Inputs and Outputs

The number of inputs and outputs varies dramatically. The way routers are described is normally number of inputs by number of outputs e.g. 2x1, 256x256.

Signals

The type of signals transported - switched can be analogue - Analog

Analog signal

An analog or analogue signal is any continuous signal for which the time varying feature of the signal is a representation of some other time varying quantity, i.e., analogous to another time varying signal. It differs from a digital signal in terms of small fluctuations in the signal which are...

 - audio signals or Digital

Digital

A digital system is a data technology that uses discrete values. By contrast, non-digital systems use a continuous range of values to represent information...

. Digital audio

Digital audio

Digital audio is sound reproduction using pulse-code modulation and digital signals. Digital audio systems include analog-to-digital conversion , digital-to-analog conversion , digital storage, processing and transmission components...

 usually is in the AES/EBU

AES/EBU

AES3 is the standard used for the transport of digital audio signals between professional audio devices. It is also known as AES/EBU and is published by the Audio Engineering Society and as part of IEC 60958. It was developed by the AES and the European Broadcasting Union and first published in...

 standard for broadcast use. Broadband routers can route more than one signal type eg: analogue or more than one type of digital.

Crosspoints

Because any of the inputs can be routed to any output, the internal arrangement of the router is arranged as a number of crosspoints which can be activated to pass the corresponding signal to the desired output.

Some Manufacturers of audio routers

• Datavideo
• Harris Corporation
  Harris Corporation
  Harris Corporation is a Florida-based international communications equipment company that produces wireless equipment, electronic systems, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. It is also the largest private-sector employer in...
  
  
• AEQ
• FOR-A
  FOR-A
  - Introduction :“FOR-A” is a brand name for professional broadcast video and audio equipment. Founded more than 35 years ago and based in Japan, FOR-A has spread globally, with subsidiaries in America, Canada, Korea, Italy, and England....
  
  
• Klotz Digital
  Klotz Digital
  Klotz Digital AG is a manufacturer of audio media products based in Munich, Germany.The company is active in the two business segments Public Address and Radio & TV Broadcast....
  
  
• NVISION
  Nvision
  Nvision, stylized as NVISION, is a stand alone event organized by NVIDIA to promote visual computing amongst enthusiasts and journalists....
  
  
• Panasonic
  Panasonic
  Panasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd...
  
  
• Philips
  Philips
  Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. , more commonly known as Philips, is a multinational Dutch electronics company....
  
  
• Snell & Wilcox
  Snell & Wilcox
  Snell Limited is a company that designs and develops solutions for the digital media market including applications for central operations, live production, post production, playout and media management...
  
  
• Sony
  Sony
  , commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
  
  
• Thomson
  Thomson SA
  Technicolor SA , formerly Thomson SA and Thomson Multimedia, is a French international provider of solutions for the creation, management, post-production, delivery and access of video, for the Communication, Media and Entertainment industries. Technicolor’s headquarters are located in Issy les...
  
   Grass Valley
  Grass Valley (company)
  Grass Valley, previously known as Grass Valley Group, is a privately held company based in California, USA. Grass Valley produces technology for the video and broadcast industry. On January 29, 2009, Thomson announced its intention to sell the Grass Valley business unit...
  
  
• Utah Scientific
• Matrix Switch Corporation