Philips USA PH-61148 4 x 1 HD Component AV Selector Reviews

• Works great and easy to install

  
  By A1Q0ZKNH1Q4BE7 on 2006-07-10
  The unit I have works perfectly and I have no problem switching between my XBOX, Sony Playstation, and cable box. I tried all of the inputs and they worked fine, although I am now using it to switch component video signals only. There appears to be no degradation in signal quality, even at 1080i. Note that although Philips describes this as a 4 device selector switch only 3 of the 4 positions accept component inputs, so if you are planning to use component signals keep that in mind. The other (lower quality) signal types are supported on all four channels. Also, it does not come with a component video cable so I had to run out and buy one to connect to my TV. I secured the unit to the top of my component cabinet using velcro.
  
  

• Great for the price!

  
  By A3VK2YVHWSVQHB on 2006-09-26
  I needed more component video inputs for my Sharp LC26SH10U 26" LCD TV since it has only one. I saw this at Walmart and wasn't expecting it to work well because of the price and reviews I read here. However, it works suprising well. Switching between my DVD player, Xbox 360, and HD cable, I notice no degradation of picture quality even at 720p and 1080i resolutions. I'm a very picky person when it comes to video quality, and was expecting some drop in picture detail, but I don't. The mechanical switch isn't the greatest, but I give this 5 stars because it's inexpensive and doesn't degrade the picture. YMMV depending on the quality and legnth of cables you use and your TV. I was looking at getting switches for a lot more money that have features like remote controls, signal amplification, and more inputs. They may be more convenient and have a better construction, but for my setup I don't think I would see an improved picture.
  
  

• Works well, great price

  
  By AR64CEBJWBICU on 2007-10-04
  I got this unit to share the same video input between my Wii, Xbox, DVD player, and Satellite. It was simple to set up, the video picture looks just fine, and I like the fact that it also supports component video input/output (it doesn't support coaxial or optical, though). The unit doesn't require power or battery, which is great. And for the price of $20 or under, I get:
  
  Input 1: S-video, Video, Audio-L, Audio-R
  Input 2: S-video, Video, Audio-L, Audio-R, Y, Pb, Pr
  Input 3: S-video, Video, Audio-L, Audio-R, Y, Pb, Pr
  Input 4: S-video, Video, Audio-L, Audio-R, Y, Pb, Pr
  Output: S-video, Video, Audio-L, Audio-R, Y, Pb, Pr
  
  You can also get it from the local Walmart for $20, be sure to check their website for availability for your zip code.
  
  

• Flimsy Quality But Good Picture And Sound

  
  By A2S6KKPGH2NQU on 2007-07-09
  The Good:
  I am pleased with the picture and sound quality. They are exactly what I expected and am satisfied with both.
  
  The Bad:
  You cannot have more than one type of input on this switcher. I have two S-Video devices and one composite. I was unable to hook them all to the device at once. You can only have all S-Video or all component or all composite. You can't mix and match!
  
  After owning the box for less than a week, the metal casing on one of the RCA plugs in the back of it came off with one of my jacks as I was removing it. It still works without the casing, but what gives?
  
  Sometimes, if you don't press the buttons on top in just the right manner, you can get no picture and lots of wavy lines instead (bad connection).
  
  
  

• No issues for me

  
  By A2Q5A1NPFPMOZJ on 2006-05-15
  The unit I have works perfectly, so I do not know what the complaint about this product is.
  
  I have my PS2, Xbox, and DVD composite outputs all being swtiched by this unit. Set-up was easy and I couldn't be happier. (Well I could get a new TV, but this was cheaper.)
  
  
• Only good if you use one type of input/output.
  By A2L0OPNG1DZVQD on 2006-12-18
  I found this product at Wal Mart and bought it because my current switcher didn't support component video cables and this unit does. However, you can only use one type of input based on the output. I hooked up my component cable device and hooked this up to my TV with another component cable, and that works fine... Now go to my device that uses S-Video, and I get no picture. I have to hook up an S-Video to the output on this switcher, and the other end to an S-Video plug on the TV. Now I have to switch input selections on the TV (thereby defeating the purpose of having a switcher in the first place), and I get S-Video feedback. But wait! I STILL don't get picture from my composite device.
  
  I'm taking this back to the store as soon as possible. If you only have one kind of video going into this, it's a great product. But if you want to use multiple video inputs, stay far far away from this product.
  
  
• Excellent for price
  By AI239TA5WLZ0X on 2006-04-14
  I have the whole PS2 HDTV satellite setup and this item works well with all.
  
  
• OK for some maybe but there has to be better
  By A6239DHN5I5A on 2006-07-10
  Too light to hold down the cables for one, and when in 1080i there is video interference and crosstalk. SImply not enough quality for the advanced output. Simply put, you get what you pay for, I am in the process of trying the more expensive switchers in hopes of finding one that can maintain video quality.
  
  
• Good enough for the cheapo in all of us!
  By A1CM6TYZAFK4GR on 2007-09-10
  If you're like me, simply looking for a switch box to switch between 3 or 4 Game Consoles, DVD players, ect, then you'll not only find this item helpful, but incredibly easy to use.
  
