Blackmagic ATEM switchers are awesome, but the Advanced Panel control surfaces cost thousands of dollars. In this video I show you how I can get about 95% of that same control using a Stream Deck XL and the free Bitfocus Companion software—so you can build a legit, physical-button ATEM “control surface” for under $300. If you’re running church production or event video, this is one of those upgrades that just makes switching faster, cleaner, and way more repeatable. I walk through what you need to get started, how Companion connects to your ATEM over the network (no internet required—just proper IP connectivity), and how I build a practical layout: Preview row, Program row, plus essentials like Cut, Auto, Fade to Black, upstream key on-air (for lyrics/lower thirds from ProPresenter), and media still triggers. Then I take it further with variables (so buttons can display labels straight from the ATEM) and feedbacks (so buttons change color when sources are actually in Preview/Program, when keys are on-air, or when you’re faded to black). I even show a “shift” style page toggle so you can jump between camera banks like a real panel. I also include downloadable Companion resources and icons so you can get up and running faster.