I’ve just added this SCART switch to our SCART Switch Round up page and I’m happy to say it performed splendidly. If you’ve been looking for a videophile grade SCART switcher for your setup then the Thor is well worth considering. Check out the review on this page.

It’s sadly getting harder and harder to get a high quality SCART switch. One model that’s still available is the Keene SCART Commander. I’ve recently added one of these to my setup to replace a broken BlueDelta Smart SCART. Find out what I thought of it over on the SCART switch roundup page.

Thanks to the PEXHDCAP capture card it’s now possible to take some comparison shots of various SCART switches, to see how they effect the picture quality when in use. I’ve tested all the switches I could get my hands on (except my Trilogy 1, as testing that would require a half day just to unwire it all) and the results can be seen on the following pages.

Hama 42957 SCART switch gallery
Keene SCART Commander SCART switch gallery
Mad Katz System Selector SCART switch gallery
Thor AV Control Centre AVC-100 SCART switch gallery

Hama’s wedge shaped AV Selector 100s certainly wouldn’t win any prizes for aesthetics. Offering three SCART inputs, one SCART output and two composite video and stereo audio outputs, this switch is designed with VCR users in mind. The switch offers the option of passing one of the SCART inputs over to another for recording, but of course this is useless to you when just trying to play games. Fortunately we can just ignore these features, as long as the RGB button on the far left is pushed in, we’re good to go.

The buttons on the unit make a satisfying clunk when pushed and feel as if they are good quality. The audio from the composite video outputs can also be used to route to an external amplifier if necessary. Since output is via a SCART socket rather than a moulded wire, you can use any cable of your choosing with the unit and the sockets are spaced sufficiently apart that using more bulky SCART plugs will not be a problem.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- Despite being told to avoid this switch by a poster on the Shmups forum, the AV Selector 100s actually passed all our tests easily. If placed next to your TV with cables spewing up from it, it’s unlikely to please spouses or girlfriends, but performance wise there’s no faulting it. It’s just a shame Hama don’t make a model with more inputs.

This often unbranded switch goes by several names, including “Nedis Silver Scart Switch Box 5 Way”, “5 Way SCART Selector SLX Gold”, “Professional 4 Way Scart Switching Box” and probably several others. The review here also applies to similar models with 3 or 4 inputs and/or phono/RCA connectors. Switches like this are easily identified by the black or silver case and push button switches. To select an input you press in the button, to deselect it you simply release the button. Like most other budget switches, output is via a moulded cable with a SCART plug on the end.

Brightness/noise test:- Failed. Significant noise added to the picture, picture significantly dimmed.

Isolation test:- Failed, deselected inputs were not isolated from current input at all.

Conclusion:- Cheap and nasty. Not suitable for videogamers or anyone concerned with picture quality.

Big thanks to Srrae from the Sega Saturn UK forums for lending me one of these SCART switches to review. In the UK, Shinybow’s switches are often re-branded and sold as Skytronic, though the hardware itself is the same, right down to the packaging, which simply has a yellow Skytronic sticker added to the side of the box.

The Shinybow switches have an excellent reputation around the web. The unit itself is constructed from sturdy metal and has a quality feel to it. The SCART plugs on the back of the unit are positioned vertically. This means the unit can look untidy when fully populated, but the sockets are well spaced, meaning no problems fitting fatter SCART cables/plugs next to each other. Switching between inputs is done either via a push button on the front, which cycles through the available inputs, or via a remote control. The unit has two SCART outputs, each output is independent and can be assigned to any of the six inputs. For instance, if you had a dual display setup you could route console 1 to TV 1 and console 2 to TV 2 through the Shinybow.

Brightness/noise test:- Failed, no noticeable brightness lost from picture but picture instability/wobble added, but ONLY on the Sega Megadrive (see below for more details).

