Component Switcher

Mr_Grinch

Brief summary of situation, HDTV has one component socket, I want to connect both Wii and 360 to this component socket. I want a switcher which will not reduce quality. I do not want to spend lots of money.

Help me G&T!

Could I be cheap and get: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMPONENT-CABLE-SWITCHER-XBOX-360-PS3-PS2-WII-HD-HDTV_W0QQitemZ290147173973QQihZ019QQcategoryZ109015QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or would you advice spending a bit more?

setrajonas

I don't know much about switchers, but have you considered getting a multicable? Monoprice has a 4-in-1 cable that connects 360/Wii/PS3/PS2 to a single set of component cables.

Mr_Grinch

setrajonas wrote: »

I don't know much about switchers, but have you considered getting a multicable? Monoprice has a 4-in-1 cable that connects 360/Wii/PS3/PS2 to a single set of component cables.

Heheh, I edited my post just in time to add something similar from Ebay

It does seem like a good option.

Mr Slippy Fist

I found a cheap one at Wal-Mart last year. Nothing fancy, you just push in a button depending on which input you want to use, 1-4. I can't speak to the loss of picture quality, however. It seemed to me to be just fine. I'll see if I can dig up a link for you.

Edit: My Google-fu is weak, so I wasn't able to find a link to what I bought, but here are a couple of pictures of it if that will help in any way.

Evander

Just a note, the majority of universal cables that I've seen are only designed to be plugged into one system at a time. If you don't mind getting up to unplug and replug when you switch machines, that'll be fine for you, but if you're looking not to have to constantly get behind your machines, a switcher is still your best bet.

Personally, I use a 20 dollar pelican componant switcher, and it works fine for me.

NailbunnyPD

I was able to randomly find a Joytech switcher. It has a remote with a button for each input, and the new version has 6 component inputs (mine has 3.)

Varega

I actually just bought a pelican component switch from best buy for like 23.99. Picture quality is great, both on my Wii and my 360. I think it was on clearance though, so you might not find it on the website, only going to actual stores.

apotheos

Evander wrote: »

Just a note, the majority of universal cables that I've seen are only designed to be plugged into one system at a time. If you don't mind getting up to unplug and replug when you switch machines, that'll be fine for you, but if you're looking not to have to constantly get behind your machines, a switcher is still your best bet.

Personally, I use a 20 dollar pelican componant switcher, and it works fine for me.

It depends on the console, and if it sends anything down its video cable while idle. I have a number of Madcatz Xbox/PS2/PS1/GC/N64/SNES S-Video cables and then can be plugged in to Xbox/GC simultaneously, but not the PS2.

apotheos

Cheaper component switches should be fine through 720p. I've heard that subpar components will start showing on 1080i and especially 1080p signals.

Djiem

I'm using the crappy Gamestop component switcher and it works perfectly for my Wii, PS2 and 360 on HDTV. I don't think you need a gillion dollar monster rip-off.

Mr_Grinch

I may just pick up those cables from ebay then, I could leave my Wii and 360 plugged in then.

It'll have to wait till next month though, I just checked the bank balance when I went to order.

apotheos

Pointlessly I will mention that I still take pride in having Gamecube Component Cables.

Mr_Grinch

I have Wii S-Video cables which are utterly pointless as Pal Wii's will NOT output S-Video. I'm pretty annoyed my TV only has one RGB scart and the other is AV. For an expensive TV it's a bit light on inputs.

Invisible

I really like this Philips 4-Way Auto Component Switcher. Though I've never found it for sale online and the only store that I've found that carries it is Best Buy (ignore the coming soon part, it's in their stores).

Though the $44 price tag may not suit your "not spending a lot of money" requirement.

Kuratosu

Mr Slippy Fist wrote: »

I found a cheap one at Wal-Mart last year. Nothing fancy, you just push in a button depending on which input you want to use, 1-4. I can't speak to the loss of picture quality, however. It seemed to me to be just fine. I'll see if I can dig up a link for you.

Edit: My Google-fu is weak, so I wasn't able to find a link to what I bought, but here are a couple of pictures of it if that will help in any way.

Yeah, I bought the same one a few months ago as well, for just under $20 (canuck bucks). It works just fine for me, and I don't notice any loss in the quality of the picture.

