Monitors

At the live video production mix position, commonly referred to as "the video mix", "videoland" or "videoworld", the operating staff sometimes need to have monitors so that they can see a confirmation of the video program and what signal is being sent to them from each source. ...and preferably before switching to the new source.

In situations where there is only one camera and only a couple computers, a monitoring system is often unnecessary.

In situations where there is more than one camera, a monitoring system is nearly always necessary.

Video signals that need to be monitored may include this incomplete list of categories:

1. Program (the main output signal)
2. Preview (aka "Cue", 1 for each program)
3. Cameras
4. Players (DVD, PC, etc.)
5. Overlays
6. Effect Preview
7. Recorders (to make sure they are actually working)
8. Live Stream (to make sure it is actually working)

The minimum recommended number of monitors is 2: Program and Preview.

Depending upon the situation, it may be best to use anything from an array of small rack-mounted displays to an array of full-size computer monitors. Standard rack-mounted solutions can be anything from 4 displays across to just 1. Racks are 19" wide, so any rack-mounted displays would have to fit inside that framework.

Factors to consider:

1. Space available.
2. Number of sources.
3. Level of fanciness required in the program.
4. Availability of monitors on other equipment. (e.g. a separate computer or window could be logged into the streaming website for the purpose of monitoring)
5. Importance of the technician seeing small details in the video.
6. Cost.