Terk VS-4 S-Video/Video/Audio Switch Selector

by Terk

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 3 x 13.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005T3FD
• Item model number: VS4
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Terk's S-video-compatible VS-4 video selector expands the options available to those with limited-input televisions. Though today's home-entertainment systems bring endless hours of viewing enjoyment, they can also be difficult to deal with--especially if there aren't enough connections on your TV or audio/video receiver to accommodate all your components, such as video game consoles, DVD players, PVRs, satellite systems, and VCRs. In such cases, moving components around and disconnecting and reconnecting wires becomes a serious deterrent to enjoyment and even use.

Many TVs include an S-video input--a superior type of video connection to the standard coaxial or RF video. S-video improves clarity and resolution and reduces video artifacts. However, S-video-equipped TVs often include only one or two S-video inputs. The VS-4 offers S-video switching on all inputs.

The video selector is built with high-quality components for maximum performance and reliability, including gold-plated connectors for best video and audio signal quality. Non-skid feet make sure the unit stays in place while in use. For added convenience, the selector features a separate front-panel audio jack for connecting powered multimedia speakers, and its signal follows the switching for the primary outputs.

What's in the Box
Switcher and a data sheet.

Product Description

Connects Up To 4 A/V Components & A Set Of Powered Speakers To Tv Connects To Rca & S-Video Ports Multiple S-Video Jacks 4 Sets Of Gold-Plated A/V Jacks Separate Output For Powered Speakers Non-Skid Feet

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sony wants double the price for something like this, March 22, 2005

By 

Reuben K. "R.K." (Honolulu, HI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Terk VS-4 S-Video/Video/Audio Switch Selector (Electronics)

Being that my 20-in. Sony Trinitron TV only has one A/V input, I ended up deciding to get an A/V selector so that I could plug my new DVD player into it. Originally, though, I was thinking of getting Sony's SB-V40S. But then I found that Terk sold this one for about half the price, and it was literally identical to Sony's except for one thing: Terk's A/V selector has gold-plated connectors. And being that this helps prevent rust & improves signal transfer, it was easy to make the decision to purchase the Terk VS-4.

The instruction manual I looked at on Terk's web site doesn't mention it, but I noticed that this selector is magnetically shielded, allowing me to place the VS-4 anywhere I want to. Also, the rubber feet underneath it prevents it from moving around on top of my cable box (where it's located). No matter how many times I use it, it never moves. I LOVE THAT!! In short, I'm disappointed that Sony charges double the price that Terk charges. That's why Terk got my money, and Sony didn't.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cheaply made, does not have its own power supply, but it does the job, January 26, 2007

By 

ninjasuperstar (Iowa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Terk VS-4 S-Video/Video/Audio Switch Selector (Electronics)

I purchased this A/V switcher to connect an S-Video DVD player and the S-Video on my Nintendo Wii to the same TV. The problem with most TVs and S-Video is 1) there's only one S-Video connection on the TV, and 2) the audio that accompanies the S-Video is generally only at the first A/V channel. The A/V switcher solves this problem by allowing more than one S-Video device to connect to a single S-Video TV.

Lightweight, Somewhat Cheaply Made Product: This A/V switcher is so light that a few cords can tip it or pull it from your entertainment center to the floor. Be sure to position it well.

Not Powered: A powered A/V switcher should produce better quality video. Thus far, I have noticed little if any difference in the quality of the S-Video with this switcher.

Ease of Use: The change from DVD player to video game console is instant and as easy as pushing a button.

Overall, I recommend this product because it does the job well and there's little to no noticeable decrease in the quality of the S-Video. Read the reviews of other A/V switchers, and you'll see that many are problematic. This one works great.

26 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A few technical clarifications, September 10, 2005

By 

Marcus W. Sparks "Marc42" (Parks, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Terk VS-4 S-Video/Video/Audio Switch Selector (Electronics)

Regarding two of the comments above- Gold plated contacts, while nice, are really just a marketing scheme. I've never had a contact rust- ever. And as far as increasing signal quality- I'm sure that's true, but at this price level, it's not enough to matter. So if you are using top of the line equipment, gold contacts may be worthwhile. But if you are looking at a $22 switcher, it probably doesn't matter, because you are probably using low-gage cables that came free with your $59 VCR. That said, it's obviously not a bad thing that the cheaper product has gold contacts- it's just not a selling point.

Regarding the second point- that this switcher doesn't "mix" composite and s-video- that's actually a GOOD thing. Splitting a composite signal to a s-vid connector without some sort of power behind it will actually degrade the signal. (You can go the other way, though.) I have a semi-professional Sony switcher I use in my video production business that does not perform this function because it's unpowered. If you want a switcher that performs this function, you need to make sure it's powered- no matter how much it costs.

I will probably purchase this switcher to augment my Sony, because I actually NEED to be able to keep the S-Vid and composite signals separate. (I have a Toshiba monitor with both inputs, but no way to switch between them- plug them both in and you see both signals.)

If you need a cheap switcher to switch between a DVD and Satellite Reciever, this is probably a great option. But don't expect it to do anything it shouldn't at this price level.