ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher Questions

[Bob Zelin]

REPLY –

First, the inability to scale different HD formats requiring all input formats be the same. Quite often I have to mix various HD sources from a variety of different devices and the ability to “mix and match” would be priceless. Is this a limitation of the hardware or is it a feature that could be later added via software update?

REPLY – I don’t know if it will added later, but you absolutely CANNOT use different formats (like 1080i and 720p) at the same time.
You choose 1 format – and that’s it. And what is your alternative – is there a less expensive solution for you available ?

Secondly, I question the limited set of supported HD formats and frame rates. 1080i50, 1080i59.94, 720p50, 720p59.94 covers but a few of the HD signals I would need an HD production switcher to support. I know 1080PsF frame rates are not normal for studio cameras to output but the capability to handle 1080PsF23.98, 1080PsF24, 1080PsF25, 1080PsF29.97, 1080PsF30, 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97 would be absolutely necessary. Again, could these formats be added via update or are they limitations of the hardware itself?

REPLY – again, I dont know, but I have TONS of clients who want to work at 23.98, and the ATEM series absolutely does not work at “odd” formats other than what is specified. Basically, you are going to work with 1080i 29.97, or 720p 59.94, or this is not the product for you.

Bob Zelin

[Tracy Peterson]

Another option is the fairly inexpensive any in/ any out converter from Grass Valley at 1200, which gives you a scaler and converter for any of those inputs. I added one to my list with the ATEM to provide conversion and scaling for computers/game consoles and any other odd source of video that might not conform.

Tracy Peterson
http://www.onetwomany.com