Selecting a Video Switcher
Switchers come in either of two native formats, high resolution and video based. Both provide the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple sources to create a professional presentation for your audience or congregation. Most also include the capacity to add visual effects and source layering. High resolution switchers are defined as those that switch natively in a progressive format, typical of any computer generated signal. Video based switchers come in either progressive or interlaced format. Some handle both interlaced and progressive signals in the same product, but this requires onboard processing to achieve format matching. The most important distinction of a video switcher is the ability to very low latency for camera sources. Low latency switching provides the best environment for live camera switching to a projected image viewed in the same room. Many facilities suffer from latency issues. This can be very distracting for the viewer in the room watching a speaker whose lips are out of sync with the sound system and whose hand gestures lag behind the visible person on stage.
When determining the best switcher for your organization, there are several important factors to consider. First, determine all of the switcher sources that will need to be included. Next, consider the quantity and format of outputs that will be required of the switcher. Once you have the completed list of inputs and outputs required of your switcher and their specific format, you are ready to begin looking at specific products that meet your needs.
Be sure that the product you select has some ability for expansion on both the input and output side to ensure that future growth can be accommodated with minimal budgetary impact. Facilities always grow larger over time. The costs of a few extra inputs and outputs at this stage are minimal. Adding them later could require a complete replacement or create an unnecessarily complex switching environment. I have visited many facilities over the years that have grown using a shortsighted approach to their switching plan. This always ends up with a series of input sub switchers feeding another series of sub switchers on the output side, creating a chaotic work environment that is prone to failure and confusion. Sub switchers are used to combine multiple inputs or outputs to other devices that do not have the capacity to handle the total number of sources or destinations on their own. Think of sub switchers as funnels feeding in to and out of your primary switching device. Signal quality suffers greatly when using multiple sub switchers in your facility.
Switchers come in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit the particular needs of your facility. If you find that the majority of your sources are computer generated and system latency issues are not a major concern for you, a high resolution switcher is your best choice. If the majority of your sources are video cameras and low latency is a primary need for you, then a video based switcher would be the best fit in your facility.
High Resolution Switchers
High resolution switchers are most commonly used when the predominant sources are computer based content and the content is primarily being sent to a video projector. Most of these switchers have the capacity to mix both analog and digital video sources along with computer generated content. As these switchers are natively progressive and can be set up for minimal signal scaling and conversion, they will display your graphic content in the highest quality possible. When considering a specific high resolution switcher, please consider the following options. Does the switcher need to have picture in picture (PIP) capacity? How many PIP’s will be required? Does the switcher need to accommodate mixing sources within the PIP’s? Do you need audio switching in addition to video? Is there a need for the switcher to provide multiple output resolutions?
Many high resolution switchers also have the ability to be configured for super wide screen environments. Super wide screen is defined as any screen exceeding the 1.78:1(16x9) ratio used in HDTV systems. LMG has integrated super wide screen systems in as much as 6:1 ratios and with screens measuring over thirty feet in height and two hundred feet in length. These panoramic display environments are extremely effective in drawing audiences deeply into your message and provide an excellent canvas for storytelling.
Video Switchers
Video switchers come out of the traditional television production environment. They are configured in either a 1.33:1(4x3) or 1.78:1(16x9) ratio. Video switchers can be either standard(SD) or high definition(HD). Some handle both ratios. As you read earlier, low latency is a hallmark of this type of switcher. In addition, video switchers can include 3D transitions and effects that are not possible with high resolution switchers. Video switchers also provide the best workflow for creative signal mixing in a multi camera environment.
There are a number of distinctive differences between models of video switchers. These include the quantity and variety of two and three dimensional effects and transitions, the amount of signal mixers available (ME’s), keying capacity, and internal routing/distribution. As of this writing, there are quite a number of HD switcher options available at price points that are affordable for most any budget. For this reason, I find it unwise for any facility to invest in SD products. In addition, it is much easier to integrate computer sources into an HD switcher than an SD product.
Budget considerations
High Resolution Switchers
High resolution switchers range in cost from $3-4K for a unit with 4 or 5 inputs and a single output. These switchers best support facilities with limited sourcing and single destination requirements. An example of this would be a church or organization with a single projection screen, graphics computer, DVD player, and possible single camera. If your needs require routing to several locations in different resolutions with PIP capability, expect to spend a minimum of $10K up to $70K depending on complexity. Super wide screen applications would require a minimum $30K investment to over $150K.
Video Switchers
HD Video switchers with up to 8 inputs and 1 to 3 destinations can be acquired for under $10K. These are very effective in smaller facilities that require low latency for projection and need video centric distribution for videotape or web distribution. Mid size switchers include multiple mix effect (ME) busses, include multiple video keyers, more advanced effects, and higher routing capacity. These switchers fit well in facilities with multiple screen destinations, extensive effects needs, and wider distribution profiles. These switchers run from $20K to 80K depending on configuration. Facilities needing large frame switchers with 3 or more ME’s, programmable effects and transitions, extensive routing capacity, and multi-resolution inputs and outputs should expect to spend a minimum of $100K up to $350K or higher.
