video switcher suggestions

I use one of the 1154s from www.copperbox.com--$168. Has four inputs and one output. Inputs are component video, coax digital audio, toslink digital audio, SE analog audio, and composite video. It autosenses and you can set priorities when multiple components are on by monkeying with which devices you assign to 1-4, and can override the autosense with a manual button. It works pretty well for me.

The issue I have with buying an expensive switcher, whether included with a pre/pro or not is that I don't want to dump a lot into switching technology when the optimum medium for routing video signals keeps changing--we had RF coax, composite video, S-video, component video (in several incarnations, when you think about separate sync), DVI, DVI/HDCP, IEEE1394 firewire, and now HDMI. I feel like anything I buy is going to be obsolete in a few months.

Ridiculous. You can use an inexpensive mechanical switch, not electronic, like a Radio Shack AV 3 input, 4 way composite video and audio switch, with absolutely no visible deterioration in signal or bandwidth. You just have to get off your rear to push the button and throw the switch.

I kind of like the autosense for several reasons. First, when surfing, I'm not really always wanting to get off my rear and push the button. I'm not a couch potato; frankly, I spend way less time in front of the tube than most US households and, as a mountain biker and rock climber, I'm not lazy or adverse to exercise. But, nonetheless, while parked on my couch I *like* my remote controls.

The other reason is that an intelligently set up autoswitch means that people who aren't as familiar with my set-up, including houseguests, can operate it easily without a two hour instructional session. YMMV.