Request: A little help with console set up
 

Okay, so it's embarassing that I have to ask, but...I have all three consoles, a DVD player, a CD player, and a VCR all vying for space in my home theater set up. The problem is, I don't know how to get them all to cooperate. I've been switching cables every time I play a different system and I'm finally annoyed enough to find a solution.

Does anyone know of an online how-to guide for setting up your system?

Thanks.

stoolie

Best bet is to buy one of those all in one switchers. I got sick of having to change the cables each time I played as I have :

Directv
VCR
DVD Player
PS2
XBox
GameCube
and a DVCam player

all hooked to the main TV :D

Buy a system selector for about $20. You can hook up 4 devices, they're really handy to have. How many inputs does your tv have, and how is everything set up now?


p.s. get rid of the vcr

Thanks for the reply dek.

I tried a switch from MadCatz, with S-video (no S-video on tv though) through the front AV jacks on my receiver. The resolution going through the switch was much worse. Everything was darker. As soon as I plugged the console directly into the receiver again, it looked great again. Does the quality of the switch matter?

stoolie

Might want to try the back switches, maybe your fronts are bad? Mine looks great through my set, although I have a VVEGA :D

Pelican makes a nice quality one that supports 4 (older model) or 5 (current model) different inputs. It has S-video and standard RCA in-/out-puts and you can even customize the buttons with interchanging plates with system names on them. The only minor complaint I have is that you cannot have two devices turned on at the same time or it will affect the image. If I leave the cable box on and flip the switch to play a game, there will be sort of a floating ghost outline that appears on-screen. However, turning off the other device stops it immediately. I use S-video, and I'm not sure if this occurs with the RCA, but I assume it does. Small, small inconvenience for a nice little device, which is modeled to complement the PS2. You can find it at most game stores and Best Buy for $19.99. Some FYE locations carry them for $17.99. Definitely worth it if you have many systems and not so many inputs.

InterAct recently brought out a five input switch box for $20, and it's pretty thin, not as bulky as the Pelican one. If money's no obstacle, you can get yourself a really nice receiver with lots of "holes." Or you can get one of those fancy switch boxes for around $50-$200. I think JVC makes 'em.