Mix/effects switch arrangement and mix/effects switching system

摘要

This invention relates to a mix/effects switch arrangement and a mix/effects switching system including the switch arrangement. The mix/effects switch arrangement includes five switches each of which has two input terminals, an output terminal and a control terminal. One of the switches is the output switch, and a first and second one of the remaining switches are serially arranged to constitute an input to one of the input terminals of the output switch. The remaining two switches are serially arranged in parallel to constitute the input to the other input terminal of the output switch. At least the output switch constitutes a soft switch, and, preferably, the two input switches also are soft switches. In the switching system, a source of first background video signal is applied to one input terminal of an input switch, and a source of second background video signal is applied to one input of the other input switch. The second inputs of the input switches are then connected together and to a source of foreground video signal. The outputs of the input switches are connected to one input terminal of the second switches in the serial arrangements, and the second input terminals of the second switches are connected together and to a source of matte video signal. The control terminals are controlled by chroma key or split screen sources and a title source, and the control terminal of the output switch is controlled by a fader lever and mode selector means. The control terminals of the first four switches are further controlled by three push button means whose outputs are connected to a logic control circuit so that a selected one or more of the four switches are actuated in dependence on the push buttons pressed and in accordance with a prearranged program.