Paraesthesia

This is when you need to buy a receiver. Why spend $100 on an AV Switcher when you can get all the features of a receiver?

I recommend an inexpensive one on ebay that has as many componenet inputs as possible. Then get yourself some Bose 5.1 surround sound speakers.

You absolutely CANNOT have an Xbox 360 without speakers!

I have a (reasonably nice) receiver, but it doesn't switch component video (it's a slightly older model). I have the Bose Acoustimass 16 6.1 channel speaker set, so I have that covered. Got a Sharp Aquos 37" LCD HDTV, so I have that covered. The problem is the number of inputs on the back - I'm full up with all of my other A/V gear.

I know I'll be looking at the PS3 and the Nintendo Revolution, and since I only have one component video input left on the TV and my receiver doesn't do component, I run into the case where I either buy a new receiver (slightly pricey because I'm not going to skimp) or get a switcher.

On the budget post-XBox 360, PS3, Nintendo Revolution, and my wedding later this year, it's looking like a $100 switcher is my ticket to freedom and leisure.

I guess...but I have been very successful in findin the receiver I want at Circuit City, and then finding the prior year's model on ebay for a fraction of the price. It seems that receivers go down in price REAL fast.

I bought a Harmon Kardon receiver for under $300, with 2 component inputs. And this was two years ago. I would bet you could find a similar deal now with even more.

I just hate the idea of having to actually flip a switch to watch a show. I mean, it's 2006!

I couldn't agree more. I went searching and found a Yamaha receiver that has enough inputs on the back - the RX-Z9, their newest top-end receiver - has 6 component inputs and video up-scaling to component for the lower-quality video types. That model (again, brand-new) retails for $4500. The next step down, the RX-Z1, has only three component inputs.

Looking at the Harmon Kardon site, they do the same thing - two or three component inputs, but "video up-scaling."

That seems to be the trend - very few component inputs, but "video up-scaling" to compensate. Unfortunately, if I'm going for the DVD, Digital Cable, Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo Revolution (when those come out), that's at least 5 inputs I need.

If anyone happens to find a reasonably priced receiver that will do 6.1 surround (hey, if I'm buying something new, I'm getting something better than what I have now) and has at least five component video inputs, drop me a line or put a link here. I'd love to check it out.