Seeking opinion on VGA switcher

[Magus]

Hi folks

Presently using a collection of different VGA A/B, A/B/C/D splitters and amplifiers. Considering adding an Ambery 2 in 4 out to my mix and wondering how many of you out there may be familiar with this device.

http://www.ambery.com/2in4outvgama.html

It appears to allow two different inputs and choosing any combination of outputs.

Like I imagine many churches operate, ours operates on a broken shoestring budget, so anything like this is typically paid for by the folks that operate the equipment. (meaning me) So before I pony up the price of admission on this beastie I'd like to see if others have used it and found it to be reliable.

Thanks and God bless! Rick

[Brad Weber]

What appears to be the same product is at Monoprice for just $44.55 ( http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2) and $49.39 with free shipping on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/MATRIX-Switcher-Splitter-Amp... ).

I have not run across Ambery before but just for comparison, Extron, FSR, Gefen and Kramer Electronics do not offer 2x4 matrix VGA switchers, however their 2x2 to 4x2 VGA routers are in the $475 to $600 range while their 4x4 VGA matrix switchers are in the $600 to $800 range. So understanding the budget limitations facing many churches, you can also guess how something that is apparently intended more for consumer applications and that costs 1/10 as much probably compares.

[Magus]

Thanks SOOOOO much! Guess my Google Ninja needs improving. I spent nearly an hour searching for a lower price on these.

Appreciate the info!

Rick

[Magus]

Hello again

After reading several good reviews, I opted to purchase this device. Anxious to see how it performs!

Thanks again for the link to the lower priced item! MUUUUUCH appreciated!

Cheers... Rick

[prochlea]

at the end of the day, if it's no good, you're only out $50. Make sure you test it extensively before you trust it for sunday morning.

[Magus]

"Make sure you test it extensively before you trust it for sunday morning."

But where's the adventure in that?

I installed Screen Monkey 3.6 mere minutes before one Sunday's services. Sure, I sweated bullets, but it succeeded. LOL

Actually, I've had many challenges. And each one has taught me a valuable lesson!

To be fair, I do try and test everything as extensively as I know how. But hard as you try, there will always be the unexpected. Such as a week ago when a cel phone continuously played a song during five minutes of quiet meditation and contemplation time. And the offending congregant denied it was hers with the minister sitting right next to her and pointing at her phone. It was all quite surreal but ended in hilarity as the minister and musicians simply began playing the tune and dancing at the end of meditation time.

Thanks and God bless... Rick

[Magus]

Hi all

Thanks ever so much for the suggestion on the Monoprice unit. I purchased the 2x4 unit (2 devices in and 4 outputs) so I've connected my two overhead projectors as well as our HDMI TV (via VGA cable) along with a wireless video sending/receiving unit.

I did some testing this evening and it was most impressive! I'm pleased as punch with the results. Our minister was quite impressed as well.

Thanks and God bless! Rick

[Paris MkVI]

Monoprice.com is a very handy link to have bookmarked.

It is not the end-all-be-all, but I seldom work a project without getting something from them to finish it.