Video switch and method of sampling simultaneous video sources

摘要

A video switch for allowing at least two users to view video data from respective ones of at least two video sources. The video switch comprises a switch for selecting one of the at least two video sources and at least one sampler connected to the switch. The sampler is for sampling video data from the at least two video sources. The video switch further comprises a controller for controlling the switch and sampler to select one of the at least two video sources and sample a frame of video data. An output is provided for transmitting video data to one of the at least two users. The output supports a maximum number of simultaneous users which is at least two, and the number of samplers in the video switch is less than the maximum number of simultaneous users.;A video switch according to the present invention allows a sampler for capturing video data to be shared between at least two simultaneous users. This reduces the cost size and complexity of the hardware required to implement a video switch.;In one embodiment of the invention, the sampler may comprise a programmable Phase Locked Loop which can optionally have a fast lock mode.