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[FortNinety]

So I just got a 27 flat screen Toshiba TV and hooked up all my systems. I had a real crappy Panasonic set where the picture was getting blurrier and blurrier, making reading text in games a headache. But I was shocked to see when I first fired up a game that some of the deep red still bleed and certain type was also blurry. Hence why I want to move up to component.

But the problem is that I only have on set of component inputs (like most tvs) and three systems. So the answer is a switch box, but all that I've seen in game stores are fucking huge eyesores. Is there one that's small and decent looking, and not like some cheap toy?

 

[Stinkles]

No, they either look like a clunky component rack, or like a toy. The Gamestop-brand one has the advantage of being tiny, and therefore easy to hide. The big Pelican one has the advantage of having Ethernet switching too.

Cue stream of posters claiming the interference from the signals makes the picture look like shit.

 

[Meantime]

http://www.smarthome.com/7772.HTML

It does 4 component inputs and also digital audio. It's not cheap though.

 

[Mejilan]

https://www.audioauthority.com/index.php?p=productMore&iProduct=3

I have this Audio Authority model and it's amazing. Hell, it even autodetects the inputs, so you don't have to hit a switch. I found it cheaper on eBay, btw.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

Yes but that's the best one on the market for gaming. I picked one of those up a couple months ago.

 

[Ryck]

I have the gamestop one (which also has ethernet) and i love it no probs as of yet

 

[acidviper]

Dude just walk over and switch the cables. .. . .

. . .. with your freaking hands and save yourself $250.

God how lazy are you?

 

[Juice]

Dude just walk over and switch the cables. .. . .

. . .. with your freaking hands and save yourself $250.

God how lazy are you?

Agreed.

I personally just plug in my most-played system into the component slot, and if I'm playing something else and REALLY not enjoying the visual performance, I'll switch the cables in all of ten seconds. I even have a little rack mounted next to the cable inputs so i can switch them really quickly without reaching.

That said, after initially setting up the TV, I never really even notice what's on what input unless some scammer game is trying to get away with a 6pt font.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Another vote for the Audio Authority one. Also get it off Ebay as it'll be cheaper. The Audio Authority one is the perfect balance between quality/features and price. Component switchers can get more expensive. I hope Audio Authority does a DVI switch soon.

 

[Mejilan]

And yes, the AA one is an eyesore, but with its device detection, you can (and should) store it out of the way or behind more attractive boxes.

 

[FortNinety]

Dude just walk over and switch the cables. .. . .

. . .. with your freaking hands and save yourself $250.

God how lazy are you?

Um, maybe cuz where I have everything laid out, its a super hassel to pull out the tv and re-wire stuff?

I can't believe I even bothered to answer.

 

[newsguy]

https://www.audioauthority.com/index.php?p=productMore&iProduct=3

I have this Audio Authority model and it's amazing. Hell, it even autodetects the inputs, so you don't have to hit a switch. I found it cheaper on eBay, btw.

I can vouch for the 1154, it is a great product and well built.

 

[FortNinety]

The AA does look cool, plus its nice and small, but its way more than what I wanted to pay. Does anyone have a pic of the Gamestop one?

 

[Marty Chinn]

I bet the gamestop one is just a cheap switch which would mean it doesn't deal with trying to prevent signal degredation. If that's all you want, then you can simply get a standard A/V composite switcher and use that. Should run you about $10 to $20.

 

[newsguy]

The AA does look cool, plus its nice and small, but its way more than what I wanted to pay. Does anyone have a pic of the Gamestop one?

The Gamestop one is not suitable for HD signals. There's a huge thread on this over at AVSforum, but I'm too lazy to find it.

 

[Mejilan]

I wouldn't really call the AA one 'nice and small' either.

 

[Marty Chinn]

I don't think the AA is an eye sore, but it's not tiny either. It's not quite as big as a game console but it ain't tiny either. It does have a ton of ports on it and the digital audio conversion and auto detection is great. I have mine behind the rack and rarely do I ever need to access it. The AA is just something you set up once and then put it out of sight.

 

[zackattack]

I'm pretty sure they mean this one: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Code=PEL+U-PL970&JRSource=google.datafeed
as I have not seen another small one with ethernet.

I have this one: http://www.garrett-smarthome.com/proddetail.php?prod=6132 and it works well, but I wish the Pelican one would have been out when I got a selector, because the ethernet thing would be nice.

(those probably aren't the cheapest prices around)

 

[FortNinety]

I'm pretty sure they mean this one: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Code=PEL+U-PL970&JRSource=google.datafeed
as I have not seen another small one with ethernet.

I have this one: http://www.garrett-smarthome.com/proddetail.php?prod=6132 and it works well, but I wish the Pelican one would have been out when I got a selector, because the ethernet thing would be nice.

