Video Switchers and Routers
Blackmagic ATEM automated camera switching
Switch your Blackmagic ATEM from the studio microphones. VRA selects camera inputs, operates configured keys and runs ATEM macros, while your team can still take control.
How Blackmagic ATEM and VRA work together.
Programme and preview stay visible
VRA mirrors the current source on programme and preview for each available mix effects bus, so operators and automation work from the switcher's real state.
Cuts and transitions become commands
Take a source directly, place it on preview or run the configured transition. The same commands work from a dashboard button, camera angle or macro.
Keys and macros remain on the ATEM
VRA can switch downstream keys and execute macros already stored in the ATEM. The switcher remains the source of their fill, key and macro configuration.
Run actions when the switcher is ready
Use programme, preview and key state as conditions. For example, let an action run only when its configured switcher condition is met.
How to set it up.
Requirements
- A Blackmagic ATEM reachable from VRA Core by IP.
- Documented ATEM firmware ranges: 7.2 to 7.5.2 and 8.0 to 8.6. Check other versions with us before setup.
- Input labels and ATEM macros already configured on the switcher when you want to address them by name.
Connect the ATEM and the machine running VRA Core to the same reachable studio network.
In VRA Cloud, add a Live Switcher and choose Blackmagic ATEM.
Enter the switcher's IP address, save the connection and wait for VRA to read its inputs and current state.
Check programme and preview for every M/E you plan to use. Test a transition, downstream key and ATEM macro before adding automation.
Use the generated switcher commands in camera angles, macros or Automation Link conditions.
Blackmagic ATEM questions
Which ATEM firmware does VRA support? +
VRA documents firmware ranges 7.2 to 7.5.2 and 8.0 to 8.6. If your ATEM runs another version, ask us to check that model and firmware before relying on the connection.
Can VRA control more than one M/E bus? +
Yes. When the ATEM model exposes multiple mix effects buses, VRA reads and controls programme and preview for each available bus.
Does VRA replace the ATEM control software? +
No. Configure inputs, keyers, media and stored macros in the ATEM environment. VRA operates those configured resources as part of the visual-radio workflow.
Where should the ATEM connection run? +
VRA Core must be able to reach the switcher's IP on the local production network. Keep the control path local for dependable on-air operation.
Blackmagic Design
About Blackmagic ATEM.
Blackmagic ATEM is a family of production switchers for multicamera video. Models range from compact streaming switchers to larger broadcast systems with multiple mix effects buses.
VRA connects directly to the switcher on the local network. The ATEM remains the video mixer. VRA supplies the operator panel, reusable commands and automation around its existing functions.
What you can do with this connection
Automated camera switching for radio
Switch cameras from microphone activity and prepare PTZ shots off air.
More infoThe products behind it.
More integrations.
vMix
Use vMix with VRA for automatic camera switching, radio graphics over NDI and recording control. Keep your existing video production setup.
OBS
Automate OBS Studio scene switching with VRA microphone triggers. Connect obs-websocket v5, use your existing scenes and control recording.
Blackmagic Videohub
Control Blackmagic Videohub SDI routes from VRA. Select inputs and outputs through studio buttons, macros and automation over the local network.
Check your studio setup with us.
Tell us your camera models, video switcher and radio automation. We will check the connections and show you the workflow that fits your station.