Blackmagic Design Spares - ATEM Panel - Input LCD Single

The Blackmagic Design Spares - ATEM Panel - Input LCD Single is the individual high-contrast "Scribble Strip" display located directly above a source button on an ATEM Advanced Panel (1 M/E, 2 M/E, or 4 M/E).

In a professional broadcast environment, these displays are vital because they dynamically update to show the Short Name of the source (e.g., "CAM 1," "VTR," "GFX") and its current tally status. These are individual modules, allowing you to replace a single failed screen rather than the entire row.

Core Responsibilities

• Dynamic Labeling: Displays the 4-character or 8-character labels assigned in the ATEM Software Control.

• Tally Color-Coding: The background color changes based on the source's status:

  • Red: Source is On-Air (Program).

  • Green: Source is selected on the Preview bus.

  • Yellow/Amber: Indicates a "Next Transition" or secondary selection.

• Menu Feedback: In certain modes, these screens show parameter values (like Gain or Hue) when the panel is in "Local Control" mode.

When to Replace an Input LCD

• "Dead" Screen: The display is completely black, while the button below it still functions and the surrounding LCDs are lit.

• Backlight Failure: You can see the text faintly under a flashlight, but the internal LED backlight has failed, making it unreadable in a dark control room.

• Line Defects: Persistent horizontal or vertical lines appearing across the text, usually caused by a failure of the COF (Chip-on-Flex) connector inside the module.

• Color Distortion: The screen no longer turns red or green, or the colors appear "washed out" or inverted.

• Burn-in: After years of displaying the same text (e.g., "CAM 1") at 100% brightness, a permanent ghost image of the letters remains visible.

Technical Installation Note

Repair Level: 4 (Advanced).

1. Bank Access: To replace a single LCD, you must typically remove the entire M/E button block from the chassis.

2. FFC (Flat Flexible Cable): Each LCD connects to the local distribution PCB via a paper-thin ribbon cable.

   • Warning: The ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connectors are extremely delicate. You must flip the tiny black or white locking tab UP before inserting the cable.

3. Seating and Alignment: The LCD must sit perfectly flush against the clear window of the top faceplate. If it is tilted, the text will appear blurry or be cut off by the frame.

4. Static Protocol: These small displays are highly sensitive to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Work on a grounded mat and avoid touching the gold contacts on the ribbon cable.

Diagnostic: LCD vs. Control Board

• It is the Input LCD if: Only one specific display is malfunctioning while all others in the row are perfect.

• It is the Sectional PCB if: An entire group of 5 or 10 displays goes dark simultaneously. This usually indicates a power rail failure or a loose main interconnect cable.

Pro-Tip: The "Brightness" Life-Extender

To prevent having to replace these in the future, go to your ATEM Panel settings and set the Button/LCD Brightness to around 70%. Running these screens at 100% brightness 24/7 significantly accelerates the "dimming" of the organic LEDs and increases the risk of burn-in.

Is your screen completely dead, or are you seeing lines across the text of a specific input?