The “Secret” to Video Production for Churches and Schools

It’s a Blackmagic Design video switcher, of course. After all, your project is important enough to have a high-quality, professional look!

You have a video production job to do. It might be for your church or school, or it could be corporate video production. Whatever it is, you’re probably working with multiple cameras. This means you’ll need to switch between them during the shoot. A video switcher does this, but you don’t want just any device. Your success depends on a flawless production, after all! As the commercial electronics expert, we recommend an ATEM video switcher from Blackmagic Design.

Here’s Why You Need a Video Switcher

Because they let you easily switch between multiple cameras during your live stream productions. This ability goes a long way to deliver a professional look and feel to local productions like yours. Blackmagic Design’s switchers work with various online services such as YouTube, Facebook Live, and Skype. Solid Signal carries these units from Blackmagic Design because the company uses the latest technology.

Churches and schools don’t have the same needs as larger companies. For your needs, we usually recommend one of five Blackmagic Designs ATEM mini video switchers. Each of these devices essentially does the same thing. That’s the ability to switch between cameras and other functions during the stream. It’s the unique features and functions of these video switchers that sets them apart. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

1. Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini

The ATEM Mini is great for anyone new to video production. It’s easy to set up and use and comes with a variety of useful features, including:

  • 4 standard converted HDMI inputs
  • USB webcam out
  • HDMI out and more

2. Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro

The more advanced streamer or video production person might enjoy this. The ATEM Mini Pro has all the features found in ATEM Mini and more. Some of these include:

  • Recording direct to USB flash disks in H.264
  • Direct streaming via the internet to YouTube Live
  • Multiview with 4 cameras and more

3. Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme

Now this is an advanced video switcher for experienced video production pros! Blackmagic Designs gives you all the ATEM Mini Pro features plus:

  • 8 HDMI inputs
  • 2 separate HDMI outputs
  • 2 USB ports and much more

4. Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme

 

The Mini Extreme, as most people call it, has all the features of ATEM Mini Pro as its base. From there, users get a variety of other advantages including:

  • Recording 5 H.264 video streams in real time
  • A clean feed of all inputs plus the live program
  • Saves in DaVinci Resolve project format automatically

5. Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme ISO

Blackmagic Designs ups its game even more with this video switcher. It has all the great features of the ATEM Mini Extreme, then builds on it by adding:

  • 9 separate H.264 video streams in real-time
  • The ability to capture 8 clean feed inputs and program video
  • Saves in DaVinci Resolve project format automatically

Video Production Pros Know What They Need

If you’re one of them, feel free to visit the Solid Signal website and order what you need. If you’re just getting started and aren’t sure which video switcher you need, turn to Solid Signal. Our customer service reps will ask you a few questions then make a product recommendation based on your answers. Just call them at 888-233-7563 during our normal business hours. If you’re reading this after hours or on the weekend, just fill out the form below and send it to us. Someone will be in touch to discuss these devices from Blackmagic Design.

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.