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Given the units excellent reputation, it came as a little bit of a surprise that I had some issues with it. I normally test using the Sega Megadrive and the pack-a-punched SCART cable I reviewed here. In this setup, the Shinybow caused significant picture instability. There was a noticeable wobble to the picture. Strangely this was eliminated by switching back to a standard, composite video for sync SCART cable, but of course when using something like an XRGB3, the raw sync cable is essential. I also tested the Sega Saturn with a raw sync SCART cable and had no issues with that system, so the Megadrive seems to be an anomaly. Srrae also reported issues when using a Shinybow 4:2 switch with a Commodore Amiga computer (which has raw sync as standard).

Since we first reviewed the switch, it has become significantly harder to obtain too. They are still for sale on Shinybow’s website here, but for an eye watering 161.33 Euros, plus shipping.

Conclusion:- A quality switch, but not without issues and at these prices rather too expensive. Go for the Keene SCART Commander if you can find it, unless you need the 2 way SCART outputs.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.

The Trilogy 1 is an auto SCART switch with push button manual override. It’s features put it in a class above most SCART switches and a full review of the device could cover an entire article in its own right. It’s the kind of high quality SCART switchbox that used to be readily available before most high-end AV equipment changed over to HDMI. The Trilogy has five SCART inputs and can even output the same signal to two displays at once, ideal for more complex setups (the XRGB3 and DVDO Edge tandem set-up for instance). Switching is automatic, or by push button on the front or on the remote control where a manual override is needed. There’s also a separate analogue audio output connector for routing the audio to an amplifier.

The unit has several functions to make it easier to record sources on a VCR, but that’s nothing that gamers are interested in so we’ll skip over that. It’s all housed in an attractive silver case that admittedly can look a little retro when paired with more modern AV equipment.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- I’ve personally owned a Trilogy 1 for many years. In my games setup it forms the central hub from which all my other switches are chained. I even use it to route component video (480p and 720p) via a simple adapter. The device has always been flawless in operation (as long as the cables at the back are properly seated) up until recently, when it developed a fault with the matrix switching (basically, it would no longer function as a 4 in 2 out device). If I had to pick a fault, it’s that the SCART sockets at the back are quite close together, meaning that bulkier SCART cables tend not to fit. Find yourself some quality flat headed cables however and this problem is solved. Highly recommended.

Easily the most aesthetically pleasing switch in our round-up so far, the Thor AV Control Centre is a completely superb bit of AV kit. Housed in an attractive metal chassis, measuring 47.5cm long, 25.5cm deep and 4.5cm high.

Before we get into this review, it’s worth mentioning the different models of this switch that Thor have released. There are actually two models of this switch in existence. The AVC-100/28570T we reviewed here has unfortunately been discontinued. This model has 5 SCART inputs and one output. The more common model, the HDC200, swaps 2 of the SCART inputs for 3 HDMI inputs instead (the HDMI and SCART inputs and outputs are independent, the device doesn’t covert/upscale). The HDC200 is reported to have the same great picture quality as this model, so if you only need a 3 way SCART switch it is well worth considering.

the most striking thing about the Thor switch is is the super-bright LCD on the front of the unit. When I first got the switch in to review, I actually thought it was faulty. What I didn’t realize was it was powered off, the LCD goes from bright to really bright when you actually power it on. The neat thing about the LCD is that it’s programmable and rather than displaying which number input is selected, you can actually change it to DVD, XBOX, GAME and a number of other things. Sadly you have to pick from a number of pre-sets and you can’t enter your own names for devices, but it’s still a very neat feature. Note that these pre-sets, as well as the LCD clock on the unit, are lost if the unit is powered down, so keep it plugged in if you want to maintain them.

The SCART sockets on the back of the unit are all RGB enabled and the switch will work as a 5 in 1 out or 4 in 2 out switch (though I have not tested it in this mode). Over on the far right there’s even a couple of analogue audio outputs so that audio can be routed directly to an amplifier, along with an S-Video output too.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- The Thor switch is fantastic, no two ways about it. It supports every kind of signal you might want to throw down a SCART cable (including component video). Quality wise the switch is faultless. On equipment that is very noise-prone, such as component video from the PS2, the Thor outperformed other powered switches and produced an image that was almost completely noise free. Even chaining other switches from the unit resulted in no quality loss whatsoever, making this an excellent choice for a central hub in more complex switching set-ups. If I had to pick a fault with the unit, it would be that the sockets are quite close together, meaning that more bulky SCART connectors may have difficulty connecting next to each other. In practice however I don’t see this being a problem for most users and the Thor is still absolutely 100% recommended.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.

