Blackmagic Forum

Hi,
I work for my church in Australia where we are setting up to record and stream our services.
We recently purchased a ATEM Television Studio unit, plus two Canon XA10 cameras, to use through a MacBook Pro to do live switching.

I've plugged the ATEM unit into the computer via the ethernet and USB cables, and plugged in an HDMI monitor into the multiview output, where I can see the 8 black boxes ready to go. When I plug either of the cameras into the ATEM via HDMI cables, the ATEM doesn't seem to pick up the video signal. I know the HDMI cables are working, because when I plug the camera straight into a TV, it comes up straight away. Am I missing something? How do I get the output from the Canons to be recognised by the BM software?

When I go into the menus for the cameras, the headings about 'HDMI output' flash repeatedly, and aren't able to be altered. When I plug the camera into the TV, this isn't the case however. HDMI output is able to be turned "on" or "off". Can someone help? Thanks!

You have to match the camera video output to the ATEM. what settings do you have for the ATEM? I'm guessing you will need to set the ATEM to 1080i. Either way...do tell us what settings you are using

I have the same setup. the xa10 has a menu setting that by default outputs out the hdmi at 1080p. turn that off and the signal should pass right through.

The ATEM is set to 1080i, I know that much, I double checked that. I'll find out what the cameras are set to...I can't remember right now and I'm not going to be back up at church for a few days so I'll have to find out then and get back to you. Thanks tho!

It's been a little while, but I still have the same problem. I was waiting on a guy who could come and help me, but in the end he had no more clue than I do.

I've checked the XA10's, and set the 1080p output to "off" as wmpatv said.

Still, every time I connect the camera to the ATEM via hdmi, the headings "hdmi control" and "1080p output" flash, seeming to show me that something is wrong. Yet if I just plug one of the camera's into an HDMI monitor, the signal is fine. Why wont the ATEM recognise the video signal from the camera?

It's frustrating to say the least!

Or. Why won't the Canon camera work correctly and deliver the 1080i signal. I would recommend you work on THAT problem. There is nothing else the ATEM can do to fix it.

Great, I just don't know what to do to work on that problem!

Ok.. just one more suggestion... when you connect the camera up to your monitor - after having configured that setting to turn the 1080p off... can you confirm the camera is in fact providing a 1080i signal to the monitor.

Many monitors will have a method of displaying what the input video format is. On many it can be accessed via the menu.. or by pressing the INFO button on the remote (if you have one).

Could your camera be providing 1080i5994 rather than 1080i50?

I don't seem to be able to get that information from the monitor. The only thing it tells me when I go to input information is "Current settings: 576p". I dont even know what this means!

Still no luck...

Well my lack of elementary video understanding was certainly the downfall. After communication with Blackmagic Staff, I have been able to work out that the problem was simply that I was using 10m HDMI cables, and this is too long. Now that I've moved the cameras to a different location and cut down to shorter cables, I don't have a problem! Too easy!
Thanks for your assistance everyone.