A video switcher is a device or software that allows you to switch between multiple cameras while live streaming. They also let you switch between scenes, launch different types of media, and adjust audio levels. When you have a multi camera set-up for your live broadcast, you want to be able to switch between each camera feed in real time and have more control over your broadcast. Using more than one camera for your live stream helps make it look more professional, especially if you have more than one person on your stream or you’re broadcasting a live event. In this Gear Report, we’ll guide you on your search for a product that fits your budget and needs.
1. Blackmagic Design ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K Live Production Video Switcher
The ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K video switcher is undoubtedly one of the most cutting edge broadcast switchers of its class and you can bet it has all the goods to back up such praise, from its 20 12G-SDI inputs to its 16 ultra-advanced Chroma Keyers (4 per M/E) . Plus 3840 x 2160 video resolution, Creative controls that give you the freedom to further customize your broadcasts with effects, transitions, scaling, and more as you see fit, all in real time. On its front panel, intuitive assignment buttons and a single live-feed screen keep the ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K switcher free of clutter, removing the stresses of high-stakes switching.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type:Live Production Switcher
- Channels:20
- Video Inputs:20 x BNC (SDI)
- Video Outputs:5 x BNC (SDI)
- Audio Inputs:2 x XLR, 1 x Dual Stereo RCA
- Audio Outputs:4 x XLR
- Headphones:2 x 3-pin XLR (talkback, I/O)
- USB:Type B
- Other I/O:1 x RJ45, 1 x BNC (ref in), 2 x XLR (timecode), 1 x RS-422
- Power Source:2 x Standard IEC AC inputs
- Height:3.54″ (2U)
- Width:19″
- Depth:9.25″
- Weight:10.58″
REASONS TO BUY
- Production Quality 4K
- Chroma Keyers
REASONS TO AVOID
- No Power Cord Included
2. SONY XVS-9000 4K/3G/HD multi-format IP-ready video switcher
The XVS-9000 expands 4K production capacity, offering more inputs and outputs plus new 4K 3D DME capabilities. Advanced IP and SDI interfaces are compatible with the full XVS switcher line-up. Optional 100G IP interface boards support SMPTE ST 2110 standards, both in 4K and HD in a single stream, while 12G SDI interface boards increase flexibility further by enabling IP/SDI hybrid operation.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Maximum number of inputs BNC (x 160) for primary inputs
- Maximum number of outputs BNC (x 80) for outputs
- BNC (x 16) for format converter outputs/Multi Viewer (4CH)
- AC IN A, B, C, D, E, F
- 3-pin AC connector
- Reference Input REF IN BNC type, 75Ω with loop-through output HDTV systems: HD tri-level sync/SDTV analog black burst/SDTV analog sync
- Weight Approx. 87 kg (when equipped with all installable option boards)
REASONS TO BUY
- Studio quality 4k
- IP & SDI Interfaces
- 3D Capabilities
REASONS TO AVOID
- Learning Time Required
3. Roland V-8HD
Roland has been producing high-quality video equipment for a long time, and the V-8HD lives up to the name. The V-8HD is flexible as well, allowing up to eight video sources, including a game console, camcorder, smart device, and PC.
SPECIFICATIONS
Features
- Type:HD Video Switcher
- Channels:8
- Video Inputs:8 x HDMI
- Video Outputs:3 x HDMI
- Audio Inputs:1 x Dual RCA Stereo
- Audio Outputs:1 x Dual RCA Stereo
- Headphones:1 x 1/8″ (stereo)
- USB:1 x Type B, 1 x Type A
- Other I/O:2 x 1/4″ TRS (control/expression footswitch)
- Effects:Visual Effects, Transitions, Delay, EQ, Compressor
- Power Source:External AC Adapter (included)
- Height:2.81″
- Width:12.5″
- Depth:7.62″
- Weight:4.40 lbs.
REASONS TO BUY
- Five-layer effects
- 18-channel digital audio mixer
- Lightweight and portable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Steep learning curve
4. Ross Carbonite Black Solo
On the Ross Carbonite Balack solo switcher, everything is customizable. It’s a budget-friendly option for those who want to assign their own inputs, outputs, buttons, format converters, and more.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 6 3G-SDI inputs and 3 HDMI inputs
- 5 3G-SDI assignable outputs and 1 HDMI assignable output
- Multiview assignable to any of the 6 outputs
- Supports 1080p
REASONS TO BUY
- Ships with graphics software license
- 2 Mini MEs with 2 keyers
- Small, portable switcher
- Video clip playout directly from connected USB-media drive
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited features compared to other switchers in the same price range
5. Elgato Stream Deck
A stream deck lets you control elements like lighting and mics in addition to your media and video sources. The Stream Deck is popular among live streamers because it integrates seamlessly with other Elgato streaming products and has video switching capabilities.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 15 customizable LCD keys
- One input/output connection to Mac or PC via a USB 2.0 cable
- Type:Customizable Desktop Interface
- Keyboard Layout:32 Customizable LCD Keys
- Computer Connectivity:USB 3.0
- Dimensions:7.17″ x 4.41″ x 1.34″
REASONS TO BUY
- Beginner-friendly
- Extremely lightweight
- Works with major streaming services
REASONS TO AVOID
- Relies on PC to execute commands programmed into Stream Deck
6. RGBlink Mini
If you want a foolproof video switcher without any extra bells and whistles, then you want the RGBlink Mini The device only has nine buttons/knobs to work with and is one of the easiest hardware switchers to operate.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 4 HDMI inputs
- 1 HDMI output and 1 USD 3.0 output
- T-bar for smooth transitions between sources
- Supports PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera
REASONS TO BUY
- Large buttons for easy actions
