Looking for the ultimate video switchbox/matrix solution

[cr4zymanz0r]

Short version is I need a whole lot of video inputs, and a few video outputs. (Analog)
Basically I've converted my whole analog video setup for retro consoles to use RCA connectors (except VGA stuff, but that's not part of this discussion), so then I can send RGBs over component (YUV) switch boxes (sync goes into the yellow/composite video inputs/outputs). Here's a rough diagram of my video setup in my gameroom: http://i.imgur.com/0ewmQ0M.png

Basically, all my retro consoles output either RGBs or YUV.
1.) These are all hooked to two different Pelican Pro switch boxes (8 inputs each, for a total of 16 inputs).
2.) The output on both of these are then both connected to Pelican HD System Selector switch box (3 usable ports for RGBs/YUV; 4th port is only composite/s-video) via Y splitters so they can both be connected at once (only 1 Pelican Pro switch box is powered on a time so they don't potentially interfere with the video signal)
3.) They are actually connected to the "output" port of the Pelican HD System Selector, so then I can connect the "input" ports to different displays. This effectively lets me choose which display/scaler I want to send the video signal to.

Now this has worked pretty well for me, but there are a couple of issues:
1.) I need another video output option. I will be modding my CRT soon for RGB input. Currently the Pelican HD System Selector lets me send the video signal to a.) CRT (RGB to YUV converter, then to the CRT YUV inputs), b.) HDTV's YUV inputs, c.) XRGB3 (which then goes to the HDTV's VGA input). After the CRT is RGB modded the -A- input will just go directly to the CRT's YUV ports, then I'll need a 4th output option to send to the CRT's new RGB ports. I was hoping to just find an unpowered 4 port YUV switch box since it's already a power cord rat nest behind my setup, but the only ones I find do not have composite on them as well (need that to route sync).
2.) While the Pelican Pro switch boxes are the only consumer hardware I've found with a large number of inputs, there seems to be some smaller quality issues. One thing I've noticed it seems to introduce a very minor amount of audio buzz. Not really an unbearable amount, but it'd be nice if I could eliminate it. The other issue seems to possibly be a little bit of video ringing. I can't really notice it on the CRT but I do on the HDTV, particularly the PS2. This review seems to complain about ringing as well http://www.video-storm.com/testdata/pelican_review.htm. I can't see it too well from the couch, but it'd be nice to have it fixed.

So basically I'm hoping there's some ultimate solution that has a ton of inputs (at least 15) and 4 or more outputs. It either needs to use RCA connectors, or BNC connectors so I can get RCA adapters for the ports. I've seen those giant Extron BNC switchers that are almost what I need, but they don't seem to handle audio as well except maybe on some weird proprietary connection.

Anyone know of something that would fit my needs so I could simplify things a bit while having a better quality product at the same time?

[Fudoh]

I've seen those giant Extron BNC switchers that are almost what I need, but they don't seem to handle audio as well except maybe on some weird proprietary connection.

they use phoenix connectors, which are actually quite handy and it's dirt cheap to build a number of Phoenix to RCA adapters. I couldn't think of any better solution, especially with the Extrons being available as cheap as they are.

[panzeroceania]

Not to mention they make extrinsic matrx boxes with rca also (of course these won't have as many connections)

[cr4zymanz0r]

Can you provide more info on the Phoenix connectors and making adapters for cheap? If it's viable this might be the route I go.

[Fudoh]

You need these connectors: www.ebay.com/itm/322028598978

You can also google for phoenix 3.5mm 5 pin and here's the wiring guide from Extron: http://www.extron.com/download/files/us ... -01__G.pdf . You're using unbalanced inputs and outputs. Wiring is solder-free, so all you need are the plugs and plenty of old RCA extension cables.

[cr4zymanz0r]

Looks doable. I'm browsing around on ebay but so far the highest I'm seeing on the RGB BNC style Extra switchers are 12 inputs (and even then it looks like it doesn't necessarily have all 12 sets of ports populated on the back). Are there any models with 15+ inputs?

