I need an AV switch; Any recommendations? - Page 12

I am having a problem with the Joytech 240c and was wondering if this was common on all these boxes?

I have 2 dvd players hooked up to it, and neither of them up convert, but I am getting a very slow scan line on input number 2. Is this something to do with the box, or could it just be a cable problem?

Hey Guys,

OK this is the response from Joytech in regards to the 540C

"The issue sounds like he is having the same problem with his DVD playback as some users are having with the Wii, that is that at times the "Y" channel signal is quite strong. We are currently working on an adapter that will add a resistor to this channel's input and will be available to give out to any customers that are having this problem. I know this does not solve the immediate issue, but as soon as we are near completion on the adapter I will let you know and you can then inform any customer's that require this adapter."

They have offered to swap the 540C for a 245C what do you guys think I should do?

Regards
Joe

Wait for the adapter, if that doesn't fix it then try the swap. I love the 540c so far, but I haven't taken the time to really check out the picture to see if it degrades at all.

If their fix will be just a resistor, get ready to see much darker video video. Higher resistance on the cable will yield a darker image (not to mention it will then not match the impedence of the cable)

Ok then, well I decided to send it back to them. I emailed Take2 (distributor in AUS) for Joytech, they gave me an address and will swap it for the 245C, the guy I spoke to can't believe it only cost me $60 for the unit (I sent him my reciept) So if the 245C doesn't work I will have to save for a zektor.

Cheers
Joe

I think you posted this somewhere else too, and I responded, but here it is again, in case you missed it -

Sounds like you do have a problem with that switch. Give tech support a call at 1-800/322-8346, and we'll help you out.

Trent

I bout my 240c for $80cdn including tax.
The item was listed as 'PS2 AV Switch' in their computer so they sold it to me for that price at FutureShop (best buy still has them at $130)

I bought my 240c for 25+ shipping on ebay, and I will definetely be upgrading when funds are available. The scan lines are enough to drive me crazy.

Nicolas (or anyone for that matter) have you heard of or looked at Impact Acoustics 3-Play switch?
http://www.impactacoustics.com/produ...1002&sku=40324

On this review here
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/im...switcher.shtml
it states that it has 50MHz of bandwidth. So theoretically this switch should cover all the bases, right?

I was considering purchasing a Zektor HDS4 from someone, it received great reviews from IGN when it came out, but then came upon this box.

Your thoughts, and everyone else's, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi,

I got response from Joytech Australia and its crap, no help whatsoever, only marketing bs, like we are testing wide range of devices etc.., until we release there is new ones, so we can't guarantee anything. Seriously, wtf - 540c was designed for xbox 360, why picture quality is worse when using 540c? From what I can tell, they haven't tested this unit with 360 at all, you have to be blind not to see a difference between direct connection and Shitbox.

Other funny thing, I mentioned to him 2 issues - washed out colors and ghosting. As you see he didn't say anything at all about colors.

This is the response:

Thanks for your email and I am sorry to hear that you have not had a
reply from our technical support in Europe. As you have already read on
some of the forums there has been the odd case of ghosting/fuzzing with
other home AV configurations. Whilst we test as many set-ups as possible
before going to manufacture, as soon as we enter the market technology
has moved on and new AV products have entered the market that we have
been unable to test.

We are constantly reviewing our range to try and ensure the
compatibility of our products remains positive, at this moment in time I
have no real information, as well as what this may entail, but will
gladly keep you posted.

Sorry for the delay, I just got the second unit yesterday (didn't have time to take shots of the first unit.)
This unit was a little different, they put a black foam cover over the chips (see pic on left side were I pulled it off)
I still have no luck with the Joytech

Here is the main pic, if you need close ups of a section, just tell me and I'll do it.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s65/Glo8al/245c.jpg

Also here are the pics of the problem I'm having with this unit and the green band.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...l/DSCF1598.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...l/DSCF1596.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...l/DSCF1595.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...l/DSCF1594.jpg

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A JOYTECH for any component watching, unless you want to fix the 240 as previous post from NicolasG, or if he work out the 245c problem maybe a 245c fix.

Going to see if I can get a Zektor or similar.
this one looked good
http://www.zektor.com/hds41/index.html

I'm in the same boat slampt I guess you have been talking to the same person as me at Take2) I wounder how many 240s he has swapped?

I only got my second replacement yesterday, so I couldn't tell if it would work or not, but I'm guessing you will still have the same problem.

Hey Glo8al,

Yup talking to a dude at Take2,
They have shipped the 245C to me now. Should get it in a couple of days.
I will also take some high quality snaps for NicolasG. If the 245C doesn't give me any joy then I will definately look at getting a zektor HDS4.1 however they try and sting you $30USD for another PSU and shipping is a little expensive too...

Anyone stock these locally in AUS?

Cheers
Joe

I know $30US just to have a 240Volt power instead of 110V
I haven't found any in OZ yet but have been looking.

Edit: I guess you don't need to get the power pack as you could get one here. Its only 9V and I think a 1amp would do. I wonder if they take off the $??US if you go no power pack?

I've sent a email to Zektor to see if there is a dealer in Australia.

