JVC JX-S777 Audio/Video Switcher

One of the constant problems encountered by both home theater and video editing enthusiasts is having a logically organized way to hookup everything in their systems. The constant battle with cable clutter, dust, and re-connecting and re-arranging components everytime a new component is added is a real bother. However, JVC may have come to the rescue with its JX-S777 A/V Switcher that does more than you expect. For details, check out my full review.

Product Overview

The JVC JX-S777 is a comprehensive audio/video switcher and signal router. The unit can be operated both from the front panel or the provided remote control.

Features include:

Eight A/V inputs and Five A/V outputs (can be either composite or S-Video).

Two component video inputs paired with digital audio inputs.

One component video output paired with digital audio output.

Three i-Link (Firewire/IEEE-1394) digital video input/output connectors.

Composite to S-Video conversion or S-Video to composite video conversion.

Dub from one VCR or DVD recorder to multiple VCRs or DVD recorders (non-copyprotected content only).

Simultaneous dubbing allows dubbing two different programs at the same time (dual-line operation).

Parallel dubbing feature allows another video program to be viewed during dubbing functions.

Front panel AV inputs (including firewire) as well as an A/V processor loop connection.

Setup and Use

The first thing you notice about the S777 is that it is about the size of many standard AV receivers; which is fairly large, especially when taking into account that this unit does not have any built-in audio amplifiers, speaker connections, or FM/AM tuner. However, the need for such a large chassis is quite apparent when you look at the rear panel. The unit needs this large size to accommodate the extensive amount of audio/video input and output connections that are housed on the rear panel. In addition, there is a flip-down door on the front of the S777 that reveals an additional set of AV inputs, plus a set of AV inputs and outputs that comprise the unit's Processor Loop.

The connections on the rear panel are clearly labeled and logically laid out. All of the audio and video inputs on grouped in section and all of the audio and video outputs grouped in another. This makes hooking up your components very easy.

If you have a device, such as a video game console or a camcorder that you wish to connect to the S777 on an intermittent basis, this unit has a front panel set of audio/video inputs for that can be used for that purpose.

Additional Features

Also, another front panel convenience feature, the Processor Loop, is a set of audio/video inputs and outputs that allows you to connect either an audio equalizer, video processor, or similar device. This connection places the processor within the path of any selected component, such as a VCR, DVD recorder, CD recorder, or audio tape deck. Since the connection is on the front panel, the user can change out the processor component very easily, if desired. This is very useful in a video editing setup.

Hooking up your S777 to either your Television or AV receiver is very easy. The S777 has two video monitor outputs, and include composite or S-video connections. Simply use the connection you prefer. If your television also has audio inputs and you don't have an AV receiver, you can also connect the audio outputs of the S777 to the audio inputs on your TV and you are now able to chose a variety of components to watch your TV by simply selecting the designated input on the S777. The S777 even comes with stick-on labels to make it easier to organize your inputs.

Besides just connecting to a TV, you can also use the S777 to greatly expand the number of the inputs you may have on your AV receiver. Just hookup the monitor audio and video ouput of the S777 to the auxiliary input on you AV receiver. When you select the aux input on your AV receiver, just further fine tune your selection on the S777.

Continue on to Page 2: Setup - Use - Dubbing - Pros/Cons - Conclusion