I need a simple video switcher.

W

weezhum

Active member
I got a gig doing a live internet show with multiple cameras. I have been using a radio shack switcher (the kind you use for your tv for multiple inputs) its all i really need but it has a major flaw. When i switch the channels there is a lot of interruption. What is a good switcher/ mixer that i can use for 4 cameras? I need s video and rca. I do not want an mx1. The only thing i really want it for is switching between 4 cameras live. I go svideo out into my canopus box into the pc. Please help. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
you can find mx1 for cheap and this is the only hardware that will allow that at that price.
 
Panasonic has long made a line of video mixers in the similar class to the Videonics MX1. I always preferred the Panasonics myself.

- Mikko
 
The Roland/Edirol V-4 is a very solid switcher. I own one and have used it with much success for years. The only issues are it only has 2 S-Video inputs (4 RCA/Composite) and it does not have a proper preview that shows the next clip. It was designed for live performance not traditional video production. That being said it is rock solid and is fairly customizable with internal menus.
 
what you are looking for is something called a "vertical interval" switcher. it is a simple switcher like what you have but will not have the disruption in signal that bothers you now. you can find them with 2 to 16 inputs.

old but informative as to why you get the glitches
http://www.extron.com/company/article.aspx?id=tech93&tab=technology
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/academy/default.asp?keyword=VerticalIntervalSwitching


but for all practical purposes you will be better off gettin a mixer type like the MX1. The cheap vertical interval switchers require all sources to gen lock, the ones that will buffer the incoming signals to allow glitch less switching will cost as much is not more than a edirol ....

looking for a used panasonic mX10-12 or videonics will be your best bet
 
Last edited:
I would look on fleabay and pick up a used Grass Valley 100-n or small echolab or panasonic something with a cheap blackburst / sync generator (I don't think you'll need with the Panisonic). It may be more complicated than you're looking for, but will provide for a much better show if you use it right. There are so many SD switchers out there right now for cheap, you shouldn't have a hard time finding something. Don't buy the MX1, it's junk. Nothing worse than one of those things goin south on you during the middle of a show, trust me, I've been there.

You can get some sort of presentation switcher, as txsbluesguy suggested, but if you do have any sort of a budget, i would look to see if you can find a Newtek Tri-Caster which is aout as perfect as it gets for small internet broadcasts.
 
Thanks everyone.

Thanks everyone.

I chose the Edirol Lvs 400. I think it will be great for what i need. Ill let you guys know.
 
I really like the LVS 400. I just wish i could do lower thirds with it. Any suggestions on how I can get lower thirds between the LVS and the computer? Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top