Multiple sources in > multiple outputs?

[iTr]

Hi all,

 

We have an AV installation where I work which over the years has been added to so much that it's become a mess of splitter boxes and random cables. I'd like to replace everything with one unit if possible, but not sure where to start. Equipment we have at present is:

 

Inputs:

* Sky (composite video and LR audio)

* Playstation (composite video and LR audio)

* Karaoke (composite video only)

 

Outputs:

* 2 x projectors

* 3 x TVs

 

We have a distribution amplifier which runs the 3 TVs.

 

The 3 TVs and 1 of the projectors will display the same feed at all times, and the 2nd projector would display either the same as the TVs or a separate feed from the above, since it's located in a separate area of the venue and thus used for the karaoke/playstation etc, whereas the TVs etc usually just display Sky.

 

Is there an easy solution to this? :)

 

Thanks,

 

Rich.

[DSA]

Is there an actual need to change this setup? It sounds to me like you are just trying to tidy up a few boxes into one, which could just be a waste of money.

 

Or is something broken?

 

David

[Peter F]

Is there an easy solution to this? :)

 

Yep!

 

You want a matrix switcher.

Something like this:

 

http://www.kramerelectronics.com/indexes/item.asp?pic=433

 

This would let you send any source (video & audio) to any feed at the touch of a button.

It would be a one box solution and you would no longer need the distribution amp for the tv's.

 

There is a cheaper solution involving the distribution amp and a 3 way switch box.

 

Sky goes into Distribution Amp.

DA outputs go to TV1, TV2, Projector 1 & the switch box.

 

Playstation goes into the switch box.

Karaoke goes into the switch box.

 

Output of the switch box goes to Projector 2.

 

(Edited out pretty graphic of this arrangement that completely failed to convey it with any clarity whatsoever!)

 

Ermm, forget about the expensive matrix, you don't need it!

 

Cheers,

Peter

[iTr]

Thanks for the replies - the reason I want to change it is that at present I'm the only person who has an idea of how it all fits together, and since its in one of our student bars (and I don't work in the bar itself, but rather in the Events dept), I tend to get lots of phone calls at 11.30am when the bar opens, saying "It's broken" from the bars manager/supervisors, when it just requires a button press on one of the many boxes to sort it out.

 

Think I'll proceed with the switch box idea and see how we get on! We have a 3-way switch box as part of the existing setup so I can chop and change without spending any money :)

 

Cheers,

 

Rich

[back_ache]

If you want to make it easy to support and reliable, go for the one-box kramer solution suggested before.

 

Our experience is users find it easy to get there head around and for over the phone diagnostics one-box is much easier for you, add to that the kramer seem to be happy to never be turned off.