At the 2009 NAB Show today, Echolab Inc. took the wraps off Atem™, a paradigm-busting 1 M/E 3Gbps 1080p/60 production switcher that sets new standards of flexibility, functionality, and utility for government, educational, corporate, live entertainment, and house of worship customers.

“In Atem, we have called upon our 35 years of experience to build a product that combines every feature our customers have told us they want in a 1 M/E switcher, including the ability to input and output any kind of signal,” said Ankit Patel, Echolab senior product manager. “Yet we have remained mindful of cost and will be shipping Atem in Q3, nicely equipped, for under $20,000 USD list.”

One of the most powerful 1 M/E switchers available, Atem features four upstream and two downstream keyers as well as Echolab’s unique SuperSource™ crosspoint and Stinger™ transitions, making it possible to build a composition of as many as 11 layers.

Atem also offers maximum flexibility by virtue of 10 mixed-format inputs with built-in synchronization and scaling, so that every input accepts SD or HD signals, while two of the inputs accept computer signals, enabling the switcher to fit seamlessly into any production environment.

In addition to program, preview, and three auxiliary outputs in the switcher’s native format, Atem has two analog auxiliary outputs with internal down/cross conversion for SD distribution.

More Atem features include inexpensive monitoring of program, preview, and eight other sources via a built-in multiviewer; an easy-to-use internal clip player for animated lower thirds, backgrounds, or short clips; built-in 2D DVE for DVE transitions and animating objects on screen; and an FAA-certified operating system for 24/7 reliability and 10-second boot time.

“While other video switching devices claim to be 3Gbps-ready, Atem supports 3Gbps 1080p/60 right out of the box, meaning operators can produce images in the highest resolution possible today or be ready for it tomorrow,” said Nigel Spratling, CEO of Echolab.

Echolab celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2009. To share the celebration with its customers, the company is offering special upgrade pricing to owners of any Echolab switcher who purchase Atem. Owners of Nova 14xx, Opera 34xx, Opera 1 M/E, and Overture1™ systems can upgrade to Atem by upgrading their chassis. Owners of other Echolab switchers should contact the company for special loyalty pricing.