I now have 2 vcrs(sony slv-r1000 + jvc hr-9911u) that I want to incorporate into my HT. in order to help out with my question I'll list below my setup(not including vcrs):

Pioneer 1014 reciever 4 A/V rear 1 front
2 DirecTV Tivos
dvd recorder
dvd player
ld player
comcast hd box

here is how its all wired:

hd box to tv direct via component
dvd player direct to tv via DVI
dvr #1 on input #1
dvr #2 on input #2
dvd recorder on input #3
ld on input #4 - shares digital with dvd player
whatever game system on input #5

now I want to be able to use either vcr deck and have them wired into the reciever. I was thinking about an A/V switcher and using input #3(the dvd recorder) so I can have 2 way for everything. now would the easiest thing be for me to get 2 switchers(1 for ins + 1 for outs) or is there an easier way to do this? a new reciever purchase is out of the question at this time so I'm trying to figure out any other way to do this.

Sounds about right to me. I use an external switcher for video games since my setup is about as busy as yours. Works just fine. I think you can use the switcher in reverse for the recording output. Ought to be under $20 each if you don't want remote control. Price is certainly right for Svideo switchers.

I'm wondering why you bother with VCRs now that blank DVDs are cheaper than tapes and DVDRs are under $200. And DVD recording at its worst is about the same as good SVHS recording.

can someone recommend a really good s-vid switcher? in this months Home Theater mag they show one from Joytech which they called the AV Control Center 2 but in fact was the AV Control Center 240 Series. it is loaded with inputs(component, s-vid, composite, digital optical) but I can't seem to find a store that sells it.

http://www.joytech.net/product_info....roducts_id=112

here is a pdf of the back panel of it:

http://www.joytech.net/images/AVCC240_BACK_UK.pdf

BestBuy just got some in. Saw it at work and was interested in it myself. Hope to have it be better than the jvc switcher I am running now (since i need more optical and components)

I have the Sima SVS-4. Very nice switcher with buttons, remote, and auto-switching (if enabled).

Looks like the newer model is the SVS-4D and even that model may not be available anymore.

http://www.simacorp.com/products/res...FV%20Selectors