Video switch hell

[2njl]

I've got too many sources (cable, TiVo, DVD, Xbox, VCR) for my TV, so after buying a Harmony 676 remote, I figured I should upgrade from the manual Wal-Mart s-video switch to a remote controlled one.

I tried a Kinyo AV-100 first. Programming the Harmony for it was a snap. Then we realized certain scenes on certain DVDs just don't produce an output picture through it for some reason.

Got an RMA for that, and decided to try an RCA VH-920. Picture is fine, but the Harmony can't control it. Harmony's database of commands for it is totally wrong, and after 30 minutes of Harmony support, I was told they couldn't help. The issue is, it doesn't come with its own remote, so there's no straight forward way to have the Harmony learn the native commands for it, and the VH-920's learn mode refuses to learn enough different signals to be controlled properly...not that I wanted to go that route anyway, as it doesn't save this info across power loss.

So, can anyone recommend a remote controllable s-video switch which can be random access controlled by a Harmony 676? By random access, I mean just cycling through inputs doesn't cut it...it needs to support IR commands to switch to the desired input. Ideally, it should be able to convert a composite video input to s-video output...but I'm not actually using that feature and can probably live without it. 2 outputs would be nice too...but I can definitely live without that.

I'm tempted to try the RCA VH-915 (probably should have to start with...but the 920 seemed better).

Has anyone tried the TopSalesDepot one...they advertise on buy.com's web site...so you'll see a link to them if you go to buy.com and look up either the VH-920 or VH-915. Their

[hitbyatrain]

If I was in your situation (and I pretty much am), I'd get a switching A/V reciever with multiple inputs. Some of them now even output HDMI. You're going to spend a little more (probably) but you should be able to get a decent one for around $200. (Well, not one with HDMI.)

[Dan203]

Got an RMA for that, and decided to try an RCA VH-920.

I use a VH-920 with my Harmony and it was a HUGE pain to setup. I don't remember the exact steps that I did to get it working, but basically I customized each "watch" button to send the corrosponding VH-920 code like 6 times consecutively. It's still not perfect (sometimes it doesn't switch) but it's about 85% accurate.

Back when I had my Pronto this was not a problem at all. :(

Dan

[ChuckyBox]

If I was in your situation (and I pretty much am), I'd get a switching A/V reciever with multiple inputs.
Good thinking. I'd recommend the Denon AVR-5805 (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/226.asp). Also, get some speakers. Good ones.

[hitbyatrain]

Good thinking. I'd recommend the Denon AVR-5805 (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/226.asp). Also, get some speakers. Good ones.

Good God yes. Spot on.

[Dan203]

Good thinking. I'd recommend the Denon AVR-5805 (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/226.asp). Also, get some speakers. Good ones.

Buying a $6,000 reciever seems like a bit of an over kill don't you think? Considering the switch he's using was probably less then $100.

Dan

[ChuckyBox]

Buying a $6,000 reciever seems like a bit of an over kill don't you think? Considering the switch he's using was probably less then $100.

This from a guy with five TiVos.

Sure, the 5805 is a bit of an upgrade from the switch, but it will provide good sound, too. Good for music. Good for home theater. Good for the Xbox games. When you look at it that way, a little extra expense isn't such a big deal, is it?

[Edmund]

Keep an eye out on ebay for the radio shack 15-1987, I have two they're great. Learns any commands, once learned, never loses the commands even if unplugged for long periods of time.

The sensitivity of this selector is great, use them in macros, control them via RF remotes, never a dropped command.

[samo]

Keep an eye out on ebay for the radio shack 15-1987, I have two they're great. Learns any commands, once learned, never loses the commands even if unplugged for long periods of time.

The sensitivity of this selector is great, use them in macros, control them via RF remotes, never a dropped command.
I was going to suggest radio shack as well. I don't recall what model I have (I got it couple of years ago) but it switches 4 inputs to 1 output (actually 2 outputs, but both outputs have a same signal), converts composite to S-video or S-video to composite and uses IR to switch. Switch learns any IR signal and has good sensitivity.

