Digital video switcher including a general purpose processor and a control processor

摘要

A digital video production switcher processes a plurality of video signals in a production environment. The switcher includes a control panel for receiving operator inputs and switching unit for receiving video input signals and for providing video output signals. The switcher also includes a pair of tightly coupled, independent processors synchronized to the video frame rate: a control processor and a general purpose processor. The control processor controls the "live critical" production functions. The control processor provides control signals, in response to operator inputs, that program the switching unit to provide desired video output signals in real time. The general purpose processor runs an open architecture operating system and provides control signals, in response to operator inputs, that cause the switching unit to provide desired video output signals in real time.