S-video switchbox cause any quality degradation?

[Capcomwarrior]

Does a non-powered S-video/composite switch box (to hook multiple systems up to a tv that only has one input) cause any degradation of video quality? I don't really understand why it would since only one input is used at a time, but I'm not sure.

I did google this, but didn't find a solid answer.

Thank you much

[Marspants]

From my experience I'm going to say no, at least none that I could really notice. I suppose with anything more then just a short direct input your going to scientifically lose quality, but I've used about 4 or 5 different switch boxes (Even switchboxes to switchboxes!) and I never noticed a thing.
Quality of the actual Switchbox might affect things, but I would go with a cheapy and if you can see some degrade then consider something of a higher quality.

[Hobie-wan]

Any time you use a longer cord than necessary or add connections like plugging into a switchbox, there will be some signal degradation and more chance to pick up interference. But as long as you don't have a terrible switch or a bad birds nest behind everything, it probably won't be a big deal.

[CRTGAMER]

I run three video switch boxes, all non powered for my systems. Sometimes do have to press switch firmly to make all the contacts. But other then that, have clear pic and sound.

[Capcomwarrior]

Thanks for the replies. I just have one so that I can have my Saturn and laptop hooked up to my 36" Sony Wega at the same time. Neo Geo, CPS, etc feels so amazing on that TV. Almost like a giant arcade monitor.

I think my mind was just messing with me after I thought of the possibility of degradation. Probably too little to actually tell.

[CRTGAMER]

Thanks for the replies. I just have one so that I can have my Saturn and laptop hooked up to my 36" Sony Wega at the same time. Neo Geo, CPS, etc feels so amazing on that TV. Almost like a giant arcade monitor.

I think my mind was just messing with me after I thought of the possibility of degradation. Probably too little to actually tell.

Is that Wega a CRT HD? I have a Wega 4:3 HD CRT and have been tracking Lightgun and Input issues.

I wrote an extensive article at my signature link. Appreciate comments about your TV on the link.

[Assman]

I have a switch as well and haven't noticed any degradation whether I'm doing composite or component. Although, since composite looks like shit anyway, I probably don't even care enough to look for a difference in quality.

Just stick with "too little to actually tell".

[Capcomwarrior]

CRTgamer - Actually mine is the 4:3 non-HD one. Probably a bit older, but does actually have component input, which is freaking awesome with PS2 arcade comps like Samurai Shodown Anthology, and Capcom Classics 1 & 2. The S-video looks really good too, although not quite as good as the component. I use that tube for all my 2d, SD gaming (which really feels like having a 36" arcade monitor in my living room). I have a much smaller LCD for my 360 and anything HD. I haven't tried out light gun games on my Wega yet, but I am looking for a good deal on House of the Dead 2 and some guns, so I should be able to let you know soon. Thats a great thread you have there on the subject. I will read it more in-depth here in a few.

Assman - Yeah, I think youre right. And I don't mess with composite (S-vid instead) on anything besides Genesis/32x, which isn't hooked up right now. (my girl will only allow 1 modern system [PS2] and 1 retro system [Saturn] on that TV at a time, although I do have my laptop s-video cord sneaked in there for emulation)

[CRTGAMER]

CRTgamer - Actually mine is the 4:3 non-HD one. Probably a bit older, but does actually have component input, which is freaking awesome with PS2 arcade comps like Samurai Shodown Anthology, and Capcom Classics 1 & 2. The S-video looks really good too, although not quite as good as the component. I use that tube for all my 2d, SD gaming (which really feels like having a 36" arcade monitor in my living room). I have a much smaller LCD for my 360 and anything HD. I haven't tried out light gun games on my Wega yet, but I am looking for a good deal on House of the Dead 2 and some guns, so I should be able to let you know soon. Thats a great thread you have there on the subject. I will read it more in-depth here in a few.

Thanks for the praise. By all means please add to that thread at my signature link. Interested in hearing results of your Wega with the light guns.