Recommend a switcher for my setup?

[Ikaruga11]

So I'm looking for a switcher that will switch between all of my consoles and output them to my BVM through BNC or HD-SDI. All of my consoles output either CSync RGB, YPbPr Component, HDMI or VGA (DreamCast only atm).

= Nintendo =
1.) AV Famicom 240p CSync RGB
2.) SNES Mini 240p CSync RGB
3.) N64 240p / 480i CSync RGB
4.) GameCube 480p / 480i / 240p Component / HDMI
5.) Wii 480p Component / HDMI
6.) Wii U 720p HDMI

= Sega =
7.) Master System/Genesis/Sega-CD/32X 240p CSync RGB
8.) Saturn 240p CSync RGB
9.) DreamCast 480p / 480i RGBHV / Component

= Sony =
10.) PS1 240p CSync RGB
11.) PS2 240p/480i/480p/1080i CSync RGB
12.) PS3 720p/1080i HDMI

= SNK =
13.) NeoGeo AES 240p CSync RGB

= Microsoft =
14.) XBox 480p/720p/1080i Component
15.) XBox360 720p/1080i Component / HDMI

= Other =
16.) DVD Player 480p Component / HDMI
17.) Bluray Player 720p/1080i Component / HDMI

x8 CSync RGB
x5 HDMI
x5 Component
x1 VGA


Based on this list, which switcher would you recommend? I heard Extron is a great brand.

[nmalinoski]

For all of the non-HDMI consoles, assuming that the gcompsw will pass RGBS (with composite sync transmitted on the composite video line--someone else will have to confirm/deny my assumption, as I don't have one), and you have a BeharBros Toro for the Dreamcast, you can probably get away with one gscartsw_lite and two gcompsw.

All 8 of your RGBS devices would go into the gscartsw_lite; the first gcompsw would take four of the component devices; and the second gcompsw would take the last component device, plus output from the gscartsw_lite and the Dreamcast Toro box (both via SCART->4x male RCA adapter; Toro configured for RGBS instead of RGBHV). The second gcompsw would be connected to the RGBS/YPbPr input on your BVM with four male RCA to BNC cables, again, with the composite video line going to external sync.

All of this should switch automatically, and the only thing you might need to do is toggle external sync on or off depending on whether the device is RGBS or YPbPr.

(I'm not familiar with your BVM, but if it's the kind where the RGBS input does not accept YPbPr, and you have a second input board for YPbPr, you can connect the loop-out for R, G, and B on the RGBS board to R, Y, and B respectively on the YPbPr board.)

For HDMI, I would suggest any off-the-shelf automatic HDMI switcher with an HDMI to YPbPr/RGBS converter/scaler (I'd need to do some research on this), which you can then plug into the last remaining input on the gcompsw.

I'm sure Extron has an HDMI switch with HD-SDI output, but, as I understand it, HD-SDI is limited to a 4:2:2 colorspace, so you might lose some color quality in the conversion, if you care about that.

Edit: For HDMI, a Kinivo 501BN and something like this Volantech HDMI to YPbPr converter.

[FinalBaton]

a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

[Dochartaigh]

a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

Seconded. I have the 12x8 and the 16x16 (which is almost full now...) Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA.

I might even look into a lossless HDMI to YPbPr converter to run EVERYTHING through the Crosspoint. I've never looked into this myself as my PS3, Xbox360/Xbox One are hooked up separately to my flatscreen via HDMI (PS3 and 360 I think are mostly 720p so those would be ok on my BVM and PVM, but definitely want that 1080p on my Xbox One so flatscreen it is).

[nmalinoski]

a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

I find that it's too much work to change inputs on Crosspoints. Correct me if I'm wrong, but, as I understand it, you need to create a preset for each connected device, all to the same output; and then, to select an input, you need to hit the Preset button followed by the corresponding number button on the front. Sure, it's straightforward once you know what needs to be done, and I would definitely have a label maker at the ready, but I find the idea of that manual setup and switching to be cumbersome.

