One Button Studio Pro: Studiomatic vs Revolution

by | Oct 7, 2023 | OBS Kits | 0 comments

I wrote this for a customer who was looking at different One Button Studio options. Since I created the StudioMatic One Button Studio Pro, there is no doubt that I am biased. However, I think this comparison can be helpful for anyone trying to make a choice between StudioMatic’s One Button Studio Pro, and Revolution Lightboard’s One Button Studio Pro.

    Studiomatic was the first to bring a turnkey one button studio system to the market, and the first to offer a One Button Studio Pro package. I’m not clear on why Revolution chose to use the exact same name as our product. The term “One Button Studio” is in the public domain, and can be used by anyone. But for Revolution to add the “Pro” designation, that Studiomatic was already using, is confusing for customers. There are critical differences between the two systems. One more reason to do this comparison. Hopefully the following will be useful to you as you consider your options.

    Studiomatic

    One Button Studio Pro
    • One Button Recording
    • Automated Studio Lights
    • Step-by-Step Automation
    • Kiosk Mode
    • Professional Chroma Keying
    • Professional Software
    • Height Adjustable Desk
    • Ergonomic Control Console
    • Portable
    • 1 Year Unlimited Hardware Warranty
    • Professional Installation & Training Available

    Revolution

    One Button Studio Pro
    • One Button Recording
    • Automated Studio Lights
    • Step-by-Step Automation
    • Kiosk Mode
    • Professional Chroma Keying
    • Professional Software
    • Height Adjustable Desk
    • Ergonomic Control Console
    • Portable
    • 1 Year Unlimited Hardware Warranty
    • Professional Installation & Training Available

    Here I go into greater detail about the four main areas of difference between ours (Studiomatic) and theirs (Revolution):

     

    1. Software
    2. Ease-of-Use
    3. Chroma Keying
    4. Ergonomics

      1. Software

      Studiomatic uses mimoLive, which is licensed, professional software.
      Pros:
      • It allows us to work directly with professional software engineers to create the best user interface experience, which includes “kiosk mode”. See #2 for more details. 
      • mimoLive has integrated support for Blackmagic Design’s Ultimatte hardware. The only software in its class to do so. See #3 for more details.

       

      Cons:
      • It costs more.

      Revolution uses OBS Studio, which is open-source freeware.

      Pros:
      • It allows them to charge less for their solution.
      Cons:
      • OBS Studio has no “kiosk mode”, which means the end user has full access to the inner workings of the software. Critical software settings are exposed to tampering.

      2. Ease-of-Use

      Studiomatic has step-by-step automation that guides the user through the entire production process with on-screen animations and instructions. System power and studio lights are also completely automated. A touchscreen control panel allows the user to select a background, move the presentation, resize themselves, etc.
      Pros:
      • Users with lower levels of digital know-how will still find it easy to use.
      • “Kiosk mode” keeps users from accidentally changing critical software settings.
      Cons:
      • Professional software costs more.

      Revolution has no step-by-step automation. They do offer a control panel for changing the presentation position, changing the background, etc.

      Pros:
      • Lower cost
      Cons:
      • Users need more training, as the system requires more technical know-how to navigate.
      • Operator error is much more likely, as the user has full access to the inner workings of the system.
      • Manual studio lights

      3. Chroma Keying

      Studiomatic uses professional chroma keying hardware called “Ultimatte”.
      Pros:
      • It gives the best possible chroma keying results. This is the same hardware used in major news studios and on Hollywood sets.
      Cons:
      • Professional level chroma keying hardware costs more.

      Revolution uses the chroma keyer built-into the OBS Studio software.

      Pros:
      • It’s free, and allows them to charge less for their solution.
      Cons:
      • The quality is not as good as it could be.

      4. Ergonomics

      Studiomatic uses an IT cabinet with a separate height-adjustable control desk.
      Pros:
      • This allows room for an ergonomic integrated control console, which places the Digital Lightboard, control panel,  and keyboard directly in front of the user.
      • Larger 22″ Digital Lightboard.
      • Larger 24″ teleprompter.
      • The system has a professional, finished look.
      Cons:
      • Higher cost.
      • The screens are a bit farther away.

      Revolution uses a desk-based layout.

      Pros:
      • Quicker to set up, which means they can charge less for installation.
      • Screens are up close.
      Cons:
      • Smaller teleprompter.
      • Smaller Digital Annotation surface.
      • Users must step to the side (unless they are left-handed) to use the Digital Annotation surface.
      • The system has a DIY style build quality.

      Author: Jason Jenkins
      Studiomatic One Button Studio Developer

      Note: If the reader finds anything in this article they know to be incorrect, please notify me at jason@onebuttonstudio.info.

      Submit a Comment

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *