New (?) system/ a/v selectors at Best Buy

**Tones** · 02 Nov 2003, 06:12 PM

I noticed one of these in the Sunday ad, and found it quite interesting. There are two models, both of which are the same price and appear to have the same features, but are different prices. It looks like you get a $25 gift card, too.

Pelican brand
Other brand ("Electro Source")

Info found on another website:

Full Metal Casing

8 AV/S-Video Inputs (one on front)

8 HDTV-Compatible Component Inputs (one on front)

3 Ethernet (Broadband) Inputs

3 Optical Digital Audio Inputs

Standard AV Footprint (17" wide)

Back-lit Interchangeble Name Plates (DVD, Game Console, VCR, Satellite TV, Xbox, PlayStation 2, Playstation, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Cable TV, Video Camera, Computer, Other)

Zero Impedance Circuitry

5 Year Product Warranty

Includes: 1 System Selector PRO, 1 AC Adapter, 1 AV/S-Video Cable, 1 Component Cable, 13 Nameplates

Product ID: unv004
Platforms: XBox, GameCube, Playstation 2, Playstation, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PC, 3DO, Saturn, SNES, NES
Categories: Cables And Adapters
Weight: 112.2 oz
Quantity Available: Not Available ?

$98.95

Hmm, for $100 plus a gift card, I may have to try it out. It seems pretty large, 17" wide, but dang, 8 component inputs! I guess I'd just have to sell my current switch...

**impulse** · 02 Nov 2003, 06:20 PM

This one uses a power source right? I'm not comfortable hooking up my electronics to something that requires a power source. It is pretty cool though ... has component and optical inputs.

**burgundy** · 02 Nov 2003, 06:23 PM

Are those s-vid and component inputs mutually exclusive? Or can that thing really hook up 16 sources?

...Nope...just eight. And contrary to the venerable sitcom, Eight is Not Enough.

**Josh** · 02 Nov 2003, 06:32 PM

It is for me. I think I'll grab one next paycheck.

**Tones** · 02 Nov 2003, 06:39 PM

I don't see what the problem with a power source is. Maybe it's for generating the optical signal or something. I have absolutely no problems with my Sony AV selector, which also uses a power source.

**GohanX** · 02 Nov 2003, 06:58 PM

Perhaps the power source is to give the unit a signal boost to prevent loss of signal quality?

Just my guess.

**Rumpy** · 02 Nov 2003, 07:36 PM

The Pelican details say that the name plates are lit. Odds are that's what the power is for.

**MechDeus** · 02 Nov 2003, 07:38 PM

8 HDTV-Compatible Component Inputs (one on front)

Sold. Well, whenever I get the cash.

**Tones** · 02 Nov 2003, 08:07 PM

This would be absolute tops if it included auto-switching... oh well.

It's gotta be a lot better than maneuvering behind the entertainment center for five minutes each time I want to switch the optical cable from the XBOX to the PS2 or vise-versa.