Terk VS-4 S-Video/Video/Audio Switch Selector (4 Inputs, 2 Outputs) by Terk
|
List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
(Click here)
Digital camera reviews of Terk VS-4 S-Video/Video/Audio Switch Selector (4 Inputs, 2 Outputs)
Digital camera Review: A few technical clarifications
Summary: 3 Stars
Regarding two of the comments above- Gold plated contacts, while nice, are really just a marketing scheme. I've never had a contact rust- ever. And as far as increasing signal quality- I'm sure that's true, but at this price level, it's not enough to matter. So if you are using top of the line equipment, gold contacts may be worthwhile. But if you are looking at a $22 switcher, it probably doesn't matter, because you are probably using low-gage cables that came free with your $59 VCR. That said, it's obviously not a bad thing that the cheaper product has gold contacts- it's just not a selling point.
Regarding the second point- that this switcher doesn't "mix" composite and s-video- that's actually a GOOD thing. Splitting a composite signal to a s-vid connector without some sort of power behind it will actually degrade the signal. (You can go the other way, though.) I have a semi-professional Sony switcher I use in my video production business that does not perform this function because it's unpowered. If you want a switcher that performs this function, you need to make sure it's powered- no matter how much it costs.
I will probably purchase this switcher to augment my Sony, because I actually NEED to be able to keep the S-Vid and composite signals separate. (I have a Toshiba monitor with both inputs, but no way to switch between them- plug them both in and you see both signals.)
If you need a cheap switcher to switch between a DVD and Satellite Reciever, this is probably a great option. But don't expect it to do anything it shouldn't at this price level.
Digital camera Review: Sony wants double the price for something like this
Summary: 5 Stars
Being that my 20-in. Sony Trinitron TV only has one A/V input, I ended up deciding to get an A/V selector so that I could plug my new DVD player into it. Originally, though, I was thinking of getting Sony's SB-V40S. But then I found that Terk sold this one for about half the price, and it was literally identical to Sony's except for one thing: Terk's A/V selector has gold-plated connectors. And being that this helps prevent rust & improves signal transfer, it was easy to make the decision to purchase the Terk VS-4.
The instruction manual I looked at on Terk's web site doesn't mention it, but I noticed that this selector is magnetically shielded, allowing me to place the VS-4 anywhere I want to. Also, the rubber feet underneath it prevents it from moving around on top of my cable box (where it's located). No matter how many times I use it, it never moves. I LOVE THAT!! In short, I'm disappointed that Sony charges double the price that Terk charges. That's why Terk got my money, and Sony didn't.
Digital camera Review: Works but not long past the warranty
Summary: 3 Stars
This item worked great when it was new, but after leaving it set for a long time on 1 position that set of inputs became useless. No warning to this effect is in the instructions.