Summary
Defining your video switcher purchase should be made in light of your entire facilities video needs. The right switcher will make production in your facility flow very smoothly from end to end. All signals coming into and out of the switcher need to be evaluated fully to position it as the primary gateway from source to screen. Other components such as cameras, playback devices, external routers, video screens, and other conversion/distribution devices are all heavily dependant upon the switcher’s capacity and capabilities.
When determining the best switcher for your organization, there are several important factors to consider. First, determine all of the switcher sources that will need to be included. Next, consider the quantity and format of outputs that will be required of the switcher. Once you have the completed list of inputs and outputs required of your switcher and their specific format, you are ready to begin looking at specific products that meet your needs.
Be sure that the product you select has some ability for expansion on both the input and output side to ensure that future growth can be accommodated with minimal budgetary impact. Facilities always grow larger over time. The costs of a few extra inputs and outputs at this stage are minimal. Adding them later could require a complete replacement or create an unnecessarily complex switching environment. I have visited many facilities over the years that have grown using a shortsighted approach to their switching plan. This always ends up with a series of input sub switchers feeding another series of sub switchers on the output side, creating a chaotic work environment that is prone to failure and confusion. Sub switchers are used to combine multiple inputs or outputs to other devices that do not have the capacity to handle the total number of sources or destinations on their own. Think of sub switchers as funnels feeding in to and out of your primary switching device. Signal quality suffers greatly when using multiple sub switchers in your facility.
Switchers come in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit the particular needs of your facility. If you find that the majority of your sources are computer generated and system latency issues are not a major concern for you, a high resolution switcher is your best choice. If the majority of your sources are video cameras and low latency is a primary need for you, then a video based switcher would be the best fit in your facility.
High Resolution Switchers
High resolution switchers are most commonly used when the predominant sources are computer based content and the content is primarily being sent to a video projector. Most of these switchers have the capacity to mix both analog and digital video sources along with computer generated content. As these switchers are natively progressive and can be set up for minimal signal scaling and conversion, they will display your graphic content in the highest quality possible. When considering a specific high resolution switcher, please consider the following options. Does the switcher need to have picture in picture (PIP) capacity? How many PIP’s will be required? Does the switcher need to accommodate mixing sources within the PIP’s? Do you need audio switching in addition to video? Is there a need for the switcher to provide multiple output resolutions?
Many high resolution switchers also have the ability to be configured for super wide screen environments. Super wide screen is defined as any screen exceeding the 1.78:1(16x9) ratio used in HDTV systems. LMG has integrated super wide screen systems in as much as 6:1 ratios and with screens measuring over thirty feet in height and two hundred feet in length. These panoramic display environments are extremely effective in drawing audiences deeply into your message and provide an excellent canvas for storytelling.
Video Switchers
Video switchers come out of the traditional television production environment. They are configured in either a 1.33:1(4x3) or 1.78:1(16x9) ratio. Video switchers can be either standard(SD) or high definition(HD). Some handle both ratios. As you read earlier, low latency is a hallmark of this type of switcher. In addition, video switchers can include 3D transitions and effects that are not possible with high resolution switchers. Video switchers also provide the best workflow for creative signal mixing in a multi camera environment.
There are a number of distinctive differences between models of video switchers. These include the quantity and variety of two and three dimensional effects and transitions, the amount of signal mixers available (ME’s), keying capacity, and internal routing/distribution. As of this writing, there are quite a number of HD switcher options available at price points that are affordable for most any budget. For this reason, I find it unwise for any facility to invest in SD products. In addition, it is much easier to integrate computer sources into an HD switcher than an SD product.
Budget considerations
High Resolution Switchers
High resolution switchers range in cost from $3-4K for a unit with 4 or 5 inputs and a single output. These switchers best support facilities with limited sourcing and single destination requirements. An example of this would be a church or organization with a single projection screen, graphics computer, DVD player, and possible single camera. If your needs require routing to several locations in different resolutions with PIP capability, expect to spend a minimum of $10K up to $70K depending on complexity. Super wide screen applications would require a minimum $30K investment to over $150K.
Video Switchers
HD Video switchers with up to 8 inputs and 1 to 3 destinations can be acquired for under $10K. These are very effective in smaller facilities that require low latency for projection and need video centric distribution for videotape or web distribution. Mid size switchers include multiple mix effect (ME) busses, include multiple video keyers, more advanced effects, and higher routing capacity. These switchers fit well in facilities with multiple screen destinations, extensive effects needs, and wider distribution profiles. These switchers run from $20K to 80K depending on configuration. Facilities needing large frame switchers with 3 or more ME’s, programmable effects and transitions, extensive routing capacity, and multi-resolution inputs and outputs should expect to spend a minimum of $100K up to $350K or higher.
Summary
Defining your video switcher purchase should be made in light of your entire facilities video needs. The right switcher will make production in your facility flow very smoothly from end to end. All signals coming into and out of the switcher need to be evaluated fully to position it as the primary gateway from source to screen. Other components such as cameras, playback devices, external routers, video screens, and other conversion/distribution devices are all heavily dependant upon the switcher’s capacity and capabilities.