(For context, I have a Crosspoint Ultra 88 that I pretty much use as a multiformat distribution amp to simultaneously route composite, S-Video, YPbPr, and [soon] RGBS to my CRT TV, RGB decoder, and OSSC.)

[Ikaruga11]

For all of the non-HDMI consoles, assuming that the gcompsw will pass RGBS (with composite sync transmitted on the composite video line--someone else will have to confirm/deny my assumption, as I don't have one), and you have a BeharBros Toro for the Dreamcast, you can probably get away with one gscartsw_lite and two gcompsw.

All 8 of your RGBS devices would go into the gscartsw_lite; the first gcompsw would take four of the component devices; and the second gcompsw would take the last component device, plus output from the gscartsw_lite and the Dreamcast Toro box (both via SCART->4x male RCA adapter; Toro configured for RGBS instead of RGBHV). The second gcompsw would be connected to the RGBS/YPbPr input on your BVM with four male RCA to BNC cables, again, with the composite video line going to external sync.

So let me get this straight.

Console -> RGB SCART cable -> gscartsw_lite -> gcompsw -> BNC cables -> BVM?

All of this should switch automatically, and the only thing you might need to do is toggle external sync on or off depending on whether the device is RGBS or YPbPr.

Awesome. I'm not familiar with switchers at all, and would like a solution that's fast and seamless to switch the output between different consoles. Plugging and unplugging consoles into the same output would be a nightmare for and extremely cumbersome, so I need a switcher.

(I'm not familiar with your BVM, but if it's the kind where the RGBS input does not accept YPbPr, and you have a second input board for YPbPr, you can connect the loop-out for R, G, and B on the RGBS board to R, Y, and B respectively on the YPbPr board.)

The default RGB board that comes with D-Series BVMs should do both RGB and YPbPr. Whichever one you have it set up for. But yeah, the default board will be used for 240p/480i RGB consoles, and the other HD YPbPr expansion boards will be used for YPbPr and HDMI consoles.

For HDMI, I would suggest any off-the-shelf automatic HDMI switcher with an HDMI to YPbPr/RGBS converter/scaler (I'd need to do some research on this), which you can then plug into the last remaining input on the gcompsw.

Yeah, that's what I was looking into. A lossless and lagless HDMI -> YPbPr converter that I can hook up to the HD analog ports on my BVM. I was wondering if I could do HDMI -> RGB, but I'm not sure if my BVM will output RGB in HD analog.

I'm sure Extron has an HDMI switch with HD-SDI output, but, as I understand it, HD-SDI is limited to a 4:2:2 colorspace, so you might lose some color quality in the conversion, if you care about that.

Edit: For HDMI, a Kinivo 501BN and something like this Volantech HDMI to YPbPr converter.

Yes, you're exactly right. This is what Fudoh and XerXian also said, which is why I'm avoiding SDI and HD-SDI altogether. The HD analog ports apparently don't have the 4:2:2 limitation and can transmit signals as 4:4:4, so I'll do that. In my PS3's case, I need something to strip HDCP as BVMs are not HDCP-compliant displays.
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a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

Thanks. Yeah, I'll need an HDMI -> YPbPr/RGBS converter and then a YPbPr/RGB switcher from there.

a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

Seconded. I have the 12x8 and the 16x16 (which is almost full now...) Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA.

I might even look into a lossless HDMI to YPbPr converter to run EVERYTHING through the Crosspoint. I've never looked into this myself as my PS3, Xbox360/Xbox One are hooked up separately to my flatscreen via HDMI (PS3 and 360 I think are mostly 720p so those would be ok on my BVM and PVM, but definitely want that 1080p on my Xbox One so flatscreen it is).