You’ve got lots of games consoles, multiple displays or video processors and you’re sick of consumer grade switches, so what do you do? One solution is to get yourself an Extron Crosspoint switch. If the other SCART switches we reviewed on here were cars, this thing would be a Panzer tank, clearly a step up in build quality and size from any consumer switch.

The switch pictured on the left is the 8 inputs 4 outputs model, but Extron made these with up to 12 inputs and 8 outputs, along with physically bigger sized models with even more connections. Extron actually still supply some of the analogue crosspoint switches, but buying one new is likely to cost thousands. Lucky for us, second hand ones appear on eBay quite frequently, often taken from installations that are upgrading to digital display solutions. Since all models of the switch had the same number of buttons on the front panel, sellers often falsely describe switches like the one above as having all 12 inputs and 8 outputs available, so check the pictures before you buy. Prices vary but if you are prepared to wait they can be very reasonable, with many going for under $100/£80.

Of course, the inputs on the back of the Extron Crosspoint aren’t SCART at all. Commercial grade switches like this use BNC connectors. While this does mean that cabling your setup is somewhat more complex, it does make the Crosspoint extremely versatile. You can switch VGA, SCART and Component all in the same matrix and with up to eight outputs, the switch will suit all but the most complex of setups (and yes, you can easily daisy chain two or more switches if necessary).

So, how do you connect things up? To connect SCART cables, you simply need a SCART to BNC breakout cable, these are readily available online. Notice too that the Extron matrix has an unusual ‘phoenix’ style connector for audio. If you contact Retro Gaming Cables and tell them you need the SCART breakout cable with a phoenix connector to fit an Extron Crosspoint switch, rather than with the standard 2xRCA audio connectors, they will usually do this for you at no extra charge. If you’re ordering multiple cables too it is also worth enquiring about a bulk discount.

One thing you do need to remember when connecting up SCART equipment in particular is that the Extron switches MUST be supplied with a clean sync signal. You can either buy clean/pure/raw sync cables for your consoles, or use an adapter with a built in sync cleaner. If you want to connect VGA (from a Dreamcast or retro PC for instance) or a Component video (YPBPR) source, finding adapters is trivial. VGA to RGBHV BNC cables are readily available and to connect component video, all you typically need are BNC male socket plug to RCA female adapters, which can be bought for pennies from eBay or any other number of stores. S-Video and even composite (if you must) can be routed through the matrix too with the appropriate break-out adapters.

Once you get over the hurdle of cabling your systems up, the Crosspoint switch is extremely easy to use. Simply select an input, select as many outputs as you like, press the Enter button and presto, your sources are routed to your outputs. You can route audio independently of video if necessary too. The Crosspoint switches are true matrix switches, any input to any output. One minor disappointment from a consumer point of view is a lack of remote control. The Crosspoint switches can be remote controlled using an RS232 serial interface, but there’s no infra-red remote control like consumers are typically used to on AV gear. Perhaps someone out there could program an IR bridge using a Raspberry Pi? For anyone that was wondering, there are no auto-switching options either.

The Extron Crosspoint laughed in the face of the usual tests we throw at consumer SCART switches, but just for reference here are the results:-

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture. Under scrutiny with the capture card (see the link below) there seems to be a tiny bit of brightness lost, but nothing that would affect picture quality.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion – The Extron Crosspoint really is a class above the typical SCART switch, but it’s a finicky beast, demanding clean sync input and requiring special breakout cables for all your consoles. If you have a complex setup with multiple displays, processors and/or capture cards, and you’re tired of chaining regular SCART switches together and want a high quality low clutter solution, the Crosspoint could be for you. Just remember to factor in the cost of getting all your systems correctly cabled up.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.

