Abstract: A data processing apparatus comprising: (1) a plurality of data processing boards; (2) a bus connecting the boards with each other; and wherein each board comprises a communication utility for communicating data over the bus to another board through a plurality of channels, and wherein at least one of the channels has a user-redefinable configuration. For enhancing the user-definability of the apparatus, it is preferred that a user interface is provided through which the user can define one or more communication parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing video switching between multiple inputs and outputs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a video box coupled to one or more user interfaces, a plurality of video inputs, and a plurality of video outputs. The video box includes a video controller coupled to the one or more user interfaces and a video switch coupled to the plurality of video inputs and the plurality of video outputs. Activation of the user interface generates a video control signal that is sent to the generated video control signal. The video controller generates a video switching signal based on the received video control signal. The video switch connects one or more of the plurality of video inputs to one or more of the plurality of video outputs based on the generated video control signal.