Matrix Switchers
Video routers (or video matrix switchers) are crucial hardware devices in the audiovisual industry. They are equipment designed to route and distribute video signals (and often audio as well) from multiple sources to multiple destinations. Think of them as a "control hub" that allows you to connect any source to any destination, or to several destinations simultaneously, in a flexible and real-time manner.
Primary Use
Television Studios: They allow production directors to quickly select which camera, video player, or external source is displayed on screen, recorded, or broadcasted live. They are fundamental for live switching and program production.
Outside Broadcast Vans (OB Vans): In live events, concerts, or sports broadcasts, routers manage the multiple signals from cameras, microphones, and other equipment for production and transmission to the main center.
Control Centers and Operation Rooms: In environments such as security centers, surveillance, or traffic control rooms, routers allow the visualization of various video sources (security cameras, data, maps) on multiple screens, according to the operator's needs.
Conference Rooms and Auditoriums: They facilitate the distribution of presentations, videos, and other visual content to multiple screens or projectors.
Video Post-Production: They allow editors and colorists to select and route signals from different editing equipment and monitors.
Digital Signage and Videowalls: In large-format displays or video walls, routers ensure that content is distributed correctly and with the best quality to each screen segment.
Classification of Professional and Broadcast Video Routers
They can be classified according to several criteria:
1. By the type of signals they handle:
SDI (Serial Digital Interface) Routers: These are the most common in broadcast and professional production environments due to their robustness and ability to transmit uncompressed digital video over long distances. Different SDI standards exist (SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 12G-SDI, 24G-SDI) supporting various resolutions and bitrates.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Routers: Popular in Pro-AV and High-End residential environments, they transmit high-definition digital video and audio. Ideal for HDMI displays and projectors.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) Routers: Primarily used for digital computer video signals, although they can also transmit analog video.
HDBaseT Routers: They allow the transmission of high-definition video, audio, Ethernet, control (RS-232, IR), and power (PoE) over a single Cat5e/6 network cable, ideal for longer distances.
IP Routers (NDI, SMPTE 2110, etc.): The most recent trend is video routing over IP networks. This offers great flexibility, scalability, and the ability to transmit signals through standard network infrastructure, eliminating the need for dedicated cabling for each signal. NDI (Network Device Interface) is a popular protocol for Video over IP, especially for live production and studio environments.
Analog Routers (VGA, Component, Composite): Although increasingly less common in the modern professional sphere, they are still found in older installations or for connecting legacy equipment.
2. By size (number of inputs and outputs)
Small Routers: Ranging from 2x2 (2 inputs and 2 outputs) up to 8x8 or 16x16. They are suitable for small studios, meeting rooms, or compact OB vans.
Medium Routers: Generally 32x32, 64x64. Used in medium-sized studios or control centers with a significant number of sources and destinations.
Large (or Modular) Routers: Can reach configurations of 128x128, 256x256, 512x512, or even larger. These are modular systems where input and output cards are added as needed. They are used in large broadcast facilities, critical operation centers, and large-scale events.
3. By architecture
Fixed or Compact Routers: Have a predefined number of inputs and outputs and are not expandable. They are often more economical and suitable for applications where requirements do not change frequently.
Modular Routers: Are built from a central chassis (frame) to which input and output cards, processors, and control cards are added. This allows great flexibility to scale the system, replace components, or adapt to new signal technologies. They are the preferred choice for large installations due to their growth and maintenance capability.
Hybrid Routers: Combine the ability to handle different signal types (e.g., SDI and HDMI) in a single chassis or through the use of integrated converters, making them versatile in environments where different technologies coexist.
Routers with Integrated Features: Some routers include additional functions such as scalers (to adjust signal resolution at the output), format converters, audio processors, or even the ability to create videowalls directly from the router.
4. By control level and functionality
Routers with Basic Control: Usually have buttons on the front panel for selecting inputs and outputs, sometimes with simple RS-232 or Ethernet control.
Routers with Advanced Control: Offer more sophisticated user interfaces, PC-based control software, dedicated remote control panels, integration with automation systems, and the ability to program presets and macros for fast and complex switching.
Professional and broadcast video routers are the heart of any complex audiovisual infrastructure, allowing efficient and flexible management of video signals to meet the demands of production, distribution, and display across a wide range of applications.