Cheap RGB/Comp Switch Solution for PVM L Models

[nesboy43]

This is for those of us with the PVM L line of monitors who do not have the BKM-129x expansion card. Having to change out cords behind your TV every time you want to go from RGB to component can be really annoying. Unfortunately the expansion card is rare and goes for a lot of money.

I wanted to post on here to show a great, cheap alternative to a BKM-129x adapter that I just set up myself. On ebay there are many "Extron" switchers listed, which are basically AV switch boxes that take RGB, S-Video, and Composite. While these switches are not designed to take component, I figured I would give it a shot anyways through the RGB inputs.

I ended up deciding on the Extron System 8 Plus. This device is meant to be hooked into a certain type of projector, which in turn plugs into and controls the Extron via serial cable. Luckily there is a mode on these units to be used independently of any projector.

My goal was to use this as a way to switch between component and RGB on my PVM-20L5 monitor, and luckily it did work. After reading the manual and setting the dip switches accordingly it worked perfectly. Now I have av AV receiver for my classic gaming set up, and it only cost me $40 shipped.

Here's a video I made explaining/showcasing it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_PzpR1sIw

If you only need 2 or 4 inputs, there are also extron selectors for that, which go for as little as $15. Just make sure that there as an input on the back that says H/V (horizontal and vertical on one input), which means composite sync.

Hope this information is useful to somebody out there.

[Unseen]

This is for those of us with the PVM L line of monitors who do not have the BKM-129x expansion card.

You mean for those who have a PVM L that has RGB/Component inputs without that card ;) (AFAIK the 9L2/9L3 are the only ones that can take the card but don't have RGB/Component natively)

On ebay there are many "Extron" switchers listed, which are basically AV switch boxes that take RGB, S-Video, and Composite. While these switches are not designed to take component, I figured I would give it a shot anyways through the RGB inputs.

You could also use a SCART switch box and route the three component signals through the SCART RGB pins. I use a Bandridge switcher like the one you have shown in your video to switch between a few RGB-connected consoles as well as a Wii with component.

My goal was to use this as a way to switch between component and RGB on my PVM-20L5 monitor, and luckily it did work.

To make it even nicer you could try to use the Parallel Remote connector of the 20L5 to select between RGB/Component and internal/external sync automatically depending on what the selected source needs. I can't think of a way to do that without extensive modification inside the Extron switcher right now though.

If you only need 2 or 4 inputs, there are also extron selectors for that, which go for as little as $15. Just make sure that there as an input on the back that says H/V (horizontal and vertical on one input), which means composite sync.

Just be aware that this may require a clean sync from the source instead of composite-video-as-sync.

[Ed Oscuro]

We've actually talked about this before. The Audio Authority 985U - discontinued but still possible to find - is sold as a HD component switcher, with three audio inputs, but it also can be used for switching RGB sources. I haven't gotten around to trying mine yet, so I'll do that sometime.

[BuckoA51]

On ebay there are many "Extron" switchers listed, which are basically AV switch boxes that take RGB, S-Video, and Composite. While these switches are not designed to take component, I figured I would give it a shot anyways through the RGB inputs.

According to Extrons specifications they handle component (as in YPBPR) just fine, it's in the user manual stating that they fully support it. RGB is actually higher bandwidth than component anyway so you should always be okay routing component through an RGB switch, just not necessarily the other way around.

Just be aware that this may require a clean sync from the source instead of composite-video-as-sync.

Extron Crosspoint switches definitely do.

[Ed Oscuro]

If you have a switcher which can handle component at HD resolutions, I'd suspect that's enough bandwidth to handle 480i RGB switching.