Buying Guide
The Best Datavideo Video Switchers for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 8 datavideo video switchers side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
11 min read8 products evaluated
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Best Datavideo Video Switchers carry very different real specs, which is exactly why an input count rarely tells the story.
We compared this lineup on real input count and connector type, since this is where the decision gets made.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Datavideo SE-800DV-NTSC Digital Video Switcher
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Datavideo SE-800DV-NTSC Digital Video Switcher (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
Datavideo RMC-180 Control Unit for PTC-100 PTZ Camera
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Datavideo RMC-180 Control Unit for PTC-100 PTZ Camera (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
Datavideo SE-1200MU 6 Input HD Digital Video Switcher with SDI and HDMI Inputs
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Datavideo SE-1200MU 6 Input HD Digital Video Switcher with SDI and HDMI Inputs (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Tenveo 4K60FPS HDMI Video Switcher Mixer
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for Tenveo 4K60FPS HDMI Video Switcher Mixer (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher
Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Our take Check price for Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
datavideo SE-650 4 Input Digital Video Switcher (Unibody) Black
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for datavideo SE-650 4 Input Digital Video Switcher (Unibody) Black (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 8
datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher is the top pick in this comparison.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
4 channel 1080p HDMI video switcher. Supports up to full HD 1080p.
Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
This fits best if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Input count fills up faster than expected once cameras, overlays, and playback sources are all counted, so plan with real margin.
Key dimensions & specs
- 4 channel 1080p HDMI video switcher
- Supports up to full HD 1080p
- Video input
Pros
- 4 channel 1080p HDMI video switcher
- Supports up to full HD 1080p
- Video input
- Video output
Cons
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
Best Premium Pick2 of 8
Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher is the priciest pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
Up to 12 video input interfaces.
9 video outputs : 6 x SDI + 2 x HDMI + 1 x HDMI, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher.
Go with this pick if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. NDI routing adds real network bandwidth and latency considerations, so plan your network setup before assuming NDI just works out of the box.
Key dimensions & specs
- Digital video switcher
- Full native 1080p/60 operation
- Up to 12 video input interfaces
Pros
- Digital video switcher
- Full native 1080p/60 operation
- Up to 12 video input interfaces
- 9 video outputs
Cons
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
Solid Alternative3 of 8
Datavideo SE-800DV-NTSC Digital Video Switcher on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo SE-800DV-NTSC Digital Video Switcher is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Digital dv model with firewire dv inputs.
Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Input count fills up faster than expected once cameras, overlays, and playback sources are all counted, so plan with real margin.
Key dimensions & specs
- Case and monitors
- Digital dv model with firewire dv inputs
Pros
- Case and monitors
- Digital dv model with firewire dv inputs
- Straightforward setup based on the listed specs
Cons
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
Another Strong Option4 of 8
Datavideo RMC-180 Control Unit for PTC-100 PTZ Camera on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo RMC-180 Control Unit for PTC-100 PTZ Camera is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Seamlessly manage datavideo's switcher tally indicators, providing clear visual cues for on-air talent and ensuring smooth production workflows. 5a power input, offering a stable and reliable power source for uninterrupted performance during critical shoots.
78mm, the rmc-180 fits comfortably into any workspace, optimizing your control station without sacrificing functionality.
This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. NDI routing adds real network bandwidth and latency considerations, so plan your network setup before assuming NDI just works out of the box.
Key dimensions & specs
- Seamlessly manage datavideo's switcher tally indicators, providing
- Operates efficiently with a dc 12v 0.5a
- Dimensions of 310 x 79.49 x 186.78mm
Pros
- Seamlessly manage datavideo's switcher tally indicators, providing
- Operates efficiently with a dc 12v 0.5a
- Dimensions of 310 x 79.49 x 186.78mm
- Weighing only 3.1lbs (1.4kg), this control unit
Cons
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
Runner-Up Pick5 of 8
Datavideo SE-1200MU 6 Input HD Digital Video Switcher with SDI and HDMI Inputs on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo SE-1200MU 6 Input HD Digital Video Switcher with SDI and HDMI Inputs is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
4 x HD-SDI and 2 x HDMI inputs.
Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Input count fills up faster than expected once cameras, overlays, and playback sources are all counted, so plan with real margin.
Key dimensions & specs
- 6-input high definition switcher
- 1080i / 720p compatible
- 4 x HD-SDI and 2 x HDMI
Pros
- 6-input high definition switcher
- 1080i / 720p compatible
- 4 x HD-SDI and 2 x HDMI
- Multi-view output
Cons
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
Worth a Look6 of 8
Tenveo 4K60FPS HDMI Video Switcher Mixer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Tenveo 4K60FPS HDMI Video Switcher Mixer is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Tenveo pc500 - a professional live streaming video mixer switcher, integrates video encoding, multi-channel switching, ptz/NDI camera control, multi-camera live streaming, real-time monitoring and USB recording. Tenveo pc500 supports 4ch flexible inputs - video input: 4*HDMI inputs(2*HDMI with 4k60fps), 4*SDI inputs, 1*USB input(pgm recording/video playback/file loading/uvc input, NDI.
0 type-c)and ip streaming which are srt, RTMP, rtsp and NDI.
This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. NDI routing adds real network bandwidth and latency considerations, so plan your network setup before assuming NDI just works out of the box.
Key dimensions & specs
- 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫
- 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝟒𝐊 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 + 𝐒𝐃𝐈 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫
- 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭
Pros
- 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫
- 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝟒𝐊 𝐇𝐃𝐌𝐈 + 𝐒𝐃𝐈 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫
- 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭-𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤
Cons
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
Best Value7 of 8
Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher is the most affordable pick here that still clears the capability floor for this category.
Best for
- Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use
Why we like it
Se-500 digital a v switcher - ac power adapter - RCA stereo cable - three bnc cables - two y/c s-video cables - component breakout cable - datavideo one year warranty. 2 composite and 1 s-video.
Weighing this against datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher, the two composite video outputs and the monitor out may be reassigned as a component (y/r-y/b-y) output ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.
This fits best if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. Input count fills up faster than expected once cameras, overlays, and playback sources are all counted, so plan with real margin.
Key dimensions & specs
- This item
- 4 composite or s-video
- Video oit
Pros
- This item
- 4 composite or s-video
- Video oit
- Video monitor
Cons
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
Also Worth Considering8 of 8
datavideo SE-650 4 Input Digital Video Switcher (Unibody) Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Datavideo SE-650 4 Input Digital Video Switcher (Unibody) Black is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
1 upstream pip, supports chromakey & luma key.
Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. NDI routing adds real network bandwidth and latency considerations, so plan your network setup before assuming NDI just works out of the box.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2 x HD-SDI, 2 x HDMI
- 1 x HD-SDI, 2 x HDMI
- 1 upstream pip, supports chromakey & luma
Pros
- 2 x HD-SDI, 2 x HDMI
- 1 x HD-SDI, 2 x HDMI
- 1 upstream pip, supports chromakey & luma
Cons
- NDI routing adds real network bandwidth demands
- Input count fills up fast with cameras plus overlays
How We Chose These Datavideo Video Switchers
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Input Count vs Your Real Camera and Source Count
- Input count on a video switcher needs to cover every source in your actual production, cameras plus any laptop, graphics overlay, or playback device you'll switch to, not just camera count alone.
- HDMI is simpler and cheaper for short cable runs typical of a home or small studio setup, while SDI supports much longer cable runs, up to 300 feet uncompressed, and locks more securely, which matters for a live event where a cable being bumped loose is a real risk.
- NDI Adds Network Bandwidth to Plan For
- NDI routing over your network is a real convenience for scaling a production without running new cables, but each full-quality NDI stream can consume well over 100 Mbps of bandwidth, which adds up fast with multiple sources on a typical home or small-office network.
- ISO Recording for Post-Production Flexibility
- ISO recording, capturing each individual camera input separately in addition to your final switched program output, matters most if you plan to re-edit footage afterward or if a camera lacks its own internal recording capability.
- Latency and Real-Time Switching Feel
- How a switcher actually feels to operate live comes down to switching latency, the real delay between your button press and the cut appearing on screen, which matters far more during a fast-paced live event than in a spec comparison.