  The only problems I can find with it are that the design is incredibly tacky, and god forbid at this price it can't be controlled wirelessly, it is a manual switch box.
  
  However, the quality of picture is very nice, and there is no degradation. As mentioned in previous reviews, this only has THREE REAL COMPONENT inputs, and one input for composite/S-Video. This is okay by me, because I use the composite input for my PS2 and it makes things a lot easier.
  
  Philips is generally a name you can trust, and in the case of this product, I can say that this sentiment is true.
  
  
• Worthless
  By A2CQJH2W7QJH75 on 2006-04-11
  Only 3 of the 4 inputs support component video, and on the unit I received only one of them worked so it is completely useless for the task of switching between two component inputs.
  
  
• Great Item - Low Price
  By A3IH4R6KG439XL on 2007-02-08
  3 Component Audio/Video Switching - 1 RCA Switch - S-Video
  
  This product is great. No quality loss at all. Great for TVs/Receivers with limited component connectivity.
  
  No complaints whatsoever.
  
  Component cables NOT included.
  
  
• Horrible
  By AP6PA6AACYNY2 on 2006-04-19
  This device is a piece of junk. I tried it to use it with my tv's component inputs, I thought it would be good especially with the s-video input for my satellite receiver and the component input for my dvd.
  
  Unfortunately, none of the component inputs or output worked. Only the s-video ports and rca inputs would show any video when connected to my tvs s-video and/or rca inputs.
  
  Definately worth shopping around for something that actually works. Also this is manual and I prefer a device that switches automatically to the device when its turn on. I'm sticking with my s-video and rca audio video switch until I can find one that has component inputs/outputs that will actually work like its supposed to.
  
  
• Works great. But don't buy it here.
  By A1AL4HQG33GH64 on 2007-04-15
  My HDTV (40 inch Sony Bravia LCD) only has two component inputs. I recently decided that I wanted to hook up my Playstation 2 to my HDTV and didn't have enough room. My HD/DVR cable box and my Xbox 360 already occupy the two inputs, so I obviously needed something to remedy my problem. This product does what I needed it to do and it does it well.
  
  First off, I'm not what you would consider an videophile (is that even the term?). But this unit maintains the same clarity of picture that I experienced without it and that's all I really care about. I do understand picture noise and I do not see anything disruptive after connecting this switch. And no, I do NOT use Monster or any other overly/needlessly expensive AV cables.
  
  The only complaint that I have about this unit is that it's a bit bulky. It's a small footprint, but it is large. However, it is light. That could viewed as good or bad for some folks. I also does not require AC power or batteries. That's a plus for me as I'm running out of room on my power conditioner.
  
  Currently, Amazon lists this product at $40.00 USD. If you have a Walmart near you, purchase it there. I bought mine for $19.99 USD and that's their regular price.
  
  If I lost this unit somehow, I would definitely replace it with another one. And that's not something I say often.
  
  
  
  
• Cheap manufacturing
  By AVOFNG3TLV98T on 2008-01-03
  I've had this switcher for only a few months and twice I've had the buttons break. They just don't stay down. The first time it happened, the button fixed itself somehow after a few days, but button #4 for me just doesn't work any more. Not happy about this.
  
  
• Value
  By A1WFQ9G2B9VQNW on 2008-04-07
  I give this product 5 stars for price/performance.
  
  This was precisely what I was looking for to connect my new PS3 *AND* my hi-def DirecTV DVR to the only DTV Component input on my TV (ancient Mitsubishi 65") that supports 1080i. This product delivers.
  
  It took me about 5 minutes to figure out what I needed to do on the game console and TV settings to get hi-def (1080i) working from my PS3. Boy, all of this is worth it.
  
  Yes, I have to get off of my [...] to manually switch between the two, but that doesn't happen too often. Typically, I'm up already anyway.
  
  Eventually, my ol' tank of TV will die and I'll have to get a new one which will support 1080p and have multiple HDMI inputs. Then, I'll switch all of my components over to HDMI...and this device will be donated to "Goodwill".
  
  
• Great product, while it lasts.
  By AIPSWABORBGNP on 2008-07-27
  Bought this product a little over a year ago, was easy to install, worked great. After about 6 - 7 months, the third button wouldn't stay completely down, and rendered that input unuseable. After another 6 - 7 months, the 4th input died as well. I'm now down to 1 component input, and the 1 composite (which I don't use).
  
  I might buy another one since it's cheap, although I'd rather get one with a remote.
  
  *Edit* I ended up buying a slightly more expensive switch that's powered and came with a remote. I'd still recommend this one for anyone that doesn't have a spare outlet for a powered unit.
  
  
• Works as it should
  By A1XHP0E0AYESNF on 2007-06-18
  I only have one component input on my TV and not enough cash to afford a receiver. So I decided to try this out. It works great as far as I'm concerned and helps me to switch between my DVD player and HD cable box just with a push of a button. I also will probably hook my Xbox up to it shortly here too. Now one note I should add is that there is 4 inputs but only 3 of those allow for component hook ups. Input "1" is only composite/s-video. And it is a bulky item and a bit light too but I haven't had any problems with it being pulled around by the cables yet. If you do have problem you can always use velcro or tape to keep it down. Long story short it works as it should and is a MUCH better price then a receiver. Someday I probably will get a receiver, but in the meantime this works great and is a perfect alternative.
  
