As gamers with many different consoles & display solutions, we are always looking into options for video switching. In the past we opted for simple solutions like SCART switches or even S-Video/Composite devices due to their low cost and wide availability. Recently however we have been re-designing our LAN and realized we were going to need a more robust solution. For our latest setup we opted for a more expansive approach in the form of a commercial Extron switcher.
Extron products are targeted towards the pro market and they offer a large amount of analog video converters, switches, and video scalers. The Extron Crosspoint series of switches are one of their more popular products and come in many different configurations, from 8x4 (8 input 4 output) all the way to a 128x128 unit that initially retailed for over $100,000!.
These switches were marketed towards large event and production companies, much like Sonys PVM/BVM series of monitors were marketed towards the professional and broadcast markets. As the premium price tag suggests, they are very rugged and you can still find many in decent working condition at the usual places. They offer many different features that are geared towards these markets, but for gaming purposes the models with ADSP are probably the most desirable.
We went with a 32x16 Crosspoint for our particular setup. The 32x16 is a Matrix switch, meaning it can pass through (but not convert) 1 input into multiple outputs or multiple inputs into multiple outputs simultaneously. As is standard with Extron products, there is very little if any signal degradation and no added input lag.
Inputs
Most switches from the Crosspoint series support an impressive array of signal sources. However I have come across quite a few that that are only RGBHV. A good rule of thumb is that if the inputs/outputs are numbered you are pretty much guaranteed to get a switch that supports , RGBS, RGSB, HDTV, Component Video, S-video, & Composite inputs. If they are marked otherwise they can sometimes be VGA only. Extron has most of their documentation online for these so be sure to check up on your model if you are unsure.
HV/HVA
Extron switches come in a few different flavors, the most important thing to look at is if it has the HVA moniker, meaning it routes video as well as audio. HV switches will only route video. An easy way to identify audio capable devices is to look for the blue colored ports under the video inputs.
If you have a separate audio setup (or an Extron audio switcher) for your consoles you would be wise to purchase a video only switch, since wiring the audio on these devices is a headache due to the unique connector used.
Cables, Cables & More Cables
Be prepared to make (or spend) a lot on cables. This is especially true if you are going to connect all of your consoles via RGB or Component.
All Extron crosspoint switcher contain BNC connectors for video, so you will want to invest in BNC cables to connect the switch to your monitor(s). BNC cables made by Extron generally offer the best quality, and can often be bought it lots which can be a big money saver. The other alternative is to purchase the typical 4/5 end to end BNC cables. These cables can also be used to make SCART to BNC connectors if you happen to have any female SCART headers lying around, and since they are double ended you will get 2 cables out of each 1, which will save you a lot of money. Be advised however that making cables is headache unless you have good soldering skills and halfway decent tools.
For Component, composite, & S-Video you can use the normalBNC to RCA adapters. If you have to utilize S-Video you will need a S-VIDEO female 2 ended cable (chroma+luma). There aren’t too many of these still readily available these days so its best to make your own, preferably with BNC connectors if possible.
As far as audio goes, Extron switchers utilize a special 5 pin connector known as a “Phoenix screw terminal”. These connectors carry 3 grounds and a left/right audio connection. There isn’t really a cable that is ideal for the purpose of connecting retro consoles, so that means you will have to make your own. The cheapest and easiest way to wire these connectors is by first purchasing the 5pin Phoenix (search for “5 pole captive screw connector”) connector and a left/right female-male stereo cable & stripping the end off, allowing it to be wired directly to the switch. Extron offers a quick diagram here. Be sure to follow the diagram for the “balanced” input.
The only downside to this method is that the cables will be quite lose and any sudden movement will tend to jar them out of their socket. This is the reason that official Phoenix connectors from Extron have an extra lip on them, so that the cable can be tied to allow for a more secure connection. The cheaper knockoff versions generally do not have this extra lip and will need to be handled with extra care.
Making your own cables may seem like splitting hairs, but in our experience the cost can really add up if you are hooking up a lot of consoles.
*Note: Unfortunately Extron switches require CSYNC when wired for RGB. This means you will need a sync stripper in line with all of your RGB inputs. It is probably easiest to wire a sync cleaner into the SCART head of your RGB to BNC cables.
Remote Control Options
Many Extron switches have remote control capabilities via an RS-232 input port. However, the remotes for these units are typically wired and are geared towards operators who may not have direct access to their hardware rather than a retro gamer sitting in his living room. Some smaller switches have IR remote capabilities.
User Dochartaigh from the Shmups forum has come up with a remote solution that works wireless via a tablet. You will need a Extron av switcher that has an Ethernet port in order to interface the switch with a router. You also need a older PC with a serial port/cable. Another alternative is to use a serial to USB cable but generally these do not work very often if at all – its best just to use a real serial cable.
The remote interface is just a simple HTML hack of the Extron web software. Simply download the files and upload them via Extrons file management tab and connect to the IP address of the Extron switch. The post on the Shmups forum contains further details for adding/changing button details and graphics.
Face Buttons
The face buttons on most Extron switchers can be taken off allowing for custom artwork. There is a small square piece that fits snugly inside the button. Using a razor or Exacto knife, there should be a small lip that you can use to pry the face of the button off.
It is also possible to dissolve the inked in numbers on the buttons for a cleaner look by soaking the button in denatured alcohol for 1-2 hours.
Extron Setup
Our Extron arrived bare bones, which meant we had to do quite a lot of cutting and splicing to set up the Phoenix connectors, and add sync strippers to most of our other cables. To top it off, the audio breakouts on the Extron were so close together we had to sand down the left and right sides of each one in order to make them all fit.
