Video router
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A Video router or Matrix are used for transporting video signals from sources or inputs to output destinations.
Inputs and outputs
The number of inputs and outputs varies dramatically. Routers are normally described by number of inputs by number of outputs e.g. 2x1, 256x256. Some video routers, by the use of additional drop-in cards, allow the system to be expanded for more inputs or outputs, or to support other formats.
Signals
The signal format that the router transports can be anything from analogue composite video using PAL and NTSC. Also Broadband routers can route more than one Digital video signal format, Serial Digital Interface (SDI), HD-SDI, component video. Some routers have the ability to internally convert digital to analog and analog to digital. For HD Video, HDMI Matrix switch can be used to switch any HDMI source to any connected HDTV using a HDMI connection.
Crosspoints
Because any of the source can be routed to any destination, the internal arrangement of the router is arranged as a number of crosspoints which can be activated to pass the corresponding source signal to the desired destination.
Control
Many type of broadcast automation systems can be used to control a video router via IP, or serial communications such as the RS-422 9-Pin Protocol.
Manufacturers
- Ross Video
- Blackmagic Design
- Datavideo Corporation
- Ampex
- Evertz Microsystems
- Imagine Communications
- Miranda Technologies (NVision)
- Nevion
- Octava
- PESA Switching Systems
- Snell (Pro-Bel)
- Thomson Grass Valley
- Sony
- Utah Scientific
- Matrix Switch Corporation
- RGBLink