I’ve just added this SCART switch to our SCART Switch Round up page and I’m happy to say it performed splendidly. If you’ve been looking for a videophile grade SCART switcher for your setup then the Thor is well worth considering. Check out the review on this page.

It’s sadly getting harder and harder to get a high quality SCART switch. One model that’s still available is the Keene SCART Commander. I’ve recently added one of these to my setup to replace a broken BlueDelta Smart SCART. Find out what I thought of it over on the SCART switch roundup page.

Thanks to the PEXHDCAP capture card it’s now possible to take some comparison shots of various SCART switches, to see how they effect the picture quality when in use. I’ve tested all the switches I could get my hands on (except my Trilogy 1, as testing that would require a half day just to unwire it all) and the results can be seen on the following pages.

Hama 42957 SCART switch gallery
Keene SCART Commander SCART switch gallery
Mad Katz System Selector SCART switch gallery
Thor AV Control Centre AVC-100 SCART switch gallery

Hama’s wedge shaped AV Selector 100s certainly wouldn’t win any prizes for aesthetics. Offering three SCART inputs, one SCART output and two composite video and stereo audio outputs, this switch is designed with VCR users in mind. The switch offers the option of passing one of the SCART inputs over to another for recording, but of course this is useless to you when just trying to play games. Fortunately we can just ignore these features, as long as the RGB button on the far left is pushed in, we’re good to go.

The buttons on the unit make a satisfying clunk when pushed and feel as if they are good quality. The audio from the composite video outputs can also be used to route to an external amplifier if necessary. Since output is via a SCART socket rather than a moulded wire, you can use any cable of your choosing with the unit and the sockets are spaced sufficiently apart that using more bulky SCART plugs will not be a problem.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- Despite being told to avoid this switch by a poster on the Shmups forum, the AV Selector 100s actually passed all our tests easily. If placed next to your TV with cables spewing up from it, it’s unlikely to please spouses or girlfriends, but performance wise there’s no faulting it. It’s just a shame Hama don’t make a model with more inputs.

This often unbranded switch goes by several names, including “Nedis Silver Scart Switch Box 5 Way”, “5 Way SCART Selector SLX Gold”, “Professional 4 Way Scart Switching Box” and probably several others. The review here also applies to similar models with 3 or 4 inputs and/or phono/RCA connectors. Switches like this are easily identified by the black or silver case and push button switches. To select an input you press in the button, to deselect it you simply release the button. Like most other budget switches, output is via a moulded cable with a SCART plug on the end.

Brightness/noise test:- Failed. Significant noise added to the picture, picture significantly dimmed.

Isolation test:- Failed, deselected inputs were not isolated from current input at all.

Conclusion:- Cheap and nasty. Not suitable for videogamers or anyone concerned with picture quality.

Big thanks to Srrae from the Sega Saturn UK forums for lending me one of these SCART switches to review. In the UK, Shinybow’s switches are often re-branded and sold as Skytronic, though the hardware itself is the same, right down to the packaging, which simply has a yellow Skytronic sticker added to the side of the box.

The Shinybow switches have an excellent reputation around the web. The unit itself is constructed from sturdy metal and has a quality feel to it. The SCART plugs on the back of the unit are positioned vertically. This means the unit can look untidy when fully populated, but the sockets are well spaced, meaning no problems fitting fatter SCART cables/plugs next to each other. Switching between inputs is done either via a push button on the front, which cycles through the available inputs, or via a remote control. The unit has two SCART outputs, each output is independent and can be assigned to any of the six inputs. For instance, if you had a dual display setup you could route console 1 to TV 1 and console 2 to TV 2 through the Shinybow.

Brightness/noise test:- Failed, no noticeable brightness lost from picture but picture instability/wobble added, but ONLY on the Sega Megadrive (see below for more details).

