TouchDirector PiP vs BM Controller

Today’s live productions require more than simply showing a speaker or a powerpoint. Often you are asked to include live cameras, a powerpoint presentation, a moderator, and Zoom participants on the hybrid or virtual event. A multi-Picture-in-Picture (PIP) composition is state-of-the-art to show different contents at the same time. With an ATEM 2/4 M/E, Mini Extreme, or with an ATEM Constellation you can create up to 8 PIPs with the integrated SuperSources and also up to 4 DVEKs. With TouchDirector App you can control, save, share, or download SuperSource compositions. You can save SuperSource setups into your iCloud and download them on another device or share them. And you can use the pre-installed SuperSource compositions. TouchDirector PiP works with iPhone and iPad and offers 5 pages (on iPad) with up to 18 quick composition buttons to prepare a huge amount of multi-PIP compositions, also fully animated! The number of Quick composition buttons depends on the iOS device screen size. Video sources can be switched directly in the selected SuperSource Box with TouchDirector “SSRC” tab while SuperSource is on air. It is necessary to switch the video sources for the PIPs very fast. I.e. when a Zoom or conference participant begins to speak, you have a maximum of half a second to switch him to air into one of the two, three or four PIP boxes. The multi-PIP workflow with TouchDirector is very fast: to select the box and switch to the correct video source takes about 0.3 sec. Multi-PiP supports up to 12 boxes now, depending on the switcher model. TouchDirector PiP offers macro-driven animation of up to two cascaded SuperSource boxes (eight boxes in summary) and also up to four ME1 DVE key boxes* with real-time generated macros. TouchDirector PiP is generating, sending, and executing animation macros in real-time. You can now create Multi-PiP with up to eight cascaded SuperSource PiP and four DVEK PiP in one composition. Simply create your PiP with the ATEM control software on your laptop and save them to TouchDirector PiP. Assign these compositions to Quick composition buttons and switch between them. All transitions between the compositions will be fully animated, it's also possible to animate single PiP from your Multi-PiP composition to full screen and back to the composition. Simply touch a PiP in the composition viewer to bring it to full screen and back. Every macro-driven animation is automatically calculated for the current video frame rate. This revolutionary solution makes animation much smoother, for SuperSource and DVEK animation in progressive formats like 50, 59.94, or 60p. The new SuperSource selector tool offers to choose control between SuperSource 1, 2, DVEK or combination. The new ATEM transition area gives control to set SuperSource, Upstream Key (DVEK) and Mediaplayer/Color generator (as DVEK background) to PVW or PGM and start the transition. If you use many PiP in your composition and some PiP overlap each other, you can switch the composition Viewer with the "Composition level visualiser" between views for SuperSource 1, 2, DVEK and all. The "PiP box number indicator" informs you about the available PiP boxes regarding the capabilities of your ATEM. If you use a Stream Deck in your workflow, you can download a Companion plugin from our website and control your compositions with the Stream Deck buttons. Buttons are showing the preview of the compositions in its displays. The TouchDirector PiP app distinguishes between 2/4 M/E ATEM switchers and 1 M/E ATEM like ATEM Mini/Extreme and TV-Studio and switches automatically to use 1 or 2 SSRC or 1/2/4 DVEK, or allows you to choose if both are supported. We derived TouchDirector PiP from the TouchDirector full version. Experience has shown that it is better to control the SuperSource or DVE Keys using a separate device.

BM Controller is a powerful utility that lets you wirelessly control supported Blackmagic Design cameras using the Camera Control API. Built for reliability and speed, it gives filmmakers and creators a clean, responsive interface to adjust essential camera parameters in real time. Designed specifically for iPhone, BM Controller communicates with your Blackmagic camera over the network. Once connected, you can remotely access and configure a wide range of camera settings — without physically touching the hardware. The following models implement the same Camera Control API version (v1.0) and are supported: • Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 • Cinema Camera 6K • Studio Camera 4K Plus • Studio Camera 4K Plus G2 • Studio Camera 4K Pro • Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 • Studio Camera 6K Pro • URSA Broadcast G2 Note: These models are supported by the API specification. BM Controller interfaces with any compatible device using the documented endpoints but does not perform additional validation per model. Certain features, such as zoom or autofocus, depend on the physical capabilities of the camera and lens. If a lens does not support electronic zoom, the zoom control will not produce any effect. Core Features - Free Edition Single Device Control • Control one Blackmagic camera at a time with direct network communication. Comprehensive Camera Settings • Adjust shutter speed (with Auto), ISO, white balance, tint, aperture (with Auto), focus, zoom, focal length, gain, device codec, frame-rate, and off-speed recording. Audio Control • View and modify levels for two audio channels, and choose from available audio inputs per channel. Recording Control • Start and stop recordings, monitor recording status, and view real-time media availability. Visual Feedback System • Tally indicators and lock states alert you to external recordings or missing media. Built-In Support Resources • Includes a connectivity guide, accessories reference, and device compatibility list — all available from within the app. BM Controller App for the Video Production industry BM Controller is ideal for mobile content creators, videographers, and technicians working with Blackmagic Design cameras in live production or studio environments. Whether you’re working from a handheld rig or managing a remote setup, BM Controller streamlines your workflow and enhances camera interaction. Future Development We are actively working on new features, including multi-camera support, simultaneous device. These will be part of our upcoming Studio Edition — a premium upgrade designed for professionals who require greater flexibility and control. Stay tuned via the Resources tab for updates. All existing and planned features can be reviewed in the Resources tab under Release Notes.