Abstract: A modular video signal matrix switcher is constructed with a midplane architecture. The functional components of the system include a power supply board, a controller board, one or two output boards, an optional control signal generating board, and one or more switching boards. These components are contained within a housing which has a number of non-dedicated board placement slots. The non-dedicated slots can receive any one of a switching board, an output board or a camera control signal generating board. Each type of board component is assigned a respective distinguishing color pursuant to a color coding system. The color coding system facilitates configuration management, assembly and maintenance operations.