There is another option which might be worth a try.
http://www.video-storm.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CSM42 (but optical inputs are at the front.)
or a http://www.video-storm.com/proddetail.asp?prod=CSW62 and use the 245C just as a sound switcher.
CSM42 is $249.99 US
CSW62 is $159.99 US
Don't know how much delivery is to Australia.

Thanks for the picture. The 245C is NOT the same as the 240c.
I can quickly see they knew the problems of the 240 and thus resolved to fix them, but they failed.
The circuit used in the 245 is similar to that of the 540 (360 switcher) which again has the same problems. My guess would be they rushed the 245/540 at about the same time.

The problem with the 245 is the same as stated with the 540. They did use better ic's, the TE330, but they did not use a proper amp on the output, thus limitting the bandwith. (You can even see the location between the HEF4051's for the use of TE330's instead of the HEF4051's. They where expecting problems and had placed the pads for the different chips just in case - but the sound doesnt have problems so the chips didnt need switching)

The 245 wont be fixable in the way the 240 is, as the TE330's are daisy chained. (It may be fixable, but would be a much more complex fix)

A quick snaps of the reverse of the board would be handy.
And of the board on the bottom (the optical one).

I have given the unit to a friend to see if it works for him (I don't think it will). When I get it back I'll take a few more photos.

What would be causing the green band? not enough bandwidth?

Im not technically what would cause the green band, except that there is a synchronization problem. This is due to the synch signals passed on the 'Y' or Green signal not being passed properly.

The green band is likely caused by distortion or clipping of the sync tip. This will disrupt the clamp circuit in the display and generate a signal dependant level error (colored band).

Insufficient bandwidth looks like blurring or a very "soft" image. You lose the fine details and sharp edges are less defined.

Anybody have a comment or suggestion? I'd greatly appreciate any pointers.

Well depending on Take5 Australia and JotTech support, I might get a CSW62.
Depends if I can find a audio switcher with more than 4 optical in (have 5 devices that use optical).
Any one got any recommendations?
I with then look at the price of the component switch and optical switch and go from there.
Thx

If there are no 5+ optical switches I'll just use the joytech for optical only (has 4 in)

Glo8al,

We have the CRM62 which has 6 optical inputs. It is a more expensive rack mount unit though....
If it's in your budget it is a great product

mmm $750AU + del might be stretching the budget a little
Might go with the CSW62 next month (that should be heaps of time for Joytech support to get back to me, which I don't think they will)

Edit: Well after having a problem trying to buy the CSW62 (have sent email to support)
I had a look at http://www.hdtvsupply.com/vistcrcovima1.html
only $549.00US + $100 of gear (might not be able to get this for OS orders but will ask) looks better, can you get the DVI/HDMI switching addon at a later date and install it yourself?

Time to think about it, might get some money for the 245c off ebay.

Ok
I received the 245c this morning. PLugged it in and surprise surprise... Same problems as the 540C, ohh and one more thing, my normal xbox doesn't work through it, if I pull the blue from the component it works but as soon as i plug the blue back in it all stuffs up, cabling is correct...

Very strange, looks like I will be saving for zektor.

Regards
Joe

I just bought the CSW62 for now, using the 245c as the audio switch (only thing it looks like it can do).
What kind of TV do you have? a 720 or better?
I found my friend didn't seem to have a problem, but he is using a old CRT rearpro, with component.
So far it looks like (only tested 4 sets so far) the HD TVs have problems while non HD seem to be fine using the component.

I use a old crt atm haven't bothered with the projector,
my crt is an LG does 720p and 1080i (though i don't use 1080i)

I would rather have a unit that does it all. Ohhh well.

Joe

So is there really a reasonably priced 4x1 Component Switch with Audio?

Looking through here it looks like everyone's having issues with whatever they are using.

I'm looking to hook up a PS2/Xbox360/Wii/Cable box to my TV that only has 1 Component in (Samsung LNS3251D)

I don't know if it will help but I found this: AVS 4.1 - Component Video / Audio Switch from AVLinx (sorry I can't post links yet, just search Google for AVLinx, it will be the first result). It has four inputs, all with optical coax and analog, a remote (it can be used with universal remotes as well), an RS232 control port and a few other things (you can look them up on the site). Its MSRP is $239.

I stumbled upon this stuff because I ran out of AV inputs on my old TV. I was going to get a nice HD switch like the ones in this thread, but now reading that they all have issues (even if they can be fixed by changing ICs inside), I don't think I'll get one as I'm not that good at sodering and I don't need the HD inputs yet (I was thinking for when I finaly upgrade my TV, only the one in the living room is HD right now). I guess I'll get a regular composite/s-video switch. I wanted one with a remote, and all I've found is the AVS-41i from RF-Link. I can't find anything on it though and I've never heard of the brand so I don't know how good it is. If anyone happens to know anything about that would you mind telling me. I'm sorry if I went a bit off topic, I won't mention this again, so if anyone does know anything about this just PM me, I don't want to upset those active in this thread by getting off topic with my minor delima.

For $79, you could go with one of these:

Component Switch with Audio

Nevermind, I found some others. Thanks though. Found another component switch as well (again this one lacks standard composite and s-video inputs). Model is SW104HD from Cable Electronics. Hope the switches I told you about help.

Update: Found another: Audio Authority Model 1154A