Is the Extron Crosspoint Ultra the best matrix switcher? It'll do both RGBS and YPbPr, right? And output them to two different ports? I'm also looking into a lossless HDMI to YPbPr converter (or RGB). And yeah, any 1080p consoles like the PS4, Xbox One and Switch, I'll stick to my IPS LCD monitor.

a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

I find that it's too much work to change inputs on Crosspoints. Correct me if I'm wrong, but, as I understand it, you need to create a preset for each connected device, all to the same output; and then, to select an input, you need to hit the Preset button followed by the corresponding number button on the front. Sure, it's straightforward once you know what needs to be done, and I would definitely have a label maker at the ready, but I find the idea of that manual setup and switching to be cumbersome.

(For context, I have a Crosspoint Ultra 88 that I pretty much use as a multiformat distribution amp to simultaneously route composite, S-Video, YPbPr, and [soon] RGBS to my CRT TV, RGB decoder, and OSSC.)

What do you suggest I use?

[nmalinoski]

So let me get this straight.

Console -> RGB SCART cable -> gscartsw_lite -> gcompsw -> BNC cables -> BVM?

Just about! Console -> RGB SCART cable -> gscartsw_lite -> SCART to 4x male RCA (remember, SCART is directional) -> gcompsw -> 4x male RCA to male BNC -> BVM

Again, this is based on the assumption that the gcompsw will be able to switch RGBS.

Also, now that I think about it, your BVM likely only takes CSync, so any RGBS devices plugged into the gcompsw will need to be CSync. (Rereading your original post, this doesn't sound like it will be a problem.)

The default RGB board that comes with D-Series BVMs should do both RGB and YPbPr. Whichever one you have it set up for. But yeah, the default board will be used for 240p/480i RGB consoles, and the other HD YPbPr expansion boards will be used for YPbPr and HDMI consoles.

Since you have two cards, and the gcompsw only has one output, you'll probably have to run the gcompsw into one card and loop out to the other card with BNC patch cables.

Yeah, that's what I was looking into. A lossless and lagless HDMI -> YPbPr converter that I can hook up to the HD analog ports on my BVM. I was wondering if I could do HDMI -> RGB, but I'm not sure if my BVM will output RGB in HD analog.

HDMI to RGB converters seem to be less common than HDMI to YPbPr converters; I'd probably end up going HDMI->YPbPr simply due to availability of devices.

Is the Extron Crosspoint Ultra the best matrix switcher? It'll do both RGBS and YPbPr, right? And output them to two different ports? I'm also looking into a lossless HDMI to YPbPr converter (or RGB). And yeah, any 1080p consoles like the PS4, Xbox One and Switch, I'll stick to my IPS LCD monitor.

The Crosspoint in general is probably the most common large RGB matrix switch you'll find. You'll want to stick to the Ultra or 300 series (300 being a generation older than the Ultra), as anything older, I think, lacks 4:4:4 support.

All of these Crosspoints will switch composite, S-Video, YPbPr, RGsB, RsGsBs, RGBS, and RGBHV (No RF support, but whatever).

Crosspoints can output one input to any number of outputs, but a given output can only be allocated to one input at a time (So you can't send both inputs 1 and 2 to output 3, for instance). As far as changing inputs goes, if you have input 1 going to output 1, and you want to switch to input 2, you need to either create a preset that sends input 2 to output 1 and then switch to that preset (several button presses), or you need to reassign output 1 to input 2 (slightly fewer button presses).

What do you suggest I use?

Personally, I'd go with my original suggestion of gscartsw_lite, 2x gcompsw, Kinivo 501BN, and one of the cheap HDMI to YPbPr converters. Everything would switch automatically and be completely hands-off. If you need to duplicate the output to another display, you can loop out RGBS and YPbPr from your BVM either directly to the other display or into something like an OSSC, although HDMI to YPbPr to HDMI would be silly for those devices; perhaps toss in one of those cheap 1x2 HDMI splitters between the HDMI switch and the YPbPr converter--that should also strip HDCP.

