Blackmagic Design Acquires EchoLab

A manufacturer of video technology products have now acquired all assets of EchoLab Inc., one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of production switchers.
Blackmagic Design have teamed with EchoLab, with 35 years of experience in the business. EchoLab's latest ATEM range of production switchers include up conversion on inputs, multi-layer SuperSource input, Stinger transitions, and built in multi-view monitoring, all in a familiar, fully digital M/E style design.
ATEM will be instantly familiar to those who use production switchers. It uses the conventional M/E style of design that's easy, safe and fast to use on even the most critical live production. ATEM also combines powerful features such as SuperSource, which is a separate multi-layer engine with 4 x 2D picture in picture DVE's and 4 x keyers that provide the same power as adding a whole extra multiple M/E switcher to the ATEM input.
For connecting to the widest range of cameras, decks and computers, the ATEM 1 M/E model includes 8 SDI inputs that operate at SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI, plus 2 switchable HDMI/Analog video inputs. ATEM includes multiple SDI outputs for programme, preview, and aux. outputs, plus an HDMI output for the multi-view monitoring output. The ATEM 2 M/E model includes 15 x SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI inputs, as well as 3 x switchable HDMI/analog inputs for a total of 18 video inputs. ATEM 2 M/E also includes two multi-viewer outputs, clean feed, aux., programme and preview SDI outputs. All ATEM switchers include serial ports for camera and VDCP servers as well as genlock.
Grant Petty, Chief Executive Officer of Blackmagic Design, commented: "I have been using live production switchers since I was in school where we covered local theatre, sports, racing and bands. I think it's the most exciting way to do production because it's all live and thousands of people are watching what you are doing! Production switchers need to be powerful while also being familiar and easy to operate. I think the ATEM switchers from EchoLab are the most exciting switchers I have ever seen, and it's incredibly exciting to add these products and intellectual property to the Blackmagic Design family."
He continued: "The ATEM switcher is a fantastic creative tool, and it includes powerful features not found in any other product. Since the acquisition, we have already dramatically expanded the engineering team working on ATEM. This fresh engineering team, which is a combination of new as well as experienced EchoLab staff, will allow us to move faster in adding new features to the ATEM product."
The ATEM production switchers will be demonstrated at the Blackmagic Design IBC 2010 Stand 7.B25.
(BMcN/KMcA)