DIY passive component video switcher possible?

[HiGHFLYiN9]

I was wondering if it would be possible to make a DIY passive component video switcher. All the component switchers I've seen for sale so far are powered in some way, is that a requirement of component video?

Basically I want to have 3-4 inputs and one output, each input and output would consist of the three video channels, left and right audio channels and a digital coaxial connection. If someone has seen this done before could you please point me in the right direction, or if possible where to find a selector switch for this project and a large enclosure to put it in.

 

[flecom]

you could get one of those parallel port switches and use the switch from that... they have them in 4 port models... would require a lot of soldering tho hehe

im guessing it would work, since its just mechanical switching...

 

[Garbz]

u'd need a hell of a switch for that.

I cringe at the thought of switching 1 stereo and 1 svideo connection 2 ways.

Even that would require an 8p2t switch.

 

[flecom]

the parallel switches should have 25p4t rotary switch

 

[BradJudy]

Yes, but parallel port switches aren't designed to pass the bandwidth required for things like component video. It might not have the quality of switch required to avoid loosing signal quality.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

Thats mostly what I was afraid of, the bandwidth contraints of component video are fairly high. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and buy an overpriced commercially available one.

 

[chillysalsa]

Yes, it's very unlikely a switch would do the job. I think that's what multiplexing boxes are for. Maybe pick a used one if you're lucky...