  
• For $18, it's great
  By A1VKCMOWYX2OEB on 2007-06-19
  This is a great, inexpensive switcher that works as advertised. Important: there is no "upconverting" of the signal, so you can only get out of it what you put into it. So if you plug your VCR's S-Video output into the switcher, you cannot get anything out of any other switcher output except an S-Video signal. In other words, this will NOT convert your composite or S-Video signals to component output. I'd bet the people who have complaints about this item didn't understand that. Yes, it is lightweight, and per the photo, the buttons are on top so you can't put anything on top of it to weigh it down. However, at $18, there's not much to complain about!
  
  
• Not Bad
  By A2IR3SDYJKPYPN on 2007-07-14
  Works fine with all of the sources I use; Digital cable, HD up to 1080i, various gaming consoles and a dvd player. The output runs to my projector. I had to zip tie the cords behind it and sort of "balance" the unit out, otherwise it would tip backwards because the unit isn't very heavy. Good selection of composite, s-video, and component inputs (note: there are 4 inputs for composite/s-video connections, but only 3 component inputs). Feels like a toy, but it's worked well for me for over a year now. Can't beat it for the price; good item to tide you over until you can afford that new component reciever.
  
  
• uber bang for the buck
  By ACGV1Z965LP1J on 2007-08-14
  This product does exactly what it says it does and on my 720p TV I can see no picture quality differences when this is hooked up verses when its not hooked up. My TV has no HDMI and only one component hookup so this is perfect for what I need. Currently I have my DirecTV HD tuner, PS3, and Wii hooked up all through this and all look and sound good. Don't waste your money on higher dollar alternatives, this is the ideal solution.
  
  
• Cheap, Works Great
  By A3C7SCFBV2WDMJ on 2007-09-12
  Not much to mention about it, it serves its purpose very well. Perfect for those who have many game systems and do not want to switch/damage your TV Input. It's cheap, it's working, so what else can you expect? On more point: It will NOT convert your signal, so don't expect any quality improvements and whatnot. What goes in, that goes out. That's it.
  
  
• Exactly what I needed
  By A150KFRDJNQH3M on 2007-11-05
  The Phillips PH61148 is a multi port switch for video. The switch allows you to use ether use composite, S-Video or component as video hook-ups. While it says it is a 4-port switch, the 1st input is composite or S-video only while inputs 2-4 provide the option of all 3 to be used. I currently am using my Tivo Series 3 and Toshiba HD-A2 through composite to have 1080i to my TV. There are no ghosting issues and everything looks great! Take everyones advice and head to Walmart to purchase this for $19.94!!!
  
  
• Works well and it is cheap.
  By A38JR6QVSSIY8W on 2007-12-07
  I was a bit worried when I ordered it whether it would have any ghosting I have seen with cheaper devices and I was glad when I tried it out, I did
  not see any ghosting, So I am happy. It is cheap and I like the analog switch.
  
  
• Great for the price...
  By A2C264HY1HHZVX on 2007-12-10
  This is a great product for the price, but is lacking some of the features that you might be looking for (or should be looking for)... A remote and upscaling are the two major ones... if you're buying this product just for casual use, look no further, it is perfect... anything beyond that, you'll want something with more "umph"...
  
  
• Good Value
  By AHS6PX6H22WW1 on 2007-12-26
  Bought it from WalMart for $19.99+tax. The channel select is a mechanical switch. Each channel (4 channels available) has a button. You press the button to select the channel. Simple and easy. I don't know if the switch contact is coded with gold (for better electrical contact). But it works well. I don't see any qualify degrading in the video image and the audio. Good value for the money.
  
  
• Great for the money!
  By A1G5HZIK9QT4VW on 2007-12-28
  It easily switches between component video inputs to a component video out. It would have been nice for it to be able to take a composite input and output it via the component, but you can't expect that for this price.
  
  It is well worth it if you have multiple component devices and your TV only has one component input.
  
  
• it works
  By A1O9KFX7KE2NY5 on 2008-01-07
  It was well priced, meaning cheap, and works very well with what i have. Good Bargain. Would reccommend.
  
  
• works for what i wanted
  By A1Y6NDSG66AVTH on 2008-01-19
  the four way hd component works for exactly what i needed, I wanted to hook up a dvd player, wii and playstation all to my tv, with out having to plug and re plug in wires all the time and without messing with my uverse hook up. It really works well.
  
  
  liz
  
  
• ok for the price
  By A1KICUDN6EI777 on 2008-04-24
  this is an ok product for the money you will pay. the only bad thing is that you will have to get up and push the button if you want to change what you are looking at.
  
  
• Does the trick
  By AY4XB51WY278P on 2008-05-19
  Connected my DVD player, Wii system and digital cable box to my hi-def tv. Works fine!
  
  

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