What to Look for in a Datavideo Video Switcher
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Input Count vs Your Real Camera and Source Count
Input count on a video switcher needs to cover every source in your actual production, cameras plus any laptop, graphics overlay, or playback device you'll switch to, not just camera count alone. Buying a switcher sized exactly to your current camera count often leaves no room for a title overlay or a second presentation source later.
HDMI is simpler and cheaper for short cable runs typical of a home or small studio setup, while SDI supports much longer cable runs, up to 300 feet uncompressed, and locks more securely, which matters for a live event where a cable being bumped loose is a real risk. Match the connector type to your actual camera outputs and cable run distances before buying.
NDI Adds Network Bandwidth to Plan For
NDI routing over your network is a real convenience for scaling a production without running new cables, but each full-quality NDI stream can consume well over 100 Mbps of bandwidth, which adds up fast with multiple sources on a typical home or small-office network. Budget for a dedicated network switch if NDI is central to your plan, not just your existing Wi-Fi.
ISO Recording for Post-Production Flexibility
ISO recording, capturing each individual camera input separately in addition to your final switched program output, matters most if you plan to re-edit footage afterward or if a camera lacks its own internal recording capability. Without ISO recording, you're stuck with only the live-switched result, no ability to fix a bad cut in post. Check specifically for this feature if post-production flexibility matters to your workflow.
Latency and Real-Time Switching Feel
How a switcher actually feels to operate live comes down to switching latency, the real delay between your button press and the cut appearing on screen, which matters far more during a fast-paced live event than in a spec comparison. Hardware switchers tend to offer more consistent low latency than software-based alternatives, so check independent hands-on reviews rather than a bare spec claim.
How to Choose a Datavideo Video Switcher
| Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher | |
| 4 sources including an overlay | Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher |
| Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher |
| Lowest price in this lineup | Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher |
|---|---|
| Datavideo SE-800DV-NTSC Digital Video Switcher | |
| Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher |
- Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher)
- Simpler and cheaper for short cable runs typical of a home or small studio setup.
- Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher)
- Supports much longer cable runs and a more secure locking connector, better suited to live events or larger venues.
Match connector type to your actual cameras and cable run distances.
| Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher | |
| Check specifically for NDI support and plan real network bandwidth |
- ISO recording support, which captures each individual camera separately so you can re-edit footage after the fact.
- Datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher is worth checking against its specific ISO recording spec before assuming any switcher supports it.
- You need more inputs, SDI connectivity, or ISO recording for a growing production, where Datavideo SE-3200 HD 12-Channel Digital Video Switcher justifies the extra cost.
- You're running a simple 2-3 camera setup, where Datavideo SE-500 Digital A + V Switcher already covers the job at the lowest price here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inputs do I actually need on a video switcher?
Count every source you'll switch between, cameras plus any laptop, graphics overlay, or playback device, not just your camera count; a 4-input switcher fills up fast once a single overlay source is added to two cameras.
Should I choose HDMI or SDI for my setup?
HDMI works well for short cable runs typical of a home or small studio, while SDI supports much longer runs and locks more securely, which matters more for live events where cables get bumped.
Does NDI require a special network setup?
Not necessarily for one or two sources, but each full-quality NDI stream can consume 100+ Mbps of bandwidth, so a dedicated network switch is worth budgeting for if NDI is central to a larger production.
What is ISO recording and do I need it?
ISO recording captures each individual camera input separately alongside your switched program output, which matters if you plan to re-edit footage afterward; without it, you're locked into whatever was live-switched in the moment.
Can I use a video switcher without a computer?
Yes, most hardware video switchers operate standalone and only need a computer if you're streaming directly to a platform or doing NDI routing over a network; recording to an SD card or SSD typically works without one.
What's the difference between a video switcher and a capture card?
A capture card brings one video source into a computer for software-based switching or recording, while a hardware video switcher lets you cut between multiple live sources in real time using physical or on-screen controls, independent of software.
Bottom Line
Best overall: datavideo 2200 5100 SE 500HD 4 Channel 1080p HDMI Video Switcher — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all datavideo video switchers on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.