Why do Video Switchers Need Power?

[Outland]

Great information.

Dave, the Archer does have a power cord. Did you mean to say that if it didn't, it would be a mechanical switch, or is it indeed an electronic switch due to the presence of power? Or is it simply a mechanical switch, but amplified as Coogar said. Does amplification/waiting for sync have any effect on image/audio quality?

If not, what would be an example of an electronic switch from the '80s or '90s era?