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1. LIVESTREAM | STUDIO HD50 2. ROLAND SYSTEMS GROUP U.S. VR-50HD AV MIXER
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1. PANASONIC | AV-HS6000 2ME LIVE SWITCHER 2. GRASS VALLEY | GV DIRECTOR NONLINEAR LIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEM
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ROSS VIDEO | CARBONITE EXTREME VIDEO SWITCHER
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1. BHV BROADCAST LIMITED | CALLISTO HD 2. DATAVIDEO | SE-2800 HD/SD MULTI-FORMAT SWITCHER
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FSR | DV-MFSW-94 MULTI-FORMAT MATRIX SWITCHER
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1. KRAMER ELECTRONICS VP-773 PROSCALE DIGITAL SCALER/SWITCHER 2. TVONE | C2-2855 UNIVERSAL SCALER PLUS
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1. BARCO | PDS SERIES SWITCHER 2. BLACKMAGIC DESIGN | ATEM 1 M/E PRODUCTION STUDIO 4K
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EXTRON | IN1608 SCALING PRESENTATION SWITCHER
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ANALOG WAY | SAPHYR
For houses of worship that are considering adding video as a part of their services or are looking to purchase new equipment, one of the first pieces of equipment that needs to be considered is the video switcher. While choosing the format that you will shoot in and the sources that will be used in your video system are important, the switcher is a key consideration that needs to be decided upon earlier rather than later.
A video switcher is a piece of equipment that mixes multiple video sources into one or more master outputs. To make it easier to grasp, you can compare a video switcher to what an audio console does; it takes in multiple input sources; the user can apply effects and/or processing; and the unit provides an output. Switchers are normally used for real-time recording, broadcast, or streaming of live events or where multiple sources need to be mixed in real-time and routed to a projector, as opposed to post-production editing.
Video switchers are able to create visual effects like mixes or wipes between scenes as well as providing compositing effects where various inputs and graphics are layered to create a single output. Many of today's switchers are designed to deal with multiple formats where they can accept a wide variety of sources like Serial Digital Interface (SDI) including 3G, HD, or SD; High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI); Digital Visual Interface (DVI); component video; VGA; composite; etc.
Among the many options to consider are scalers. Scaling is a vital function required to correctly scale the output based upon the requirements of the display. Also a number of new models even supply graphics and titling as well as audio mixing.
While shopping for new video equipment may seem initially daunting, especially if it's your first time looking at purchasing new equipment, with a little research, a good understanding of what you want, and careful consideration of your options, you can be happy with your final choices. When looking for a video switcher—or any piece of high-tech equipment—take your time and [perform due diligence].
It's recommended that you speak with AV technicians at other churches similar to your own, as well as get demonstrations from video suppliers or manufacturers. As always, if you have questions or comments about this article, please feel free to drop us a line at: info@churchproduction.com
Below CPM provides basic, wet-your-whistle descriptions of just a sampling of what's now available. Slideshow above features images.
Analog Way | Saphyr
Saphyr is a 10x2+1 video output seamless switcher with 16 input plugs, including DVI-D, HDMI and 3G-SDI. It features mixer and native matrix modes and includes key features of the Midra platform: Quick Frame, advanced audio management, and professional effects. Saphyr includes the RCS², an intuitive software interface for fast and easy control. It began shipping in November 2013.
MSRP: $15,250
Barco | PDS Series Switcher
The Barco PDS series switcher is designed as an easy-to-use, seamless switcher with more digital inputs at an affordable price. Featuring Barco's renowned scaling technology, the PDS provides simultaneous program output via the DVI, analog and 3G HDSDI connectors. The PDS-902 3G model features four DVI-I inputs, with full HDCP 1.0 support, four analog inputs, one 3G SDI input, and a preview output.
MSRP: Contact manufacturer for details.
Blackmagic Design | ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K
The ATEM 1 M/E Production Studio 4K connects up to 10 SD, HD, or 4K sources. It includes four chroma keyers, full motion DVE, transitions, a large media pool, two downstream keyers, three aux outputs, a built-in multi-channel audio mixer, multi-view, resync on video inputs, and features the new 6G-SDI and HDMI 4K technology. The unit is currently shipping.
