S-Video Switcher

MichaelS wrote on 7/24/2004, 4:38 PM

In order to save the wear and tear on my equipment, I'm considering using an S-Video switcher (4 in x 1 out), the kind available for consumer TV's, VCR's, etc. Also, there are powered switchers and unpowered, manual switchers available. Is one type better than the other? Between my various analog sources, I seem to be spending a lot of time plugging and unplugging into my Canopus ADVC100.

Are there any downsides that I should be aware of?

Thanks.

Comments

Diego22 wrote on 7/25/2004, 6:17 AM

I got the Terk unpowered 4 video source switcher at Circuit City ($40) I had 3 cameras and a Laptop playing through it then projected onto a large screen (my homemade "Jumbotron") with a LCD projector at a local band's performance. I only makes jump cuts of course, but was fairly glitchless. -Diego

craftech wrote on 7/25/2004, 7:39 AM

I have an inexpensive Sima one. Works fine. No visible artifacts.

John

apit34356 wrote on 7/25/2004, 7:45 AM

"there are powered switchers and unpowered, manual switchers available" Usually a powered switcher has no signal lost, maybe some gain. a good power switch will inject little or no noise and provide good shielding during the gain stage. The unpowered switcher using has some signal lost, and if it acts as a spiltter, there will be a drop in signal strength and possible noise inject if any connection is unshielded.

AJP

farss wrote on 7/25/2004, 7:46 AM

Don't imagine anyone in the US is that familiar with SCART but maybe someone in Europe knows where I can a decent SCART switch. Had a look when I was in the UK, but the only ones I saw looked very cheap and nasty.

Bob.

MichaelS wrote on 7/25/2004, 8:12 AM

Thanks!