Abstract: A mixer for combining digital video signals allows four real-time signals to be combined. At each layer, a digital key signal may be generated from the input video signal using chroma or luminance keying. In addition, the video signal may be combined with drop shadows, a border and a fill to produce first-stage composite video and composite key signals. A composite key signal is produced by supplying two key signals to a comparator and a selector via respective switchable invertors. The comparator produces a selection signal which is supplied to the selector via a switchable invertor. The selector switches an input signal to produce an output signal which is supplied to an output port via a switchable converter.