But, then I noticed that this switcher had its limits, it’s only 1080p, and there’s no ability to stream 4K. Now, I know that most of us stream in 1080p at the moment, but that change and switch to 4K is happening, and with the advent of 5G and greater access to ultrafast optical broadband I feel that offering a 1080p device in these times doesn’t offer any future-proofing. That potential is why I have bought a unit; they’re incredibly useful for what we do at Camera Jabber and beyond.

Channel-by-channel preset for switching audio-follows-video on or off, as well as separate gain control for each channel With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, you can connect desktop and lapel microphones. You can even connect a music player to generate introduction music after the live stream commences but before the program starts. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, you can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM Mini include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer. ATEM Mini features a full Fairlight audio mixer and all HDMI audio inputs and both microphone inputs are all connected separately to the audio mixer so you can live mix from all audio sources. Automatically Converts Any HDMI Input Format With 4 independent HDMI inputs, you can connect up to 4 high quality video cameras. Video cameras with HDMI outputs are dramatically better quality than simple webcams as they use higher quality lenses and have better low light sensitivity. All video sources will re‑sync to the switcher if they operate at different video standards so you don't have to worry about connecting video devices as they all just work. Cameras with HDMI often support interchangeable lenses so you can change to wide angle lenses for wide shots and zoom lenses for close‑ups. Imagine taking advantage of the low light capability of better cameras for theater production, weddings, school concerts and music videos. Outputs to HDMI Video and USB Webcam Switching between feeds is easy enough, tap the button you want on the ATEM and the feed switches, from camera one to camera two, or the multimedia feed.I looked at the ATEM Mini a while ago and was impressed; it was relatively cheap and enabled me to overcome the issue of how to stream from multiple cameras and sources for a professional broadcast look.

It’s worth noting that a bit of practice is needed if you’re doing a live stream. The first time I used the ATEM I forgot about the audio, a mistake you only make once, maybe twice. ATEM Software Control connects to ATEM Mini via USB or Ethernet, however the benefit of Ethernet is you can use it to share your computer's internet connection for streaming on the ATEM Mini Pro model. Simply connect ATEM Mini Pro via Ethernet and set your computer to share its internet. Using Ethernet is easy, and when launching the software, just select the ATEM Mini model. If you are streaming on ATEM Mini Pro, also set your computer to share its internet. Now you get both control and streaming via the single Ethernet cable. This provides amazing mobility as you can connect your computer to the internet using wireless connections such as WiFi or even 4G and 5G tethered phones. Control and Colour Balance Cameras The reason for this is that there is no getting away from large glowing buttons, cables and plenty of cooling required for this type of kit. During the session, I used the physical buttons on the ATEM to switch between each source and used the software to add the overlays to the feed as required using the simple macros. This difference is that rather than outputting a single file of your output, all feeds are captured individually so that they can then be edited after the event.

Stream Video

This software allows you to update your ATEM switcher and ATEM hardware control panels, plus it includes the ATEM Software Control application. In use the Mini, Pro and ISO are all level pegging when it comes to performance, they all essentially do the same things with a few additional extras. Those seemingly small extras make an incredible difference to the usability and workflow especially when it comes to the individual feed recording available with the ATEM Mini ISO. At the baseline, plug-in your four sources and then use the large buttons on the ATEM to switch between each. The output you get is a full HD multi webcam experience. HDMI input resolution from computers: 1280 x 720p 50 Hz, 59.94 Hz and 60 Hz; 1920 x 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 Hz; 1920 x 1080i 50, 59.94 and 60 Hz The final two connections link into the streaming ability. This is through either ethernet or USB Type-C. Using the USB enables standard webcam style streaming, making it incredibly easy to use although it does take up the USB port that’s required if you want to record your stream onto a connected drive.