s-video splitter: ok or not ??

[ratfink]

n00b here, first post. I've read all the posts here over the past few weeks and now have a new question.

I have a PVR721 and a Pioneer DVD player, both wanting to use s-video connections for best signal. However, my JVC crt TV only has one s-video input. Right now I am manually swapping one device output for the other when changing from SAT to DVD.

Question: Can I use an s-video splitter (2F/1M) and will it harm my TV if both output devices happen to be sending a signal through at the same time ? Of course, when viewing one source, I would turn the other off.

I do have the yellow RCA inputs (3), but found the quality is less than that of the s-vid.


Thanks !

ratfink

[Steve Mehs]

Welcome to DBSTalk, Ratfink :welcome_s

Have you considered a source selector or maybe even a home theater in a box system to take advantage of Dolby Digital and DTS surround for DVD and Dolby Digital on the 721 if you subscribed to HBO, Starz or Showtime? If your not interested in a home theater system just yet, RadioShack, Best Buy and others have a nice variety of source selectors, if your willing to pay a little more you can even get ones with a remote control.

Using one of these devices produces a very minute loss in quality, but in most cases it is not noticeable. I'm fresh out of svideo ins even on my home theater receiver, so if I get another svideo component I'll have to get one of these, and even with a second 'break in the chain' I shouldn't see much of a loss if any..

The selector will have one set of outputs that you connect to your TVs input, then you run cables from each component you have to the inputs of the selector.

Here's a link to one from Best Buy, I love RadioShack but their website is useless. If 6 ins is over kill there's some with only 4.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051806293883&skuId=5281072&type=product

[ratfink]

hey Steve

Thanks for the welcome and the informative reply.

I never thought of a switch selector, or even a remote controlled one (yeehaa !) I love RCs...

I'm holding out on the full blown HTS until I build my addition (no room whatsoever here). My JVC is about 42", fairly new and nice pic. So I am happy for now. Plus by waiting I get the benefit of new features down the road.

My dream system for now is a 60"something Plasma with a nice 5.1 digital amp/speaker setup. I do have all the premium channels, along with a huge DVD collection mounted inside two 300 dvd changers. DVD sound is currently run through my Sansui Amp and Paradigm speakers. All remote controlled except for the s-video :-)

So, anyway, judging from my research here and at AVS I need to replace everything except for the Paradigms eventually.


Thanks for the linky !!


regards


ratfink

[Steve Mehs]

You're welcome! Good luck with your HT plans, sounds like a nice system you want and hopefully one day have :) If for some reason if you ever need an optical to coax converter for audio for a home theater component look up a thead I started at AVS in the HT General Forum on converters, there were some great suggestions give and some with excellent prices. :)

[Nick]

A little late, in view of Steve's well-stated response, but a few thoughts on your situation.:

--- using a 1-2 s-video splitter in reverse would still leave you with the problem of audio switching.

--- Wal-Mart sells a passive a/v switcher with 5 a/v's* in, one out, plus, in powered mode, it will switch RF. You will find it for only $20 in the game accessories dept. Most consumer-level switchers run 30-40 bucks and have only 4 inputs.

* 5 s-video in/1 out
5 composite in/1 out
5 L/R audio in/1 out
1 RF in/1 out (switchable ch 3/4)

--- your best solution is an a/v receiver, which not only will give you many usable features, but will be an investment toward toward an HT system. One of the great features of an a/v receiver is remote switching between multiple audio and video source components.

[ratfink]

Thank you, Nick,

I just placed an online order for the Pioneer powered switch at WalMart.com. It automatically switches input when it senses a signal, very nice. It handles audio as well, but I already have that wired through my RC'd receiver.

I couldn't get the bestbuy site to respond, displays a "too busy" page.


regards

ratfink

[Nick]

BB's "new and improved" site has been down for over a week now. They must have some serious issues to resolve.

[SF Giants]

I just purchased a s-video splitter and a digital audio selector for less that $50. Got them at www.s-video.com/svideosplitter