Broadcast switchers allow production crews to seamlessly transition between multiple video and audio sources during live broadcasts. These versatile devices give directors complete control over what the viewing audience sees and hears.
History of Broadcast Switching
The earliest television broadcasts relied on very basic switching equipment. Productions used simple multiboxes that allowed just a few discrete camera angles or sources to be selected manually. As technology advanced, purpose-built broadcast switchers emerged in the 1950s and ‘60s that gave directors greater flexibility. Early switchers could mix up to 4 cameras with basic cuts and dissolves. By the 1970s, digital switchers capable of sophisticated effects like wipes became common in large production facilities. Today, modern switchers offer remarkably robust capabilities through integrated production control surfaces and advanced software control.
Types of Broadcast Switchers
There are a few primary categories of Broadcast Switchers based on their intended uses and capabilities:
Studio Switchers
Large-scale studio switchers are the workhorses of major television productions. Designed for installation in sophisticated control rooms, these switchers can accommodate up to hundreds of video and audio inputs. Advanced features like multicamera production capabilities, integrated clip servers, layout effects, and customizable control panels give directors immense control over complex live broadcasts. High-end studio switchers from manufacturers like Grass Valley, Ross Video, and Snell typically sell for well over $100,000.
Live Production Switchers
While still quite full-featured, live production switchers on wheels are more portable than fixed studio units. Weighing 50-200 pounds, these switchers are ideal for mobile broadcast trucks, field productions, houses of worship, and corporate AV applications. Models typically support 8-64 channels of video/audio with effects like picture-in-picture (PIP). Brands like Blackmagic Design, Broadcast Pix, and Yamaha offer live production switchers priced $5,000-$50,000.
Master Control Switchers
Primarily used to automate the distribution of television channel playback, master control switchers are designed for reliability over flashy features. These switchers coordinate the insertion of ads, network programming, and local inserts smoothly based on configurable schedules. Master control switchers are installed at television stations, cable headends, and other distribution facilities. Prices start around $20,000.
Presentation Switchers
Smaller desktop and portable presentation switchers are optimized for switching between presentation sources like laptops, cameras, and screens in boardrooms or classrooms. Models support 4-16 inputs with basic cuts, transitions, and video scaling. Users control them directly or through software. Presentation switchers cost $500-$5,000.
Control Surfaces and Interfaces
Many switchers offer optional control panels, also known as control surfaces, to provide hands-on control of switching functions and production capabilities. Larger surfaces resemble airplane cockpit controls while portable models function like wireless slates. Interfaces like touchscreens and software apps also give flexible control over switchers located elsewhere.
Technical Aspects of Broadcast Switching
At their core, all broadcast switchers contain circuitry to select between various video and audio sources and output composite or component video feeds. Beyond basic switching, modern units integrate powerful video processing capabilities:
Multiviewers - Allow monitoring of multiple video sources simultaneously on a single monitor or video wall.
Scalers - Ensure source video signals are properly resized and formatted for output.
Frame Synchronizers - Maintain stable switching between asynchronous video signals from different sources.
Mix/Effects - Blend or layer multiple video sources using transitions, borders, PIPs, and other effects.
Audio Processing - Route and mix multilayer audio, integrate DSP for effects like ducking.
Formats - Support a wide range of video and audio standards from SD to Ultra HD and beyond.
Control - Offer flexible interface options from physical panels to software control apps.
Integration - Tie into third-party systems for automation and interoperability.
Get more insights, On Broadcast Switchers
Comments
0 comment