视频制作转换买家指南

The video production switcher is operated by a technical director who selects or mixes a program output from the available video inputs. Switcher hardware ranges considerably from inexpensive two-input models that lack any features other than a two-button video input selector to large studio consoles that cost more than a Porsche 911.

The video quality from the previous generation of analog video switchers varied greatly, but the current breed of digital video mixers theoretically output an identical video signal as the input signal when effects or mixing aren't used.

So what features are important for a video switcher purchased for use in a streaming video workflow?

形成的因素

All-in-one hardware solutions integrate the control panel and the video switcher while others separate the two components. The video switcher component is housed in either a rackmount case or in a computer, and the control panel can either be a software computer interface or a hardware control panel. 这两个组件通常通过以太网电缆连接.

All-in-one hardware solutions are more portable than individual components, but this also means that all of the cables converge on the video switcher and aren't easily concealed, 科技桌上的空间可能会大得多.

输入类型和数量

HD-SDI is the gold standard for video switcher input connectors because this single cable can run longer than the equivalent consumer HDMI standard and requires one-third as many cables as the analog component video standard. HD-SDI电缆, 也被称为BNC电缆, has a bayo网 connector and locks securely while the other standards easily can be pulled out accidentally.

Consumer cameras often lack HD-SDI outputs and computers use HDMI, DVI, 显示接口, 或VGA, so having a native computer input on the video switcher is a consideration. 另外, a video converter can be used to convert and/or scale a video camera or computer signal to a compliant video switcher input.

When you're choosing a switcher you should also consider the number of video inputs by type and total active inputs. Some video switcher models have more than one available connector type for a given single input, so the number of effective video inputs can be lower than the number of available input connectors.

输出类型及数量

以便预览每个视频输入, a switcher needs to have a preview output for each video input or a multiview output. While HD-SDI might be the gold standard for running cable on the video input side, HDMI对于预览显示器的应用非常广泛, largely because of the cost and availability of large HDTVs and computer monitors that have HDMI inputs. 除了预览或多视图输出, the webcast encoder needs to have a program output unless the video switcher is housed in a computer.

Some video switchers offer additional outputs for SD outputs on an HD switcher, as well as auxiliary outputs that can be programmed to duplicate any of the inputs, 预览, 程序输出, 或用于存档记录的附加程序输出.

音频功能

Some video switchers have built-in, full-fledged audio mixing consoles with multiple audio inputs. Others allow a pair of audio inputs from a soundboard or single source, while others don't even pass on embedded HDMI or HD-SDI audio and require the use of an external audio soundboard.