How to Setup Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio with EasyWorship

Setting up your Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio with EasyWorship can seem daunting, but with a clear guide, the process becomes manageable. This comprehensive tutorial will walk you through the necessary hardware, software, and configuration steps for a seamless integration.

Hardware Requirements for ATEM Television Studio Setup

Before diving into the setup process, ensure you have the following equipment:

• ATEM Television Studio Mixer: The core of your live streaming setup.
• Powerful Video Card: Your computer needs a video card capable of supporting at least three extended displays simultaneously. One output connects to your control monitor for running EasyWorship, the second sends text and foreground content to the ATEM, and the third transmits the Alpha Channel. Consult the EasyWorship System Requirements page for recommended video cards.
• Video Cables: High-quality HDMI or SDI cables are necessary for connecting your computer to the ATEM and the ATEM to your projector or display.
• Video Converter Boxes (Optional): Depending on your setup, you may need converters to switch between HDMI and SDI signals.

Connecting Your Hardware

Follow these steps to connect your equipment:

1. Primary Monitor Connection: Connect your computer’s primary video output to your main monitor. This will be your control screen.
2. ATEM Connections: Connect two additional video outputs from your computer to the ATEM using either HDMI or SDI cables. If using two HDMI cables, utilize inputs 1 and 2. For SDI, use inputs 3 and 4. If using one of each, connect to HDMI input 1 and SDI input 3. Keep in mind that HDMI inputs 3 and 4 share ports with SDI inputs 3 and 4.
3. Windows Display Settings: In Windows, you should see three screens labeled 1, 2, and 3, representing your Control, Live Output, and Alpha Channel screens, respectively.
4. Extend Displays: Extend your Windows desktop across all three screens. This allows EasyWorship to output to the designated screens for the ATEM.
5. Resolution Matching: Ensure the Live Output and Alpha Channel outputs are set to the same resolution, ideally matching your camera’s resolution if you are using one. The ATEM requires all inputs to have identical resolutions. Remember, you cannot mix resolutions on the ATEM.

Configuring EasyWorship for ATEM

Now, let’s configure EasyWorship:

1. Live Output Settings: Navigate to Edit > Options > Live within EasyWorship.
2. Output Selection: Set the “Output Monitor” to the corresponding display for your Live Output (usually Monitor 2).
3. Alpha Channel Selection: Set the “Alpha Channel” output to its designated display (usually Monitor 3).
4. Confirmation: Click “OK” to save your settings.

Creating a Keying Theme in EasyWorship

For proper keying with the ATEM, create a dedicated theme:

1. Theme Creation: Create a new theme in EasyWorship with a solid black background. Position text boxes where you want your lower thirds or other text elements to appear.
2. Default Theme: Right-click on the new theme and set it as the default for songs, scriptures, and presentations.
3. Keying Functionality: The black background will be keyed out by the ATEM, allowing your camera feed to show through. This works for both Luma and Chroma keying.

Setting Up Your ATEM Television Studio

Finally, configure your ATEM:

1. Monitoring: Connect the ATEM’s Multiview and Program outputs to monitors for visual feedback.
2. ATEM Software Control: Use the ATEM software on a connected computer to label your inputs (e.g., “EasyWorship” and “EW Alpha”) and configure the keyer.
3. Keyer Configuration: For Alpha Channel, set up an Upstream Luma key. If not using Alpha Channel, use an Upstream Chroma key.
4. Luma Key Settings: In the Luma Key tab, set the “Fill Source” to your EasyWorship Live Output input and the “Key Source” to your Alpha Channel input. Enable “Pre Multiplied Key”.

By following these steps, you can successfully integrate your Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio with EasyWorship for professional live streaming and video production. Remember to consult the official Blackmagic Design documentation for in-depth information on ATEM configuration.