System Selectors for Component Cables

[esquire]

I have a Sharp 26" LCD HDTV with only 1 component input. I also have HD Cable and XBOX 360 with HD-DVD attachment, both using Component. My PS3 is using the TV's only HDMI input.

I recently bought the $20 Pelican Component System Selector from Best Buy for my 2 component inputs. It's a plastic case, with the buttons on top and comes with cheap component and audio cables. Although it worked fine, I didn't like the cheap feel of it (lightweight plastic). So I decided to use one of my Best Buy gift cards and pick up a Psyclone Source Selector. It too is component with gold connectors instead of the normal ones on the Pelican. No cable was included, but it is built very nicely and comes with a remote control, and you can program the display.

Problem is, my 360 display gets interference (lines, both static and dynamic/moving lines) that will only go away if I unplug the green component cable for my other connection, my Cable TV. I've tried turning off the cable signal from the cable box and moving the 360 input to the input at the far end opposite the cable input, but to no avail.

Anyone else have this problem? What do I do? I guess return the expensive Psyclone and go back to the ceap Pelican. I know their are other models of the Psyclone version that I could try, and Joytech makes one or two as well. Any ideas or input?

[maxlords]

I've been using the old Pelican System Selector Pro with the 8 component ports. Haven't noticed a problem with that one.

[agbulls]

I've been using the old Pelican System Selector Pro with the 8 component ports. Haven't noticed a problem with that one.

I have the same one and its totally filled to the brim. Not one bit of problems with it since I bought it. I think these are pretty cheap now too. It also does optical cables, which is a nice perk.

[gepeto]

I had the same problem with electro inteference. I got the last version of the pelician system selector pro and the component signals come through sharp and crisp for all my game systems. Gamestop was selling them for 49.99 at clearance (not the new version with the lcd) the old one. So it might be worth it to checkout.

[Darren870]

Best buy has a pelican one too. Its $26.99 , but only 3-4 inputs.

[Sylentwulf]

I also use the pelican system pro 2.0. Works great.

We carry a cheap-ass 3 way component selector at www.ElectricQuarter.com that we haven't had any complaints about, but it's REALLY cheap lol.

My suggestion. Get one that does HDMI too if you can find one. It's going to be the next standard, so if you're gonna get a switcher worth big bucks, might as well have that too.

[esquire]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Question for those of you with the Pelican System Selector Pro, are any of you running your HD Cable through it? I want to make sure I won't have a similar problem as with the Psyclone, seeing that the Pelican System Selector Pro is no longer available at Gamestop, unless I find one on clearance, and the ones on eBay go for about $100 shipped. Thanks.

[gepeto]

I use 4 components a few analog and svideo inputs with mine.

[meancode]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Question for those of you with the Pelican System Selector Pro, are any of you running your HD Cable through it? I want to make sure I won't have a similar problem as with the Psyclone, seeing that the Pelican System Selector Pro is no longer available at Gamestop, unless I find one on clearance, and the ones on eBay go for about $100 shipped. Thanks.

You cannot find it anywhere. It cost $100 MSRP and it has kept its value because it is that good.

I have six game devices and a proscan DVD player hooked up all through the component jacks on my System Selector Pro. I am also using the three optical slots for my PS3, 360 and DVD player. It allows me to switch my 5.1 headphones so I don't piss off the entire apartment complex :)

I should of gotten this thing ages ago. I use the System Selector Pro on my Samsung 32" LCD and have had no video problems since I installed it a month ago.

[cyberfluxor]

I use a Radio Shack 6-way digital selector. It has AVI/S-video/optical input and 2 ports out that also do AVI/S-video/optical. A friend use to work there and got me a discount so it wasn't a bad buy and normally cost $100, but don't think they carry them anymore. I've been using mine for a good few years, had no problems and run audio to a reciever and S-video out to the TV. I don't have any HD gear so it'll be different for you.

