Looking for a component switcher

[evil_ash_xero]

Turns out the one I have been using, for years, kind of sucks. I'm looking for a high quality one. It would need, 6 inputs, at least.
I'd like more than one output, but I can work around that.

Just something of high quality, that won't dim my picture, or bleed colors. I'm looking around, and it's really hard to find component equipment, unless I am looking in the wrong places.

If anyone has some suggestions, or links, I'd appreciate it.

[nmalinoski]

The gcompsw is generally recommended--8 inputs, 2 outputs, praise from pretty much everyone--but you're going to pay for it.

If you need TOSLINK switching as well, and don't want to track down a custom PCB addon for the gcompsw, you can look into the Audio Authority 1156 or 1166; both are 6x1, but those are going to be a bit rarer and still reasonably expensive. You could also downsize and look for either the 1154B or 1154A models, but those will be 4x1.

[maxtherabbit]

Turns out the one I have been using, for years, kind of sucks. I'm looking for a high quality one. It would need, 6 inputs, at least.
I'd like more than one output, but I can work around that.

Just something of high quality, that won't dim my picture, or bleed colors. I'm looking around, and it's really hard to find component equipment, unless I am looking in the wrong places.

If anyone has some suggestions, or links, I'd appreciate it.

man I wish you had mentioned that before lol, I have a key digital 4 input switcher I could have sold you with the distribution amp

[Taiyaki]

If you need more than 4 inputs definitely the gcompsw I guess.

[maxtherabbit]

for 6 inputs the Extron SW 6 series will fill the bill perfectly

your options are:
SW6 RGBHV (supports component but no auto switching)
SW 6 AR MX
SW 6 Component
SW6 YUV A (supports auto switching!)

[evil_ash_xero]

Turns out the one I have been using, for years, kind of sucks. I'm looking for a high quality one. It would need, 6 inputs, at least.
I'd like more than one output, but I can work around that.

Just something of high quality, that won't dim my picture, or bleed colors. I'm looking around, and it's really hard to find component equipment, unless I am looking in the wrong places.

If anyone has some suggestions, or links, I'd appreciate it.

man I wish you had mentioned that before lol, I have a key digital 4 input switcher I could have sold you with the distribution amp

Hey, if you still have it, you never know. I have systems coming out of my ears.

I think I probably will get that gcompsw too, though. I'm not super keen on auto switching, although I see it's appeal. PM me with some info on that device you have, if you don't mind.

[evil_ash_xero]

The gcompsw is generally recommended--8 inputs, 2 outputs, praise from pretty much everyone--but you're going to pay for it.

If you need TOSLINK switching as well, and don't want to track down a custom PCB addon for the gcompsw, you can look into the Audio Authority 1156 or 1166; both are 6x1, but those are going to be a bit rarer and still reasonably expensive. You could also downsize and look for either the 1154B or 1154A models, but those will be 4x1.

The measurements are in cm. From what I can tell, in inches, this this is about 8 inches wide. Is that correct (to anyone who has one)? Seems pretty compact.

[maxtherabbit]

Turns out the one I have been using, for years, kind of sucks. I'm looking for a high quality one. It would need, 6 inputs, at least.
I'd like more than one output, but I can work around that.

Just something of high quality, that won't dim my picture, or bleed colors. I'm looking around, and it's really hard to find component equipment, unless I am looking in the wrong places.

If anyone has some suggestions, or links, I'd appreciate it.

man I wish you had mentioned that before lol, I have a key digital 4 input switcher I could have sold you with the distribution amp

Hey, if you still have it, you never know. I have systems coming out of my ears.

I think I probably will get that gcompsw too, though. I'm not super keen on auto switching, although I see it's appeal. PM me with some info on that device you have, if you don't mind.

it's a key digital KD-CSW4x1 - electronic switching but not auto switching - there's a toggle button on the front to cycle through inputs, optionally it can also be controlled by IR or RS-232, was designed for high end home theatre integration

3xRCA for video 2xRCA for stereo analog audio and 1xRCA for digital coax audio on each input

honestly if you have a large amount of systems I'd strongly advise an extron over this or the extremely expensive gcomp, that said this is a top quality switcher in its own right

[evil_ash_xero]

it's a key digital KD-CSW4x1 - electronic switching but not auto switching - there's a toggle button on the front to cycle through inputs, optionally it can also be controlled by IR or RS-232, was designed for high end home theatre integration

3xRCA for video 2xRCA for stereo analog audio and 1xRCA for digital coax audio on each input

honestly if you have a large amount of systems I'd strongly advise an extron over this or the extremely expensive gcomp, that said this is a top quality switcher in its own right

OK. Thanks for the info, and help.

[Dr. Claw]

There are 3 that come to mind:
Gcompsw = no introduction needed.
Extron Crosspoint = will require BNC adapters and Phoenix connectors
Impact/C2G 6x2 switch: Pretty good, can be controlled by remote.

I have the Impact but will be moving to gcompsw soon. My Impact's front port is extremely bright; not sure how to fix.

[Taiyaki]

For bright little led's I recommend LED dimmers, they have these little darkening stickers that come in round of square sizes, you can use multiple on top of each other to make those bright lights as dim as needed.

[maxtherabbit]

Or you could just you know use some free electrical tape.


I can vouch for the quality of C2G (legrand!) VGA cables, but no idea about their switchers

[strygo]

There are some good Shinybow ones available. I picked up a nice 8x8 matrix switch for less than $100 a few years ago on eBay. With multiple displays, a matrix one is nice, especially for testing.

[Listai]

The Otaku Games 6 port manual switch is worth a look in as its mechanical and doesn't degrade the signal in any perceptible way. I just recently picked one up and it works great on my 20L2.

Forgive my shitty cable management - I've only had it for a week or two and haven't had time to set it up properly:

[evil_ash_xero]

I already ordered the other switcher, however it won't be in until Sep/Oct. I'll think it over.
I do like manual switching, but they tend to bust, sometimes, just from use. I don't tend to trust auto-switchers, with no options, in case they have a malfunction.
Tough decisions.