Does an AV switch affect quality?

[Sir_Loin]

Hi everyone

This may be a silly question, but i wanted to ask and put my mind at rest.

I have a simple device which allows for upto 5 analog connections (including s-video). I can then flick a switch on the device to control which one is then output to my tv.

Does this kind of device (which is just re-routing a signal) affect quality.

Thanks

[jagabo]

It can. Poor shielding, bad connections, wrong impedance, all can effect the analog signal.

[dellsam34]

Stay with better shielded and short cables 6 to 12inch for peace of mind, Try to avoid switches, passthroughs, splitters, adapters, couplers ...etc

[lingyi]

If you're looking for the best possible signal, you'll have to get a powered switch with a built-in amplifer since even the best non-powered switches have some loss due to the factors jagabo stated.

Howver given the comparatively low quality of s-video (below component and HDMI) and limited quality of the sources (probably gaming consoles and VCRs), the additional quality of a powered switch won't be noticible and not worth the cost (they are expensive $$ and hard to find, especially with 5 or more inputs).

[jagabo]

Although there may be measurable losses with any switch, in real world viewing you won't notice any difference with a decent one, especially with standard definition video.

[themaster1]

i bought this short cable recently, i recommend it here (they're hard to find in stores these days (minimum 1m generally if not longer)
otherwise try here