Pelican HD system selector
Written: Dec 19 '05 (Updated Jan 30 '07)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Easy to use, accepts composite and component signals.
Cons: Not powered, output quality issues.
The Bottom Line: Only for individuals that need an inexpensive option for a component system selector.
|
|
|
| yakkowarner's Full Review: Pelican HD System Selector PL-970 for PlayStation ... |
This is a system selector for any video/audio system. It will work with component and composite inputs. It is incorrectly labeled on epinions as a accessory for Playstation, it is an accessory for any A/V device. So don’t worry if you don’t own that system, it will work for any a/v device.
What it comes with.
The switch box
A composite cable with s-video, R, L, and Y ends.
A component cable (red, blue, and green).
10 nameplates
Instruction/help pamphlet.
How it works.
You plug in the cables from the systems you are using and use the supplied cables (or monster cables like me) to connect the output signal to the television. You have 4 buttons to depress to select the signal source. It really is that simple. There is also no power source to mess with nor is there an on/off button.
To change out the nameplates you merely use a small flat head screwdriver to “pop” it out.
The channel indicator and the name plates
One thing I want to make clear is this unit is not powered. From some of the pictures it would look like it has a green light and it does not. If there is sufficient light in the room it will look green. If not then it just looks black. It comes with 10 nameplates so you can properly label each input.
Quality of the signal.
First off, I am using Monster cables so signal loss through the cables is minimal. They are either 1 or 2 meters in length.
When I first compared a DVD image the only thing I noticed was some barely visible scrolling lines in the top left corner. But I did not notice it anywhere else. I could not see it when I was sitting on the couch. When comparing the signal from the Gamecube and my Xbox, I did not notice any signal loss or decrease in image quality. I was really expecting to see something and I could not. So at first I thought the signal is good and signal loss was extremely minor.
I put on a DVD the next night and the movie started out with a light shade. The entire screen was doing the scrolling things. It was really annoying. I immediately disconnected my DVD player and connected my DVD player directly to the television. Needless to say I’m not using this for my DVD player again.
Inputs.
It supports 4 devices. 3 can be Component, composite, or S-video. The fourth can only be composite/S-video. It also has a broadband connection for each system.
It does not support optical inputs.
Outputs.
-Component (red, green, and blue.)
-Composite, 4 audio (2 red and 2 white) and 1 video (yellow.)
-S-video
You should notice that it has 2 audio outputs. This is essential if you are using both composite and component devices, but you are also using 2 video inputs on your television (one for the component signal and one for the composite signal.)
Who is this for?
This is for someone that needs a cheap video changer for their videogame systems. Just keep in mind that some interference and signal loss will occur. Videophiles need not apply. I would suggest looking online for a powered component video changer instead of this model if you have the money.
I decided not to return this because I can use it as a changer for my computer video input or just for my video games. If I didn’t have a use for it I would have returned it immediately. But I will never plug my DVD player in it again, the quality was just too bad.
So, do I recommend this product?
In a word, no. If you have a cheaper monitor or have no cash, then this is an acceptable option. Just keep in mind the quality of the video will be diminished. If you have the money, spend 1-2 hundred on a nice powered system selector. Pelican does make a better version called the PL-960 and the price for that is around $90 but I have had no experience with it.
What I like.
-Easy to use.
-Had plastic labels for each setting.
-Component or composite options for input and output.
-Broadband connections.
What I do not like.
-There is signal loss through the selector.
-Provided cables are cheap.
-Only 3 component channels, not 4.
-Not powered.
-Does not support optical cables.
Warranty information
”Pelican accessories warrants to the original consumer purchaser that the product will be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. If a defect covered by this warranty occurs during this period, Pelican accessories at its option will repair or replace, at no charge, any part that Pelican accessories determines to be defective.”
They do not pay for return postage when they return it. Basically, I am not impressed with their warranty, but then again I’m not too impressed with their products either.
Dimensions and specs
Length: 6 inches
Width: 10.5 inches
Height: 1 3/4 inches
Weight of main unit: 1 lb, 2 3/4 ounces
Length of component cable: 6 feet
Length of composite cable: 6 feet
Cost: $25.
Summary
This is a cheap system selector. It will accept input from a composite, s-video, or component video/audio source. In addition it will accept a high-speed Internet source. It outputs in composite, s-video, high-speed Internet, and component video sources. The main problem with this unit is signal loss and interference in signal. This is mainly because this selector is not powered. So I only recommend this unit if you are cash strapped or don’t care about the quality of your image. If you have the money then buy a better system.
Other gaming hardware.
Nintendo Wii game console
Pelican Eclipse Wireless Controller.
Logitech Xbox Wireless Controller.
Xbox component cable.
Jedi Hunter Wireless Controller.
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.