[Dochartaigh]

a sole Extron Crosspoint will handle all but HDMI. And it's a matrix switcher too

Seconded. I have the 12x8 and the 16x16 (which is almost full now...) Extron Crosspoint Ultra HVA.

I might even look into a lossless HDMI to YPbPr converter to run EVERYTHING through the Crosspoint. I've never looked into this myself as my PS3, Xbox360/Xbox One are hooked up separately to my flatscreen via HDMI (PS3 and 360 I think are mostly 720p so those would be ok on my BVM and PVM, but definitely want that 1080p on my Xbox One so flatscreen it is).

Is the Extron Crosspoint Ultra the best matrix switcher? It'll do both RGBS and YPbPr, right? And output them to two different ports? I'm also looking into a lossless HDMI to YPbPr converter (or RGB). And yeah, any 1080p consoles like the PS4, Xbox One and Switch, I'll stick to my IPS LCD monitor.

I don't think anything beats the Extron Crosspoint - it's professional grade equipment going for like $7,000 back in the day for the smaller models (my 16x16 was $17,000!!!). And yes, the "Crosspoint Ultra HVA" is the newest model which also does audio.

Not going to lie, the Crosspoint needs some love with initial setup. You need to make (or buy) your own Phoenix connectors for audio (literally need a wire stripper and a few minutes each that's it...super easy), and some consoles need sync strippers to input through the Crosspoint (a $4 part if you can solder), and SCART to BNC adapters are needed if your consoles A/V cables end in SCART ( if you're worried about price, I priced out all this and it's actually something like $37 more than a comparably equipped Gscartswlite – even with all these adapters...and there's really ZERO comparison between the flexibility you get with a Crosspoint compared to the gscart), BUT the benefits of the Crosspoint are absolutely massive:

• You can switch Composite, Y/C S-Video, All different flavors of Component (YPbPr, RGsB, etc.), RGBS of course, VGA as RGBHV, along with stereo audio. Get that HDMI to Component box and I don't see why you can't switch that too.

• You can output like 12+ different consoles to 8+ different monitors at the same time (or one console to 8+ monitors) at the same time, etc.

• Can switch audio independently from video if you wanted (stereo system? little speaker on your PVM, LCD's speaker you're running through the OSSC? whatever).

• You can also run transcoders/converters back into the Crosspoint and then back out to different monitors (I use this to run the same native RGBS signal to my BVM, then transcode it with a Shinybow converter, then throw that YPbPr signal onto a couple of consumer TV's with component...I have the same setup for 480p to 480i, VGA to RGBS, S-Video to Composite for old school TV's, etc. etc.)

• Last but not least, all these functions sound like they might get to be too much...but you can save presets. Set it up once, then to recall simply press Preset + Input number + enter and you're on your way.

Oh, did I mention CUSTOM LIGHT-UP BUTTONS????!!?!?!

[Ikaruga11]

Just about! Console -> RGB SCART cable -> gscartsw_lite -> SCART to 4x male RCA (remember, SCART is directional) -> gcompsw -> 4x male RCA to male BNC -> BVM

Again, this is based on the assumption that the gcompsw will be able to switch RGBS.

Oh, okay. Man, that looks really overwhelming.

I hope that chain won't cause any image degradation or lag.

Also, now that I think about it, your BVM likely only takes CSync, so any RGBS devices plugged into the gcompsw will need to be CSync. (Rereading your original post, this doesn't sound like it will be a problem.)

I think it can take Sync-on-Green too.

Since you have two cards, and the gcompsw only has one output, you'll probably have to run the gcompsw into one card and loop out to the other card with BNC patch cables.

I don't get it.

HDMI to RGB converters seem to be less common than HDMI to YPbPr converters; I'd probably end up going HDMI->YPbPr simply due to availability of devices.

Right, and only RGBHV can do 480p and above, which the BVM cannot accept as a signal.

The Crosspoint in general is probably the most common large RGB matrix switch you'll find. You'll want to stick to the Ultra or 300 series (300 being a generation older than the Ultra), as anything older, I think, lacks 4:4:4 support.

