Innovative Custom Logic Solutions for Video Switchers
Video producers use switchers to help them create integrated video content for broadcast television and other video productions. Video switchers allow producers to utilize data input from a number of video sources, such as cameras and video servers. Using video switchers, producers can add key visual elements to a video production, including:
- Special effects
- Transitions between video sources
- Picture-in-picture, text, or still images added to existing video
Video switchers consist of a main control panel that acts as the user interface and a rack-unit (RU) of PCBs that performs various functions based upon the producer’s input. Switchers support standard-definition (SD) video, high-definition (HD) video, or both. Also, many studios are in the middle of an upgrade cycle to support the new and faster serial digital interface (SDI) standard—third-generation (3G) SDI (SMPTE 424M). 3G SDI, which runs at 2.97 Gbps, helps a switcher support 1080p resolution on a single SDI link. Figure 1 shows a typical video switcher solution using Altera® custom logic.
Figure 1. Example of Altera's Custom Logic Solution for Video Switchers
View Full Size
Some examples of Altera intellectual property (IP) from the IP MegaStoreTM used in video switchers are:
Altera's Solutions for Video Switchers
The feature-rich architecture of Altera's Stratix® series FPGAs (with HardCopy® ASIC support) provides an excellent solution for the video production requirements of video switchers. These custom logic device families provide flexibility, performance, integration, and design resources that are not available in any other device solution.
Related Links
|
Literature
> 