- Supports 1080p
- PIP presets
REASONS TO AVOID
- No encoder included
7. Roland Professional V-1HD
The Roland V-1HD, while small in size, is a professional-quality switcher with a built-in audio mixer, PIP, and green-screen effects. And with Preview/Program video switching, you can always ensure good results.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 4 HDMI inputs
- Supports 1080p
- 2 HDMI outputs
- Control from iPad
REASONS TO BUY
- Simple interface
- Two automatic switching modes
- T-fader to manipulate transitions
REASONS TO AVOID
- Doesn’t support DSLR cameras
- Software sold separately
8. Lumantek ez-PRO VS10
With the ez-PRO VS10, you get ten inputs, which is more than most of the others on this list. It also has advanced multiview, PIP, and effects options so you can pull off an outstanding live broadcast.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 8 SDI inputs and 2 HDMI inputs
- 6 SDI outputs and 2 HDMI outputs
- Supports 1080p video
REASONS TO BUY
- 2 PIP capabilities
- Quiet fan
- All SDI inputs can take Fill & Key signals
- You can configure your own layout
REASONS TO AVOID
- None
9. ATEM Television Studio HD
The ATEM Television Studio HDswitcher by Blackmagic Design is designed for live video production. The all-in-one functionality of the ATEM television switchers brings you quality good enough to be on TV.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type:Video Mixer
- 4 SDI and 4 HDMI inputs
- Supports HD video
- Talkback audio
REASONS TO BUY
- Lightweight and portable
- Position, scale, and resize live video
- Control Blackmagic Studio Camera remotely
REASONS TO AVOID
- No HDMI output
10. Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI Extreme ISO Video Production Studio with 9-stream Recording Engine
The Blackmagic Design ATEM SDI Extreme ISO is one of the most comprehensive video mixers on the market today. This 12-channel video mixer packs all the functionality and features of the ATEM SDI Pro ISO but brings eight standard converted 3G-SDI inputs and four SDI outputs to the table. It also features a DaVinci project file and Blackmagic RAW file relinking for lightning-quick editing in post-production. With stunning features like direct streaming via Ethernet, direct recording to USB flash disks, USB webcam connection, and more.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Type:Video Switcher
- Channels:8
- Video Inputs:8 x BNC (SDI)
- Video Outputs:4 x BNC (SDI)
- Audio Inputs:2 x 1/8″ TRS
- Headphones:1 x 1/8″ TRS
- USB:2 x USB-C
- Other I/O:1 x RJ45 (ethernet)
- Software:ATEM Software Control Panel
- Power Source:12V Power Supply
- Height:1.56″
- Width:14.56″
- Depth:5.64″
- Weight:3.13 lbs.
REASONS TO BUY
- Da Vinci project file
- Direct Recording
REASONS TO AVOID
- Steep Learning Curve
11. FOR-A HVS-6000/6000M 4K/HD Video Switcher
The HVS-6000 provides 12G-SDI capability on all inputs and outputs (80 inputs/32 outputs or 64 inputs/48 outputs), with an optional board-mounting connector allowing IP interfaces to be mounted on all I/O slots. Thus, the HVS-6000 can be migrated to an SMPTE ST 2110-capable switcher. Providing an ideal upgrade path from HD to 4K UHD, there is no need to replace the entire switcher when looking to upgrade.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Up to 80 in/32 out or 64 in/48 out, all inputs and outputs support 12G-SDI Single Link
- IP input/output support planned for future use
- 3 M/Es with split M/E, 4 keyers per M/E
- Frame synchronization and still store available for inputs
- Upconversion*1*2 from HD to 4K on all inputs and downconversion*2 from 4K to HD on all AUX outputs are supported.
- Control panels: HVS-2120ROU, HVS-2240OU, HVS-3320OU and HVS-3355OU (custom-ordered)
*1 To be supported *2 Optional - TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLE:
- HVS-6000
- 2 M/E standard, expandable 3 M/E + 4DSK
- Up to 80 in/32 out or 64 in/48 out in 12G-SDI
- 12 RU
- HVS-6000M
- 2 M/E standard
- Up to 32 in/24 out in 12G-SDI
- 7 RU
REASONS TO BUY
- Upgradable
- 4K UHD
- Makes large productions easy to manage
REASONS TO AVOID
- Designed For Larger Productions
- Learning & Training Required
- Cost
12. FOR-A HVS-100/110
The newest additions to FOR-A’s Hanabi series of portable video switchers, the HVS-100 and HVS-110 boast exceptional cost performance. Both mixers inherit and improve upon the diverse functions and features of the popular HVS-300HS, including mixed HD/SD input, frame synchronizing, re-sizing engine, 2.5D wipe effects, DVE, Chroma keyer and DSK. The HVS-100 and HVS-110 also have a built-in Web server that lets you change settings from a PC or a tablet. A clip memory feature has been added to the still store to support playback of video or animations and enhances productions through the use of CG wipes, while the multi-viewer meets a diverse range of monitoring needs. The equipment can be used in all types of locations, including live events, sports, news studios, OB vans, editorial offices and presentation venues, making it the ideal tool for shaping the imaginative ideas of video creators.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Progressive-format, 4K Square Division (SQD) signal support
- Level-B signal input support at 1080/59.94p, 50p
- Audio playback support
- Additional Non-Border display function support and 4K mode layout on Multi Viewer
- Multi Viewer split patterns significantly enhanced, from 8 to 20 types
- VDCP Over IP protocol available
- External keyer control over DSK-400.
- HVS-100PCI option supports 1080/29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p
- HVS-100PCO option supports 1080/29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p. PC-resolution output also supported at 1080/59.94p and 50p.
REASONS TO BUY
- Recently Upgrades New Functions
- Compact, multi-functional, and very affordable.
- Asynchronous input capability
- 4 Keyes with 2.5 DVE
REASONS TO AVOID
- None
