TV question; dealing with multiple 'component' inputs

[Jimbilly]

Lets see if I'm understanding all this hi-tech correctly.

To start with, I have an Xbox and a Wii, both with the 3 video and 2 audio 'component' rca's, plus an old VCR (1 video and 2 audio rca's) that my kids use often, just one HDMI from the dvd player, and the coax-cable from the wall. All of these have spots in the back of my tiny 2005 Samsung 23".

The newer Samsung Led/lcd 40" UN40B I'm looking at just has one 'compenent' input (3+2 rca's) and a bunch of HDMIs.

Do I have to run all the rca plug components (xbox, wii & vcr) through a home theater switcher of some kind? I've got a Yamaha RX-V563 I bought intending to use in the basement (that we've nearly completed finishing), it looks like it would do the job. Or do some of the new TVs still have multiple 'component' (3+2 rca plug) inputs?

I like to keep things simple if I can, but maybe there no way around having a complicated home theater setup.

[Hbom]

I think I'd look at a few more TVs. I have a fairly low end Vizio 32" that I bought this past spring that has 3 HDMI,2 AV, a RGB & 2Components. So you should be able to find something that is more component friendly.

[specialk]

I think I'd look at a few more TVs. I have a fairly low end Vizio 32" that I bought this past spring that has 3 HDMI,2 AV, a RGB & 2Components. So you should be able to find something that is more component friendly.

+1. I have a Sony Bravia, not high end at all, and it has several sets of each connector type.

Samsung is a good brand, probably my 2nd choice for a TV. If you really like them, check other models for connector availability.

[tbonesullivan]

wow.. that is really low. Most tvs have at least two full sets of component inputs. and then 2-4 HDMI inputs.

Of course if you have a home theater system with HDMI pass through then you can use that to switch things. personally I am not entirely happy with how the HDMI implementation and digital audio works with HD tvs. I think it would be simpler to have the TV handle all the switching and just have it output to the receiver through one HDMI cable.

[JohnnyB]

So ... your XBox and Wii consoles don't have HDMI outputs? Your real problem is widespread connectivity obsolescence.

If you want to continue in that vein, get an AV processor from around 2005, when component video switching (that's the separate RGB RCAs) was at its peak. These are obsolete in the HT market and therefore resale value is very low, like under $200.

Also, check into some more TVs. My HDTV is from 2005 and is crazy obsolete by today's standards (720p, LCD-powered rear projection). Yet it has two component inputs and two HDMI inputs as well as a couple of S-Videos, some composite video inputs, and a coax input. Most 40-inchers I've seen have at least 3 HDMIs and two component video inputs, plus some composites and S-videos.

[mathman]

We just bought a Vizio 37 inch for our backroom. There was a model at Target with 5 hdmi's, one component and DTV. There was a similiar model at Sam's Club with 2 HDMi, 2 Component, Composite, and DTV. Definitely shop for a different TV.

Sony's have lots of connectivity usually.

[Jimbilly]

I bought that Samsung LED/LCD 1080i/120hz 40", it was $550 (used in great shape). It's still the current model, which run $900+ new. I got an HDMI x-box from my video game dealer buddy, now the only snag is the Wii and the vcr, - I'm surprised there is not an HDMI Wii connector, maybe there is?

I can handle that issue for the deal I got on the TV. I was hoping to stay in the $600 range for a 40"-ish tv, so I think I did alright.

I was looking at the $1999 giant Vizio at Costco last night, it has 2 Component ins and a 3-rca in for VCR, it is kind of odd that the Samsung seems to be one of the better respected TVs, but has the fewest ins, maybe they figure the VCR is obsolete.

It looks like there is are a variety of switches available that would be more than adequate, like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-40324-Comp...stp_s2_edpp_url

[JohnnyB]

I bought that Samsung LED/LCD 1080i/120hz 40", it was $550 (used in great shape). It's still the current model, which run $900+ new. I got an HDMI x-box from my video game dealer buddy, now the only snag is the Wii and the vcr, - I'm surprised there is not an HDMI Wii connector, maybe there is?

I can handle that issue for the deal I got on the TV. I was hoping to stay in the $600 range for a 40"-ish tv, so I think I did alright.

I was looking at the $1999 giant Vizio at Costco last night, it has 2 Component ins and a 3-rca in for VCR, it is kind of odd that the Samsung seems to be one of the better respected TVs, but has the fewest ins, maybe they figure the VCR is obsolete.

It looks like there is are a variety of switches available that would be more than adequate, like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-40324-Comp...stp_s2_edpp_url

Another alternative would be to get a component video-to-HDMI converter for the Wii. Read about it here.

And of course VCRs are obsolete. The only way a VCR's been available (new) for years is as a VCR/DVD combo player. We shipped most of our VHS tapes off to our granddaughter 3 years ago and dropped the rest at a thrift shop. With Netflix Instant Watch I could probably dump most of my DVD collection as well (but not our few Blu-rays).

[Armitage]

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/Sea...1&CatId=466

How about a Monster component to HDMI cable? I've never seen one of these before...

[specialk]

And of course VCRs are obsolete.

Shhhh! Don't tell my VCR or my tapes this. :angry:

[chewie37]

Don't know if it works well (or at all), but there actually is an HDMI adapter available for the Wii:

http://www.neoya.com/shop/wii2hdmi/

[Jimbilly]

I stopped by Target on the way home, they have a $40 GE component switcher; four 'component' (5 rca's) in and one 'component' out, so I'm all set. But I should have gotten a short component cable while I was there... I'm sure it's not super high-quality, but I'm not too worried a little wii or VCR picture degradation.