Multiple Component Video Sources To One Component Video Input?

[admin_exported]

Firstly, apologies for the length of this post, but I am trying to cover everything.

I have just purchased the Sony KDL-P3020TV using the March 2008 What Hi-Fi Issue and am very happy with it. I have hooked up my old Sony DVP-S725D DVD player with QED Component leads to the one Component input available. The picture is much better than the previous RGB Scart input I have been used to on my old TV.

Problem: At present I have got a PlayStation 2 and a Wii which I am considering getting the Component leads for, as I should then be able to get better quality from them. Currently they are connected with the basic Composite-to-Scart leads, via a Bandridge Scart Switcher to the 1st Scart socket on the TV (I have done this I intend to use the 2nd TV Scart socket for a DVD/HD recorder in the future so need it spare!). This works fine, however, with the new TV I should be able to get higher quality video output from these sources by using Component video; the question is how to achieve this?

Possible Solutions:

1). With only one Component input on the TV, is it worthwhile getting a Component Switcher such as this one from Maplin's?: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=97952

I am aware that this could reduce quality somewhat, especially for the DVD source if I connect it through this rather than straight to the TV as present. Also would there be a general loss of quality from the PS2 & Wii if connected via this Component Switcher box?

2). What about a Component to HDMI converter (also at Maplin's at £80): http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=224919. It only has one Component input, so I would either need two of them (not realistic) or use a combining jack for each RCA connector from the PS2 & Wii (i.e. one for each of the two Reds, one for the Greens, one for the Blues). This could then be output whichever source to the TV's HDMI input. I suspect this will be too many connections & not worth the cash. In theory could this work though & would the Component to HDMI quality be equal to a direct Component connection to the TV from each source (if the TV had any more sockets spare!)?

Hope this makes sense.

Has anyone got any thoughts or advice on the above and do you think I should go with either of the two new solution options above or is it better to just stick with what I have got?

Thanks,

Tony

 

[fatboyslimfast]

The switch seems ok, and tha fact that it supports 1080p should mean that quality isn't reduced too much.

Alternatively, why not use the comp-hdmi convertor on the dvd, and then the switch on the game gear?

 

[Gerrardasnails]

TonyG4:
Firstly, apologies for the length of this post, but I am trying to cover everything.

I have just purchased the Sony KDL-P3020TV using the March 2008 What Hi-Fi Issue and am very happy with it. I have hooked up my old Sony DVP-S725D DVD player with QED Component leads to the one Component input available. The picture is much better than the previous RGB Scart input I have been used to on my old TV.

Problem: At present I have got a PlayStation 2 and a Wii which I am considering getting the Component leads for, as I should then be able to get better quality from them. Currently they are connected with the basic Composite-to-Scart leads, via a Bandridge Scart Switcher to the 1st Scart socket on the TV (I have done this I intend to use the 2nd TV Scart socket for a DVD/HD recorder in the future so need it spare!). This works fine, however, with the new TV I should be able to get higher quality video output from these sources by using Component video; the question is how to achieve this?

Possible Solutions:

1). With only one Component input on the TV, is it worthwhile getting a Component Switcher such as this one from Maplin's?: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=97952

I am aware that this could reduce quality somewhat, especially for the DVD source if I connect it through this rather than straight to the TV as present. Also would there be a general loss of quality from the PS2 & Wii if connected via this Component Switcher box?

2). What about a Component to HDMI converter (also at Maplin's at £80): http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=224919. It only has one Component input, so I would either need two of them (not realistic) or use a combining jack for each RCA connector from the PS2 & Wii (i.e. one for each of the two Reds, one for the Greens, one for the Blues). This could then be output whichever source to the TV's HDMI input. I suspect this will be too many connections & not worth the cash. In theory could this work though & would the Component to HDMI quality be equal to a direct Component connection to the TV from each source (if the TV had any more sockets spare!)?

Hope this makes sense.

Has anyone got any thoughts or advice on the above and do you think I should go with either of the two new solution options above or is it better to just stick with what I have got?

Thanks,

Tony

I bought the very same switch for my Dad's set up. He has an older LCD (no hdmi) and a new Humax HD box and dvd player and recorder with component only. It worked well but there was an issue with the audio on the dvd player. It might have been a faulty cable or something.

You could get a second hand av receiver that has component switching as an alternative.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies, from the sound of that I may well give that a go then. At some point in the future I may get a DVD/HDD recorder. There is a Sony one which got product of the year last year. It has 5 stars & can upscale DVD's to 1080p by the looks of it, so that maybe the option to get the DVD to the TV via HDMI. Then I could use the component switch for the PS2 & Wii.

In the meantime I'll probably get the component switcher & put all three sources through it & see what it looks like!

Thanks again for your help, it is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Tony