DVD Component Video Switching Problems

[sammie]

I just spent an infuriating 2 hours this weekend trying to hook up my DVD player so that it can be switched with other component video devices. The issue is that my plasma receiver only has two component inputs and both of those are shared with the HDMI plugs. (Meaning you realy only have the choice for 2 HD input sources). Problem is that I have 4. The good news (I thought) is that my DirectTV tuner allows for 3 component video inputs. Since the DirectTV tuner connects via HDMI, I figured problem solved just use the switching capacity of the Tuner. But no, plug the DVD player in via component video and no picture (sVideo fine, DVD compnent direct to receiver fine, all other component sources, cables, inputs fine). It's clear that the DVD shuts down the picture when you try to connect it to a coponent video switch.

At first I thought it was something to do with the copy protection built into the HDMI, so I went and bought an expensive component video switch. Nope, same situation. I then tried 2 other DVD players, a freebie Cyberhome we use for the kids in the car and a neighbors Sony. The Cyberhome the same deal, the Sony works fine?!?!??!!!!

Ok, so what does this mean? That some players are blocked and others aren't as far as component video switching? That's my guess. If that's true, is that worth adding a category to the DVD player stats, or is this info already available somewhere? If it's not true, what am I missing as far as getting a component video DVD player to run through a video switch? Thanks for any help.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I have my PS2 (component) & a toshiba dvd (s-video) player both running through a switch and it works fine. Does your dvd player have an s-video jack? If so, just buy a switch that has s-video inputs/outputs.

[edDV]

Interesting. I noticed a similar problem trying to switch the HD cable box YPbPr analog component output with a progressive DVD player and my ATI HDTV adapter.

I thought it might be a cable length issue and went back to hand plugging, setting the switch box aside to try another day.

Maybe I'll get back to it next weekend.

[Bob W]

I use this auto switcher problem solved http://www.smarthome.com/7772.html

[sammie]

@Dever Dawgs, yes it has S-Vid out which works fine, but I want to use the component vid as it does seem to be a noticeably better picture.

@ BobW Actually, that's the same switch I went out and bought. It seems that some DVD players are able to "sense" a switch when connected by the Y, Cb, Cr connections and block the video signal. I just hate to go out and replace my DVD player just to have it work with a switch. For everyone's information, the switch itself is expensive, but does work great.........except for the #^%@$@#!!!! DVD player

[Denvers Dawgs]

Sorry about that sammie, for some reason when I read component, I thought of composite, which is why I suggested the s-video.

[redwudz]

I use a cheapie stereo/video pushbutton switch from Radio Shack for component video switching, about $20US. The output goes to my video projector. Input is a ATI component out from my computer, 400 disc DVD changer, and a DVD recorder.

I use the video/stereo inputs for each component cable. No interference or noise and I can't detect any signal loss. I use regular good quality 3 lead component cables.

[Bob W]

Here is a nifty component and audio switch and for only $50 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1524181&Sku...C-PRICEGRABBER