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Given the units excellent reputation, it came as a little bit of a surprise that I had some issues with it. I normally test using the Sega Megadrive and the pack-a-punched SCART cable I reviewed here. In this setup, the Shinybow caused significant picture instability. There was a noticeable wobble to the picture. Strangely this was eliminated by switching back to a standard, composite video for sync SCART cable, but of course when using something like an XRGB3, the raw sync cable is essential. I also tested the Sega Saturn with a raw sync SCART cable and had no issues with that system, so the Megadrive seems to be an anomaly. Srrae also reported issues when using a Shinybow 4:2 switch with a Commodore Amiga computer (which has raw sync as standard).

Since we first reviewed the switch, it has become significantly harder to obtain too. They are still for sale on Shinybow’s website here, but for an eye watering 161.33 Euros, plus shipping.

Conclusion:- A quality switch, but not without issues and at these prices rather too expensive. Go for the Keene SCART Commander if you can find it, unless you need the 2 way SCART outputs.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.

The Trilogy 1 is an auto SCART switch with push button manual override. It’s features put it in a class above most SCART switches and a full review of the device could cover an entire article in its own right. It’s the kind of high quality SCART switchbox that used to be readily available before most high-end AV equipment changed over to HDMI. The Trilogy has five SCART inputs and can even output the same signal to two displays at once, ideal for more complex setups (the XRGB3 and DVDO Edge tandem set-up for instance). Switching is automatic, or by push button on the front or on the remote control where a manual override is needed. There’s also a separate analogue audio output connector for routing the audio to an amplifier.

The unit has several functions to make it easier to record sources on a VCR, but that’s nothing that gamers are interested in so we’ll skip over that. It’s all housed in an attractive silver case that admittedly can look a little retro when paired with more modern AV equipment.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- I’ve personally owned a Trilogy 1 for many years. In my games setup it forms the central hub from which all my other switches are chained. I even use it to route component video (480p and 720p) via a simple adapter. The device has always been flawless in operation (as long as the cables at the back are properly seated) up until recently, when it developed a fault with the matrix switching (basically, it would no longer function as a 4 in 2 out device). If I had to pick a fault, it’s that the SCART sockets at the back are quite close together, meaning that bulkier SCART cables tend not to fit. Find yourself some quality flat headed cables however and this problem is solved. Highly recommended.

Easily the most aesthetically pleasing switch in our round-up so far, the Thor AV Control Centre is a completely superb bit of AV kit. Housed in an attractive metal chassis, measuring 47.5cm long, 25.5cm deep and 4.5cm high.

One thing to watch out for with this switch, it uses an AC power supply. If you lose your original Thor PSU and swap it out with a DC one, you will cause the switch to malfunction and give a poor, washed out image, so if that’s what you are seeing, be sure to use the correct PSU!

Before we get into this review, it’s worth mentioning the different models of this switch that Thor have released. There are actually two models of this switch in existence. The AVC-100/28570T we reviewed here has unfortunately been discontinued. This model has 5 SCART inputs and one output. The more common model, the HDC200, swaps 2 of the SCART inputs for 3 HDMI inputs instead (the HDMI and SCART inputs and outputs are independent, the device doesn’t covert/upscale). The HDC200 is reported to have the same great picture quality as this model, so if you only need a 3 way SCART switch it is well worth considering.

the most striking thing about the Thor switch is is the super-bright LCD on the front of the unit. When I first got the switch in to review, I actually thought it was faulty. What I didn’t realize was it was powered off, the LCD goes from bright to really bright when you actually power it on. The neat thing about the LCD is that it’s programmable and rather than displaying which number input is selected, you can actually change it to DVD, XBOX, GAME and a number of other things. Sadly you have to pick from a number of pre-sets and you can’t enter your own names for devices, but it’s still a very neat feature. Note that these pre-sets, as well as the LCD clock on the unit, are lost if the unit is powered down, so keep it plugged in if you want to maintain them.