[Edmund]

I was going to suggest radio shack as well. I don't recall what model I have (I got it couple of years ago) but it switches 4 inputs to 1 output (actually 2 outputs, but both outputs have a same signal), converts composite to S-video or S-video to composite and uses IR to switch. Switch learns any IR signal and has good sensitivity.


That sounds like the 15-1977, the little brother to 1987. The 1987 is 6-in & 2 out, and adds optical inputs.

I use the 15-1977 as a tool, I teach commands from one remote, then search with another remote for the identical commands.

[hitbyatrain]

Buying a $6,000 reciever seems like a bit of an over kill don't you think? Considering the switch he's using was probably less then $100.

Yeah, but. . . wouldn't it be COOL?

Of course, he could always get a Sony/Pioneer/Whatever receiver for $200 or less. And it would work like a charm.

[Dan203]

Yeah I'd love to have a reciever like that, but just the thought of spending $6K on a receiver, without speakers, gives me buyer remorse. :eek: I have a $400 Onkyo system, that came complete with speakers, that has 4 inputs and sounds just fine to me. :) I might consider paying $100-$1500 for a nicer system some day, but that's about the top of my range for audio. I just can't imagine I could hear the difference.

Dan

[gastrof]

I'd really like to have a receiver that doesn't cost like it's made of solid gold, works decently (doesn't need to be top of the line), but has at least a half dozen A/V inputs.

THAT is a problem with my stuff. Only three video inputs on the receiver. I have to have four sources channeled into one of the inputs thru a MANUAL switchbox. Suppose I could find a remote-controlled switchbox, but that would only be slightly better than what I have now.

A single receiver that can be used for AM/FM, cassette (I still have a deck...haven't used it in over a year) and my video equipment. I'd want at least six A/V inputs. That'd be the right animal for my setup.

[ChuckyBox]

I'd really like to have a receiver that doesn't cost like it's made of solid gold, works decently (doesn't need to be top of the line), but has at least a half dozen A/V inputs.

THAT is a problem with my stuff. Only three video inputs on the receiver. I have to have four sources channeled into one of the inputs thru a MANUAL switchbox. Suppose I could find a remote-controlled switchbox, but that would only be slightly better than what I have now.

A single receiver that can be used for AM/FM, cassette (I still have a deck...haven't used it in over a year) and my video equipment. I'd want at least six A/V inputs. That'd be the right animal for my setup.
How about this one (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3038.asp)? You can probably get last year's model (the 06) for $200 less, or an 06 refurb for about half. You could drive speakers costing $5K to $10K with that pup and get very good performance. I have the 03, and it is very, very nice.

Edit: Here you go: http://www.dakmart.com/website/ItemDetail.asp?ItemId=41889&cID=111 You could look a eCost, PCMall, or overstock, too.

[xnevergiveinx]

i got one of these cheap remote video switchers through ebay for like $25 a few years ago. for the most part, it works fine. my tv sucks, so i'm stuck with only composite inputs...so things aren't awesome quality, but i've become accustomed to it.
the part that sucks is that whenever the power goes out, i have to unplug this unit for a few minutes, otherwise it won't switch inputs with the remote
http://cgi.ebay.com/Audio-Video-Selector-Switch-Switcher-w-Remote-Control_W0QQitemZ9710061948QQcategoryZ73390QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewI tem

[2njl]

I use a VH-920 with my Harmony and it was a HUGE pain to setup. I don't remember the exact steps that I did to get it working, but basically I customized each "watch" button to send the corrosponding VH-920 code like 6 times consecutively. It's still not perfect (sometimes it doesn't switch) but it's about 85% accurate.

Back when I had my Pronto this was not a problem at all. :(

Dan

Any idea where you got the inputs / how you convinced your Harmony to talk to it? I suspect if I could find an RCA/GE/Proscan TV in the Harmony database that had enough video inputs, I could tell Harmony the VH-920 is that TV and that it has to put that TV on input$Foo for each of my devices.

