Author Topic: Trying to connect multiple consoles to a TV  (Read 334 times)

October 30, 2012, 06:45:50 AM
Read 334 times

lotusoftheleaf

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So, the number of game systems I own has increased and I'm having trouble switching between them. My TV only has 2 HDMI inputs, occupied by my satellite receiver and PS3, and one that acts as both composite and component (no S-Video :(). However, I have all these things I'd like to have plugged in:

Wii (component)
PS2 (component)
GameCube (component)
PS1 (composite)
N64 (composite)
SNES (composite)
Genesis (composite)

What would be the least expensive way to hook all these up and not sacrifice too much picture quality? I'm thinking this thing might work if I can find it a little cheaper than this: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-Channel-Certified-Receiver/dp/B004O0TRD8
« Last Edit: October 30, 2012, 07:00:43 AM by lotusoftheleaf »

October 30, 2012, 10:31:50 AM
Reply #1

AxelSteelBMX

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Actually, this is also relevant to my own interests.  If you don't mind, I'll keep an eye on the responses you get and hopefully be able to learn a thing or two as well.

October 30, 2012, 10:52:17 AM
Reply #2

MaSHoe

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October 30, 2012, 11:08:44 AM
Reply #3

lotusoftheleaf

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I actually have something like those already. What I'm looking for is one that can handle both composite and component input.

This seems to be what I'm looking for if I'm understanding all this correctly: http://avreceivers.productwiki.com/yamaha-rx-v659/

It has exactly how many composite and component inputs I need, and I assume since the composite inputs are upscaled to a component output the dual A/V input on my TV won't have any problems reading them. The only real downsides I'm seeing listed are the lack of HDMI, which I don't need, and needing accessories to use an iPod, which doesn't concern me. There's a newer model that has both of those things, but it has less component inputs. Plus, this is $200 on Amazon, which is just about what I'm looking to spend.

If I'm misunderstanding how this receiver works and this isn't going to do what I'm thinking it will, someone please correct me.


October 31, 2012, 12:40:19 PM
Reply #5

JDavis

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I would be sure to find reviews by gamers on anything that does upconversion, as those can introduce delays that don't affect anything passive (like watching a movie) but can be seriously detrimental to gaming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My own set up is... highly convoluted.

On the TV's end...

HDMI input 1 - Satellite receiver
HDMI input 2 - PS3
Component input 1 - XBox 360 (I got mine a couple months before HDMI output became standard on all models :-\)
Component input 2 - Wii / PS2 (universal cable, also has a 360 end, but I prefer to use the official cable. I have to switch off the PS2 in the back to keep it from interfering with the Wii's signal)
S-Video/Composite input 1 - Gamecube/N64/SNES (I have one S-video cable for these consoles, so I keep them on the same shelf and plug the cable into whichever one I want to use)
Composite input 2 (no S-video) - VCR/switchbox
Coaxial input - Famicom

The VCR's rear composite input goes to a switch box. I use the front input for plug-n-play stuff (Atari Flashback 3, Namco Ms. Pac-Man plug'n'play, etc)

Composite-only switch box:
Input 1 - NES
Input 2 - Genesis
Input 3 - Dreamcast
Input 4 - Unused

I do have an open VGA port on my TV, so I plan to (sooner or later) pick up a VGA box for my Dreamcast, at which point I can remove the switch box from the equation completely and just use the VCR's two inputs for the NES and Genesis (unplugging one or the other to plug in any plug'n'play stuff).

I'm probably losing some picture quality by going through the VCR and switchbox for those few systems, but I'm already not getting an optimal picture for them anyway by not using a CRT TV ::) So whatever

October 31, 2012, 08:00:45 PM
Reply #6

lotusoftheleaf

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I've been getting some help on the AVS forum too, and based on their suggestions I think I'm going to buy a switcher with several inputs like the Pelican recommended in this thread and a receiver like the DVDO Edge, which I've read is good to use for gaming. That should allow me to connect everything, right?
« Last Edit: October 31, 2012, 11:36:18 PM by lotusoftheleaf »

November 03, 2012, 01:26:01 PM
Reply #7

Harp00nX

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If any of you are in the UK (or i guess you can search on the US site) I've used one of these for over 2 year and they work perfectly. You can connect up to 7 AV cables and switch between them all using the front panel. 6 of them are on the back which can take component and 1 is on the front but that only does composite. I had a search and found they were in stock so I ordered another one (it was twice the price when I bought my first one). For old systems they are great, my tv has two scart sockets and I have 7 devices connected to it, when this 2nd unit arrives I will be adding my PS2, CD32 and Xbox to my CRT with a few sockets free (PC Engine is my next buy).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000OBL716/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00