Does anyone have any experience using a video switcher? I see that Crutchfield has a Sima SVS-4 switcher ($149) that has a built in converter to convert composite video to S-video for 4 inputs. This sounds like the solution I need to have both the composite output from my Onkyo 575 and the S-video output from my satellite system go into the S-video input on my TV. I'm already using the component video inputs for my DVD.

I haven't been able to find out if these Sima units are of good quality. Any thoughts/comments on these or other similar switchers. The only other composite to S-video converter I've heard of was quite a bit more expensive and didn't include multiple inputs. I realize that you can expect to lose some signal quality going through a switcher but the signals that I'll be switching (VCR video from the Onkyo's output and the S-video from the sat) aren't that great to begin with so I'm thinking the degradation won't be that noticeable.

I haven't seen the sima -- I use a Tributaries C2S cable to convert composite tos-video on my bedreeom vcr and then go into a sony switcher (something 40S -- a $35 switcher). While there is some picture degredation, the C2S worrks pretty well (at least into a 20" tv). It costs about $100, so if the Sima works well, and you have more than one source to convert, it is a better alternative. The only other "inexpensive" switcher that I know des c to S conversion is the $799 JVC.

Thanks for the info AW.

I checked out the cable you refered to and it looks like it may be a good alternative if I pair it with standard S-video switcher. After doing a little more research into prices for converters I see that any unit under the $300 mark is going to be a passive converter using filters for the conversion. This looks like what both the cable and the Sima unit use and are for compatibility and not enhancement. The higher priced active converters claim to actually increase the resolution. I wonder if it's worth the extra money for the active units. It would be nice to get an improved picture resolution from my VCR's signal. Here's the Tributaries' site explaining their products. http://www.tributariescable.com/tributaries.html

Good luck. I have been happy with my C2S (although I will warn you, finding a Tributaries dealer may not be easy). Given a choice between a passive Sima converter and a Triubutaries one, I would go with the Tributaries. They make very good products. With respect to improving your VCR's picture -- 250 lines of resolution is what it is -- not much you can do there. With respect to Y/C separation, I think you would see the same enhancement as an active Y/C converter if your television has a good comb filter. If it is a better comb filter you are looking for at a reasonable price, check out the Entech product (I think it is called the Crystalvision -- basically a 2d comb filter).

By the way, in looking at Monster's site, I noticed that Entech now has a product very similar to the tributaries (that, of course, Entech claims is better). Check out the following:
http://www.monstercable.com/net/html...te_svideo.html

Regards.

[This message has been edited by AW (edited May 07, 2000).]