I just got the idea to try telling Harmony that the VH-920 is actually an RCA A/V receiver, using the example one from the Harmony web site, which happens to have 7 inputs. I had high hopes, but this got me nowhere. I suspect when the manual says "if you have GE/Proscan/RCA" stuff, the VH-920 will just work, they mean it knows the on/off codes for those brands DVD players, VCRs, etc. and will switch based on those. It's too bad the VH-920 doesn't follow any standard (and work like a VH-915 or their A/V receiver).

I guess this PoS is going back. Now I have to figure out what to buy next. As for that $5k Denon...yeah right. I could also just hire a buttler to stand by the switch and push the buttons for me.

We don't have speakers, or home theater gear...and we don't really have the space or desire to go that route. I just want a remotely controlled device (don't care if you call it a switch or receiver) that'll swap between a handful of video inputs.

I'm guessing Radio Shack no longer sells the 15-1987?

[Edmund]

The 15-1987 has been discontinued, but they might be on shelf in a radio shack around you, try them all.

[TiVo Steve]

I picked up a Swann SW-P-AVMH remote controlled switcher (4 in - 1 out) S-Video and Composite, off of ebay for around $30. I's been working great for over a year. It's codebase is on the Logitech Harmony site, AND it has a remote the looks like a "baby" TiVo peanut. It also has a timed switching function (probably for surveillance cameras).
If you need to get an HDMI switcher (down the road), try monoprice.com. It's a great place for cables also!

[Dan203]

Any idea where you got the inputs / how you convinced your Harmony to talk to it? I suspect if I could find an RCA/GE/Proscan TV in the Harmony database that had enough video inputs, I could tell Harmony the VH-920 is that TV and that it has to put that TV on input$Foo for each of my devices.

I used the default codes that it assigns to a VH-920, I just went into the advanced setup page and had it send the input select command like 6 times in a row rather then just once like it does by default.

Dan

[2njl]

I used the default codes that it assigns to a VH-920, I just went into the advanced setup page and had it send the input select command like 6 times in a row rather then just once like it does by default.

Dan


Doing it that way, it seems like you'd only be able to cycle through the inputs and not have the ability to jump directly to a particular input. We found out by accident tonight that my previous attempts to program the VH-920 with an old remote from a TV we don't use cause it to switch to the VCR input when we send the volume up command to our Sony TV.

I realized today, that I have one more pocket sized universal remote that I might theoretically be able to train the VH-920 with, and then have the Harmony learn those codes...and reprogram the VH-920 from the Harmony as needed.

I'm also torn between trying the RCA VH-915 and the TopSalesDepot one next. The VH-915, I bet will work and it comes with its own remote, so even if Harmony doesn't support it natively, I should be able to have the Harmony learn from the 915's remote. But after seeing what a PoS the 920 is, and how poorly (not at all) RCA supports it, I don't really want to support them. I may call TopSalesDepot and ask them some questions about theirs...as the web site really doesn't fully describe their switch.

[Hodaka]

I know this is a bit old, but I've got this same problem with my video dropping at random times with my DVD player (Samsung DVD-VR300) with that $30 radio shack autosensing switch.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049646

otherwise the switch works great for what I need and I'd like to find something inexpensive that I can replace this with that won't have issues with my DVD player. I'd prefer something that I can actually control with my harmony 676 (that is already in the harmony database) instead of relying on the autosensing feature.

so what I want is:

4-5 s-video and RCA audio inputs
1-2 s-video and RCA audio outputs
remote controlled w/harmony 676 (and works with harmony database config)
no video dropping out at random times
as inexpensive as possible without being a junky POS that will break or be unreliable..


