About the Blackmagic Design BMD-SWRCONV ATEM Camera Converter
The Blackmagic Design ATEM Camera Converter is a central hub device in the ATEM studio camera ecosystem, designed to manage the connection and control of multiple professional cameras over long distances using simplified cabling. It acts as the intermediary between an ATEM live production switcher and up to four ATEM Studio Converter units located at each camera.
This system allows a single coaxial cable per camera to carry a bidirectional bundle of signals: sending camera power, intercom audio, tally data, and camera control signals from the switcher to the camera, while simultaneously receiving the camera's high-quality SDI video feed back to the switcher. By consolidating these functions, the ATEM Camera Converter dramatically reduces the complexity, weight, and cost of cabling in multi-camera studio installations, mobile production trucks, and permanent broadcast facilities, replacing a thick multi-cable snake with just a few lightweight coaxial cables.
Housed in a compact 1RU rackmount metal enclosure, the converter is built for reliable integration into professional video racks. It enables powerful remote camera control capabilities, allowing the switcher operator to adjust critical parameters like exposure, color balance, and detail settings on all connected cameras from a single interface, ensuring visual consistency across the production. The integration of a clear two-wire intercom and reliable tally system through the same cable further streamlines communication between the control room and camera operators. Serving as the backbone of a streamlined studio system, the ATEM Camera Converter is an essential component for broadcasters, live event producers, and educational institutions seeking to implement a professional, scalable, and efficient multi-camera production setup with minimal infrastructure complexity.