You get an advanced broadcast-grade switcher, with built-in ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyers, Fairlight audio mixer, DVE, still store for graphics, and more. Most of the features can be operated from the front panel, or you can use the free ATEM Software Control on macOS or Windows to access even more features.

The front panel includes buttons for selecting sources, triggering transitions, and setting up video effects. Plus, the buttons are the same high-end type used on expensive broadcast switchers. You also get a built-in T-bar for manual transition control and a three-axis joystick. The front panel even has an innovative audio mixer-control area with live metering on a dedicated LCD. There are also buttons for recording and streaming control, plus live aux switching that lets you change aux outputs between all 8 cameras, program, preview, or the multiview.

One of the benefits of ATEM Television Studio is the range of professional built-in video effects. The cut button ensures an instant cut when switching between sources. The T-bar fader can be used to transition video effects, or you can do the transition automatically by pressing the auto button. Auto uses the transition duration set in the system control. You can also select the type of effect you want, including mix, which does a smooth transition between sources, or dip which transitions via a third video source, such as a color generator. There is a wide range of SMPTE wipes included, plus DVE effects that slide or squeeze the image off screen when transitioning between video sources.

ATEM Television Studio includes the same kind of transitions found on expensive broadcast switchers. This means the effects and transitions can be customized in many different ways, so they are surprisingly powerful. You’ll never stop finding new ways of using them. That’s because all transitions can be customized by adjusting parameters such as duration, border color, border width, position, and direction. You can even use the DVE with a wipe transition, where the DVE moves a graphic over the wipe edge. That’s called a graphic wipe and it’s often used in sports broadcasting. The preview transition button can be used to set up effects offline, which is great for eliminating mistakes.

The built-in media pool stores broadcast-quality graphics and animations that can be played back using the built-in media players. Media players appear as independent sources, so you don’t need to waste any of the SDI inputs for graphics. For highest quality, all media supports RGB colorspace with alpha channel, allowing transparency and layering. The media pool can hold 20 HD resolution stills. Motion graphics clips for animations and stingers can be up to 720 frames in 720HD, 360 frames in 1080HD, and 90 frames in UHD 4K. The ATEM Software Control allows you to upload and manage media. You can even prepare graphics in Adobe Photoshop and then download to the media pool using the free ATEM Photoshop plug-in.