What Is a Video Switcher and How Does It Work?

Do you have a video streaming account?

Streaming services spiked in activity in the last few months. In only the last three months, streaming services gather over 7.5 billion hours. That’s over 92% more than last year’s streaming statistics.

Twitch is home to some of the most popular streamers. It’s currently the most popular streaming platform, followed by YouTube and Facebook. It offers a variety of content, from video games to live music.

If you’re a streamer looking to improve quality, consider using a video switcher. In this article, we show you what a video switcher is. Read on to discover what is a video switcher used for.

What is a Video Switcher

A video switcher is a device that you can use to switch between different video and audio sources. Choosing between video and audio sources is its main function. However, you may also use it for mixing videos in video production.

You can use a video switcher to add special effects or extra footage on a secondary source. Video switchers are popular in video and film production. You may also see this in production trucks and TV studios.

With a video switcher, you can perform keying operations. These help you produce color signals. If this is your first time hearing about a video switcher, it works similar to an audio mixer.

Video switchers use multiple input sources. This allows the hardware to apply effects and produce more than one output.

How Does It Work

Video switchers are often based around preview and program bus. Each of these functions has a separate monitor. The program bus serves as the main output feed.
The preview bus allows the user to choose and preview different sources. However, the preview bus is optional. You will only need it if you want to add any visual effects.

Newer modern switchers have additional features. New models can store complex mixer configurations. They also provide serial communications that allow you to use proprietary communications protocols.

Cool Things You Can Do With a Video Switcher

A video switcher will enable you to do effects like fades. A video switcher looks like a fade tradition between two different video sources. This can be from a video camera and a laptop.

Each video switcher comes with different capabilities and features. You may need a bigger switcher if you’re using more video output sources. You may need to look for a specific type of switcher for a certain type of camera.

Video switchers are not limited to cameras and laptops. You can also plug in a Live TV or DirecTV box if desired. You can also bring in various graphics like Powerpoint.

You can also load logos and other graphic visuals into a video switcher. You may use a video switcher during corporate events like a product launch.

Uses of a Video Switcher

Traditional switchers may have only one or two outputs. Here are some of the other components of a video switcher.

Output Case

Two-screen set-ups are more common during corporate events. Often, the presenter will have two screens, one on either side of the person. During events like this, the person in charge will take a splitter box.

This little box serves as a distribution amplifier. It allows you to split the video signal to different projectors. If you want the same image on both projectors, you can get one cable that splits into two.

Each sub-cable goes into each projector, called a duplicate deal. Another example of this is a downstage monitor. One monitor for the audience and the other is for the presenter so they can see what they’re talking about.

Non-Banana Split

Another use of a video switcher that you may not know about is security cameras. This allows you to view different camera outputs on a single screen. This form of video switcher places video outputs in a grid system.

You can pick from the different video inputs and display the full thing. If you’re looking for a video switcher with an aux output, look for a brand called Black Magic.

Spider System

Spider systems are more advanced, and often more expensive. This is the best type of video switcher, useful for any event at any market. You can have the same video source display on four different screens.

How To Use a Video Switcher

If you’re looking for a good video switcher, check out this article by ALTA systems. This gives you a guide on how to choose the best video switcher for you. However, if you already have a video switcher, it may be difficult to understand.

A live video switcher allows you to reduce your post-production time and effort. Read on below to find out how to use a video switcher for the first time.

Program Bus and Preview Bus

What you see on the screen comes from a video source on the program bus. You can choose which output to show on the screen with the preview bus. You may also use the preview bus to queue shots and load graphics like titles.

Take Button

The take button will allow you to toggle between the program and preview bus. This gives you a direct cut to the queued shot.

T-Bar

The t-bar comes in the form of a lever and it allows you to transition between to preview and program. The t-bar takes hold of transitions like wipes and fades. Your speed in moving the t-bar will translate to the speed of the transition.

Auto Button

Aside from the t-bar, you may also use the auto button. This allows you to provide a consistent transition to your viewers. You can use the t-bar for manual and different transitions.

What Is a Video Switcher and How Does It Work?

Now you know what a video switcher is and how to use it. We covered the uses and basic controls of a video switcher. Use our guide on your next live video stream!

But why stop here? Looking for more hardware for video streaming? Check out our other guides for more video streaming tips and tricks!