Blackmagic ATEM SDI Series

The ATEM SDI family is Blackmagic Design’s compact 3G-SDI switcher range. It has three models: the base model, the Pro ISO and the Extreme ISO. Blackmagic describes them as similar to the ATEM Mini, but with SDI connections and twice the outputs. Each SDI output is a true aux output. Showcaller AI connects to the switcher’s Ethernet port through the Bridge App. Then it runs the switcher by voice or chat. The Blackmagic ATEM integration page lists every function.

SDI aux routing on ATEM SDI switchers

Aux routing is where these models differ most from an HDMI Mini. The ATEM SDI and SDI Pro ISO have two SDI outputs, while the Extreme ISO has four. Each output can carry its own source, such as a camera return, a confidence monitor or an encoder feed. With Pro, Showcaller reads what an aux output shows and sends a new source to it. In every plan, it also cuts, runs Auto transitions and fades to black. Inputs are listed by the names set on the switcher.

What applies to each model

The three models do not share every feature. For example, the base ATEM SDI has no streaming engine or recorder in Blackmagic’s specs. So Showcaller’s streaming and recording functions do not apply there. In contrast, the Pro ISO and Extreme ISO stream over RTMP or SRT. They also record each input as a separate file, plus the program. On those, Showcaller starts and stops both, and reports any disk or encoder error (Pro). Similarly, only the Extreme ISO has a Super Source. There, Enterprise arranges its four boxes in a preset layout, or sets one box.

Keyers, macros and Fairlight audio

From the Pro plan, Showcaller puts keyers on or off air and sets their fill and key sources. The two four-input models have one upstream and one downstream keyer. Meanwhile, the Extreme ISO has four and two. Showcaller also runs or stops macros recorded on the switcher. All three models use the Fairlight mixer, so Fairlight EQ and dynamics apply (Enterprise). For full specs, see Blackmagic’s ATEM SDI page.