The Best Affordable Video Switcher for Live Streaming 2021

Professional video switchers for TV or film cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. For most people and applications, that is way out of their budget and, quite frankly, unnecessary to have all that production power. BZBGEAR has a perfectly balanced option in a video switcher that provides broadcast-quality audio and video, yet is much more affordable. Meet the BG-HDVS42U video switcher!

Check out the following video below for a brief introduction. We'll also have a complete demonstration video at the end of this article to see the BG-HDVS42U in action for yourself.

What Is a Video Switcher and Why Do I Need One?

Before we dive into the BG-HDVS42U, let’s take a quick look at what exactly is a video switcher and the reasons to invest in one. A video switcher, also referred to as a video mixer, brings multiple audio/video sources together (e.g., PTZ cameras, computers) and allows the user to select which source to display on the monitor at any given time.

Say you have three PTZ cameras providing three different angles: close-up of the speaker, shot of the crowd, and a wide-angled shot of the stage. If you have a multi-camera live streaming setup such as this, you will definitely want a video switcher to switch among the various camera angles.

This aspect alone instantly adds production value to your live stream. Video switchers also allow for special effects and other production elements to be incorporated, adding to its value.

All About the BG-HDVS42U

The BG-HDVS42U is a compact, four-channel HDMI video switcher with two HDMI outputs (PGM, multiview) and a USB-C output for capturing and streaming on a PC or Mac. It supports HDMI signals up to 1080p60 and the two HDMI outputs can be used as auxiliary outputs, selecting from the various input sources. The output formats can be upscaled or downscaled. Furthermore, all cameras along with setting status and menu can be monitored through the multiview output. The USB-C output allows for capturing and streaming. Connect the BG-HDVS42U to a computer (Windows, Android, or Mac OS) via the USB-C output and use software like OBS Studio or vMix to record and live stream.

The BG-HDVS42U has an upstream keyer (USK) and downstream keyer (DSK). The USK allows you to layer and add live video over other video sources and graphics, with the chroma and luma keys making it convenient to key off green/blue/black background colors for live event or virtual studio applications. Exact color levels can be gained using the color picking, gain, and clip key adjustments. The DSK allows high-quality graphics like logos, titles, and bugs to be overlaid. Logo images are added from a USB flash drive and can be resized and repositioned to your liking.

Multiple transition effects are available: MIX, DIP, and WIPE (9x2 patterns). The transition effect works for switching by using AUTO and T-Bar, or you can transition without any effects with the CUT key. PIP and POP are supported and can overlay two sub-screens into the PGM out with the ability to adjust the sub-screens. POP can be used to have two screens of the same size overlay into the PGM out.

Example of BG-HDVS42U video switcher connected to multiple PTZ cameras.

The BG-HDVS42U has a powerful built-in media management with 49 preset patterns. You can import images from a USB flash drive or capture and store screenshot images from any of the input sources. Four HDMI embedded audio and two external analog audios (Mic / Line-level) can be mixed through the PGM out. The four HDMI embedded audios are able to be set to AFV mode. You can turn on/off or adjust volume / audio delay independently. For ultimate convenience, control the BG-HDVS42U and all the settings remotely with the included free PC control software.

The BG-HDVS42U video switcher MSRP is $595.00. It is ideal for virtually any live streaming setup consisting of multiple cameras such as houses of worship, sporting events, education, concerts, and seminars. Watch the following video for a complete demonstration and see how efficient the BG-HDVS42U works.

For more information, contact BZBGEAR at 1.888.499.9906 or email [email protected]. Browse our online catalog for Pro AV and live streaming camera solutions to fit any size application or budget. Make sure to catch the buzz on BZB TV for unboxings, demos, and How To videos. And please show your support by subscribing! We appreciate you and will keep you informed on all the latest AV gear.