Home theater aficionados address the problem via AV receiver / amplifiers, which are powerful systems that can switch between video inputs and drive surround sound speaker systems. The downside to such systems is primarily their cost (HDMI capable units run in excess of $1k) and the fact that even medium-end units with support for Component video usually don't have more than 3 Component inputs.
Fortunately, Pelican's System Selector Pro 2.0 is an alternate solution to the problem. The $100 box occupies a mid range between low-end solutions like Pelican's own $25 un-powered System Selector HD (review), and higher end solutions such as Component video switching AV receiver / amps. The device looks rather like a high-end rack-mountable audio component and is available in either black or white. A blue-lighted LED display front and center also adds to visual appeal and helps identify which input is selected. All consoles, except for the Wii, are represented as selectable labels on the display, as well as a wide variety of more mundane CD, DVD, V-AUX 1 etc.
Speaking of inputs, the System Selector Pro 2.0 is capable of accepting up to 6, though only 5 can be Component. S-Video and Composite are also available, but if that's all you need to switch there are lower end options that will work just as well. Stereo RCA audio inputs are available for each video input, but most useful are the three optical inputs the selector is capable of alternating between. These come in handy for those trying to work with an older receiver / amp with a single digital input or certain home-theater-in-a-box kits with limited signal switching capabilities.
Installation is as simple as connecting each of the video sources one wishes to switch between to the System Selector Pro, and then making a connection between the System Selector and the display. Once everything is wired in, switching between consoles is as simple as dialing through the various inputs until the desired source is found. The unit includes an extra 6-foot length of Component video wires, which is a nice touch, and a sturdy, if relatively simple, included remote makes for hassle free signal switching.
The most critical aspect of a system selector such as this is that it must not add interference or cause image degradation to video signals that travel through it. Un-powered alternatives can cause signal loss, but in our testing we were unable to find evidence of any negative effects caused by the System Selector Pro 2.0 to video signals including 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The device claims to be fully compatible with the Xbox 360, and by dint, we assume, with any HD-source, and our testing revealed no evidence to the contrary.
Conclusion
The Pelican System Selector Pro 2.0 fills an important gap between low-end system selectors and high-end AV receivers. Its $100 price point is strong considering its capabilities, and it is impressively well finished and attractive. Our testing revealed no flaws in performance, and we're pleased to recommend it as a solution for gamers tired of fumbling behind their displays to switch consoles in and out of limited numbers of Component inputs.