(those probably aren't the cheapest prices around)

I like the second one. HD was mentioned, but I don't have an HD set, so that's not a huge concern.

I did see the Pelican one at the J&R store the other day, and I like the size, but again, its looked a bit gaudy.

But the second one is nice and small. Other than the lack of ethernet, is it fine? Good picture quality and everything?

 

[zackattack]

well, the two Tv's I've used it on have been non-HD sets(a 27" Philips and a 20" Toshiba) but the pictures on the xbox and ps2 have both been very good. Also had great quality on my cheapo dvd player's component outputs. The way it's setup is a little weird, the spot where the wire is coming out of the round part of the selector is where the component cable>TV plugs in, and the satellite oblong part is where the 4 systems plug in. I can take a pic of it if I wasn't clear enough.

Oh yeah, I got it during one of EB's buy 1 mad catz item get a second half price or something, I think for around $25 MSRP + whatever else I got

 

[FortNinety]

Sounds good to me. Thanks!

 

[Mr_Furious]

Dude just walk over and switch the cables. .. . .

. . .. with your freaking hands and save yourself $250.

God how lazy are you?

Uh, not all of us have ghetto setups where the connectors are easily accessible by simply walking behind the TV dinner tray the set rests on. I have a home theater setup and it's a real bitch to get behind my TV to tinker with cable swapping.

Anyway, AA is the ONLY way to go. It's a wonderful piece of electronics and can be placed behind your entertainment center, out of sight, due to it being an auto-switcher. It fully supports HD and digital audio inputs and even converts audio inputs for great flexibility. I'd highly recommend, saving up a bit more and going with the AA component switcher. You won't regret it later

 

[acidviper]

Uh, not all of us have ghetto setups where the connectors are easily accessible by simply walking behind the TV dinner tray the set rests on. I have a home theater setup and it's a real bitch to get behind my TV to tinker with cable swapping.

Quite the opposite I have component I/O available on my receiver and my projector and they are all quite accesible. So just because you don't have any space in your trailer don't assume what you can't afford.

 

[Marty Chinn]

What receiver has component video inputs in the front?

 

[Oracle Dragon]

My vote is for the Pelican PL-957. Its a great looking unit, good performance and loads of features.

The reasons I favour it over the AA one:

1 - Ethernet switching
2 - Legacy connector support (RCA, S-Video)
3 - Looks much better (IMO)
4 - CHEAPER

Disadvantages over the AA one:

1 - Digital audio is optical ONLY, no coax (grrrrr), AA does both
2 - Only 3 Component inputs vs AA 4 inputs

 

[Cold-Steel]

JVC sells one for about $60 at Best Buy for HD Home Theatre Component switching and it has audio inputs as well (for Stereo).

I can personally vouch for that one, next to no signal loss and ease of use.

Plus the price is worth it.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

:lol well this thread got unexpectedly hilarious!

 

[quin]

I have an Audio Authority 1154A that I'm willin to part with!

 

[Nos_G]

For the people defending the 'plug and play approach', how are the inputs at the back of your tv holding up?

Wouldn't it result in a lot of wear and tear on those plugs and inputs?

I have the Pelican w/ ethernet switcher , but I am seriously considering getting the Audio Authority switcher because it has auto-sensing input.

 

[Mejilan]

For the people defending the 'plug and play approach', how are the inputs at the back of your tv holding up?

Wouldn't it result in a lot of wear and tear on those plugs and inputs?

I have the Pelican w/ ethernet switcher , but I am seriously considering getting the Audio Authority switcher because it has auto-sensing input.

I got my AA back when I bought my new TV. Took the new TV and all of my consoles and hooked them up to the AA in my room. The (sole) set of component plugs on the TV I ditched in the living room was starting to feel a litte... insecure, the more I switched out my systems.

Onto a semi-related question. I've been on somewhat of a retro kick recently, and I'd like someome to recommend me a decent A/V switcher for SNES and Genny (got my N64 hooked up via S-Vid, PS2 and GCN via Component.) I'd be willing to pay slightly more for cool features (like auto-sensing.)

 

[VALIS]

Another vote here for the Audio Authority box. Yeah, a little pricey, but it's just about perfect.

 

[TYRiAX]

http://www.zektor.com/hds4/index.html


looks great too

 

[Mr_Furious]

Quite the opposite I have component I/O available on my receiver and my projector and they are all quite accesible. So just because you don't have any space in your trailer don't assume what you can't afford.

Just treating you the way you treat others.

 

[MoxManiac]

I'd only worry about signal degradation if you are running 480p or above, which it sounds like you are not.

What I do is use 2 av switchboxes: one for audio and one for component cables. Works like a charm.

