Product Review: Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch

In the pursuit of home video entertainment, the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch is an absolute necessity for anyone whose got a PC with an S-Video outlet, but no S-Video receiver. The Acoustic Research brand 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch is widely the most readily available, most convenient, and most durable component considering its size and specs.

What got me the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch was its availability. I found myself in a Best Buy with $30 burning a hole in my pocket. That was just enough to buy the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch. If I remember correctly, the kid behind the checkout counter tried to sell me a warranty on it but, looking at the device, I knew I wouldn't need it.

Overall, the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch is an extremely durable little component. I've taken it anywhere I've gone with my laptop and a fresh movie torrent downloaded, ready to hook up to any device that has an RCA input for an instant home theater experience. It's extremely compact and lightweight, measuring about 6x5x2 inches and weighing in at approximately 6 oz.

But the weight (or lack thereof) can have its setbacks too. Often times I find my Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch wrapped up, laying on its side or upside-down on the top of my desk because the cables I have running through it have the tendency to overpower it.

Nevertheless, the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch was worth the purchase. It has gold-plated jacks, so the quality is always clear in the audio and visual department. Teamed up with some gold-plated cables, the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch simply does its job.

The most remarkable thing is that the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch has a total of three S-Video jacks, with one input and two outputs-- something that makes it ideal for use between multiple sources. There's a simple switch that goes between A and B (inputs), but this switch finds a way to switch itself over every now and then, which can be frustrating and can cause unnecessary confusion.

In the end, the Acoustic Research 2-Device S-Video A/V Switch does its job and, because its readily available from any Best Buy, is an okay purchase. Other similar components, however, should be purchased-- if they're cheaper. S-Video A/V Switches are a fairly simple component and I don't see how anything can go wrong with one, but they're a great thing to have for people who enjoy downloading movies and, especially, Roms.