Mr_Grinch

Please note, component switches must be available in UK

solsovly

Just to reiterate the warning from the 4 in 1 cables. They are not designed to be plugged into multiple systems at the same time. I tried with the PS2/XBOX at the same time. Video works for both systems, however sound will only work for the PS2 when both are plugged in. If I want sound on the XBOX, I have to unplug the PS2 component cables, it would be very annoying if I played my XBOX more often.

My entertainment center is getting crowded, Wii(component), PS2/Xbox(shared component), 360(vga), PC(hdmi) there's not much room for something else and I don't think I want to plunk the cash for an expensive receiver with HDMI support and the component switchers are pretty expensive for a decent one.

Eggplant Wizard

apotheos wrote: »

Pointlessly I will mention that I still take pride in having Gamecube Component Cables.

I had three sets at one point. One got modded into a VGA cable and one was given to a friend. One is still in use.

To answer the OP's question ... Audio Authority 1154A. I plug this product every time the subject comes up. It's a little expensive, but it's auto-sensing and it supposedly has the bandwidth to do 1080p with no distortion.

templewulf

Not to hijack, but I have a related question for you AV gurus.

I'm building a computer to act as a DVR, but I want to know what type of input I should use. I have a DVI-to-HDMI cable, but it only outputs video (being only connected to the video card). Is there a way to get sound, or do I have to use separate speakers if I go with HDMI? If not HDMI, what should I use?

If I do go HDMI, how expensive are switches? Can they handle up to 1080p without becoming too lossy?

powersurge

I've got a 4 input component/optical audio switcher (powered) put out by Psyclone that I got from bestbuy. It was about $90ish or so but I don't see any real quality difference between it and direct to the TV (1080i).

The only problem I've run into is for some reason no matter the cable, input, etc.. my PS3 has major issues when hooked up to it. My 360, Xbox, Wii, and region free DVD player have no problems while hooked up to it though.

This I think is the same one I've got:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7660578&st=Psyclone&type=product&id=1134701087687

grim123

I got the one from pelican at circuit city it's not powered so you have to get up to change systems but other them that it was a great buy at 20 bucks.

solsovly

templewulf wrote: »

Not to hijack, but I have a related question for you AV gurus.

I'm building a computer to act as a DVR, but I want to know what type of input I should use. I have a DVI-to-HDMI cable, but it only outputs video (being only connected to the video card). Is there a way to get sound, or do I have to use separate speakers if I go with HDMI? If not HDMI, what should I use?

If I do go HDMI, how expensive are switches? Can they handle up to 1080p without becoming too lossy?

I think you are asking how to get sound on the same input setting on your tv? You won't be able to get sound from the HDMI port using DVI to HDMI. You have a couple options, there are some PC motherboards with HDMI out (audio and video), or other option is to get audio out directly into your receiver. I have the second option as well and it suits my needs as TV speakers generally suck and I'd want my receiver outputting audio anyways.

mausmalone

Mr_Grinch wrote: »

setrajonas wrote: »

I don't know much about switchers, but have you considered getting a multicable? Monoprice has a 4-in-1 cable that connects 360/Wii/PS3/PS2 to a single set of component cables.

Heheh, I edited my post just in time to add something similar from Ebay

It does seem like a good option.

I wouldn't recommend. Usually they need to be plugged into only one console at a time, otherwise they don't know which source to switch to. For example, I got a PS2/XBox combo cable, but it won't display the PS2 unless I unplug it from the XBox.

This 4-port switch from Monoprice is pretty cheap, and comes with a remote control to boot. That way you can change inputs without having to get up.

templewulf

solsovly wrote: »

templewulf wrote: »

Not to hijack, but I have a related question for you AV gurus.

I'm building a computer to act as a DVR, but I want to know what type of input I should use. I have a DVI-to-HDMI cable, but it only outputs video (being only connected to the video card). Is there a way to get sound, or do I have to use separate speakers if I go with HDMI? If not HDMI, what should I use?

If I do go HDMI, how expensive are switches? Can they handle up to 1080p without becoming too lossy?

I think you are asking how to get sound on the same input setting on your tv? You won't be able to get sound from the HDMI port using DVI to HDMI.