All of these Crosspoints will switch composite, S-Video, YPbPr, RGsB, RsGsBs, RGBS, and RGBHV (No RF support, but whatever).

Alright. I think I'll stick with the Ultra series.

Crosspoints can output one input to any number of outputs, but a given output can only be allocated to one input at a time (So you can't send both inputs 1 and 2 to output 3, for instance). As far as changing inputs goes, if you have input 1 going to output 1, and you want to switch to input 2, you need to either create a preset that sends input 2 to output 1 and then switch to that preset (several button presses), or you need to reassign output 1 to input 2 (slightly fewer button presses).

It sounds like a Crosspoint might be a better fit for me than a gscartsw_lite / gcompsw

Personally, I'd go with my original suggestion of gscartsw_lite, 2x gcompsw, Kinivo 501BN, and one of the cheap HDMI to YPbPr converters. Everything would switch automatically and be completely hands-off. If you need to duplicate the output to another display, you can loop out RGBS and YPbPr from your BVM either directly to the other display or into something like an OSSC, although HDMI to YPbPr to HDMI would be silly for those devices; perhaps toss in one of those cheap 1x2 HDMI splitters between the HDMI switch and the YPbPr converter--that should also strip HDCP.

Does the Extron Crosspoint Ultra series switch automatically and completely hands-off?

Do specialized cable manufacturers such as RetroGamingCables (UK) or Retro_Console_Accessories (USA) make BNC cables for consoles, or only SCART cables for consoles? Since I'm ultimately hooking everything up to a BVM that has BNC inputs, should I just stick with BNC cables and an Extron Crosspoint switcher to simplify the chain?

[Ikaruga11]

I don't think anything beats the Extron Crosspoint - it's professional grade equipment going for like $7,000 back in the day for the smaller models (my 16x16 was $17,000!!!). And yes, the "Crosspoint Ultra HVA" is the newest model which also does audio.

So the Ultra HVA just does stereo audio?

Not going to lie, the Crosspoint needs some love with initial setup. You need to make (or buy) your own Phoenix connectors for audio (literally need a wire stripper and a few minutes each that's it...super easy), and some consoles need sync strippers to input through the Crosspoint (a $4 part if you can solder), and SCART to BNC adapters are needed if your consoles A/V cables end in SCART ( if you're worried about price, I priced out all this and it's actually something like $37 more than a comparably equipped Gscartswlite – even with all these adapters...and there's really ZERO comparison between the flexibility you get with a Crosspoint compared to the gscart), BUT the benefits of the Crosspoint are absolutely massive:

Are there any RCA -> Phoenix converters, or do you think I should just strip the RCA cables and route them into the Phoenix connectors? I'm looking to have all my consoles use BNC cables to avoid SCART altogether.

Is the Extron Crosspoint automatic and hands-free like the gscart?

• You can switch Composite, Y/C S-Video, All different flavors of Component (YPbPr, RGsB, etc.), RGBS of course, VGA as RGBHV, along with stereo audio. Get that HDMI to Component box and I don't see why you can't switch that too.

• You can output like 12+ different consoles to 8+ different monitors at the same time (or one console to 8+ monitors) at the same time, etc.

• Can switch audio independently from video if you wanted (stereo system? little speaker on your PVM, LCD's speaker you're running through the OSSC? whatever).

• You can also run transcoders/converters back into the Crosspoint and then back out to different monitors (I use this to run the same native RGBS signal to my BVM, then transcode it with a Shinybow converter, then throw that YPbPr signal onto a couple of consumer TV's with component...I have the same setup for 480p to 480i, VGA to RGBS, S-Video to Composite for old school TV's, etc. etc.)

• Last but not least, all these functions sound like they might get to be too much...but you can save presets. Set it up once, then to recall simply press Preset + Input number + enter and you're on your way.

Awesome. I'll probably add Composite and S-Video down the road for comparison and curiosity's sake.

