What are Matrix Switchers?

Matrix switchers route multiple audio/video sources to multiple audio/video destinations. These switchers let audio/video signals from a range of input sources—such as computers, cameras, DVD players, etc.—be displayed on different output sources, like projectors, monitors, and codecs.

To select the right matrix switcher for a specific environment, there are several rules of thumb to keep in mind:

• Matrix switchers provide the ability to route any input to any output—or multiple outputs—at any time
• Depending on the model, matrix switchers can route composite video, S-video, HDTV/component video, RGsB/RGBS/RGBHV video and/or stereo audio (balance/unbalanced).
• Matrix switchers can accommodate multiple signal types within a single unit, but like inputs can only be routed to like outputs—for example, composite video inputs can only go to composite video outputs
• The bandwidth specification of a matrix switcher can change with each switch from one routing configuration to another

How are Matrix Switchers used?

Matrix switchers are used in places such as corporate boardrooms, command and control centers, classrooms, restaurants, home theaters, and videoconference rooms.

Here's an example of how a matrix switcher can be used in a restaurant environment. Six audio/video sources and one audio-only source are being input to a composite video matrix switcher (MAV 128 RCA). These inputs can then be routed to one or more of the five display devices connected to the switcher.

Restaurant patrons could then view a video source from a DVD player on two of the CRT projectors, while video from a camera and audio from the stereo is being displayed by the monitor at the same time. Switching different inputs to different outputs can be done on the fly with the push of a button.
Categories

MAV Video Series

Designed for video applications that route composite, S-video, or component video and stereo audio (balanced/unbalanced) signals. Provides a minimum of 150 MHz (-3dB) video bandwidth, fully loaded.

Digital Xpoint Series

Designed for switching multiple serial digital video signals to multiple digital video devices. Handles all composite (143 and 177 Mb/s), component 4:2:2 (270 Mb/s), and wide-screen 16:9 (360 Mb/s) serial standards.

ISM Series

Extron's ISM Series are Integration Scaling Matrix switchers with eight fully configurable inputs and two audio/video outputs that feature built-in scalers for both video outputs. Accepts many types of inputs including RGB, HDTV/component video, S-video, and/or composite video and stereo audio.

CrossPoint Series

Designed for analog high-resolution computer-video applications using RGsB, RGBS, or RGBHV video signals and lower resolution video. Provides stereo audio switching (balanced/unbalanced) and a minimum of 200 MHz (-3dB) video bandwidth, fully loaded.