I just ordered the Philips PH61148 switch from E-bay for $18. Does it matter what channel I hook up to each output? (can one of the componet outs be used for sub or centre or front - does it matter)

It shouldn't matter. But I would use "matching" channels for certain speaker sets. For example, use the component video ins/outs for the L, C, and R speakers, use the analog L/R pair of ins/outs for the surrounds, and the composite video in/out for the sub. Something like that. And of course you'll want to calibrate each players' analog connection independently and separately using a calibration DVD.

Sorry, I'm new to this. My sound levels will change when I install the switch?
Thanks for the previous info.

The switch shouldn't lower audio levels (not if it's transparent!). What sivadselim was referring to, I think, is to calibrate each device while leaving the receiver/pre-pro input trims to zero.

The switch shouldn't lower audio levels (not if it's transparent!). What sivadselim was referring to, I think, is to calibrate each device while leaving the receiver/pre-pro input trims to zero.

That is correct. Many receivers, in fact, will not apply level settings to the MCH analogue input (even mine, which DOES apply bass management and time alignment via A/D/A will NOT apply levels--I have to set those in the player, sadly, as my receiver is more flexible in that regard with other sources. Some will apply level settings and NOTHING else while most will do nothing but pass the signal through to the main volume control--it varies widely).

The switchbox should have NO EFFECT (it is entirely passive, if it is the one I'm thinking of).

Whether the switchbox has any effect upon the audio levels or not is irrelevant.

Each player connected through the switcher should be calibrated individually using each players' separate and individual level trim settings as opposed to using the receiver's multichannel analog inputs' level trims, as could easily be done if only one player was connected directly to the receiver's multichannel analog inputs. The receiver's multichannel analog input's level trims can also be used, if needed or necessary, to fine tune the overall levels, but bear in mind that the receiver's multichannel analog inputs' level trims will affect the level of both players globally and simultaneously.

If the switcher does happen to have some channel-specific affect upon the audio levels, it will be completely negated by proper calibration of each players' levels.

I used that switch and it worked fine for me. If I did it again, I would look for extra flexible RCAs as 18 cables becomes kind of unwieldy.

I used little stickers on the end of the each cable to indicate center, sub , etc and kept the same pattern for each channel. It doesn't matter where they go as long as the input matches the output.

Excuse, I'm not clear on the capabilities. (not fully awake, I guess).
Will this allow switching between 2 sets of 6 analog inputs to the receiver?
TIA.

Yes

Yes

Great! I can get the analog outs from my pc soundcard patched in with my Oppo player, finally at an affordable price. :)