Mulitview

A multiviewer lets you watch several video sources on a single screen, so you don't need a separate monitor for every camera or feed. It takes inputs such as SDI or HDMI and tiles them into a grid, usually 2x2, 3x3 or 4x4. Many models also add labels, audio meters, tally indicators and alarms. Multiviewers are used in live production, broadcast control rooms, houses of worship, event streaming, post-production and on-set monitoring. Choosing one mostly comes down to three things: how many sources you need to watch, which connection type your gear uses (SDI or HDMI), and what resolution your display can show. This section covers multiviewers for small streaming setups and for full broadcast facilities.

Types of mulitview

SDI multiviewer: Takes SDI inputs for professional cameras and broadcast gear, often with loop-through outputs
HDMI multiviewer: Takes HDMI inputs for consumer cameras, laptops and streaming setups
Hybrid multiviewer: Accepts both SDI and HDMI inputs, or converts between them
Switcher with built-in multiview: A video switcher that shows all inputs on a multiview output while you cut between them
Software multiviewer: Runs on a computer, using capture devices or network streams as inputs

Buying advice

Count your sources first, then add a few spare inputs for growth
Match the input type to your gear: SDI for professional cameras, HDMI for consumer and streaming gear
Check the maximum input resolution (HD, 4K or 6G-SDI) against your cameras
Check the output resolution: a UHD display shows more detail per view than 1080p
Look for loop-through outputs if you also need to send each source to another device
Check whether the unit re-syncs each input, so mixed or unsynced sources display without glitches
Confirm what the layouts are (2x2, 3x3, 4x4) and whether you can customize them
Look for on-screen labels, audio meters and tally support if you run live shows
Consider a reference input (Black Burst or Tri-Sync) if your facility uses sync
Compare against a switcher with built-in multiview, which may do the job for less

Specifications to understand

SDI: Serial Digital Interface, a professional video connection that carries video over BNC cable
HDMI: A consumer video connection found on cameras, laptops, monitors and TVs
SD-SDI / HD-SDI / 3G-SDI / 6G-SDI: SDI speed grades, supporting standard definition, HD, 1080p60 and Ultra HD respectively
Input: A connector that receives one video source
Loop-through output: A connector that passes each input signal on unchanged to another device
Multiview output: The connector that sends the combined grid of sources to your monitor
Layout: How the sources are arranged on screen, such as 2x2 (4 views) or 4x4 (16 views)
Resolution per view: The pixel size of each tile, which depends on output resolution and layout
Re-sync / frame synchronizer: Aligns the timing of each input so unsynced sources can be shown together
Reference input: Takes a sync signal (such as Black Burst or Tri-Level Sync) to lock the unit to your facility's timing
Tally: An indicator showing which source is live or on air
Audio meters: On-screen level bars for the audio carried in each source
EDID: Information the monitor sends so the multiviewer can match the correct output resolution

Recommended mulitview

Best for: Live production and control-room monitoring Placeholder listing

Black Magic MultiView 16

Type: SDI multiviewer · 16-input
Connection
SDI video inputs: 16 x 10-bit SD-SDI, HD-SDI and 6G-SDI
SDI video outputs: 16 x 10-bit SD-SDI, HD-SDI and 6G-SDI (loop output)

Pros

Monitors up to 16 SDI sources on one Ultra HD display
Mix SD, HD and Ultra HD sources in any combination and order

Cons

SDI-only inputs, so HDMI sources need converters
Priced for professional use (about US$1,899 on Blackmagic's site)

Price: see current price on Amazon

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Comparison table

Product	Best for	Type	Connectivity	Key feature	Amazon
Black Magic MultiView 16	Live production and control-room monitoring	SDI multiviewer · 16-input			See current price →

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Frequently asked questions

What is a multiviewer?

A device that shows several video sources on one screen in a grid, so you can monitor them all at once.

Do I need a multiviewer for a small stream?

Not always. With only two or three sources, a switcher with a multiview output may be enough.

SDI or HDMI multiviewer?

Choose SDI if your cameras and cabling are professional, with long runs or locking connectors. Choose HDMI for consumer cameras and short cable runs.

Can I mix SD, HD and 4K sources?

Some units can, if each input auto-detects its format. Check the product specifications.

Do I need a 4K monitor?

Not required, but a UHD display gives more resolution per view, especially in a 16-view layout.

Can a multiviewer record or switch video?

Generally no. A multiviewer is for monitoring only. Use a switcher or recorder for production and recording.

What does loop-through mean?

It sends a copy of each input signal out to another device, such as a recorder or switcher, while you monitor it.