I realize that, but what I was trying to get out of you was:

You have a couple options, there are some PC motherboards with HDMI out

I did not know this at all. Can you recommend any? Are any HDCP certified, or is that in such terrible condition that it'll never take off enough for me to worry?

Thanks a lot for your suggestion!

solsovly

templewulf wrote: »

solsovly wrote: »

templewulf wrote: »

Not to hijack, but I have a related question for you AV gurus.

I'm building a computer to act as a DVR, but I want to know what type of input I should use. I have a DVI-to-HDMI cable, but it only outputs video (being only connected to the video card). Is there a way to get sound, or do I have to use separate speakers if I go with HDMI? If not HDMI, what should I use?

If I do go HDMI, how expensive are switches? Can they handle up to 1080p without becoming too lossy?

I think you are asking how to get sound on the same input setting on your tv? You won't be able to get sound from the HDMI port using DVI to HDMI.

I realize that, but what I was trying to get out of you was:

You have a couple options, there are some PC motherboards with HDMI out

I did not know this at all. Can you recommend any? Are any HDCP certified, or is that in such terrible condition that it'll never take off enough for me to worry?

Thanks a lot for your suggestion!

There are a bunch on newegg, I haven't really looked at any of the reviews so I can't help you there. Most are reasonably priced. (around 70 or 80)

Greg USN

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7660578&st=pysclone&type=product&id=1134701087687

I bought this one. It's $100 but it does everything except HDMI.
I have my WII, 360, PS3 and Cabel box all running HDMI and Fiber-optic to the box (no fiber on the WII though =( )
Personally I love it and reccomend dropping the cash for it if you have it to burn.

Improvolone

It's well worth it in the long run to get a reciever instead of a switcher.
No one hates home theater surround sound. Are you a no one?

wha???

solsovly wrote: »

templewulf wrote: »

solsovly wrote: »

templewulf wrote: »

Not to hijack, but I have a related question for you AV gurus.

I'm building a computer to act as a DVR, but I want to know what type of input I should use. I have a DVI-to-HDMI cable, but it only outputs video (being only connected to the video card). Is there a way to get sound, or do I have to use separate speakers if I go with HDMI? If not HDMI, what should I use?

If I do go HDMI, how expensive are switches? Can they handle up to 1080p without becoming too lossy?

I think you are asking how to get sound on the same input setting on your tv? You won't be able to get sound from the HDMI port using DVI to HDMI.

I realize that, but what I was trying to get out of you was:

You have a couple options, there are some PC motherboards with HDMI out

I did not know this at all. Can you recommend any? Are any HDCP certified, or is that in such terrible condition that it'll never take off enough for me to worry?

Thanks a lot for your suggestion!

There are a bunch on newegg, I haven't really looked at any of the reviews so I can't help you there. Most are reasonably priced. (around 70 or 80)

is there a device that will take an audio input and a dvi and combine it into 1 hdmi signal?

mausmalone

Improvolone wrote: »

It's well worth it in the long run to get a reciever instead of a switcher.
No one hates home theater surround sound. Are you a no one?

It all depends though ... $300 for a decent receiver that doesn't do component video + $30 for a switcher, or $700 for a decent receiver that does do component video? Those were my choices when I bought a few years ago, and the worst part is that for $700 I still only got like 3 inputs. Right now I'm already up to 5 component video devices. To get a receiver that would've handled all the component I would've thrown at it, I was looking at the $1000+ market.

I'm perfectly happy with my receiver that I use almost entirely for audio.

Improvolone

mausmalone wrote: »

Improvolone wrote: »

It's well worth it in the long run to get a reciever instead of a switcher.
No one hates home theater surround sound. Are you a no one?

It all depends though ... $300 for a decent receiver that doesn't do component video + $30 for a switcher, or $700 for a decent receiver that does do component video? Those were my choices when I bought a few years ago, and the worst part is that for $700 I still only got like 3 inputs. Right now I'm already up to 5 component video devices. To get a receiver that would've handled all the component I would've thrown at it, I was looking at the $1000+ market.

I'm perfectly happy with my receiver that I use almost entirely for audio.

My reciever was about 300. It has 3 component in and 2 hdmi in. It can send all video signal through its component out, or hdmi out.
A few years makes a huge difference in technology.
Yea, I don't have 7 video sources, but it's certainly worth a look into.