Signal Loss / Degradation through a Video Switcher

[jbd5010]

Has anyone scrutinized the results of running analog video signals through a video switch prior to capturing? Does it make a visible difference? Any significant signal loss?

I'm getting ready to set up all of my equipment for a big VHS capture project, and I'd like to get one of these for hooking up multiple VCR's to my video capture PC:

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-7780&p=?&scode=DD1362&trk_msg=9N45IGNCG4I43C9...ampaign=DD1362

It's currently on sale for $29.99 via an email promo.

Thanks!

[redwudz]

I've never noticed any degradation of signal or loss through a simple mechanical switcher. Very long cable runs would probably get you more loss or chance of interference. Try to keep your cables short.

Also I'm assuming your signals are standard levels. Line level video (And audio) aren't that high of frequency to worry much about loss within a decently shielded mechanical switcher.

I've used a inexpensive Radio Shack switcher for VHS captures for years with no visible problems. You could test yourself by checking the difference with the signal feeding through a switcher or connected directly, but I doubt you would be able to find any difference.

[smrpix]

The fact that it's a passive device requiring no power is a good sign.

[jbd5010]

Yeah, if you measured the signal on both sides of the switch with an oscilloscope I'm sure you'd see a difference on the order of 0.1 mV or something, but as long as it doesn't make a difference to the human eye I'm fine with it.

Thanks for the feedback guys I'm gonna get the one I had linked to. Maybe I'll post again on the results after I get it and use it for a while in case someone sees this and might want to buy the same model.

[jagabo]

I'm sure you'd see a difference on the order of 0.1 mV or something

What you care about is crosstalk from other inputs leaking into the one(s) you're using, reflections at the switches, high frequency attenuation, phase shifts, etc.