Recommend a video switcher?

[Captain Satellite]

Does anybody have experience with a video switcher that won't degrade the signal in any way. I want to hook up multiple VCRs to my DVD recorder input. Thanks!

[BrainStorm69]

I'm not sure you will find any switcher that won't degrade the signal in any way, but I've been happy with my Sony SB-V66S. It does pass a very clean signal with negligible degradation, and you can connect up to 4 vcrs to it. There's one for sale on ebay right now (I bought both of mine used).

http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-SVHS-S-VHS-professional-4-way-AV-switch-A-V-V66S_W0QQitemZ585...QQcmdZViewItem

[Cornucopia]

You may want to be careful of your wordage in this regard.

The traditional use of the term "switcher" with respect to video signals is the equivalent to a "mixer" in audio. They usually include mixing/fading/wiping controls and often some CG and/or keying controls, as well as the standard choices between multiple inputs.

If all you want is something that can allow you to choose from different inputs for a given output--and NOT in glitch-less REALTIME, then this usage of the term "swticher" should maybe be more appropriate as "input selector". In that respect, most DON'T degrade the signal AT ALL.

Scott

[Captain Satellite]

Hmmm, sounds like I need an input selector then. Any recommendations?

[Captain Satellite]

I have to try mine again, I forgot why I ditched it. Thinking back, the problem most likely wasn't the switcher at all.

[BrainStorm69]

In that respect, most DON'T degrade the signal AT ALL.

Scott

That hasn't been my experience through comparison of caps directly from source to my capture card vs. source to "input selector" to cap card. There are plenty of cheap "input selectors" that do indeed degrade the signal to a greater or lesser degree. Perhaps if you get into the more expensive "input selectors" (>$100) that is true.

[edDV]

You can find cheap ones at Walmart under the RCA or Philips brand and come in models that switch composite, S-Video or component analog along with rca audio.

When they work they are OK but watch for noisy contacts and keep cables short. An electronic "routing switcher" would be the "best" solution but expect to pay more than you spent on your DVD recorder.

More:

Here is a selection of active and passive "Audio Video Routers & Switchers" sorted by price.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=

Take this path

Home < Professional Video < Post Production < Studio & Facility Equipment < Routers, Switchers & DA's < Routers & Switchers < Fixed Routers & Switchers < Audio Video Routers & Switchers

Then sort by price. Lowest is $17.

[Eyedoctor2]

Scroll down to my reply at:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=284038&highlight=