Step 2: How are they used?

Matrix switchers are used in such environments as corporate boardrooms, command and control centers, classrooms, restaurants, home theaters, and videoconference rooms.

Here's an example of how a matrix switcher can be used in a restaurant. Six audio/video sources and one audio-only source are being input to a composite video matrix switcher (MAV 128 RCA). These inputs can then be routed to one or more of the five display devices connected to the switcher.

Restaurant patrons could then view a video source from a DVD player on two of the CRT projectors, while video from a camera and audio from the stereo is being displayed by the monitor at the same time. Switching different inputs to different outputs can be done on the fly with the push of a button.