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Broadcast & Pro AV
Video Switcher
FPGAs for seamless source switching, mixing, and effects in broadcast production.
Switching Without Compromise
A video switcher is a key component in broadcast and Pro AV workflows, enabling seamless selection and management of multiple audio and video sources across live event production, production trucks, and television studios.
Beyond source switching, modern switchers support video mixing, special effects, and supplemental content integration, all built on FPGA video connectivity interfaces (SDI, HDMI, Ethernet) and generic processing such as scaling, mixing, and keying.
The Challenges, and Why FPGA
The Challenge
Multi-Source Live Switching
Studios and live events need seamless switching between many video sources.
Why FPGA
Video Connectivity Interfaces
SDI, HDMI, and Ethernet interfaces bring every source into one switching platform.
The Challenge
Real-Time Mixing & Effects
Modern switchers must mix, key, and layer effects without added latency.
Why FPGA
Generic Video Processing
Scaling, mixing, switching, and keying run in deterministic hardware.
The Challenge
Supplemental Content Integration
Productions increasingly layer graphics and supplemental content live.
Why FPGA
Reconfigurable Processing Pipeline
Update processing pipelines in the field as production needs evolve.
Why Altera
45+ IP Video & Vision Cores
The Video and Vision Processing Suite covers scaling, mixing, and keying out of the box.
600 MHz+ Performance
Optimized IP cores exceed 600 MHz, meeting demanding broadcast needs while reducing resources, power and cost.
Agilex 3 through Agilex 7
A versatile transceiver portfolio spans the entire signal chain, camera to switcher.
Field-Upgradeable Codecs
Support new codecs, resolutions, and features without replacing hardware.
Get Started
More Broadcast & Pro AV Applications
Camera
Accelerate image signal processing, video capture, and high-resolution imaging with adaptable FPGA-based solutions.
Virtualized Production
Support scalable, IP-based production workflows with real-time video processing and flexible media connectivity.
Professional Cameras
Deliver high-quality imaging with advanced video processing, high-speed interfaces, and flexible camera architectures.
AV Networking
Enable reliable, low-latency audio and video transport across scalable, high-bandwidth IP networks.
4K/8K Projectors
Power immersive, high-resolution display experiences with advanced video scaling, processing, and connectivity.
Video Conferencing
Enhance professional collaboration with real-time video processing, low-latency performance, and reliable connectivity.
Common Questions
Unlike fixed-function hardware, FPGA-based video switchers can be reconfigured to support new broadcast standards, codecs, resolutions, and production features. This flexibility helps broadcasters adapt to changing workflow requirements without redesigning the entire platform
High-speed connectivity interfaces for SDI, HDMI, and Ethernet allow multiple video sources to be integrated into a single switching platform. These interfaces work with video-processing IP for scaling, mixing, and keying, creating a unified signal chain for live broadcast applications.
Reconfigurable FPGA architectures can adapt as production requirements evolve. New codecs, resolutions, graphics capabilities, and processing features can be added through hardware updates, helping extend the lifespan of broadcast equipment while supporting future workflows.
The FPGA Streaming Video Protocol Specification defines the streaming interfaces used between processing blocks in FPGA video designs. This standardized framework supports scaling, mixing, and keying pipelines while simplifying integration across Agilex-based video systems. Explore FPGA video pipeline resources
A typical evaluation begins with an Agilex FPGA development platform, connectivity interfaces, and Video and Vision Processing IP. Development kits, reference designs, and documentation for HDMI, SDI, and streaming video workflows help accelerate prototyping and validation. Explore Agilex 5 FPGA video platforms