5-Way SCART Splitter

[sj33]

I was looking at the Argos Splitter, the 3-Way one which everyone here seems to recommend. Problem is, I want to hook up 5 devices (PS2/XB/GC/SAT/DVD).
I am told the 5-Way Argos Splitter isn't as good quality as their 3-way one, and should be avoided.

Does anyone know of a splitter that is:

-5 way, all RGB.
-No external power plug needed
-About the same price range as the Argos Splitter, give or take.
-Red/White output's to hook it up to my hi-fi.

Also, on an unrelated note, does anyone know why my PS2 likes to throw my bog-standard 14" TV into 16:9 mode when switched on, even when set into 4:3 mode?

[Kubrick]

You could use 2 Argos 3-way splitters chained together?

[sj33]

I did think that, but wouldn't there be some loss in picture quality?

[Kubrick]

I only have the one so I don't know I'm sure others have done it though.
I'd imagine if you use a good scart-scart lead betwen them there'll be minimal degradation.

[in5ane]

Yes there is one, it is a beauty called Trilogy, i bought mine from lektropacks http://www.lektropacks.co.uk/product...id=112&sku=617 . RGB from 4 scarts, with a couple of composites and audio jacks thrown in, as well being able to set 2 viewing sources (so i can play on a console, and stream Sky to another room!)

It's getting on a bit, so no doubt there may well be newer alternatives i don't know about, but this has server me well for a couple of years

Altho depending on how good your DVD player is (i.e. does it have a pass-thru scart?), you might want to consider plugging your DVD player straight into your telly to get the best picture, and then daisy chain the scarts thru the pass-thru port.

Also, there are leads out there that give you RGB from all your consoles via just one scart socket. I've got one that connects my PS2, GC and US Xbox into one scart thing, then use the advanced Xbox pack for 5.1 from my UK Xbox.

EDIT: oops, should have paid more attention, you're looking for something cheaper!! Try maplin then, but you really do get what you pay for you know

[Jakeway]

mate of mine has an Argos 3 way and 2 way and that all wokrs fine.

[charlesr]

I've got the argos 5 way and for some consoles it's gash - interference everywhere. I've got it plugged into my argos 3 way. Consoles that seem ok with the 5 way go in there. Others go into the 3 way. It's fully RGB btw. Don't recommend it if you can afford anything better and certainly not on it's own.

[Yod@]

Also, on an unrelated note, does anyone know why my PS2 likes to throw my bog-standard 14" TV into 16:9 mode when switched on, even when set into 4:3 mode?

If a voltage is present on SCART pin 8, it switches the TV onto the AV channel.
Most sets can also be toggled between 4:3 mode or 16:9 mode depending on the exact voltage - some PS2 leads don't seem to output the correct voltage to keep the TV in 4:3 mode.

The only solutions that I'm aware of are either to find a PS2 lead which outputs a proper voltage (the official Sony SCART lead does), or else cut pin 8 (this means that the TV will no longer automatically switch to the AV channel, but it'll stay in 4:3 mode).

[sj33]

In5ane - Looks like a similar device to the Joytech AV Control Centre. Unfortunately that's a little bit out of my price range - I don't wanna avoid switching leads that badly!

Yod@ - Interesting. I think I'll just have to live with it. It's one of the best RGB Scart cables I've seen, it's one I got back in the PS1 days, and it beats any other cable I've seen since... it just annoys me when I have to grab the remote and change the ratio every time (quite what a 4:3 14" TV needs 16:9 mode for though.. o.o).

Sounds like the best way to go is to daisy-chain Argos 3-ways then.
Has anyone tried the splitters they sell at Asda for 11 quid, the Phillips ones?

[Pavey]

I have 3 Argos's daisy chained and there was a bit of havoc initially,but the right combination of consoles in each one and its fine,apart from my PS2 problem,ie. japan X-Box next to Pal X-Box is a no-no, but move one of them to the next block and its fine.
GC didnt like the DC much either.

[Duk]

I'm using this switch box at the moment, might be a bit more expensive than 2 of the Argos ones but I don't notice any loss in quality with all 4 sockets used.

Also your Sky box should have 2 scart sockets so you can connect one thing to that and loop the signal through so you'll only need a 4 socket switcher.