Help! Gamecube and PS2 and only 1 component input! (1 Viewer)

[Ryan_C]

I need some advice. My tv only has 2 component inputs, and one is for my DVD player. I currently have my PS2 hooked up to the other input. Problem is I am hopefully getting a Gamecube off a fellow HTF member with component cables. Does anyone make a component switcher of some sort, versus having to swap hookups everytime I play a different console? Thanks in advance for the help, didn't ever think I would run into this problem!

 

[James St]

Ryan,
I'm using a Sony a/v switcher for changing between component signals. I run all three video signals through the composite, left and right audio inputs on the switcher and it works fine.

Radio Shack has cheaper ones that I hear work just as well. JVC makes one designed for component switching but its a little pricey at $100.
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...JXS111&o=m&a=0

 

[Ryan_C]

James,

The Somy switcher you posted a pic of does component switching? It looks like it only has composite switching. Do you know where I might could find one of these and the price. I did check out that JVC one, but that is too much money!

 

[Leo]

Not sure if this is out of your price range, but JVC makes one for $75 at JVC Component Switcher

 

[BertFalasco]

You could get ghetto and just reach behind the TV here and again and switch them.
-Bert

 

[Ryan_C]

Bert,

I might end up doing that, but I don't really want to have to scoot out a 200 lb. TV every time I want to switch consoles!

 

[Camp]

I own both the Sony (pictured above) and the JVC switchbox (liked above). The Sony is intended for composite video but if you use the L&R audio you can use it as a component switchbox. It works fine for non-HD material.

The JVC is just a lot nicer looking. It fits well in my A/V rack and the inputs are spaced much better. I see no difference in performance between the two units.

The Sony unit can be purchased for about $20 at Best Buy, Target, Radio Shack (under another name). I got my JVC box from Etronix...follow the link in Leo's post.

 

[James St]

See this thread for more info on the Radio Shack switchers. Several people are using it for 480p and 1080i without any visible degradation of the signal.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...threadid=13940
Here is the RS link.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D1978

 

[Ryan_C]

Everyone,

Thanks for the advice, I will probably pick up the Radio Shack one or the Sony when my Gamecube shows up. I was just worried they would degrade the picture signal somehow. Thanks again!

 

[Andre F]

Great thread! I need one of these...

-Andre F

 

[DeanWalsh]

If you didn't want to spend the money on a switcher a cheaper alternative is to get a 3 'Y' cables so you can hook 2 leads into each component input. As long as only 1 is switched on at a time (which I imagine would be the case)you don't even have to worry about pressing buttons to switch consoles. I use this method and it works fine.

 

[MarkDavidson]

Does anyone know about bandwidth limitations by using a simple composite switch vs. using something touted as a true component video switcher? md