How to Choose a Video Production Switcher/Mixer that’s Right for You
By Jennifer P
The blog post “How to Choose a Video Production Switcher/Mixer that’s Right for You” by Edgar Shane for JVC provides valuable insights into selecting the appropriate video switcher for different applications, focusing on the needs of live events such as church services and livestreaming. The author emphasizes the significance of video switchers in capturing content from multiple camera angles, seamlessly switching between shots, and enhancing production with live effects features.
Before delving into the selection process, the blog categorizes video switchers into hardware devices, software solutions, or hybrid models. Hardware solutions are described as physical devices with tangible buttons, offering simplicity and robustness but with somewhat limited functions due to fixed configurations. On the software side, solutions like the JVC KM-IP8 and KM-IP8S4 CONNECTED CAM studio switchers, powered by vMix software, are highlighted. These software-based solutions can manage multiple inputs, support various output options, and are optimized for live programming in full HD 1080 60p.
The blog post underscores the importance of considering the application and user expertise when choosing a video switcher. Factors such as live streaming, video displays, or simulcasting services to other venues are highlighted, along with the experience level of the users. Additionally, the number of inputs, desired video quality, and budget considerations are discussed as crucial factors in the decision-making process.
Types of inputs, such as NDI, SDI, and SRT, are explained to familiarize readers with the acronyms commonly used in the video production industry. The blog details the benefits and applications of SDI, NDI, and SRT protocols, providing an understanding of their roles in video production.
In the final section, the blog suggests looking for video switchers with HEVC and NDI/SRT support when shopping, as these features offer codec and resolution agnosticism, allowing for versatility in content creation. The integration of NDI and SRT into JVC’s video mixers is highlighted as a key feature, providing customers with a simple and cost-effective workflow and ensuring interoperability with various other brands of production equipment. Overall, the blog post serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals or facilities seeking the right video switcher for their specific needs.
Read the full blog post from JVC HERE
Learn more about JVC JM-IP8 HERE
Learn more about JVC KM-IP8S4 HERE
Learn more about JVC HERE