MSRP: $2,495
BHV Broadcast Limited | Callisto HD
Callisto HD offers a range of hybrid capabilities and includes an array of input formats and multi-screen display. It also incorporates BHV's Super Resolution Bandlet technology that allows the user to handle analog, SDI SD and SDI HD signals seamlessly in a single unit. Designed to be plug-and-play, the operator-friendly unit sets up quickly. The unit will begin shipping June 2014.
MSRP: $5,500
Datavideo | SE-2800 HD/SD Multi-Format Switcher
The SE-2800 HD/SD multi-format switcher accepts eight or 12 inputs (HD/SD-SDI, CV, or HDMI), includes built-in audio delay for each input, multi-view output, audio embedding, lumakey, three HD-SDI assignable outputs, and remote control is available via PC or LAN.
The unit is now shipping.
MSRP, 8 inputs: $6,000
MSRP, 12 inputs: $7,500
Extron | IN1608 Scaling Presentation Switcher
The Extron IN1608 is a six-input scaling presentation switcher for HDMI and analog video sources and delivers AV switching, scaling, and signal extension all in one box. It features built-in DTP 230 twisted pair inputs, and a DTP 230 output allows for easier system design. This product is now shipping.
MSRP:
Contact manufacturer for details.
FSR | DV-MFSW-94
Multi-Format Matrix Switcher
FSR's DV-MFSW-94 multi-format matrix switcher routes and scales analog/digital video sources to as many as four displays. A combination of nine analog/digital sources to four independent HDMI digital outputs facilitates quick, clean switching. A touchscreen system option can also control other devices. CAT-5 output option works with FSR receivers.
It is shipping now.
MSRP: $7,995
MSRP with touch control: $8,694
Grass Valley | GV Director
Nonlinear Live Production System
Grass Valley's new GV Director nonlinear live production system goes beyond the traditional video switcher. It's a multi-purpose tool for live production that integrates video switching, multi-layer effects, animated graphics, multi-viewer monitoring, and more in a single, intuitive package.
MSRP: $35,000
Kramer Electronics | VP-773 ProScale Digital Scaler/Switcher
The VP-773 ProScale Digital Scaler/Switcher accepts one of eight inputs: one DisplayPort, one composite video, two computer graphics, and four HDMI signals. It scales the video, embeds the audio, and simultaneously outputs the signal to two HDMI and one HDBaseT TP output, together with S/PDIF and balanced stereo audio outputs. It also includes a built-in emergency alert system.
MSRP: $2,695
LiveStream | Studio HD50
Livestream Studio HD50 is designed to provide broadcast-quality live switching hardware at an affordable price while also being portable enough to take on the go. Studio HD50 offers five inputs from an array of analog and digital sources or four inputs and one output for when you need broadcast-quality output display.
MSRP Price: $4,999
Panasonic | AV-HS6000 2ME Live Switcher
The new Panasonic AV-HS6000, a new model in the HS series, is a 32-input 2ME switcher with eight DVE, four multi-viewers, an open API, among other features; all in a compact 3U size. It features a newly designed, easy-to-use graphical control panel to support accurate switching. The HS6000 will be available in March 2014.
MSRP: $30,000
Roland Systems Group U.S. | VR-50HD AV Mixer
The Roland VR-50HD all-in-one AV mixer fully integrates an audio mixer, video switcher, multi-viewer touchscreen, and USB video/audio streaming into a stand-alone device. This live HD production solution, available now, is designed with churches in mind—to expand reach by mixing, streaming, and recording services.
MSRP: $7,495
Ross Video | Carbonite eXtreme Video Switcher
Ross' Carbonite eXtreme combines production switching with signal routing and distribution in the same chassis. Carbonite's new MiniMEs also add the ability to manage multiple outputs and screen processing with edge blending for up to four projectors, independent of the main production. Carbonite eXtreme is currently shipping.
MSRP: Contact manufacturer for details.
TVOne | C2-2855 Universal Scaler Plus
The C2-2855 provides video scaling, format conversion, and flexible audio management along with an intuitive user interface. Possessing more input/output flexibility than any previous TVOne scaler, the C2-2855 can be set-up and managed using a new front panel or via a computer-based software that allows setup in less time.
MSRP: $4,295
