Routing Switch/Router

I debated a little bit on where to start, but I think i'll start at what I think the heart of the system is, the Routing Switcher. Where I work we use a Harris Platinum routing switcher with a maximum I/O (Input/Output) of 512x512. However, we don't use nearly that many. It occupies 28 RU (Rack Units). The Routing switcher is the piece of equipement that almost everything other pieces plugs in and/or out of. It works kind of like a huge DA (Distribution amplifier) with assignable In and Outs, able to take any one signal and distribute it as many places as needed.

Back of Routing Switcher

Front of Routing Switcher

Routing Switcher Opened

The Router is made up of different modules. Since we use HD-SDI at this plant, that is what I'll be implying for video signal unless stated otherwise. We use:

-20 Video Input cards with 8 inputs each (160 In)

-28 Video Output cards with 8 inputs each (224 Out)

-4 Multiviewer units with 4 designable layouts each (16 Multiviewers)

-5 AES Audio Input cards with 16 inputs each (80 In)

-6 AES Audio Output cards with 16 outputs each (96 Out)

I think I'll wait to talk about audio and try to do it as a whole, as I am less comfortable talking about it compared to video.

As far as the inputs go, a large part of that comes from the production switcher (I'll cover that in another post). Some things that are inputs include: Cameras, program feeds (clean and dirty), previews, playback decks, character generators, etc.

Outputs could be: Monitors, Camera returns, Record decks, and tie lines to name a few.

And of course it has a reference signal coming in to sync in to the rest of the equipment in the facility.

I think that will do it for now, I just wanted to go over some of the basics of it.

Next up, the Master Clock.

As always, comments and questions are always welcome.