The Blackmagic Design Videohub Smart Control is an integrated hardware control panel designed to provide direct, tactile routing control for Blackmagic Design Smart Videohub matrix switchers. This unit serves as a dedicated interface, allowing operators in broadcast studios, production control rooms, and live event environments to make fast, confident switching decisions without relying on a computer mouse or software interface. The panel features a high-resolution LCD screen that displays source and destination labels, router status, and menu information, surrounded by backlit mechanical buttons for selecting sources and destinations, executing takes, and managing presets. Its intuitive layout mimics traditional broadcast routing control surfaces, offering an efficient workflow for managing complex signal paths in real time.

The Smart Control panel connects to the Smart Videohub router via a standard Ethernet cable, communicating over the network to send commands and receive status updates. It can control any size of Smart Videohub matrix (e.g., 12x12, 20x20, 40x40) and supports advanced features such as saving and recalling router presets, creating macros for multi-step operations, and locking the panel to prevent unauthorized changes. The unit is housed in a robust, rack-mountable 1U metal chassis with a tiltable front panel for optimal viewing angles, making it ideal for integration into technical racks or control consoles. Its design prioritizes operational clarity and reliability under pressure, which is essential during live productions.

By delivering a dedicated, hardware-based control surface, the Videohub Smart Control enhances the functionality and operator experience of Blackmagic's router systems. It transforms the software-managed Videohub into a system with the immediate, physical control expected in professional broadcast and production facilities, ensuring quick, error-free routing changes that are critical to seamless on-air and live production operations.