Importing graphics into ATEM – Instructions using broadifyCG

Anyone working with a Blackmagic ATEM switcher will sooner or later encounter a crucial question: How can graphics such as lower thirds, overlays, or lower thirds be integrated into the ATEM? A clean and reliable graphics solution is essential, especially in live production environments.

This article explains step-by-step how to import graphics into an ATEM system using broadifyCG . It is specifically aimed at beginners who do not yet have a complete infrastructure or registration.

Why graphics are useful directly in ATEM

The ATEM is a powerful video switcher designed for processing and mixing multiple signal sources in real time. For this very reason, it makes sense to integrate graphics directly into the ATEM, rather than adding them to the stream later.

When graphics are processed directly within the switcher, the signal remains consistent and no additional delays occur. Furthermore, the entire production is centrally controlled, which is particularly advantageous in live performance. The ATEM is designed to generate the final program image – including all graphic elements.

Basic principle: How graphics get into ATEM

The ATEM cannot generate its own graphics. Instead, external image sources are integrated and incorporated into the image using keyers. Various methods are employed, such as key & fill over SDI, chroma key with a green background, or luma key based on brightness values.

This means that an external solution is always needed to provide the graphics. This is precisely where broadifyCG comes in.

Getting started with broadifyCG

broadifyCG is a web-based application for creating and controlling graphics for live productions. It can be accessed directly via a browser at app.broadify.de .

Even without prior registration, getting started is straightforward. After logging in or accepting an invitation, you'll be taken directly to the user interface. The central "Connection" section there guides you through the remaining setup steps.

Establish a connection between ATEM and the web app

In order for the web app to communicate with the ATEM and for graphics to reach the ATEM, a so-called bridge is required. This acts as an interface between the browser-based interface and the local hardware.

The Bridge can be downloaded directly from the web app. After installation, it starts and runs in the background. It is then paired with the web app. To do this, the "Pair new bridge" function is used in the web app, while the Bridge interface displays the necessary connection data, such as the Bridge ID and pairing code. This data is then transferred to the web app, after which the connection can be established.

The next step is to enter the IP address of the ATEM. This can be found in the ATEM Software Control under the connection settings. Only once this connection is established is it possible to send graphics to the switcher.

Output configuration

Once the connection is established, the output format for the graphics is defined. Depending on the setup, different options are available, such as SDI with key & fill, or a pure video signal via SDI or HDMI.

The choice depends on how the ATEM is used in the specific setup. Key & Fill offers the highest quality and enables transparent graphics, while HDMI or SDI video are more commonly used in simpler setups. Additionally, the appropriate resolution is set and saved.

Creation and editing of graphics

BroadifyCG allows you to create various types of graphics, including lower thirds, overlays, and background elements. Design is done directly within the interface, with a preview window enabling positioning within the image.

Text, colors, and font sizes can be adjusted, as well as the precise placement of elements. Depending on the chosen keying method, the background is prepared accordingly, for example, transparent for key & fill or colored for chroma key.

Display graphics in ATEM

Once a graphic is created, it can be sent directly from the web app to the ATEM. This requires that the corresponding key is activated in the ATEM. For classic key & fill setups, the downstream key is typically used, while other configurations may also utilize the upstream key.

The controls are operated in real time, so graphics appear directly in the program image.

Control and live operation

For use in productions, broadifyCG offers button-based control. ATEM macros and graphics can be assigned to buttons for quick access during the show. Furthermore, different sessions can be created to organize various setups or productions.

This structure simplifies the process during live operation and reduces complexity during control.

Conclusion

Integrating graphics into an ATEM system always relies on the interaction between the external graphics source and the switcher's keying system. The ATEM itself is designed to generate the final image, which is why it makes sense to integrate graphics directly into it.

BroadifyCG is a web-based solution that makes this workflow relatively easy to access. From the connection via the bridge to the output of the graphics, the entire process can be implemented in a structured manner.

For anyone wondering how graphics get into the ATEM, the process is clear: create external graphics, establish a connection, and output them via the switcher.