Mike's Notes
Originally, a desktop search of options for future video streaming by the Ajabbi Media Unit to support developers using Pipi to build enterprise systems.
During my two-week visit to Christchurch, I reviewed and tested some gear. Simple and reliable is good. I prefer hardware with buttons, like the Rodecaster, rather than switching software. Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro is also simple to use.
Soon, I'm going to start recording demos of Pipi, plus recorded talks with slides, for YouTube. I worked out a plan with Alex and talked it over with the local filmmakers community: "Projects in the Pub Invercargill".
Resources
- https://rode.com/en-us/user-guides/rodecaster-video
- https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/nz/products/atemmini
- https://www.yololiv.com/yoloboxUltra
- https://www.elgato.com/ww/en/p/stream-deck
References
- Reference
Repository
- Home > Ajabbi Research > Library >
- Home > Handbook > Ajabbi > Media Unit
Last Updated
21/09/2026
Hardware Video Switchers (For Professional Studio Control)
Mike Peters: Mike is the inventor and architect of Pipi and the founder of Ajabbi.
Google: Free and not bad at all.
Hardware options
For a hardware-driven workflow with physical buttons to control your split-screen layouts and camera switches for both live streaming and pre-recording, you have two distinct paths. You can use a dedicated video production console (all-in-one hardware) or a hardware controller paired with software on your computer. Here are the best hardware setups for handling remote podcast guests and video switching.
1. Dedicated Hardware Production Consoles (No Computer Needed)
These standalone devices act as the brain of your podcast. They ingest video/audio, handle remote guests, stream live, and record directly to hard drives.
RØDECaster Video: NZD $2,300
This is the most podcast-centric hardware switcher on the market.
- The Buttons: Large, tactile physical buttons switch between scenes instantly.Remote Guests: Connect a computer or mobile phone via USB to bring in remote guests (from Zoom, Teams, or Riverside) as a dedicated video source.
- The Switch: Map a button to a custom side-by-side split-screen layout, or program the device to automatically switch to full-screen views based on who is speaking into their microphone.
- Streaming/Recording: Records a finished program mix and individual isolated tracks (ISO) straight to an external SSD while live streaming directly via Ethernet.
YoloBox Ultra: NZD $2,959
A portable, Android-powered touchscreen monitor and switcher with physical button compatibility.
- The Buttons: While primarily a touchscreen, it pairs natively with the YoloBox Wireless Selector Keypad (a physical 5-button remote) to trigger cuts.Remote Guests: Built-in "Guest Invitation" feature. You generate a link on the screen, your remote guest joins from their phone/computer, and they appear as a video source.
- The Switch: Easily build split-screen layouts and assign them to your physical buttons. It also features a "Video Follows Audio" mode.
2. Physical Controller + Laptop Setup (Most Flexible)
If you already use a laptop or PC for your remote podcast, adding a dedicated hardware control surface offers the deepest customisation.
ATEM Mini Pro NZD $567.00
- The Buttons: A highly reliable broadcast switcher with premium, backlit physical buttons for seamless switching.
- Remote Guests: Run your remote call on a laptop, send the guest's video via HDMI into the ATEM Mini, and bring your local camera into another HDMI input.
- The Switch: The hardware has built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) buttons, but for a true side-by-side split screen, you must pre-program a "macro" scene using the free ATEM Software Control, then trigger it with a physical button.
- Streaming/Recording: The "Pro" and "ISO" models stream directly to the internet via Ethernet and record the live cut to a USB flash drive.
Elgato Stream Deck NZD $399.00
- The Buttons: The Stream Deck MK.2 or Stream Deck+ provides physical LCD keys you can program with custom icons.
- Remote Guests: Use VDO.Ninja (free) to bring your remote guest's camera into OBS Studio as a clean browser feed.
- The Switch: In OBS, create your scenes (e.g., Scene 1: Host Solo, Scene 2: Remote Guest Solo, Scene 3: Split Screen side-by-side). Map each scene to a physical button on the Stream Deck. Pressing a button instantly switches the live stream and recording.
Pro-Tip for Remote Split-Screens on Hardware
When using hardware switchers like the ATEM Mini or RØDECaster with remote guests, you need to isolate the guest's video. The cleanest way to do this is to use a dual-monitor setup on your guest-hosting computer. Put the video call (in full-screen speaker mode) on the second monitor, and send that monitor's HDMI signal straight into your hardware switcher.
