User's Manual

Preparing Graphics for Download
For best results, you will want to use a Photoshop document resolution that matches the video
standard you’re using with your ATEM switcher. For 1080 HD you should use 1920 x 1080 pixels
in resolution. For 720p HD formats you should use 1280 x 720 pixels. For PAL standard
definition you should use 720 x 576 and for NTSC you should use 720 x 486 pixels resolution
documents.
When working with Photoshop documents for ATEM, you should not put any content on the
background layer, but add all content to the layers above. The background layer should always
be plain full frame black, and you should use a pre multiplied key setting in the ATEM keyers for
keying graphics from Photoshop.
To help you get started, we’ve included a guide and some graphic template files in the Example
Graphics folder which was installed on your computer along with the ATEM Switchers software.
To download the graphic to the ATEM media pool, simply select the export menu in Photoshop
and then select ATEM Switcher Media Pool to export. A window will appear asking you to
choose which position in the media pool you want to download to. The list includes all the file
names of graphics currently loaded in the media pool. Select which position you would like to
download to, and then select export.
If you’re in a hurry to get your graphics on air, then you can select to automatically copy this
graphic to either media player 1 or media player 2 after download. This lets you get images to
air fast! If you don’t want to interfere with the media player graphic sources, simply select not to
copy the media players to this graphic.
Pre Multiply Alpha should almost always be enabled and requires that you also switch on the
Pre Multiplied Key setting in your switcher’s LCD menu. Premultiplying mixes the graphic color
with its alpha channel when exporting to ensure your graphic has smooth edges which blend in
to the video.
Using the Auxiliary Output
The auxiliary output is an extra SDI output that can have various inputs and internal sources
routed to it. The aux output is very similar to a router output, and all video inputs, color
generators, media players, program, preview and even color bars can be routed.
If you need an extra program output, then the aux output is ideal, or if you need a clean feed
before one or both of the downstream keyers, then you can even select these to the aux
output. This will give you a program feed without a logo or bug, so you can capture this as a
broadcast master for later post production or transmission.
The aux output is extremely powerful, and can be routed using your switcher’s control panel
aux button, as well as the LCD menu and ATEM Software Control. The aux output menu is
available in the menu bar at the top of the software control panel regardless of the window
currently selected so it is always available.
The switcher will always perform a clean switch when the auxiliary output changes sources so
this means you can use the switcher to cut between sources on the auxiliary output cleanly and
without glitches.
Routing Auxiliary Output Sources
There are three different ways you can route sources to the auxiliary output. You can use your
switcher’s built in control panel, ATEM Software Control, or an additional ATEM hardware panel
such as an ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel.
146Using the Auxiliary Output