I have yet to determine what causes my DVD signal to drop. I see it mostly when I play my daughter's Baby Einstein DVDs. I've seen it just a couple of times in over a year on my 2 Tivos.. I bought a new switch recently, thinking it was just a problem on the DVD input port on the switch I had, but the new one does the exact same thing..

Anyway, I'd appreciate any suggestions.. I'm going to look at a few switches I've picked up in various threads here, but many are outside of what I'd consider a reasonable price range for my bargain setup.. someday if I go highdef and replace all of my equipment, I will make sure an invest in a good A/V receiver in the process.. for now it's all about reliable and cheap..

thanks...



I've got too many sources (cable, TiVo, DVD, Xbox, VCR) for my TV, so after buying a Harmony 676 remote, I figured I should upgrade from the manual Wal-Mart s-video switch to a remote controlled one.

I tried a Kinyo AV-100 first. Programming the Harmony for it was a snap. Then we realized certain scenes on certain DVDs just don't produce an output picture through it for some reason.

Got an RMA for that, and decided to try an RCA VH-920. Picture is fine, but the Harmony can't control it. Harmony's database of commands for it is totally wrong, and after 30 minutes of Harmony support, I was told they couldn't help. The issue is, it doesn't come with its own remote, so there's no straight forward way to have the Harmony learn the native commands for it, and the VH-920's learn mode refuses to learn enough different signals to be controlled properly...not that I wanted to go that route anyway, as it doesn't save this info across power loss.

So, can anyone recommend a remote controllable s-video switch which can be random access controlled by a Harmony 676? By random access, I mean just cycling through inputs doesn't cut it...it needs to support IR commands to switch to the desired input. Ideally, it should be able to convert a composite video input to s-video output...but I'm not actually using that feature and can probably live without it. 2 outputs would be nice too...but I can definitely live without that.

I'm tempted to try the RCA VH-915 (probably should have to start with...but the 920 seemed better).

Has anyone tried the TopSalesDepot one...they advertise on buy.com's web site...so you'll see a link to them if you go to buy.com and look up either the VH-920 or VH-915. Their

[Dan203]

You might want to check out the RCA VH915. I haven't actually used one, but from what I've seen it's got a lot better reviews then the VH920 that a few of here have used and complained about.

Plus I found it for as low as $22...

http://www.chumbo.com/Info.aspx?id=253820

Dan

[mattack]

I know this is a bit old, but I've got this same problem with my video dropping at random times with my DVD player (Samsung DVD-VR300) with that $30 radio shack autosensing switch.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049646


Wow, that's much more reasonable.. The other one that people were mentioning is $150 ($130 + $20 shipping) on ebay!

Anybody know of any with more than 3 inputs that is a simple manual switcher (no power necessary)? I have one Sony switchbox (that I essentially got free due to my Sony credit card a few years ago). I still intend on taking it apart to see if it's just a broken connection or something, but it started flaking out a while ago (no output regardless of which input it was dialed to), then finally died.

I actually do have a receiver (one probably ~10 years old after I brought the other one to work to use with my Sony 300 CD changer, and nowadays, my ipod), but I don't have speakers for it, and again, would rather just deal with not having to power something up.. (yeah, it was a dumb purchase.. I got a receiver thinking I would use a receiver..)

[2njl]

We ended up with the RCA VH915. The Harmony 676 controls it without any trouble.

Now here's the odd thing. It has similar problems to the Kinyo, but not as bad, and with different DVDs. The Kinyo would lose video output on certain relatively dark scenes on a Dr. Suess video. The VH915 has no trouble with that, and it was only recently that we found a DVD (another children's one) that freaks out the VH915. This one, on a very bright/white scene makes it look kind of like a VCR where the tracking is a bit off. Only this one DVD of our children's collection has trouble with it, so for now we're just living with the VH915.

If you want a manually controlled one, Wal-Mart sells a 4 in/1 out s-video switch that does both auto and manual source selection. That's what we started with...but with the Harmony 676, we're spoiled and just want everything to be remote controlled.

