Making a Downstream Key with Your ATEM Switcher

Why use a downstream keyer

A downstream keyer sits above everything else in the chain, so whatever it holds stays on screen through cuts, transitions and effects underneath. That makes it the right place for anything constant — a channel logo, a live bug, a lower-third that persists.

What the video covers

• Loading a graphic into the media pool from the media tab
• The example graphics bundled with ATEM Software Control, including news-style live bugs
• Assigning media player 1 as the fill source, with the key source populating automatically to carry transparency
• Three ways to bring the graphic to air:
  • On air — instantly
  • Auto — faded on at a rate you set
  • Tie — linked to the main transition, so it arrives and leaves with the source change

The tie button is the one worth learning: it keeps branding tied to the shot it belongs with, rather than needing a separate action. See the ATEM switcher range.