Composite video switch

[madlabs]

Hi All,

Like many, I have a three position composite video switch so I can select the source for my old TV, between DVD, HDMI or VCR. My switch is a piece of crap I got online. It has been requiring wiggling for a while and now it just quit.

Any recommendations for a decent one? There are a ton out there but they all look like cheap crap.

[user181]

If you want to spend some money, Shinybow makes decent equipment. For $100-$150 you can get 4x2 matrix switch that even has a remote!

[Chip Chester]

I have a Knox 8x8 I could let go for about that price.

[Electronic M]

The mechanical switchers Radio Shack has been selling for decades seem to last for ever.

I've grown partial to buying old cheap home theater amps that have AV switchers to have remote switching...Decent ones can be had for $5-20...I tend to be picky and only go for S-video units.

[madlabs]

I was hoping to spend less than $80 or so. There must be something decent for that price range. The better ones seem to have a lot of inputs, I only need three at most.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by madlabs

I was hoping to spend less than $80 or so. There must be something decent for that price range. The better ones seem to have a lot of inputs, I only need three at most.

If you want cheap and don't mind mechanical pushbutton operation only get one of these. About 20 years ago I bought this model used and I have been using it in some audio and or video rack or another continuously ever since without failure.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Shack...UAAOSwZ4Rc4dSs

These things are as basic as they come but they work and last.

[madlabs]

Thanks Tom, I bought it. Looks to be all I need. I don't mind push button operation at all. I'll let you know how it works.

[kf4rca]

If you're into DIY, you could go the Maxim route:
https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/p...s/MAX4360.html
For audio you could use the CD405x series of multiplexers.

[madlabs]

Well, i got the switch. Bummer is that the number 2 source switch sticks. Took it apart and I can get it to move but only if diddled with a screwdriver. The good news is the guy told me to keep it. It still works on 1,3 and 4. So I can't complain, a free switch and I only have three sources anyway. Thanks for the recommend Tom.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by madlabs

Well, i got the switch. Bummer is that the number 2 source switch sticks. Took it apart and I can get it to move but only if diddled with a screwdriver. The good news is the guy told me to keep it. It still works on 1,3 and 4. So I can't complain, a free switch and I only have three sources anyway. Thanks for the recommend Tom.

Glad it works for you. Surprised and a bit sorry I found you a damaged unit.

[madlabs]

It ain't on you Tom! The unit was just what I was looking for and it is still going to work for me.