Oh, did I mention CUSTOM LIGHT-UP BUTTONS????!!?!?!

Oh wow! Did you make those yourself? Those look pretty awesome! I think I really need an Extron Crosspoint. And would like it if you could help me with the setup.

[Dochartaigh]

Any HVA does stereo (which that "HVA" might have been called something else on earlier versions - just look for the blue funky Phoenix connectors all in a row on the back).

I buy little ~$3 Female RCA plug pairs, then splice on the Phoenix connector (with only a wire stripper like I mentioned). The SCART to BNC cables with their RCA for audio (the most common way these breakout cables come) plug right in and keep a super-standard RCA connection/plug type for audio - OR just use straight to BNC and have Retro-Access put on Phoenix connectors and be done with it right there (I think she does that).

And no, the Extron Crosspoint isn't 'automatic and hands-free like the gscart' it's one of it's only detriments compared to the gscart IMO. BUT, being a true retro setup, it's seriously fun to press those old-school light-up buttons on the Crosspoint. Plus like I mentioned you can do SO much more, use SO many other connection types, output to SO many more monitors, loop back into the Crosspoint, save presets, etc. etc. etc. etc. it's not even funny. REALLY fully featured. You can even get a friggin touch screen to control the Crosspoint if you really wanted to (ones like Crestron with SIS programming are supposed to work the manual says...and those are cheap all these years later - that's my next project

And you're welcome to my template of button art anytime you want - and PM me if you run into any problems with your setup (or just post and I'm sure I'll see it).

[Ikaruga11]

Any HVA does stereo (which that "HVA" might have been called something else on earlier versions - just look for the blue funky Phoenix connectors all in a row on the back).

I buy little ~$3 Female RCA plug pairs, then splice on the Phoenix connector (with only a wire stripper like I mentioned). The SCART to BNC cables with their RCA for audio (the most common way these breakout cables come) plug right in and keep a super-standard RCA connection/plug type for audio - OR just use straight to BNC and have Retro-Access put on Phoenix connectors and be done with it right there (I think she does that).

Are these the ones? https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R ... s&_sacat=0

phonedork apparently has the Extron SW AV Series switcher which has RCA inputs instead of Phoenix inputs. https://youtu.be/3yeKMo6mcAo?t=10m4s It seems to make the chain a lot simpler.
How does the SW AV series compare to the Ultra HVA series in terms of options, inputs/outputs, sync, video/audio and latency/degradation?

And no, the Extron Crosspoint isn't 'automatic and hands-free like the gscart' it's one of it's only detriments compared to the gscart IMO. BUT, being a true retro setup, it's seriously fun to press those old-school light-up buttons on the Crosspoint. Plus like I mentioned you can do SO much more, use SO many other connection types, output to SO many more monitors, loop back into the Crosspoint, save presets, etc. etc. etc. etc. it's not even funny. REALLY fully featured. You can even get a friggin touch screen to control the Crosspoint if you really wanted to (ones like Crestron with SIS programming are supposed to work the manual says...and those are cheap all these years later - that's my next project

Yeah, although the switcher will have to be within reach but at the same time not shine ambient light onto the display. (I plan on playing in a pitch-black room a lot of the time)

And you're welcome to my template of button art anytime you want - and PM me if you run into any problems with your setup (or just post and I'm sure I'll see it).

Thanks. Will do. So how is that button art made into buttons?

[nmalinoski]

Since you have two cards, and the gcompsw only has one output, you'll probably have to run the gcompsw into one card and loop out to the other card with BNC patch cables.

I don't get it.

At least some of the RGBS/YPbPr expansion cards have two ports for each--input and output for R, G, B, and external sync. If I understand correctly, you have two YPbPr/RGBS expansion cards in your BVM; if you're relying on one card for some consoles, and a second for other consoles, you would connect the gcompsw to the inputs on the first card, then use BNC to BNC cables to connect the outputs of that first card to the inputs on the second card. That way, when you turn on a console, you can just use whichever card is appropriate.