EDIT: Saw a 16 input X 16 output one, but that's way too giant to fit in my entertainment center O_O

[BuckoA51]

Yeah be careful of that, Extron sold all models in the same case with the same number of buttons, just the unused inputs/outputs blanked out.

12x8 is the biggest you will get in that form factor, though you can daisy chain them no problem.

[cr4zymanz0r]

Are there any other similar professional products by other companies with 15+ inputs and 4+ outputs? I'd like to know all my options before trying to figure out how to make some giant 19" x 10.5" x 10" beast fit in my setup physically

[Guspaz]

You can get up to 64 inputs with a two-tier gscartsw setup, or 25 inputs with a two-tier bandridge setup. There are various things you could do with these setups to provide some semblance of multiple independent outputs, but fully independent outputs does require a matrix setup. Most people don't need actual independent outputs (that means you're playing two consoles at the same time), so duplicated (like the gscartsw dual output, or a splitter box) or repeated (like the loop-out of a PVM) are enough for most people.

[cr4zymanz0r]

You can get up to 64 inputs with a two-tier gscartsw setup, or 25 inputs with a two-tier bandridge setup. There are various things you could do with these setups to provide some semblance of multiple independent outputs, but fully independent outputs does require a matrix setup. Most people don't need actual independent outputs (that means you're playing two consoles at the same time), so duplicated (like the gscartsw dual output, or a splitter box) or repeated (like the loop-out of a PVM) are enough for most people.

I refuse to use SCART due to various reasons, and I've already made RGBs RCA break-out boxes for all of my retro systems.
As far as what I need, I won't be playing 2 systems at once. I just need to be able to select input for one system at a time, then output to one display/scaler at a time. I guess multiple simultaneous outputs could be neat to compare lag between a CRT and HDTV, but it's by no means a requirement for me.

[FinalBaton]

The Extron matrixes are big, yes, but they hit the mark on everything else. Plus they're cheap.

[Fudoh]

The big Extrons are really heavy. I would go for a 3HU 12x8 one and simply add another 1HU Extron switch (something like a MVX 44).

[cr4zymanz0r]

Well, crap.

I went ahead and sprang for the jumbo Extron Crosspoint 1616HVA. I've just been testing things before trying to implement it in my setup, then I found out it hates CVBS (composite video based sync). Works fine with CSYNC, but causes all kinds of unstable video with CVBS. I've still got a good 5 or 6 consoles using CVBS because I never saw an issue when using it, so I never bothered to redo cables and/or mods to get CSYNC out of those.

[Mantis128]

The Extron matrixes are big, yes, but they hit the mark on everything else. Plus they're cheap.

How cheap? Also does this apply to their HDMI switches? I'm looking for a good HDMI switcher with at least 9 inputs and I'l gladly get a huge bulking Extron if it's cheaper and performs better.

[Fudoh]

then I found out it hates CVBS

sorry that you were surprised by this. This has been mentioned a lot in the past and I thought you knew when you started considering a Crosspoint unit.

[cr4zymanz0r]

then I found out it hates CVBS

sorry that you were surprised by this. This has been mentioned a lot in the past and I thought you knew when you started considering a Crosspoint unit.

It's not a gigantic deal. I'm going through now and getting the remaining consoles and/or cables changed for csync. I just thought I was almost done with projects, then several more popped up

[FinalBaton]

The Extron matrixes are big, yes, but they hit the mark on everything else. Plus they're cheap.

How cheap? Also does this apply to their HDMI switches? I'm looking for a good HDMI switcher with at least 9 inputs and I'l gladly get a huge bulking Extron if it's cheaper and performs better.

you should have no problem finding one on Ebay for $35-$40 US dollars (before shipping). Which is quite cheap compared to the gscartsw, and is actually more versatile.