How much do A/V switchers degrade A signal

[johntoto11]

I currently have A 32 inch Sony kv-32s66 tv, with only 1 S-video input. I just recieved A new Playstation 2 for the holidays. I'm planning on getting some Monster s-video cables that will allow me to hook up the Playstation 2 to the s-video input of the tv set. The problem is I already use the s-video input for my dishnetwork 501 reciever. If I buy an A/V switcher to share the s-video input on the tv, will I degrade the picture quality on the tv? If so, will I notice it enough to care? Whats A good A/V switcher to buy? They sell one at Wal-Mart fo about $20.00 bucks. All replys are welcome, Dennis in Fla.:)

[Mark Lamutt]

The cheaper svideo switchers like the one you mentioned from Walmart are purely mechanical - meaning contact points actually switch from postition to postition. You won't notice any degredation in signal with one of these. You may have to replace it, though, in a year or two depending on how fast you get oxidation buildup in the contacts. I use a mechanical switch myself to switch 2 component video signals, and I see no degredation on my 51" HDTV.

[johntoto11]

Thanks Mark, I saw A Terk A/V switcher with gold plated connectors on the Crutchfield website , I think I'll order it from them. It's about $40.00. They also have the Monster s video cable for the Playstation 2 for $40.00 also. The cable price is kind of steep though. I could not find A similar product that was any cheaper. Shipping is free if I use A Visa card. .......I found an online coupon code. Regards , Dennis

[raj2001]

My advice is DONT waste money on monster cable. The do not make any difference at all.

[cnsf]

Agreed on the Monster cable. Just get decently insulated Radio Shack jammies and keep them as short as possible. You shouldn't notice any degradation at all.

[MarkA]

"I'm planning on getting some Monster s-video cables"

MONSTER cable is junk. It's overpriced, and actually relatively poor quality.

[sampatterson]

I agree on the Monster cables. I just replaced my receiver, of the 4 optical cables I have going into it, the one Monster cable that I got with my Xbox had the jack come off of one end, and the sleeve off the other end. My other "cheap" optical cables are fine. it was the newest also, which is interesting...

Sam

[CARL O.]

Paid $65.00 for Monster optical and it's crap compared to the one I purchased at Circuit City for $15.00!