[Dan203]

Anybody know of any with more than 3 inputs that is a simple manual switcher (no power necessary)?

I have one of these that I use on the office TV and it works just fine...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000031WCH

Dan

[Dan203]

freaks out the VH915. This one, on a very bright/white scene makes it look kind of like a VCR where the tracking is a bit off.

That could actually be the TV. Some TVs do this on pure white scenes when the contrast is set too high.

Dan

[Hodaka]

thanks for the tips..I'll look at the RCA, but it sounds as if it may still have a few issues.. I have the VH920 and was very unhappy with it after my equipment changed and things were no longer all RCA.. and even if you get the stupid thing programmed, one power loss and it loses everything.. thus, I never thought to look at the VH915 after my issues with the 920.. I can pick up the 915 for around $20 plus shipping if I go that route, so it's not a terribly high investment. Still, if there was a tried and true $50 a/v switch that everyone liked, I might be better off going with something like that vs trial and error on cheaper ones..

admittedly, I didn't have my harmony when I used the VH-920. I might program the harmony to control it and see if the predefined setup works. Where I had problems was using the "learning" feature. It wouldn't learn some of my newer remotes and would lose the ones it learned when it lost power. If none of that needs done with the harmony, it might do the job..

anyone try this Startech? http://www.startech.com/Product/ItemDetail.aspx?productid=SVID410IR&c=US

their name sounds familiar like I've ordered something from them before.. the device isn't in harmony's database, but I guess teaching my remote wouldn't be too hard with a simple video switch. There can't be too many buttons, unlike having to teach it something like my DVD recorder/VCR remote.

I usually hang my consoles off of the RCA switch which I daisychain off of the other switch anyway. With my consoles, I'm usually close and don't mind punching a button or two anyway. It's only when I'm across the room watching my directivos or a dvd that I would prefer not to hop up to punch a button on the switch..

Any others I should look at? There are a couple of no name ones on ebay right now. I'm a bit leery about buying an unnamed a/v switch off of ebay and finding it's useless to me..

[Dan203]

anyone try this Startech? http://www.startech.com/Product/ItemDetail.aspx?productid=SVID410IR&c=US

their name sounds familiar like I've ordered something from them before.. the device isn't in harmony's database, but I guess teaching my remote wouldn't be too hard with a simple video switch. There can't be too many buttons, unlike having to teach it something like my DVD recorder/VCR remote.

I've never actually used that switch but I did buy a StarTech brand external hard drive a few years back and it worked just fine, so I don't think the brand should put you off.

If you're looking for more accurate opinions you should try asking over on our Sister site AVSFroum.com. There are a lot of people over there who are really knowledgeable about this stuff.

Dan

[navyman]

I use the Sima svs-4d switch, which is not produced anymore. It was replaced by the Sima vs-502 (http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/VS-502%20D27903.html). This is a bit pricey at $155, but I've been happy with the Sima. Had problems with my RS 1987 switch which did not work well in S-video mode, so that motivated me to get the Sima. Programmed the HTS remote using the Sima remote, and it works flawlessly.

[bonnie_raitt]

I have a Universal - System Selector Pro 2.0 which works well for me. Has 6 ins and 1 out. Can take composite, s-video, or component in any combination. Works with my 2 Tivos, 1 ReplayTV, DVD player, and Comcast DVR recorder. It is compatible with my URC-6131. About $70


Selector Pro (http://www.shop4tech.com/?go=view_item&id=4490&r=183)

[Hodaka]

I have a Universal - System Selector Pro 2.0 which works well for me. Has 6 ins and 1 out. Can take composite, s-video, or component in any combination. Works with my 2 Tivos, 1 ReplayTV, DVD player, and Comcast DVR recorder. It is compatible with my URC-6131. About $70


Selector Pro (http://www.shop4tech.com/?go=view_item&id=4490&r=183)


Thanks, a bit above what I'd like to spend, but it at least "looks" like you get a quality product for that price.. I'll add it my list I'm making to consider.. that hardest thing is to convince myself to go with something $77 vs a $20 RCA VH915 for $20, if both end up doing the job..

