Looking for a 8 port composite switchbox

[Cyber Akuma]

I haven't had much luck with this.

Most of the major chains don't carry something this big, and trying to google for it online keeps getting me results for the wrong kind of switch, like 8x8 matrix switches, switches as in networking, or $1000+ studio equiptment.

I am looking for a device that can take 8 composite inputs (with audio) and has one composite output, and lets me switch between which one I want.

The closest I found was this device on FRY'S, which is only 6 ports (great price though):
http://www.frys.com/product/4101883

Anybody know where I can get something like that but 8 ports?

[JohnnyMalaria]

Something like this?

http://www.mediaatlantic.com/product.php/205987/0/

(This is a UK unit but something similar ought to exist in the US. BTW, use the term "video switcher" to narrow you searches and avoid all that network nonsense )

[Cyber Akuma]

Errr, thats WAY out of my price range.

And I tried video switcher, kept getting video routers (???) and KVM switches.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Oh. In principle you can build one with nothing more than a drill and a soldering iron. It would be inexpensive. Alternatively, you can connect two of the Fry's units together.

The output from one would be the input of the other.

[Video Head]

I gather that this is being used as a simple input selector and will not be used in a production environment for A-B switching?

The problem you are having is the 8 inputs. When you get to that number of inputs it is usually a production device used to switch live camera feeds or prerecorded inputs in a broadcast or professional environment. That gear is going to cost some $.

If the 6 input switch box that you found fits the bill technically and financially can you pull off 2 of them? You could cascade them together to achieve 11 inputs.

[Cyber Akuma]

I gather that this is being used as a simple input selector and will not be used in a production environment for A-B switching?

Precisely.

My DVD recorder, DVR, and multiple gaming consoles, I am a big gamer and am tired of constantly unplugging/replugging devices in, my 4 port switch isn't cutting it, even with my DVR connected by RF.

The problem you are having is the 8 inputs. When you get to that number of inputs it is usually a production device used to switch live camera feeds or prerecorded inputs in a broadcast or professional environment. That gear is going to cost some $.

If the 6 input switch box that you found fits the bill technically and financially can you pull off 2 of them? You could cascade them together to achieve 11 inputs.

The problem with cascading them is that it gets confusing which setting does what after a while, plus wouldn't making them go through multiple switchboxes lower the quality? 480i is already terrible enough as it is.

[Video Head]

[quote="Cyber Akuma"]

I gather that this is being used as a simple input selector and will not be used in a production environment for A-B switching?

Precisely.

My DVD recorder, DVR, and multiple gaming consoles, I am a big gamer and am tired of constantly unplugging/replugging devices in, my 4 port switch isn't cutting it, even with my DVR connected by RF.

The problem you are having is the 8 inputs. When you get to that number of inputs it is usually a production device used to switch live camera feeds or prerecorded inputs in a broadcast or professional environment. That gear is going to cost some $.

If the 6 input switch box that you found fits the bill technically and financially can you pull off 2 of them? You could cascade them together to achieve 11 inputs.

You can label the buttons to help but yes, the quality will go down...it is a compromise.

I have a Sony Digital Audio/Video Control Center. It is a 5.1 decoder/650 watt amplifier with all the usual surround/amp features. The inputs have both audio and video (composite/S-Video, stereo RCA/SPDIF) and it has a monitor output. I think it has about 5 inputs for audio and video with the rest being for audio only. I only use 2 of the inputs (TV and HTPC) for audio only and have never used it as a video switcher, but it has the capability. Possibly there is one that has 8 audio/video inputs. You might even find one used for a good price. The decoder and amp would just be a bonus. Add one of those switch boxes and you would be in business for sure!