Introduction to Video Production, 2nd Edition

6The Video Switcher

The video switcher is a production device that combines or manipulates different video sources in real time. Typically the switcher is operated by the Technical Director (TD), but in smaller productions or in automated newscasts it may be operated by the director. The switcher’s 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). Essentially the video switcher allows for instantaneous editing—performing shot selection and adding transitions, ...