HDMI to RGB converters seem to be less common than HDMI to YPbPr converters; I'd probably end up going HDMI->YPbPr simply due to availability of devices.

Right, and only RGBHV can do 480p and above, which the BVM cannot accept as a signal.

Not true. RGBS can handle higher resolutions. I've been getting 480p over RGBS from my Toro box for my Dreamcast just fine. (Over SCART to my OSSC.)

Does the Extron Crosspoint Ultra series switch automatically and completely hands-off?

No, Crosspoints are not automatic. Assuming you are relying on a Crosspoint for switching, you would need to configure a preset for each input, then switch presets manually. (Press Preset button, select number on the front panel.)

Do specialized cable manufacturers such as RetroGamingCables (UK) or Retro_Console_Accessories (USA) make BNC cables for consoles, or only SCART cables for consoles? Since I'm ultimately hooking everything up to a BVM that has BNC inputs, should I just stick with BNC cables and an Extron Crosspoint switcher to simplify the chain?

Those boutique cable manufacturers would be willing to build you the cables you would need, but I find it simpler and cheaper to use RCA to BNC adapters; they're very cheap and readily available, and I don't have to modify my existing cables. You also need to make RCA to Phoenix adapters (Or buy them for $12 a pop). The only difficulty I had with my setup was finding S-Video to BNC adapters, which are about $11 a pop on AliExpress. :/

[Ikaruga11]

At least some of the RGBS/YPbPr expansion cards have two ports for each--input and output for R, G, B, and external sync. If I understand correctly, you have two YPbPr/RGBS expansion cards in your BVM; if you're relying on one card for some consoles, and a second for other consoles, you would connect the gcompsw to the inputs on the first card, then use BNC to BNC cables to connect the outputs of that first card to the inputs on the second card. That way, when you turn on a console, you can just use whichever card is appropriate.

Correct. I was told that only the default RGB/YPbPr board for the D-series BVMs will do RGB. None of the expansion boards can do RGB.

Not true. RGBS can handle higher resolutions. I've been getting 480p over RGBS from my Toro box for my Dreamcast just fine. (Over SCART to my OSSC.)

My mistake. That's good news.

No, Crosspoints are not automatic. Assuming you are relying on a Crosspoint for switching, you would need to configure a preset for each input, then switch presets manually. (Press Preset button, select number on the front panel.)

This is the one of the things that keeps me torn between the Extron Crosspoints and the gscart switchers. The other factors being SCART cables are cheaper and have more devices built for them.

Those boutique cable manufacturers would be willing to build you the cables you would need, but I find it simpler and cheaper to use RCA to BNC adapters; they're very cheap and readily available, and I don't have to modify my existing cables. You also need to make RCA to Phoenix adapters (Or buy them for $12 a pop). The only difficulty I had with my setup was finding S-Video to BNC adapters, which are about $11 a pop on AliExpress. :/

Okay. I've also heard talk about low-pass filters and sync strippers built in to these cables. What do I need for each console?

[Dochartaigh]

I bought these RCA's when they were like $3.50 and snipped off the male side, then wired to Phoenix connectors. Try to find similar which look like thicker wires. Phoenix connectors can be found on eBay or AliExpress for cheap – try to find the ones with the plastic wing going off the back - like a shelf of plastic sticking out so you can use a ziptie to secure the wires running off the back (makes them more robust).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002 ... UTF8&psc=1


I'm not familiar with the Extron SW AV series - the Crosspoint Ultra has been the gold standard and since they're super cheap I stuck with that (plus I needed all it's inputs/outputs). Neither should degrade anything at all.

Crosspoint can turn the lights from the buttons off too FYI (only video/audio will be lit up then) if you're worried about light leakage).

Art for buttons is simply a PDF with marks for where to cut out each square of paper with an Xacto knife. (think that answers all the questions - not quoting everything, WAY too much work