[alansplace]

Thanks, a bit above what I'd like to spend, but it at least "looks" like you get a quality product for that price.. I'll add it my list I'm making to consider.. that hardest thing is to convince myself to go with something $77 vs a $20 RCA VH915 for $20, if both end up doing the job..my "$20 RCA VH915" works great!
--
Alan :D

[Hodaka]

I think I've finally gotten the VH920 to work using the information from this page:

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2972&highlight=&sid=8b591c73dc3e15bd0f6de991c8211360

I took me OFA remote and programmed the discreet codes that are the defaults on the VH920 (so it doesn't have to learn and then forget once you lose power). I then used the Harmony learning function. In the A/V switch input section, I told it to send the code for 2000ms.. the only code I couldn't use was the one for the laserdisk. My remote wouldn't take it and I don't have a JP1 cable to program it (guess someday I'll make or order one)..

Anyway, I'm still working out a few timing issues, but it does seem to be changing switch ports. I've not verified that all of the others work, but the laserdisk was the only one that wouldn't accept the remote code, so I'm holding out hope.. I put directivo 1 on satellite, directivo 2 on VCR, DVD writer/VCR on DVD, and my second video switch on AUX2 (my consoles are on there)..

So far so good..and if it doesn't, i will probably go with the VH915 since I can get so cheap..

[Hodaka]

success (partially)..

I now have my VH-920 using the DVD, Satellite, and VCR buttons to switch between my DVD-R/VCR and my 2 R10s.. I've emailed Harmony support to see if they can add the discreet code for the laserdisk since my OFA does not recognize it, so I can't use it to teach my harmony.

I also configured each Input command to send at least a 2000ms blast after reading several posts about the VH-920 needing a long IR blast to work...

I'm not sure the AUX1/2 commands work. I tried to toggle them with the InputAUX1 and InputAux2 entries I'd created for the device, but nothing happened. If someone ever figures those out, I'd love to know them. Like I said, my console switch is daisy chained off of AUX2 anyway, so I have to be up and can push the button while I'm standing there, but it would be nice for "future" use..

I provided Harmony all of the information I gathered under my incident number, so I hope they will use it to correct the database entries for the VH-920. Even if they only get it to partially control the switch, that's a lot better than none of them working..

All this would be absolutely unnecessary if RCA had made some non-volatile memory in this dang VH-920 to actually remember learned commands.. you could teach it and it would never forget without some type of reset..

Thanks for all the suggestions on other switches and I'll keep those in mind if I decide this isn't working out, but so far, so good..

edit: I found an old OFA URC-2005 that would accept the VCR 202 code and used it to set the InputLaser command and it works.. now all of the named buttons on my VH-920 work (satellite, dvd, laserdisk, and vcr. After more reading, I realized that AUX1/2 don't have a default code. If I understood the conversation, those codes were just discreet off codes. Someone mentioned that the manual says AUX1 and AUX2 can also only be learned and have no defaults. My manual doesn't say that or I missed it, but I believe that they're probably right. So, unless I want to program AUX1/2 to some remote codes and teach them to my Harmony, those will have to be buttons I push. I'm happy with this as a resolution. It's too bad RCA did such a crappy job with the VH-920.. I never had problems when all I had was RCA equipment because I never had to program it, but I learned how bad it was when I got my first DirecTivo. I'm just glad that with a few tricks, I was finally able to use my Harmony to overcome the initial problems I had with it..

This does point out a flaw in the harmony design though. If I could actually enter discreet codes instead of having to use the learning mode, I'd not have had to go to the trouble of first entering these in my URC-6131 and URC-2005 to then program my Harmony.. This one little addition would sure make a lot of people happy..

[WO312]

Only has 3 inputs, but this has worked great for me.

http://www.audioshowcase.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?text=40AV-3100R