Do you always keep your systems plugged in?

[Hatta]

Actually, the reason I haven't gone with auto-switchers is that sometimes I'll play games on one system, while having music playing on my Xbox. So I have some of the switches routed through my AV receiver, and some going straight to the TV. What I really need is an audio mixer, so I can set it to about 75% music, 25% game, that would be about right.

[MrPopo]

To solve the switch dilemma what I did was get switches that are remote controlled. Yes, they technically draw continuous power, but compared to my other constant draw devices (like my fridge or TV) it's negligible. Then I got a Logitech Harmony remote and set it up so that when I want to play my Super Nintendo, it sets the switch box to the SNES input, flips the XRGB to the switch box input, and sets the TV to the XRGB input. This way I don't have to remember what's on what now that I've got everything set up the way I want.

[ujnhunter]

Yep. I keep all my systems plugged in... all the time. If I go away for extended periods I usually throw the off switch on my power strips. I also have them all chained to AV selectors. I have 3 HD selectors and 3 SD selectors.

[prfsnl_gmr]

I use one of these:

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManuf ... Item/LCG5/

I keep any system that maintain a wireless internet connection (such as a Wii) or that requires me to reset the clock every time it loses power (such as an Xbox) hooked up the hot connections. The rest of my systems (NES, SNES, SMS, etc.) are hooked up to the contingent connections so that they only draw power when I turn on the television, but do not otherwise consume electricity.

This set up has worked really well, and I feel that it the most efficient way for me to keep all of my systems "hooked up" without having them use electricity unnecessarily.

[fastbilly1]

I only keep one or two systems hooked up so, only one or two are plugged in. Right now its my Wii in my Den and my MVS in the basement (since I am trying to fix the ruddy thing).

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I keep everything plugged in at all times, connected to a separate power bar I can switch off if I'm going away for the weekend or something. (Except the Xbox, which is plugged in with the TV and AV equipment as it requires you to reset the clock when unplugging.)

No issues with AV switchers as we have an Onkyo AV processor that can handle everything, but, when I get a CRT I'll probably get a switchbox with a remote.