 

[Tabris]

Another question. Any HDMI switch boxes yet?

 

[Raistlin]

If for some reason you don't like the AA one, here's a cheap JVC model.

Check out that last JVC ... though you may still want to shop it around ...
http://www.21best.com/21_best/electronic/video/selectors/for_sale_.html

 

[GrandPipe]

http://www.zektor.com/hds4/index.html


looks great too

for sure. +1

http://gear.ign.com/articles/452/452131p1.html

 

[Raistlin]

Another question. Any HDMI switch boxes yet?

Here's one that's coming.

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=processors&brand=47

They offer discounts if you're'part of the family' ... actually, they are offering it for $99 with their new 'lower end' separates (Emotiva UL's). Don't know much about the switcher though, so there may be something out there that's cheaper.

Products actually by AV123's owner (Onix, Perpetual Technologies, Audio Alchemy, etc.) are fucking fantastic though. I picked my name because I was so impressed with there speakers ... simply amazing at the price - plus the service is just incredible.

 

[Ferrarisimo]

Yet another AA 1154A user, and loving it. That's the only one to get.

 

[Nos_G]

Another question. Any HDMI switch boxes yet?

Here is one from Gefen Inc.

http://www.htmarket.com/4x1hddiausww.html

 

[Raistlin]

Yep, listed a gefen. I don't know much about their products, but if AV123 support them I'm sure its good.

For the component switching, you may also want to consider getting a receiver or a pre/pro ... that is if you're considering the higher end ones. It wouldn't cost you much more to get some audio goodness.

But if you're bent on only a switcher, and you want it to be higher-end - definitly the AA, KeyDigital (http://www.keydigital.com/items.asp?CartId={99759AFE-05AB-4868-BB67-D581CEVEREST0CB2BF5}&Cc=300), or Sima (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...SIVS712EX&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=313128). It's too bad Sima went with such a stocked unit, it's probably much more than you need. They have made some great products though. I had their composite, S-Video (upconverts) automatic selector. Sweet piece of gear!

 

[Marty Chinn]

Yep, listed a gefen. I don't know much about their products, but if AV123 support them I'm sure its good.

For the component switching, you may also want to consider getting a receiver or a pre/pro ... that is if you're considering the higher end ones. It wouldn't cost you much more to get some audio goodness.

But if you're bent on only a switcher, and you want it to be higher-end - definitly the AA, KeyDigital (http://www.keydigital.com/items.asp?CartId={99759AFE-05AB-4868-BB67-D581CEVEREST0CB2BF5}&Cc=300), or Sima (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...SIVS712EX&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=313128). It's too bad Sima went with such a stocked unit, it's probably much more than you need. They have made some great products though. I had their composite, S-Video (upconverts) automatic selector. Sweet piece of gear!

The problem with a receiver is that most of them at best have two component inputs. If that's all you need, then go for it. At best you get three inputs but you tend to have to go higher end for that, and even then, higher end units often only have two. I got the AA switch because I'm using four devices that have component video output. My reciever only has two inputs, and my TV only has two inputs. So I use the AA in addition to my receiver not as a replacement. It compliments it quite well. What's going to suck is how this box might have to get sold as I go from component to DVI. If the Xbox 360 doesn't use DVI, then I'm set for now. That is until I get more devices that have DVI output. Unfortunately, DVI switchers are too expensive right now. Even the 2 DVI input switches are expensive.

Back to the issue at hand, you really need to evaluate how many devices you have now and might have in the near future to decide what you really need. If you have more than two devices, definitely go with the AA switch.

 

[Error Macro]

here's a secret

most standard rca switch boxes can pass up to 1080i signals with no signal loss

save some cash

like twenty dollars at radio shack

 

[Nick Laslett]

I use the Key Digital KD-SW4x1 component switch, which is a very expensive option compared to the Audio Authority switcher, which is very good by the way.

Key Digital Component switch

This is the hub of my home cinema set-up and it was important that the switch wasn't bandwidth limited and could take a 480p and a 575p signal.

At the time I tried to future proof as best I could, so the fact that the KD-SW4x1 goes all the way up to 1080p is great. But I'm not so sure if there will be any component outputs in 1080p HD devices, everything has switched over to HDMI.

 

[human5892]

I use the Gamestop model on a very similar television, Fort (27" flatscreen, non-HD) and it works fine for me. I even tested the same game through the switcher and then directly through the inputs on the TV and I didn't see any difference. It only cost me about $30, too.

 

[Apharmd Battler]

Good info here. When I take the HD plunge, I'll be sure to search for this thread. ;

 

[Nos_G]

Blarg you bastards, I just bought the Audio Authority 1145a on ebay... fuckers. :lol

I am a consumer whore.