Which switcher to choose

I need a switcher that will take 3 or 4 camera inputs and produce a show using the cameras, still pictures and pre-programmed video segments in AVI, MP4 and other video file formats. I also want to be able to show "instant replay" of some of the camera shots. Is there a Blackmagic Designs switcher that will accomplish this?

With two minimum, maybe three devices you can do that! Lets say switcher and laptop, or switcher, hyperdeck and laptop.. Switcher for switching, hyperdeck for recording and replays, and laptop for palying avi, mp4 or other files.. Actually there's couple combinations..
People these days expect from one device to do everything..

The ATEM 1M/E is probably the closest to what you need. It will support up to 8 inputs (4x SDI and 4x HDMI). The 1M/E also has a still store that can be populated via USB from a computer, and a media player that's useful for titles and break bumpers etc.

For instant replay functionality the easiest solution is probably a Hyperdeck Studio - but the complication is that it can't play and record at the same time, so you'd have to know what you'd want to replay then record it, stop the recording and play it back.

For playback of assorted files the best option is probably either a computer (perhaps using a Decklink card, or alternatively HDMI out of the graphics card) or a dedicated media player. I've used an Apacer AL460 successfully with the 1M/E for file-based playback.

Maybe a combination of an ATEM switcher and Vidblaster software. In the newest version, the software has an instant replay module (but I don't know how it works - a trial is available). But you would need to contibute the input-signals to two devices and a powerfull computer with a lot of SDI-Inputs (e.g. Deckink quad for input and Decklink Studio for output). Or you only use (sorry blackmagic) the software-mixer. But this would be to hazardous for me....

I can think of a product by another company that has all this built in. Im sure some of you know which product im talking about.

Am I allowed to suggest it on these forums?

(For me) It seems as if the BMDs guys really wanted to know more about our desires. So, for my opinion, a view of the competition should be allowed. This only works if you name it (name and function).

Of course this is not a Newtek forum. BMD products are the focus here...

The Avid forums are really good in that respect. Very open to honest discussion as long as it's not unnecessarily hostile or disruptive. We had many good FCP threads on there

I'l take the plunge and see what happens.

Newtek have a switcher range called the Tricaster. It comes with various diferent input counts and feature sets. But most of the models encompass everything you said you wantd to achieve. Id check out the Tricaster 450.

You will however, notice quite a difference in price. Also note that the delay of the Tricaster is considerably higher than the ATEM.

Regards, Tom

Nice switcher - all you need in one device (Tricaster 455 Extreme). But I think, BMD and NewTek have different goals. Newtek comes with a complete solution, but costs more. BMD gives us a expansion step by step solution for a low price at beginning. (Do you know the furniture store "IKEA" ? - Start setting up your first appartment with cheep "IVAR"-rack....)

The thing that killed the Tricaster for my workflow is the fact that it runs on a Windows machine. Way too open for things I can't explain (which happened during my live demo of the Tricaster). I like that the ATEM series are dedicated devices. Though, the instant replay does present a problem.