CHAPTER   6

The Video Switcher

The video switcher is a production device that allows the technical director (TD) to combine or manipulate different video sources on the director’s command. Its function parallels that of an audio mixer but for video sources. A number of different video sources can be fed into the switcher, and the TD selects the source or combination of sources that will be sent out of the switcher to the video recorder (if the program is being recorded) or the transmitter (if the program is being broadcast live).

Types of Video Switchers

Distribution Switchers

Two types of video switchers are commonly found in video facilities: distribution switchers and production switchers. A distribution switcher, or routing switcher, is ...

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