The SCART sockets on the back of the unit are all RGB enabled and the switch will work as a 5 in 1 out or 4 in 2 out switch (though I have not tested it in this mode). Over on the far right there’s even a couple of analogue audio outputs so that audio can be routed directly to an amplifier, along with an S-Video output too.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- The Thor switch is fantastic, no two ways about it. It supports every kind of signal you might want to throw down a SCART cable (including component video). Quality wise the switch is faultless. On equipment that is very noise-prone, such as component video from the PS2, the Thor outperformed other powered switches and produced an image that was almost completely noise free. Even chaining other switches from the unit resulted in no quality loss whatsoever, making this an excellent choice for a central hub in more complex switching set-ups. If I had to pick a fault with the unit, it would be that the sockets are quite close together, meaning that more bulky SCART connectors may have difficulty connecting next to each other. In practice however I don’t see this being a problem for most users and the Thor is still absolutely 100% recommended.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.

You’ve got lots of games consoles, multiple displays or video processors and you’re sick of consumer grade switches, so what do you do? One solution is to get yourself an Extron Crosspoint switch. If the other SCART switches we reviewed on here were cars, this thing would be a Panzer tank, clearly a step up in build quality and size from any consumer switch.

The switch pictured on the left is the 8 inputs 4 outputs model, but Extron made these with up to 12 inputs and 8 outputs, along with physically bigger sized models with even more connections. Extron actually still supply some of the analogue crosspoint switches, but buying one new is likely to cost thousands. Lucky for us, second hand ones appear on eBay quite frequently, often taken from installations that are upgrading to digital display solutions. Since all models of the switch had the same number of buttons on the front panel, sellers often falsely describe switches like the one above as having all 12 inputs and 8 outputs available, so check the pictures before you buy. Prices vary but if you are prepared to wait they can be very reasonable, with many going for under $100/£80.

Of course, the inputs on the back of the Extron Crosspoint aren’t SCART at all. Commercial grade switches like this use BNC connectors. While this does mean that cabling your setup is somewhat more complex, it does make the Crosspoint extremely versatile. You can switch VGA, SCART and Component all in the same matrix and with up to eight outputs, the switch will suit all but the most complex of setups (and yes, you can easily daisy chain two or more switches if necessary).

So, how do you connect things up? To connect SCART cables, you simply need a SCART to BNC breakout cable, these are readily available online. Notice too that the Extron matrix has an unusual ‘phoenix’ style connector for audio. If you contact Retro Gaming Cables and tell them you need the SCART breakout cable with a phoenix connector to fit an Extron Crosspoint switch, rather than with the standard 2xRCA audio connectors, they will usually do this for you at no extra charge. If you’re ordering multiple cables too it is also worth enquiring about a bulk discount.

One thing you do need to remember when connecting up SCART equipment in particular is that the Extron switches MUST be supplied with a clean sync signal. You can either buy clean/pure/raw sync cables for your consoles, or use an adapter with a built in sync cleaner. If you want to connect VGA (from a Dreamcast or retro PC for instance) or a Component video (YPBPR) source, finding adapters is trivial. VGA to RGBHV BNC cables are readily available and to connect component video, all you typically need are BNC male socket plug to RCA female adapters, which can be bought for pennies from eBay or any other number of stores. S-Video and even composite (if you must) can be routed through the matrix too with the appropriate break-out adapters.

Once you get over the hurdle of cabling your systems up, the Crosspoint switch is extremely easy to use. Simply select an input, select as many outputs as you like, press the Enter button and presto, your sources are routed to your outputs. You can route audio independently of video if necessary too. The Crosspoint switches are true matrix switches, any input to any output. One minor disappointment from a consumer point of view is a lack of remote control. The Crosspoint switches can be remote controlled using an RS232 serial interface, but there’s no infra-red remote control like consumers are typically used to on AV gear. Perhaps someone out there could program an IR bridge using a Raspberry Pi? For anyone that was wondering, there are no auto-switching options either.

