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The best thing about new technology is how it can free up a leader’s time and headspace, allowing directors to focus more on the mission and less on the tools. One of the most exciting areas of recent tech arts innovation is in the world of video switchers, which continue to pack new features and to promise more value than ever before. As tech directors consider the benefits a new switcher could bring to their ministry, here are some of the features they should be on the lookout for.
Taking control
At the heart of any video switcher is the promise of convenience and control. One of the most inconvenient aspects of broadcast systems, however, has traditionally been the expensive and proprietary means of connection between cameras, switchers and projectors. “When we think about how video systems have been run in the past, they’ve required coax or SDI cabling to connect the camera to the switcher, and that connection is limited to the reach of that cable,” says Will Waters, director of IP strategy and workflow engineering at NewTek.
“Being able to move into the IT world with cheaper cabling means we can distribute signal around a facility in ways that we haven’t been able to before." Will Waters, Director of IP Strategy and Workflow Engineering, NewTek
“Being able to move into the IT world with cheaper cabling means we can distribute signal around a facility in ways that we haven’t been able to before. Traditionally, lighting, sound and video have needed their own systems that have very rigid requirements. You can now tie all of these systems together and make things easier for volunteers,” Waters notes.
Another area of transformative growth in video switching has also been in the new way operators can take control more easily, and with more freedom, than ever before. “Control integration has been growing,” shares Christian Delfino, director of global strategic product marketing at Roland. “How can you control the switcher or automation from a third-party touch panel? Or, conversely, how can the switcher control the cameras remotely? Automating the operations, allowing a single-button push by a volunteer to control a bunch of different screens, is a big part of where things are going.”
Multiplying destinations
With the rise of live streaming, simulcasting and digital signage the demands on tech directors have never been higher. Video switcher manufacturers are working hard to bring new products to market that help address these demands. “Being able to pre-build macros allows you to address different outputs and coordinate the switching of those,” states Bob Caniglia, director of sales operations for Blackmagic Design. “On a volunteer-based production you want to keep things simple and streamlined, and our customers really appreciate that.”
A final area of demand where technology is expanding is in a switcher’s ability to address the issue of signal latency, while still adapting to different input sources and signal types. “One of the things we’ve spent years trying to overcome is any lag that might occur in the output,” asserts Nigel Spratling, vice president, production switchers & servers, at Ross Video. “There are certain elements where latency doesn’t matter that much, such as graphic context--5-10 frames of latency won’t even be noticed by the congregation--as opposed to video feed of the pastor speaking. Things like camera feed through the switcher to the screen should be the lowest latency possible.”
So what are some of the best of the new options designed to take advantage of these innovations?
Blackmagic Design Atem Television Studio Pro 4K | www.blackmagicdesign.com
The Blackmagic Design Atem Television Studio Pro 4K is an all-in-one desktop unit capable of switching, video effects, color grading, keying and audio mixing. It boasts eight 12G-SDI inputs supporting camera and computer signals ranging from HD to full UHD. The Atem Television Studio Pro 4K also features an AUX output to send a clean or program feed to an additional destination.
Broadcast Pix BPswitch System | www.broadcastpix.com
The Broadcast Pix BPswitch is a unique switching solution with a focus on a control-over-IP approach that allows operators to control it from anywhere, using either a tablet, phone or panel solution. By utilizing cloud-based control video directors are able to take advantage of built-in features such as computer graphics, video clip storage, control of robotic cameras, live streamers and recording.
Datavideo KMU-100 | www.datavideo.com
The Datavideo KMU-100 offers an interesting alternative for small and mid-sized churches looking to take their production quality to the next level. The switcher allows video directors to frame up to four different HD shots from a single 4K camera signal, then create a live switch from these four shots. By adding a second 4K camera the KMU-100 can implement an additional four shots, providing users the option to live switch up to eight different angles.
Grass Valley GV Korona K-Series | www.grassvalley.com
The Grass Valley GV Korona Production Switcher is a professional broadcast solution designed specifically with houses of worship in mind. It features an extensive control surface with a built-in OLED touchscreen for full control of the system. The power and functionality of the GV Korona can be greatly enhanced when paired with the K-Frame V-Series Processing Engine, allowing for an all IP or mixed SDI and IP signal environment.
NewTek TriCaster TC1 | www.newtek.com
The NewTek TriCaster TC1 is an innovative switching solution that utilizes complete video-over-IP protocol and supports 16 inputs of 4K video at 60fps. It boasts advanced features like live-streaming, recording, graphics, virtual sets and two channels of built-in Skype TX for remote guests. The TriCaster TC1 also employs a royalty-free IP connectivity standard that interacts with other NDI-capable devices.
Roland V-60HD | proav.roland.com
With a balanced emphasis on audio and video control, the Roland V-60HD a portable switcher perfect for live, broadcast and streaming applications. It features six video inputs, including SDI, HDMI and RCA, with scaling and de-interlacing for incorporating a variety of sources such as computers and video game consoles. It also features an 18 channel audio mixer with built-in audio effect such as EQ, compression and delay.
Ross Carbonite Black Solo | www.rossvideo.com
The Ross Carbonite Black Solo is an all-in-one solution created to provide professional power in a compact, portable form factor. It features six SDI and three HDMI video inputs, built-in sync and conversion, as well as six assignable outputs for feeding external destinations. The Carbonite Black Solo also includes advanced chroma keying, transitions and built-in Xpression Live CG software for firing graphics directly from the switcher’s internal storage.
Sony MVS-3000APAC Multi-Format Switcher | pro.sony.com
Built specifically for houses of worship, stadiums and production studios, the Sony MVS-3000APAC switcher features 32 video inputs and 16 outputs, a two-channel multiviewer, internal chromakeying, input-specific color correction and AUX mix capabilities. The MVS-3000APAC also includes Sony’s ICP-3000 control panel and has the ability to utilize touchscreen control when paired with the ICP-6511 unit.
