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Operation
How to perform transitions, using keys and key modifiers, memories and custom controls, as well as Media-Store operation.
Audio and Video Processing
Video and audio signals are processed and passed through the switcher in different ways, depending on how the switcher is being used or is set up. A better understanding of how the switcher is processing these signals help you to achieve the production you want.
Video Processing and Flow

Operation
How to perform transitions, using keys and key modifiers, memories and custom controls, as well as Media-Store operation.
- Audio and Video Processing
  Video and audio signals are processed and passed through the switcher in different ways, depending on how the switcher is being used or is set up. A better understanding of how the switcher is processing these signals help you to achieve the production you want.
  - Video Processing and Flow
  - Audio Processing and Flow
- Video Sources
  The switcher has access to three basic types of video sources, external, internal, and follows.
- Video Layering
  How video is layered in the output of the switcher depends on how an ME is re-entered onto the other, and what keyers are on-air for the ME.
- Video Preview
  Video preview allows you to use an additional monitor to preview what the next shot is going to be.
- Matte Source
  Matte color backgrounds (BG) are color signals that can be applied to backgrounds and keys. Color selection is done either by picking a preset color, or by adjusted hue, saturation, and luminance to create a custom color.
- Copying
  You can copy the content of an ME or keyer to another ME or keyer.
- Transitions
  Transitions are used to change the background video and take keys on and off-air. A transition can include any combinations of background and keyers for an ME, MiniME™, or Canvas. The background and each keyer can be transitioned independently.
- Keying
  Keying is the term used to describe when you insert (or electronically cut) portions of one scene into another, or place titles over background images. Keys are made up of two basic components, an alpha, that cuts the hole in the background video, and a fill, that fills the hole with different video.
- Memory Functions
  A memory register is a snapshot of the current state of the switcher that can include one or multiple ME, MiniME™, Canvas, scenes, or chroma key outputs. Up to 100 memory registers per ME, MiniME™, Canvas, scene, or chroma key can be stored and recalled on the switcher. Each of these memory registers can store as little as the information of one ME, or as much as the current state of the entire switcher, including all ME, MiniME™, Canvas, scenes, chroma key outputs, Aux Buses, and DVE settings.
- Switcher Sets
  The switcher stores configuration and operation data in a number of registers that contain the individual entries for items such as memories or personality settings. These registers can be stored as a single archive file, or as a register set that contains all the individual register of that type; all memories for example. These files are stored into Sets on USB drive. Different Sets can be created for different shows or applications, allowing you to quickly locate and recall the switcher configurations.
- Media-Store
  The MediaManager interface to the Media-Store allows you to load stills, animations, or audio files from the USB drive and make them available across all MEs. Up to 4 independent channels of video with alpha for playout of stills and animations are available switcher-wide.
- Clip Player
  The clip player offers a single playout channel for clips in the ITU-T H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) codec in specific HD formats that can be assigned as a source on any bus in the switcher. Basic transport controls can be performed manually from the Clip Player page, using custom controls, or through AMP commands.
- Custom Controls
  Once programmed, a custom control (CC) can be played back by pressing a button. The custom control can be as simple as triggering an output GPI pulse, or as complex as recalling a specific memory register on an ME, performing a switcher transition, and selecting a group of keys.
- Sequencer
  The Sequencer allows you to create a playlist of custom control events.
- UltraScene
  UltraScene provides a simplified interface for creating a show with multiple key layers and basic transitions.

Video Processing and Flow

Video is processed in a number of blocks in the switcher subsystem. After video comes into the switcher, the frame synchronizers / format converters are applied (depending on the frame you have). At this point any required color correction is also applied. After input the video signal is routed through the switcher crosspoint. The switcher crosspoint can route any input to any output for straight switching, or to the video processor and DVE and back for video manipulation. Just before the video signal is sent to the output, the processing of the ancillary data is performed.

Tip: Refer to Ultrix Carbonite Video Flow for more information on how the router crosspoint and switcher crosspoint interact.

Figure 1. Video Flow Through the Switcher