You can get it in black or silver. It takes 7 inputs in either component/svideo or composite and adds ethernet switching on those as well. It has a remote and a LCD screen. The inputs can be labelled with pre-programmed labels such as PS3/XB360/Gamecube/PS2/DVD etc etc. I think there are about 10.
The front input does not take component though, only the back ones do.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
It's very cool to have the switcher learn your remote rather than vice-versa.
4 inputs though. So double up! They're $25. If the TV in question has more than one component input, that is.
Spending a lot for this kind of thing is foolish unless your needs include matrix switching (multiple sources to multiple destinations). Different story for HDMI. Thanks movie stugos!
I had been looking for a HDMI switcher in the past.
I have no idea about component, but it might be worthwhile to consider this:
-remote control
-manual control on the box itself
-automatic. The device you turn on, gets displayed, then if you turn another device on, that device gets displayed. (I am not sure if features like this exist on component switchers, but it might be worth the look)
4 input could be ok, i will buy 1 xrgb3 upscaler soon and i could connect my psp on it (3 d-terminal input and psp d-terminal cable is not as expensive and hard to find as ps2, gamecube, xbox ...)
If you are concerned with signal degradation, and if the ability to operate the switch with a universal remote is desired, then I'd hunt down a Zektor component switch. They are top quality, but not inexpensive.
I use an older HDS4.1 with my home theater setup and it's been awesome.