Connecting to a Network
If you want to connect your ATEM switcher to a larger Ethernet network, then you will most likely
need to change the network settings on your ATEM switcher. Most people simply plug their
computer and control panel direct to the switcher, however in some situations it can be very
powerful to connect via your network!
Your ATEM ships from the factory with settings to allow hardware control panels to simply be
connected directly with an Ethernet cable. Your ATEM supports full Ethernet IP protocols so you
can place your switcher and panel on your network or anywhere on the planet using
the internet.
It’s worth noting that if you use your ATEM on a network, then you’re also increasing the
complexity of the connection between your control panel and the switcher, so there is possibly
a greater chance of something going wrong. However, ATEM can be used when plugged into a
switch, and even via most VPNs and over the internet.
To allow communication over Ethernet, the IP addresses of the switcher, hardware panel and
any computer running ATEM Software Control needs to be configured correctly. The IP address
used for each device will depend on the IP address range of the network you’re plugging into.
The ATEM switcher always needs a fixed IP address so control panels have a stable location to
connect to. This means you need to find a free fixed IP address in the range of your network
that you can use.
The control panels can be set to DHCP or fixed IP addresses. Generally when used on a
network, the control panel would be selected to DHCP, so it is automatically assigned an
IP address when connected to the network.
For all devices to communicate, they must share the same IP address subnet, which typically
means the first 3 fields in the IP address need to be the same. Each device must also use a
unique IP address.
Please remember to set all devices to the correct IP address so they can all communicate.
You will need to set the IP address of the ATEM switcher via USB using Blackmagic ATEM
Setup. You will need to set the DHCP or fixed IP mode on the ATEM Advanced Panel and if
using a fixed IP set the IP address on the panel. You will also need to set the panel’s ‘switcher
address’ to the new IP address you have just set for the switcher.
Lastly, you need to ensure your computer is connected and working on your network.
Then when you launch the ATEM Software Control application, you will be prompted
automatically to enter in an IP address for the switcher if ATEM Software Control cannot
communicate with the ATEM switcher. Use the IP address you just entered for the switcher.
Then the ATEM Software Control can find the switcher and communicate.
23
Getting Started