What Is A Multiviewer And How Is It Used In The AV Industry?
If you have ever been to a live TV show, you’ve probably seen a multiviewer in action. It’s the tool that’s being used to manage and display multiple video sources on a single screen. Multiviewers are becoming increasingly popular because of the practicality and convenience they bring to certain projects, such as video shoots or live events coverage. To find out if you need one for your team or personal use, this article is for you.
Multiviewers are becoming increasingly popular and it’s certainly not without reason. If you’ve been recently thinking of getting one for your team or for your own, then this article is for you.
Multiviewers bring a certain level of workflow simplicity, improved efficiency, and increased productivity when properly used. Whether you’re using a multiviewer for your security system or your live events, it is definitely worth the buy.
To start, let’s quickly discuss what a multiviewer is.
A multiviewer is a device that allows you to display multiple video sources on a single screen. When using a multiviewer, you can often see a tiled format of your video so you can easily see each display side-by-side.Moreover, some multiviewers also have the capacity to support multiple audio inputs. This allows you to choose which audio source you want to play over your video.
So, what is the purpose of a multiviewer?
The main purpose of a multiviewer is to simplify the process of viewing multiple video sources. If you use a multiviewer, you will not need additional monitors or video switchers to replace its function.
Now that you know what it is and how it’s used, let’s answer the why.
Multiviewers offer a lot of benefits. Some of these are already mentioned above, but let’s discuss just why you need to consider using them.
- Increased productivity
With a multiviewer, it’s easier for you to accomplish multiple tasks by being able to simultaneously view multiple video sources that require your attention. Rather than walking from one location to another, you only have to look at one screen. With fewer distractions and more efficiency, you can finish your work faster.
- Improved workflows
Because multiviewers simplify the process of displaying multiple video sources, you can streamline workflows and minimize the possibility of errors or mistakes.
- Enhanced collaboration
Just like how you’re able to increase your own productivity, having a multiviewer also helps with collaboration. By allowing every member of the team to view the same videos simultaneously, you and your team can prevent any form of oversight.
How is a Multiviewer Used in the AV Industry?
To give you more details about how you can use a multiviewer, here are some examples of how it’s being currently utilized in the AV industry.
- Control Rooms
These are the rooms used for multiple types of events or purposes where video feeds are being continuously monitored or recorded. With the use of multiviewers, you can simultaneously view all video feeds; allowing you to take appropriate action whenever any issues or anomalies arise.
- Broadcast Studios
In broadcast studios, multiviewers are used to display various video sources from multiple cameras, computers, and video playback devices.This allows producers and directors to transition from one camera angle to another smoothly. Having a multiviewer in broadcast studios also contributes to ensuring high-quality output.
- Live Events
Similar to how it’s being used in broadcast studios, one of the multiviewers benefits is allowing live events teams to ensure smooth transitions across different live video feeds. Having at least one multiviewer is essential for live events, especially if your event is accompanied by a concurrent online stream.
These are only some examples of how you can use multiviewers professionally. If you’re wondering how you can use it for your home, multiviewers can be useful in the living room where there is only one huge TV for everyone. With a multiviewer, one person can play their favorite games on their Playstation while another one watches their favorite shows on their cable box.
What should you consider when getting a multiviewer?
Each multiviewer’s capabilities are different, and choosing the best multiviewer for you highly depends on your requirements. Here are the things that you have to consider.
- Number of video inputs
Depending on your project, you have to decide if you need a multiviewer that can display 4 screens simultaneously or another one that has the capability to display more. You may also want to consider the resolution of your displays because not all multiviewers have the capability to display 4K or 8K.
- Audio support
A multiviewer that can support the switching of audio also depends on whether you need it or not. However, if you’re planning to use your multiviewer for live event coverage, you will most probably need it and therefore check if the multiviewer that you're about to buy can support this function.
Once you have these things considered, you’re ready to purchase one! To have an idea of how much multiviewers cost, you may click here. While you’re there, you may also view some of the best multiviewers available in the market. We made sure that all relevant technical information is included in each listing so you can get what you need on your first try.
Do you want to learn more about HDMI devices? Check out some quick reads in our blog!
