Need some help from you AV distribution gurus out there...

Now that I have my (latest) projector more less finished, I need to figure out a better way to feed it component signals from my various sources. I am currently using my HK AVR 635 as a component switch (cable box, HTPC, dvd player), but since it only has one output I need to split and/or switch that signal between my TV and my projector.

Now, obviously there are devices out there that will do what I need, but they're a little pricey and I'm hoping to do it cheaply.

As I understand it, basic splitters introduce degradation by changing the impedance of the cable. My first question is, is this still true if only one device is on at any one given time? In other words, would something like this work?

Click to view attachment

If that won't work, could I possibly create my own splitter/switch out of 9 RCA jacks (3 in, 6 out) and 3 dpst switches?

Does it change things if my cable run to the projector may be as long as 50 feet? Would that necessitate an amp?

Thanks in advance...

<crickets>

get some solder-on RCA's and try it. try a short cable run at first, and try to do a side by side and figure it out... not really sure if its necessary to be amped... dont think so. As far as long cable runs... just use good quality coax cable, line level can go a long ways... Ive done at least 500ft runs in houses.

Thanks but I ended up scoring a component distribution amp for fairly cheap. That solved one problem and may have created another.

Because I am splitting a component signal sent by, among other things, a GeForce video card and sending it to two different displays (my projector and an HDTV) with two different resolutions, I think I accidentally gave my video card schizophrenia and blew its component output chip by having both on at the same time (during a testing phase).

whoa... thats crazy... yeah I use powerstrip to quick switch between res. from my 19"w monitor to my 17" projector... if I leave it 1440x900, my projector just tells me it doesnt like it.... its good to have panels that can go out of their optimal range... at least so you can see your way to fixing the problem. Yeah as far as converters, splitters, etc... id just look at ebay, etc for some of the trusted brands... especially if youre using an older connection... like VGA to BNC component... you can get em really cheap.