Tech question: are there video switchers like this?

MaskedJackal · #1 06-08-2009, 01:58 PM

Okay, so for the dorm room next year, here's the plan: Xbox 360, Super Nintendo and occasionally my iBook G4 into a 22" Acer LCD monitor I'm going to buy at the end of August.

Monitor link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009149

As such, I'm looking for an AFFORDABLE video switcher that has multiple inputs for both the obvious red/white/yellow AV inputs (from the 360) and a cable jack (from the Super Nintendo). VGA input (from the iBook) would be a bonus.

Anyone?

Thanks in advance.

tplyons · #2 06-08-2009, 02:06 PM

I didn't need to do that... check the connections on the back of the TV.

I ran both my Xbox 360 and Super NES straight into the TV at all times, and my MacBook was always connected as well. Most modern TVs should have the connections you need to do this without a switcher.

MaskedJackal · #3 06-08-2009, 02:09 PM

It's not a TV, o Tim sir. It's an LCD monitor with a VGA. Post edited with link...

tplyons · #4 06-08-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaskedJackal

It's not a TV, o Tim sir. It's an LCD monitor with a VGA. Post edited with link...

Then have you considered looking at a TV instead? I use my Samsung LCD TV for a 19" monitor all the time.

TrooperFarva · #5 06-08-2009, 02:17 PM

Perhaps you should consider a TV then.

Something like this

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1194052042561

It has a VGA input, RCA inputs, Component Inputs, and an Antenna input, everything you need for your equipment.

MaskedJackal · #6 06-08-2009, 02:17 PM

It's all about budget at this point, and given that it's only 170, it's ideal for me monetarily speaking.

tplyons · #7 06-08-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaskedJackal

It's all about budget at this point, and given that it's only 170, it's ideal for me monetarily speaking.

But if you have to drop $50-60 on a switching device, you're at the same price point...

MaskedJackal · #8 06-08-2009, 03:02 PM

Fair enough, but now that I think of it weight is another factor. I'd be able to mail the monitor home after this next year, which is my final year of college, and that TV would be pricier shipping-wise. I dunno.

Valerus · #9 06-08-2009, 03:03 PM

uh...not sure if a monitor would have a cable input but my monitor has s-video, dvid, vga, the yellow input from the component among others

jimb213 · #10 06-08-2009, 03:47 PM

converting between video signals can be difficult (ie, expensive). A switcher that is all one video type (like all VGA, or all RCA) can be pretty cheap and easy, 'cause it's basically just connecting wires. When you start going with different input types, you're looking at converting between different kinds of signals, which can get more complicated and expensive.

A TV is probably a much better option. Try this:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-LC225...4497406&sr=1-1

never buy from best buy; their prices suck compared to amazon and newegg. search either of those sites for TVs that will fit your bill, keeping in mind that a converter box like you need might be 100 bucks (or more).

Pilgrim · #11 06-08-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaskedJackal

Fair enough, but now that I think of it weight is another factor. I'd be able to mail the monitor home after this next year, which is my final year of college, and that TV would be pricier shipping-wise. I dunno.

That's no reason. You can ship a monitor or a TV - just save the original packaging and materials. FedEx ground is often cheaper than USPS. Shipping is ONCE. Using the device goes on all year.

NJL · #12 06-08-2009, 10:42 PM

to the OP:

i have the acer 21.5" monitor (similar price range) - it has DVI, HDMI and VGA ins and you can have all three hooked and switch between them..

bought it at target.. just an fyi

MaskedJackal · #13 06-08-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJL

it has ...HDMI

Huh. Odd... the 22" one I posted previously doesn't have HDMI in.

MaskedJackal · #14 06-08-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

That's no reason. You can ship a monitor or a TV - just save the original packaging and materials. FedEx ground is often cheaper than USPS. Shipping is ONCE. Using the device goes on all year.

Well put.

Guess I'll weigh all these options at the end of the summer, after I've paid my cut of tuition. Thanks, folks.

That said, if anyone has alternatives and/or suggestions, please continue giving them!

Disco_Gee · #15 06-08-2009, 11:26 PM

You mean something like this?

ebay link

The only problem that I can see is that the switcher doesn't output in widescreen, only in 4:3. That will make everything look a little funky. Considering the cost, you may be better off buying a 25" LCD TV.

MaskedJackal · #16 06-19-2009, 01:47 PM

Bump/Update!

I've decided 2 things:

1) I'm gonna shell out a bit more for a bigger HD LCD monitor
2) I can use my SNES on a friend's TV or somesuch.

Here's the plan I've devised for the dorm entertainment system I'm going to purchase at the end of the summer:

LAYOUT:
Xbox 360 > 3-port HDMI Switch

iBook or future Macbook > HDMI adapter plug > 3-port HDMI switch

3-port HDMI switch > only HDMI input of 24" Acer H243 monitor

Acer H243 monitor > Logitech z-4i speakers

PRICE BREAKDOWN:

Xbawks 360: ~$179.99 on eBay
Acer 24" H243 monitor: 229.99 on Newegg
3-Port HDMI switch: ~ $30 on monoprice.com
Logitech z-4i speakers: ~ $45 refurbished on eBay
Macbook adapter plug: ~ $15 on eBay
HDMI cable (for the Macbook/iBook): $7 on monoprice.com

ALSO: Craigslist couch: FREE

APPROXIMATE TOTAL: ~ $507

Thoughts, suggestions, constructive criticisms? I'm looking to stay in the present overall price range. Much thanks in advance.

Tarrbot · #17 06-19-2009, 02:27 PM

You're best with a monitor for the macbook.

I picked up a 37" HD TV for a jobsite so they could see a model in 3D and it totally sucks. Mainly because I guess I cheapskated it and didn't get a TV that could output in resolutions higher than 1600x1200.

On the other side of that coin, my home HD TV has about 4,000 different inputs (yeah, exaggeration but it's got about 10 or so).

You just need to check into what you want to get.

I like Acer but they're not as high quality as others out there.

If you can find one, I'd recommend a Hanns-Spree or Hanns-G. Great price and excellent quality pics. The downside is they don't have as many inputs on their monitors.

MaskedJackal · #18 06-19-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarrbot

If you can find one, I'd recommend a Hanns-Spree or Hanns-G. Great price and excellent quality pics. The downside is they don't have as many inputs on their monitors.

Like this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824254040

Only ten bucks more than the Acer, and .6 wider. It has two HDMI ins, meaning I could cut out the HDMI switch box and save money, right? I'm assuming the monitor has a input toggle of some sort...

Trevor.A · #19 06-19-2009, 06:16 PM

What are you getting an HDMI switch for? Doesn't that monitor have a DVI input that you could use with the MacBook? That's $45...
Get a SNES emulator to run on your MacBook: http://www.emulator-zone.com/doc.php/mac/
You can find the ROMs online as well, just google it.

Tarrbot · #20 06-19-2009, 09:29 PM

MaskedJackal, that's a pretty good one. I have a 28" Hanns-G at work and a 37" Hannspree HDTV at home.

Most of the TVs that I've seen have an input selector on both the remote control and the TV itself. I haven't seen a monitor yet that doesn't have an input selector if it has more than one input. So yeah, you should be covered.

Newegg is a great place to read reviews on that and other things. That's where I got my 37" TV from. I love it when they have free shipping deals going on.

I wished I had that one at home. For that price, I may have to get one too.