The Extron Crosspoint laughed in the face of the usual tests we throw at consumer SCART switches, but just for reference here are the results:-

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture. Under scrutiny with the capture card (see the link below) there seems to be a tiny bit of brightness lost, but nothing that would affect picture quality.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion – The Extron Crosspoint really is a class above the typical SCART switch, but it’s a finicky beast, demanding clean sync input and requiring special breakout cables for all your consoles. If you have a complex setup with multiple displays, processors and/or capture cards, and you’re tired of chaining regular SCART switches together and want a high quality low clutter solution, the Crosspoint could be for you. Just remember to factor in the cost of getting all your systems correctly cabled up.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.

Look what we have here! The elusive GScart switch finally landed in our workshop a few weeks ago and we were able to take a look at the unit today. Highly anticipated since it’s announcement on the Assembler Games and Shmups forums back in 2014, the finished unit was kindly loaned to us by supporter and fan and all round nice guy Clarke Gibson,  so that we could put it through its paces.

SCART switches are becoming scarce, so what better way to tackle the problem than build one of your own? Like so many other great innovations in this vibrant community, the GScart is designed by a retrogamer specifically for retro gamers. Housed in a plexiglass case, the unit features no less than eight SCART inputs. Output is via a single SCART socket or a D-Sub 15 (VGA style) connector. You can use both of these outputs at once if desired. We tested the D-Sub15 output with our Startech PEXHDCAP capture card and found it worked perfectly, no external sync cleaner required, making the GScart ideal for use in this setup.

As well as the D-Sub15 output, the GScart also features a 3.5mm audio break out and a built in sync stripper, which can be toggled on or off using a small switch, ideal if your output source demands a clean CSYNC signal.

The GScart is an auto switch with no manual override. It requires a 7 to 12 volt DC power supply. Curiously, on the unit we received for testing, the DC power input was wired for negative tip. Since the industry standard is positive tip, this makes finding a suitable PSU more complicated. A Sega Megadrive Mark 1 PSU will work fine if you have a spare lying around. Apparently on newer models of the switch this has been changed to positive tip so any off the shelf PSU will suffice.

Normally we don’t recommend automatic switches that don’t have a manual override simply due to the fact that they tend to have errors detecting and switching to different inputs. GScart is different as it has been designed and tested extensively with games consoles and SuperG (the designer) has worked tirelessly to iron out any issues with the automatic switching. Switching priority is always top to bottom, that is, if you turn on input 1, then turn on input 2, input 2 will not switch until input 1 is turned off. There’s no LED to indicate which input is active, which would have been nice but is hardly essential.

While GScart is far less likely to cause you any issues compared to pretty much every other automatic switch on the market, it still sacrifices some functionality because of the lack of manual override. Since the auto detection relies on a signal being present on sync (SCART pin 20), you cannot route S-Video or component signals (YPbPr) through the switch. It also means you can’t just pause a game on one console and switch to another, though that’s a minor complaint of course.

What about picture quality?, well, were you really in any doubt? The quality is flawless, really indistinguishable to the naked eye from having no switch present at all. Looking at the capture gallery we can see that there’s a tiny bit of brightness lost, but really nothing that can’t be compensated for.

Brightness/noise test:- Passed, no noticeable noise added, no noticeable brightness lost from picture.

Isolation test:- Passed, zero crosstalk from other inputs.

Conclusion:- SuperG has really delivered a great quality package with the GScart. Flawless picture quality with fully automatic switching. It’s a fraction of the size of an Extron Crosspoint and beats the behemoth on picture quality too by sacrificing slightly less brightness, though it’s not quite as flexible with inputs and outputs. While it would have been lovely to see the unit with a proper metal enclosure rather than the plexiglass, this would have bumped the cost up dramatically (believe us when we tell you this is not an exaggeration, ask RetroRGB who spent a significant amount of time and money researching it). At $220 plus shipping this isn’t a cheap unit by any stretch, but if you’ve been waiting for a high quality RGB switching solution for your retrogaming setup, GScart won’t let you down.

This switch has now been tested for picture quality using a capture card, click here to see how it performed.