Advice on a good Component Switcher

[Princess_Toadstool]

Hi there. I've recently decided that I need to have all my systems hooked up permenantly rather than switching them out all the time, so I am looking for a component switcher that is capable of handling my: atari 2600, Sega Mastersystem, 8-bit NES, SNES, 64, GameCube, Genisis, Saturn, XBox, PS1 and PS2.... I know, it's a lot to hook in... I'm hoping there is something out there to handle it all without too much of a loss in picture quality that isn't going to cost more than the combined value of everything it's supporting... does anyone have any suggestions?

[Game Freak]

What do you mean by component? RCA? I use two RadioShack 4-way switchboxes, running into the input on a Sony DVD/VCR combo with a pair of M->F splitters. I then have that goin to my stereos, TV, etc Plugged into one of the ports on the switchboxes is a seperate VCR that supports coaxial, which is where i run in my Genesis, SNES, and PS1. I also have my Atari Flashback 2 and NES running in through the monoraul audio ports on the front and back (cause thats how many wires the system out has.) Just to give you a general sense, I also have my gamecube, wii, ps2, and nintendo 64 plugged into the switchboxes, as well as my LaserDisc player and DirecTV. There is very little if no loss in picture quality (perhaps only in my daisy chained Genesis, SNES, and PS1.) I was thinking about buying two more switchboxes, one to switch between the switchboxes, and another to switch between the AV of the SNES, PS1, and Genesis (the only reason I have them daisy chained right now is so that I can have the coax out on my VCR running to an additional 2 TVs via splitter)

[c0ldb33r]

If I were you, I'd suggest getting something like the Psyclone PSC-01 (which I use) or Pelican System Selector 2.0 for anything that supports component video (PS2, GC, Xbox). If you check ebay you can get one for a decent price.

For anything composite or S-Video (Mastersystem, NES, SNES, 64, Genesis, Saturn, PS1), you can get away with a cheaper solution. I used the original Pelican System Selector (http://www.epinions.com/content_100146646660) for years and quite liked it. My wife bought it new for $20.00. It supports composite and S-video, although I only ever used it for composite.

For RF, just plug the RF boxes them into one another.

BUT, do you really need to have everything hooked up at once? I did this for awhile and it was a mess. Now I keep 4-5 things hooked up at once. Everything else is not hooked up, but is easily accessed. If I want to play it, I hook it up.

It's much easier and neater.