Abstract: A Graphical User Interface (GUI) that includes visual representations of executable program elements of a programming language is presented on a display. The GUI enables a user to select and graphically manipulate the visual representations of the executable program elements to form a visual representation of a computer program that includes selected ones of the visual representations. The visual representation of the computer program is translated into computer program text that includes the executable program elements represented by the selected ones of the visual representations, and non-executable comments specifying the selected ones of the visual representations. Conversion from computer program text into visual form including visual representations of executable program elements in the received computer program text is also possible.

Abstract: Audio signal verification methods and apparatus for video/audio production equipment are disclosed. An audio signal and a video signal are input into production equipment. The audio signal has one or more known frequencies, and the video signal has a known video frame to which the audio signal is to be synchronized by the equipment. Based on the known frequency or frequencies and a frequency or frequencies of an output audio signal that is output by the equipment with the video frame, a determination can be made as to whether the output audio signal corresponds to the input audio signal. Respective values could be assigned to a number of frequencies, to enable values to be encoded in the input audio signal. The correspondence determination could then be made based on whether the values encoded by frequencies in the output audio signal match the values encoded in the input audio signal.

Abstract: A Graphical User Interface (GUI) that includes visual representations of executable program elements of a programming language is presented on a display. The GUI enables a user to select and graphically manipulate the visual representations of the executable program elements to form a visual representation of a computer program that includes selected ones of the visual representations. The visual representation of the computer program is translated into computer program text that includes the executable program elements represented by the selected ones of the visual representations, and non-executable comments specifying the selected ones of the visual representations. Conversion from computer program text into visual form including visual representations of executable program elements in the received computer program text is also possible.

Abstract: Audio signal verification methods and apparatus for video/audio production equipment are disclosed. An audio signal and a video signal are input into production equipment. The audio signal has one or more known frequencies, and the video signal has a known video frame to which the audio signal is to be synchronized by the equipment. Based on the known frequency or frequencies and a frequency or frequencies of an output audio signal that is output by the equipment with the video frame, a determination can be made as to whether the output audio signal corresponds to the input audio signal. Respective values could be assigned to a number of frequencies, to enable values to be encoded in the input audio signal. The correspondence determination could then be made based on whether the values encoded by frequencies in the output audio signal match the values encoded in the input audio signal.

Abstract: Low-latency interactive multiviewer interfaces and methods for video broadcast equipment are disclosed. A video switcher includes an integrated multiviewer to generate a multiviewer interface. Video signals are received from video sources and a user interface graphic is received from an external source such as an external computer. The received video signals are routed in a video path of the video switcher to be presented in a multiviewer interface on a display, and the received interface graphic is overlaid on the received video signals for presentation in the multiviewer interface. Realtime elements associated with frames of the video signals may also be generated within the video switcher and combined with the video signals and the externally generated interface graphic in the multiviewer interface. The video signals could include video signals from external video sources, outputs of internal processing elements within the video switcher, and/or intermediary video signals within the video switcher.

Abstract: Video/audio production processing control synchronization apparatus and methods are provided. Processing control commands that are provided to a first installation of production processing equipment for controlling production processing of edit units of first production signals are echoed to another installation, or possibly multiple other installations, of production processing equipment. Timing information associated with the edit units is also provided to the other installation(s), to enable production processing of delayed production signals by the other installation(s) to be synchronized with the production processing by the first installation of production processing equipment. Multiple production processing equipment installations can be controlled and synchronized from a single control interface.

Abstract: Various improvements for video production switchers are disclosed. In a user input module, a Link button is operable to link key functions with a user controllable input device. A multicolor lighting arrangement may be provided, and possibly calibrated, for illuminating each button of a switcher with a controllable color and/or intensity. In an improved Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) scheme, a PWM output is dependent on a pseudo-random number and a threshold. A display on a keyer module may be used to provide indications of a key source and type currently associated with the keyer module. A switcher menu system may be enhanced by providing a first display for accessing a full menu system, and a second display for accessing at least a portion of the full menu system. In a modular switcher panel, a panel structure carries button modules, at least one of which is interchangeable without displacing other button modules.

Abstract: Video/audio production processing control synchronization apparatus and methods are provided. Processing control commands that are provided to a first installation of production processing equipment for controlling production processing of edit units of first production signals are echoed to another installation, or possibly multiple other installations, of production processing equipment. Timing information associated with the edit units is also provided to the other installation(s), to enable production processing of delayed production signals by the other installation(s) to be synchronized with the production processing by the first installation of production processing equipment. Multiple production processing equipment installations can be controlled and synchronized from a single control interface.

Abstract: Intelligent resource state memory recall techniques, and associated apparatus and methods, are disclosed. States of one or more video switcher resources in a resource state memory may be recalled to the same or different resources, depending on resource availability at the time of memory recall. A memory recall need not affect an on air signal. The memory may be recalled to recreate a desired program output, as defined in the memory, on a preview output of the video switcher, which leaves a current program output of the video switcher undisturbed when the memory is recalled.

Abstract: An audio and video production system and method, including a video production control switcher; and one or more computers connected through a network and configured for controlling the video production control switcher. The system is further configured for at least one of defining looks, including shot templates, that correspond to particular settings on the production control switcher or settings of parts of the production control switcher; defining sequences of the looks or assigning individual looks to control elements on a computer of the computers; transmitting the looks across the network; and translating of a single look into one or more standard editor commands, and transmitting the commands to the production control switcher.

Abstract: Intelligent resource state memory recall techniques, and associated apparatus and methods, are disclosed. States of one or more video switcher resources in a resource state memory may be recalled to the same or different resources, depending on resource availability at the time of memory recall. A memory recall need not affect an on air signal. The memory may be recalled to recreate a desired program output, as defined in the memory, on a preview output of the video switcher, which leaves a current program output of the video switcher undisturbed when the memory is recalled.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for video production, including adding a mixer to an Auxiliary Bus of a Video Production Switcher; adding one or more keyers to the Auxiliary Bus of the Video Production Switcher; and adding special effects to the Auxiliary Bus.

Abstract: Various improvements for video production switchers are disclosed. In a user input module, a Link button is operable to link key functions with a user controllable input device. A multicolor lighting arrangement may be provided, and possibly calibrated, for illuminating each button of a switcher with a controllable color and/or intensity. In an improved Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) scheme, a PWM output is dependent on a pseudo-random number and a threshold. A display on a keyer module may be used to provide indications of a key source and type currently associated with the keyer module. A switcher menu system may be enhanced by providing a first display for accessing a full menu system, and a second display for accessing at least a portion of the full menu system. In a modular switcher panel, a panel structure carries button modules, at least one of which is interchangeable without displacing other button modules.