI outputs, only SDI. If you have prosumer cameras and have to use HDMI out to a switcher, your cable run will be limited. My cameras for remote use are sometimes more than 50 feet away from the subject. SDI cables are the way to go for that. Also, TV Studio HD has a built-in display. I am a one-man crew who will do multiple streams from multiple locations with very tight set-up times. Though not ideal, I don't need a Multiview monitor; I use the built-in monitor to make sure I'm getting video signals from each device or camera.

[@EasyMusic36]

Perfect!!!

[@mfl8276]

You didnt talk enough about the TV studio HD version. Seemed like one sided video

[@adolfnegeh6520]

Interesting

[@Bhanoyi]

How do i contact you?

[@ProfitandPixels]

[e-mail]