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Studio G : How To Use the Space

A guide to using the equipment in the Studio G space and control room
Getting to Know the Video Mixer: Basics

Click here for information on how to turn the control room video equipment on

Click here for information on how to turn the studio cameras on

 

This is the Video Mixer:

 

The mixer controls what image is being broadcast.

 

  • Make sure that all of the cameras, computers, and other programs are ON and plugged in before attempting to mix. Click here to see how

 

The PC in the audio rack has a digital version of the mixer that you can use to set up your broadcast. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Keying effects
  • Transitions
  • Overlays

Set up all of your edits and effects for your shoot in the digital mixer on the computer. It functions the same as the physical mixer, and you can save up to 7 video mixing presets that you can switch between. Unless you really know what you're doing, we suggest sticking to Mix Effects 1 for all effects and transitions.

 

 

  • Open the ATEM Software Control application on the PC. This is the digital version of the mixer

 

 

  • Be aware of what settings the video mixer is currently set to. Make sure you are working with Mix Effects 1 (unless you know the video mixer well)

 

     

 

Technically, you can use whichever Mix Effects settings you like; we recommend using Mix Effects 1 to keep things simple

 

 

When you have all of the preferences set for your show, you can save your settings so that you can use them for future shoots.

Keep in mind that other studio users (of all experience levels) can edit the settings of the video mixer at any time. Open your saved settings to make sure every preference is set the way you need it.

 

 

On the left are the program and preview buttons.

 

  • Program: what the audience is seeing
  • Preview: the footage that is 'on deck' to be broadcast / the footage that your current image would cut to

 

 

The buttons correspond to the Source Names above: Cam 1, Cam 2, Cam 3, SkyM (Skyper Mac), and Mimo.

 

 

  • Push the lever (up or down) under 'Transition Control' to manually transition from the program to the preview output. The transition will happen as slow or as fast as the lever is used

 

 

  • You can change the style of transition in the digital mixer

 

 

 

  • At the bottom of the digital video mixer are the four different pages:
    • Switcher (the digital version of the video mixer)
    • Media (any media that is imported for whatever reason is stored here)
    • Audio (audio options that would normally be controlled by the Audio Mixer)
    • Camera (color grading options)

 

 

  • Click 'Camera' to view the color grading options for each video input

 

 

If you are finding that your shot could use more light, add more standing or studio lights before adding Gamma or Exposure

 

Using MimoLive & Overlays

 

MimoLive is a program that allows users to create and generate overlays for your live broadcasts. These overlays can include ticker tape, clocks, animated backgrounds, or keying.

 

  • Open the program MimoLive

 

In order for Mimo to connect to the broadcasting system, the settings must be set to the following:

 

 

  • Template: You can use whatever template you want. A blank template will have no overlays added. If you are unsure what to use, choose blank
  • Frame Rate: 30 fps
  • Dimensions: 2160p 4K UHDTV (3840x2160)

 

 

  • Click 'Create New Document' if you are not opening an already-created document

 

 

  • The layers are listed on the left and are layered on the screen in the same order they are stacked (from top to bottom, the bottom being behind every other layer). Click and drag your layers to reorder them

 

  • The layer/overlay options are listed in the middle. Use these to set your preferences for each layer

 

  • The Program Output (what the audience can see) is located on the right, along with Output Destinations (where the output will be sent)

 

 

 

  • Click the small '+', beside Sources on the left, to add a source file for your layer
    • This can be anything, like a picture or gif from anywhere.
    • We suggest mixing videos in with the Skyper Mac instead of Mimo because all videos will have to load in real time, and the longer the video, the longer it will have to buffer. 

 

 

  • Choose from the list of overlay types which you would like to use

 

  • Experiment with different source/overlay types to see how each one works and its features. For example, social media integration allows for live feedback of your broadcast via twitter or other platforms.

 

 

NOTE ABOUT KEYING WITH MIMO:

 

 

  • Click the 'Live' button on the layer to make it live
    • If it is a video or animation, it will not repeat playing unless specified to do so
    • Once it is live and has begun playing, it will count down, in seconds, how much longer the layer will be live for

 

 

 

  • Use the options in the middle to modify your layer

 

  • One option you have is to create a trigger for making your layer live or something else (similar to the video mixer). Use this only if it is helpful for you

 

 

 

  • When you have set up MimoLive so that it is ready to go live, you can send the signal to the video mixer on the right side under 'Output Destinations'.

 

  • If you do not already see the Blackmagic Design destination, you can add it with the small '+' across from 'Output Destinations'

 

 

  • Make sure the settings for the video output is as follows:
    • Device: Decklink 4K Extreme
    • Video Format: 2160p30
    • Audio: 48.000 Hz, 32-bit, Stereo

 

  • Make the video (Blackmagic Design) and audio (Audio Monitor) live with the colored button on the right. Red = Live