[Half Japanese]

MonoPrice (www.monoprice.com) has a 4-port unit with a remote for $33 >CLICK< (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10112&cs_id=1011201&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2&style=)

Can't personally vouch for it, but that's probably as cheap a unit as you'll find with a remote and monoprice seems to have a very good reputation in the a/v community for both great prices and great products.

[Soviet Conscript]

the selector pro is going for $100 now? is that the one with 8 component inputs? i got one of those about a month ago on ebay for $20. works great with 480i and 480p but i can't vouch for HD abilitys

[Sylentwulf]

I use a Radio Shack 6-way digital selector. It has AVI/S-video/optical input and 2 ports out that also do AVI/S-video/optical. A friend use to work there and got me a discount so it wasn't a bad buy and normally cost $100, but don't think they carry them anymore. I've been using mine for a good few years, had no problems and run audio to a reciever and S-video out to the TV. I don't have any HD gear so it'll be different for you.


+1? What he said. It's that good, it's kept it's value, which is all you can ask for in electronics.,

[maxlords]

Works fine with 1080i (downscaled) and 720p for me so far.

[Oobgarm]

the selector pro is going for $100 now? is that the one with 8 component inputs? i got one of those about a month ago on ebay for $20. works great with 480i and 480p but i can't vouch for HD abilitys

Looks like this:

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/70/80/56/59/0070805659057_215X215.jpg

They retailed for $100, and they run up to 1080i perfectly. I'd think they can handle 1080p as well, since all the selector does is act as a pass-thru.

I bought mine as soon as they came into GameStop, and I've been nothing but satisfied. If you got one for $20, that's a steal. It's a good buy at the $100 MSRP.

[agbulls]

Works fine with 1080i (downscaled) and 720p for me so far.

I have my ps2, 360, xb, wii and comcast dvr all looped in component into the selector. The true hd devices appear to have zero loss at 720p and 1080i. I've had the selector for years now and wouldn't change a thing on it.

[rbudrick]

So do they make them with like, 20 inputs? :D

-Rob

[agbulls]

So do they make them with like, 20 inputs? :D

-Rob

Hmmm. No. But, you can piggyback them onto each other for 15 (I think that's right) inputs. However, that would get really confusing.

[meancode]

the selector pro is going for $100 now? is that the one with 8 component inputs? i got one of those about a month ago on ebay for $20. works great with 480i and 480p but i can't vouch for HD abilitys

I almost got one for $25 on eBay. I was watching it even. But I forgot (of course!) and got there a few seconds to late. Oh well.

[Nez]

I've had a pro for a few years now. Works great. I havent had anything in true high def run on it, just 480p. There is no difference from the selector or just having a direct connection. The thing rocks, I purchased it new at GS for $50.

[cyberfluxor]

So do they make them with like, 20 inputs? :D

-Rob

If you had one with 20 inputs I'd hope all the components have power strips going to outlets on different circuits. If each unit draws just 1 AMP from 1 outlet then you can blow a fuse if you don't watch it.

[esquire]

Well, while I was looking for a Pelican System Selector Pro 2, I came across several Joytech Control Center 240C. It was about 1/2 the price and I went to their website and I liked what I saw. I won one for $42 plus $21.40 S&H from Canada (pricey, but in came in 2 days!) and I must say I am very happy with it. It looks like the ones for sale may have been customer returns because if you read through the descriptions some auctions have items missing, but mine was complete. The LCD display still had the protective film on it. Moreover it came will the cables:

2 Stereo A/V
1 Composite
1 Component
1 Ethernet
1 S-Video
1 Coaxial
Remote Control, Manual and Power Supply.

It works great. The LCD is programable. It has 6 rear inputs and one in front. For those of you still looking for one yourself, or for a second, I recommend getting this one at almost 1/2 the price. I am going to get a second one for all of my composite connections, and stack the two on top of each other.

Here is the auction I won:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230074403055