Multiple consoles on arcade monitor - remedial help needed!

[johnvv]

I'm usually pretty good technically, but am at a loss on this one.

How do you hook up the video for multiple consoles to an arcade monitor in a mame cabinet.  Let's use the following situation:

- Arcade monitor (Betson, WG, Billabs, etc.)
- Mame PC w/AVGA card already connected to arcade monitor
- Slikstik CP (w/ipac)
- Xbox and PS/2
- Ultimarc console adapters for Xbox and PS/2

How is the video for the Ultimarc adapters connected to the monitor?  Do you need a jpac(s)?  Do you have to manually move the monitor video cable when you switch sources (mame PC to Xbox to PS/2)?  Or can you connect all three sources to the monitor and switch them via software or keystrokes?

I did some hunting on this an could not find a clear (at least to me) answer.  I think I understand how the console swould both connect to the ipac for controller use.  It's the video I don't get.

[AlanS17]

I'm assuming by "arcade monitor" you mean a CGA monitor. What sort of video cables do you intend to use for the XBOX and PS2? Are you going to use S-video, component, or composite signals?

There's no reason why you can't hook up all your sources directly to video. Using a J-Pac limits your compatibility with the XBOX and PS2. You can probably use an off-the-shelf A/V switch, but you'll have to do something about that AVGA input signal. And you'll need a way to split the sync signal off when you send the final video signal to arcade monitor.

The beauty of the A/V switch is that it will also switch over your audio source. That's something you may not have considered.

As far as controls go, maybe you can find some PS/2 splitters and run your controls to all 3 consoles at once. Then at least will be a seamless transition. Otherwise you'll have to sheel out some money for a switch for that, too.

I REALLY don't want to have to draw a diagram, but I will if this all doesn't make sense.

*Note: that PS/2 refers to the PC keyboard standard and PS2 refers to the Playstation 2.*

[scumball]

I use a JPAC and have just ordered a Belkin KVM with audio switcher.  If you're using the Ultimarc console AV adaptors you could use this too and it comes in a 4 port version.

Input of KVM from XBox video/audio/control adaptors
Input of KVM from PS2 video/audio/control adaptors
Input of KVM from Pc video/audio/keyboard

Output of KVM Keyboard to IPAC
Output of KVM Video to Video Amp to Arcade monitor
Output of KVM audio to Amp/Speakers

[albert_c]

Don't even try this.  Use a T.V instead or use multiple cabinets. 

[johnvv]

I'm assuming by "arcade monitor" you mean a CGA monitor. What sort of video cables do you intend to use for the XBOX and PS2? Are you going to use S-video, component, or composite signals?

The noted monitors all have VGA inputs.  In this scenario, the Billabs has an advantage in flexibility as it can display up to 1024 x 768 versus 800 x 600 for all the other arcade/CGA monitors.

So, with only a VGA input on the monitor, all the consoles would have to hook up to VGA - either directly or via a transcoder or switchbox. 

I was hoping that there was one box that could switch the VGA from the PC, component from Gamecube, Wii, and PS2, and VGA from the Xbox/Xbox 360.  Doesn't sound there is - at least under $500.  Yeah, multiple cabinets would work, but buying a high-end mult-format video transcoder would be far less expensive.

Sounds like a VGA switch in combination with a couple transcoders (one for each of VGA and component) would work but will still require some manual cable switch and/or button pushing.  An A/V switch is another good idea for audio even if can't handle the VGA requirements (due to lack of ports or switching capability).

[AlanS17]

I would check online for a KVM switch with additional audio switching.

[albert_c]

The worst part about this type of deal is that you have to re-adjust the  video settings everytime you change to a different system.

[AlanS17]

The worst part about this type of deal is that you have to re-adjust the  video settings everytime you change to a different system.

High-end KVM switches will help adjust the signal. It shouldn't cause an issue for a multi-sync monitor, anyways.