What are Switchers?
Switchers enable multiple signals to be selected and sent to one or two displays.
For example, to view the outputs of two computers, with separate presentations,
on a single display, a switcher is used to physically connect both of the computers
to the display device. The switcher then provides selection between the two
presentations, allowing the user to alternate between them.
Extron offers a broad selection of analog and digital switchers covering all
common signal types. Their flexible mounting and control options allow easy
integration into new or existing A/V systems.
To choose the right switcher for a specific environment, identify the following:
- What are the signal types?
- What are the connector types?
- How many inputs and outputs are needed?
- Will there be switching between both video and audio sources?
How are They Used?
Switchers can be used in a wide range of applications where multiple video
and audio sources are being displayed by one or two devices. These include
environments such as lecture halls, conference rooms, and home theaters.
In the example below, two laptop computers are connected to an Extron SW2
VGA DA2 A two input switcher and distribution amplifier. The video and audio
signals from the switcher are output to two video display devices — a local
monitor and a projector — and a stereo sound system. The user can now select
the video and audio signals from either of the laptop computers and display
the video signal on both the local monitor and the projector, with the appropriate
audio signal reproduced on the sound system.
Categories
After determining the input and presentation display devices, a switcher can
be selected for the intended application. Extron switchers are organized in
the following categories:
Audio/Video Switchers are available for composite video, S-video, and stereo
audio with several input sizes to choose from. With the ability to accept NTSC,
PAL, and SECAM video formats, these switchers provide worldwide compatibility.
Media Presentation Switchers combine independent VGA with stereo audio switchers,
S-video with stereo audio switchers and composite video with stereo audio switchers,
into a single enclosure.
Extron MLS - MediaLink Switchers enable system expansion when more inputs
are required than what the projector can handle. MediaLink Switchers are designed
to be used in conjunction with MLC – MediaLink Controllers to facilitate low-cost
integration. They can also be used as stand-alone switchers.
Extron system switchers are compatible with all types of digitally controlled
projectors and accept virtually all source signals. With system switchers,
it's easy to switch between computers, A/V components, and audio sources. System
switchers communicate with and are recognized by the projector as if the switcher
were the same brand as the projector.
VGA and RGB Switchers are designed for routing computer-video, high-resolution
RGBHV, and HDTV component bi-level and tri-level sync signals. They are available
in dedicated models that feature VGA-style 15-pin HD or BNC input and output
connectors.
Extron USB switchers are specifically designed with the integrator in mind.
Features including multiple control points, port status indication, and RS-232
pass-through accommodate seamless integration into a wide range of applications.
Scaling presentation switchers accept and scale a wide range of video signals
to a common, high resolution output rate. They include essential features that
make them ideal for various presentation environments including audio switching,
seamless switching, and PIP - picture in picture.
Extron SDI and HD-SDI switchers meet the requirements of serial digital switching
applications up to 2.97 Gbps 3G-SDI and conform with all SMPTE and ITU digital
video standards, including SMPTE 259M, SMPTE 292M, and SMPTE 424M.
Extron DVI & HDMI switchers allow multiple DVI or HDMI signals to be switched
to a DVI or HDMI compatible display.
Extron Fiber Optic Switchers enable switching and long haul transmission of
A/V and RS-232 control signals over fiber optic cable. They provide optical
inputs and an optical output for long distance connectivity to FOX Series fiber
optic transmitters, receivers, distribution amplifiers, or matrix switchers.
Extron Fiber Optic Switchers support rates up to 4.25 Gbps for switching standard
definition video, high resolution computer-video, DVI-D, and multi-rate SDI.
Extron Switcher Accessories comprise a variety of control options, including
IR handheld remote control devices and mountable control panels. Additional
accessory products available include mounting hardware, control kits, cables,
and labels.