VGA Switch Box?

[evil_ash_xero]

I'm looking for a SMALL VGA switch box, that causes no lag. I only need about two inputs.

I've seen a number on Ebay, but I really want one that you guys have personally tried out. Thanks.

[Endymion]

No VGA switchbox should cause lag. If there is any lag in the equation it will have to be due to processing. That's something a switch just doesn't do. How small do you want it? How cheap do you want it?

This thing is about as little as you'll get for either. There is no power supply because it is mechanical. Two inputs.

[evil_ash_xero]

That's got some pretty bad reviews.

It doesn't have to be miniscule. I just need two inputs. I would like it to go up to 720, at least.

It doesn't have to be cheap either. Just good quality. Nothing too fancy or too cheap. Just good and solid.

I need it for hooking up a PC and a 360 into it(and output to a HD monitor). I've noticed, from various reviews, that some don't work with some modern comps. So, that's why I'd like some input.

[Endymion]

Wait, you said you wanted one that we had used. I've used that one and it works properly, nothing wrong with it. I got to question the iq of some of those amazon reviewers to be honest. But, you didn't say that non-shmuppers' opinions were as valued.

Nor did you say that you didn't care if it were small. That switchbox will handle 720 properly. In fact, I used it without issues at least as high as 1600x1200. It is cheap, and it is solid.

But there is a big, huge divide between something cheap, and something nice. A lot of electronic switches are out there for anywhere from $20 to $80, that are honestly just crap. If you blow $100-200 then you can find something quite nice that not only is electronic, but will amplify the signal as well. With a mechanical switch, you don't want to be too lengthy with your cable runs, but you also don't want to do this with the cheaper electronic ones either.

So now that you've brought up price, you were just as vague. HOW MUCH are you looking to spend? And WHAT is "solid?" Amplified?

[Endymion]

Here's the kind of thing I'm talking about. A 2 port switch, and a 4. They both claim support for the same resolutions. I've not pushed them more, though I could try, I just haven't the need. Anyway the 2 port switch is pretty standard while the 4 port is amplified. There are others you can get for multiple screens and devices, called matrixes, usually they are amplified also. But they tend to be more expensive as well. I am guessing that might be more than you were planning to spend, but that manufacturer is good and their stuff doesn't cost what these kinds of things could cost if you were going for something professional. The cases are made from metal, and the four that I've bought for myself have lasted well over time.

But if you don't need very long cable runs or lots of splits then I do think that something mechanical like the first box I linked could work for you just as well.

[Endymion]

Heh, stop the presses, I just found what appears to be the same thing as the Startech electronic switchbox for under $25 at monoprice. It claims amplification, but in all its features and build it looks identical to the Startech. The price might make your decision easier.

[evil_ash_xero]

Yeah, that is a bit more what I was looking for.

Thanks for all the advice.

[shmuppyLove]

$9.21 for a 2-port switch from Monoprice

[undamned]

$9.21 for a 2-port switch from Monoprice

This. Not just for price, but for tech. Why go fancy when you can go with what has worked for the past 20 years? Doesn't require separate power either. Any "electronic/automatic" switch will require extra power supply.
-ud

[Endymion]

Well, very long cable runs is about the only reason I can think of. But he was swayed more by the "this switchbox sucks!" reviews. And yes, I know that's a monoprice box, but its only real difference from the amazon one I linked is the dial rather than buttons. It is probably even made by the same company.

[stuntman]

...its only real difference from the amazon one I linked is the dial rather than buttons. It is probably even made by the same company.

I have a 4-port version of that switch box, and if I don't position the dial just right the picture colours are off (blue hue).

[Endymion]

That's because it's mechanical. If the dial doesn't move all the way then the pins aren't completely aligned. If you don't have green/red completely making contact then the image will be more blue. That doesn't mean the box is faulty.

[stuntman]

Maybe not faulty, but even with the colours coming through correctly, I didn't feel particularly reassured that there wasn't some signal degradation. I've actually replaced it with an 8-port push button box (ebay) which I prefer.