can i use a component switch with the HD1000U with no lose HD picture quality?if i can what switch should i buy or what should i make sure the switch has so i do not buy a cheap one that messes up my HD picutre?THANK YOU

Yes, I'm using one with my system. I looked around and couldn't find what I was looking for (I needed at least 3 inputs and 2 outputs). I was at my local Radio Shack store (for another purpose) and looked at what they had in the store (there was nothing on their web site that did the job for under $90 - way too much $ :eek: ).

In the store, they had a 4 input (component + L/R & digital audio = 6 RCA jacks) and 2 outputs (same connections) for under $35 (I don't remember the exact price) - it's Model # 03A05, Cat # 15-1927. I have it (right now) connected to my H20 DirecTV STB and my DVD player and sending the outputs to my 32" LCD flat panel display and my HC3 PJ. I'm not using the audio connections since they are switched through my 7.1 channel receiver. I plan on adding my DVR to the inputs in the future.

The RS switcher does not come with a remote, but it has an IR learning remote sensor. The instructions tell you how to program it from your existing IR remotes (which I haven't done yet). It also has manual input switch buttons on the unit. I've been using it for almost a month with absolutely no problems. The input cables are 12' long from the H20 and 3' from the DVD player. The output cable to the LCD TV is also 12' and the output cable to the PJ is 25'. All my cables are from monoprice.

The switch box is black, has a sloping pewter (dark silver) colored top, which is notched for the indicator lights and manual switches. I have it sitting on top of my DVD player (in my equipment cabinet).

The other night, we watched 3 Discovery HD Theater programs on the PJ (my H20 STB is set to output 720p - which it will do over its component and HDMI outputs). The picture quality was absolutely superb :D. Even the SD channels look good, but definitely not as good as the HD channels, as expected.

I am very pleased with this unit – its quality and performance is way better than I was expecting :D. A lot of low cost RS items are not all that good. This one is a definite exception. The build quality (made in China) is very good. The unit is solid feeling, and it’s not a lightweight either.

NOTE: I didn't see any difference in PQ between 720p and 1080i out of my H20 STB on either the flat panel or PJ displays (using the switch box). However, the LCD TV is a 720p unit (actually 768p) and I did notice slightly more panning blur at 1808i on it. I haven't used my DVD player through it yet, but I don't expect any surprises.

can i use a component switch with the HD1000U with no lose HD picture quality?if i can what switch should i buy or what should i make sure the switch has so i do not buy a cheap one that messes up my HD picutre?THANK YOU

I'm using that same Rat-Shack switch. They've got them for $30.00. I fully expected to buy it and take it back. I bought two, I'm keeping both. The will switch audio as well as coax SPDIF audio. I peeked inside the case -- there is quite a bit of circuitry in there. They originally sold for $70.

I run them into the component input of my HD1000. Even through 25' of component cable from the switch to the projector they look good. The switch also has two outputs, which should make sharing the video sources easier.

The switch does slightly soften the image. However, to really notice you must do a A-B comparison and I found the difference can be pretty much eliminated if you bump the projector sharpness up a couple of notches. Just use a separate AV memory for the component input. This projector will remember the settings for each input. Thus, the increased sharpness only occurs on the component inputs. HDMI and VGA inputs remain flat.

One thing to point out is they while they are ok for 720p and 1080i, I doubt they would be suitable for 1080p.

-Mike

can i use a component switch with the HD1000U with no lose HD picture quality?if i can what switch should i buy or what should i make sure the switch has so i do not buy a cheap one that messes up my HD picutre?THANK YOU

Why wouldn't you be able to use one? :)

You answered your own question. Buying quality makes a difference. It's all about what you're willing to give up to save x dollars. :)

BTW, I rolled the dice on the Rat Shack switch too. I now own threee of them. Love'em.

I use this one: http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/1154A.html

I use this one: http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/1154A.html
WOOW way to much cash for me . :)


hope its worth it.

cheers

I agree, and the auto sensing won't work if you have more than one input active (my H20 satellite STB is on all the time (unless the unit can let you set prioriries). Straight switches are more controllable, IMHO.

It sounds like I should go back and get another Rat Shack unit.