<p>The invention concerns a broadcast control apparatus primarily for visual data. The apparatus includes a touch screen display panel operable to receive and display visual data simultaneously in real time from a plurality of visual sources. A touch screen graphical panel is included for the retrieval of control functions from a control function register. The visual data from at least one of the visual sources is selectable for preview by finger pressure on the associated portion of the touch screen display panel and the selected data is modifiable in accordance with a retrieved control function. A broadcast control apparatus for the recording and replay of visual data is also provided. This apparatus includes a touch screen display panel operable to simultaneously record and/or playback more than one stream of visual data to/from a storage unit, the visual data sourced from a plurality of visual sources. It also includes a touch screen graphical panel for the retrieval of control functions from a control function register; and a control panel in communication with the touch screen panels, the control panel including a plurality of programmable keys, each one of which is able to be programmed to retrieve a control function. Playback of visual data from the storage unit is able to be modified in accordance with a retrieved control function. The invention also concerns a system and method for broadcast control.</p>
