When To Use AV Switchers

by admin Tech

AV switchers are commonly used and essential pieces of AV equipment that allow a multitude of other types of audio-visual equipment to function smoothly and efficiently. Understanding how these switchers work can help you gain a greater understanding of various other types of audio-visual equipment. One aspect of understanding how these pieces work is understanding what situations they should be used in. Specifically, this can help you save time by ensuring you never use the wrong type of equipment.

If you are an audio-visual professional or just an amateur learning the ropes, this guide can help you determine when to use AV switchers.

What are AV Switchers?

AV switchers are a class of equipment that can come in many different forms. The purpose of an AV switcher is to allow the transfer of audio and video signals from one source to previously incompatible devices. Many different devices can be involved in this process, including:

  • Cameras
  • Laptops
  • Televisions
  • Blu-ray players
  • Displays
  • Projections
  • Sound systems

The purpose of an AV switcher is to allow a user to seamlessly switch between the various sources and destinations of audio and video no matter which scenario they might be used in. Therefore, understanding the various scenarios where these types of devices can arise can help you make informed decisions on how to handle various scenarios.

When to Use AV Switchers

AV switchers are most useful when a project manager is juggling multiple sources and destinations for audio and video signals. Having a switch that can toggle between various signals and their end destinations can allow an entity to manage much more complex projects and situations than it would otherwise be able to handle. Because AV switchers handle multiple inputs and outputs, they are usually medium to large-sized devices with many port options.

There are several different subtypes of AV switchers to choose from. The most commonly encountered are:

  • Standard AV Switchers: These devices enable users to connect multiple AV sources to multiple displays and switch between these input sources conveniently.
  •  AV Matrix Switchers are a more complex type of AV switcher, better for more complex projects. These matrices can allow a user to route multiple sources to multiple displays and are highly customizable.

AV matrix switchers typically route multiple audio or video sources to an equal number of destinations. For example, an AV matrix switcher would allow a user to monitor multiple security cameras in a vast complex.

Setting Up Your AV Switchers

Whether you are using standard AV switchers or a more complex matrix system, you will need to take several steps to correctly install an AV system.

  1. Identify Your Input Sources: Take stock of the input sources that you want to connect to the switchers, such as computers, media players, gaming consoles, and more. Make sure to identify the exact number of input sources you will have.
  2.  Identify Your Output Displays: Perform the same task with the number of output displays that you will have on hand, and ensure that the two numbers will work well together.
  3.  Assess Your Signal Compatibility: Make sure that your AV switcher can support the signal formats of both your input sources and output displays.
  4.  Connect Your Input Sources: Find the appropriate cables to connect each AV source to the input ports of your AV switcher. This will ensure a secure connection for your setup.
  5.  Connect Your Output Displays: Securely connect the output ports with the input ports of your AV switcher using the appropriate cables.
  6.  Power the System: At this point, you can power up your switcher. Assuming you closely observed the previous steps, there should be no issues with your general display or the functionality of the system.
  7.  Test the System: You can double-check the functionality of the system and test it once you have established a general level of functional use for it. Performing tests where you switch between the various input sources of your system and test them on your various displays can help you determine whether every element of your system is working correctly and at optimum efficiency.

Your Top Resource for AV Equipment

KanexPro is one of the best online and in-person resources for any individual who is looking to receive high-quality audio-visual equipment. If you have questions about AV switchers or any other piece of AV equipment, contact our expert team today to discuss your options.