Video switchers, also known as a video display controller (abbreviated to VDC) is essentially the key component of a video signal generator. This kind of vision mixer is used for generating a visual signal in computers, and in some cases an audio signal too, although this is just a secondary function. The video switcher first made its appearance in our homes in the first types of home computers, such as the old Commodores and Spectrums, and is now an integral part of video signal generator logic.
A video mixer cannot work alone however, as it needs support from various other parts of the computer to work. For example, pixel data is stored in the computerâ??s RAM, while character fonts are held in the ROM. Therefore, the video switcher chip will usually be totally integrated into the main computer, and so users will be able to see the video RAM it gives in the CPUs memory map. It can also act as a co-processor that acts independently, although this is not usually the case.
The video switcher is generally available in three different formats. Video shifters are the most basic type of production shifter, and take care of the video timing signals. These obtain data one byte at a time from the CPU, and use synchronization signals to produce a video signal. The CTRC video switcher reads data directly from the computerâ??s RAM, and this is then outputted either through a ROM or directly. Far more complex are video interface controllers. This kind of video switcher supports sprites and video RAM which is dedicated towards color attributes, thus making extremely high-resolution images possible.
ImagePRO-II is an advanced high performance all-in-one video scaler, scan converter, switcher and transcoder converting any input signal format to any output format. ImagePRO-II supports Universal Analog, DVI single and dual link, HDMI, DisplayPort a...
Barco's FSN series is a high-resolution 3G enabled switcher that combines advanced multi-format production and presentation switching in one highly integrated unit. The FSN integrates input conversion, multi-viewing, digital video effects and output ...
The Encore Controller SC supports up to 24 inputs and six destinations, comprised of Encore Video Processors, ScreenPRO-II and ImagePRO processors. Designed for both single screen and wide screen blended destinations, the Controller SC offers 64 pres...
The Encore Controller LC supports up to 64 inputs and 32 destinations, comprised of Encore Video Processors, ScreenPRO-II and ImagePRO processors. Designed for both single screen and wide screen blended destinations, the LC offers 900 presets and spe...
The DCS-200 is a dual-channel switcher designed to provide true seamless switching between different input sources and formats, while maintaining superb scaling quality at an affordable price. It has been designed for straightforward and simple opera...
