JVC JX-S777 Audio/Video Switcher

Overall, the rear and front panel layout makes setting up the S777 and connecting all your components very easy. However, if you need to consult the owner's manual, you will be pleasantly surprised how well the manual is laid out. The manual guides you through a variety of connection scenarios and switcher functions with well illustrated diagrams and easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions.

On the input/output side, the S777 facilitates composite/S-video conversion. This means that you can connect your standard VHS VCR and you new DVD recorder to this unit and use either composite or S-video output to your TV. This makes mixing composite-only and S-Video components easier, and allows a single video output (either composite or S-video) to your television. Also, the onboard video processing, there is no visual indication of signal degradation on either side of the composite/s-video conversion process.

On the video editing site, any analog audio/video input can automatically output the other analog audio/video output. This means that you can dub from your video editing device to up to 4 VCRs or DVD Recorders simultaneously. This simultaneous multiple dubbing capability can be done from any set of analog AV inputs or outputs. You can also split this function in such a way as to dub between two devices (such as a DVD recorder and a VCR), while you are monitoring another source, or dubbing between two other devices. This is referred to as Dual Line Operation.

Another feature that facilitates dubbing, are the three firewire in/out connections. This allows the dubbing from a digital camcorder to either another digital camcorder or digital VCR. In addition, if your PC has a firewire interface, you can connect to the S777 and use its firewire capabilities to dub from a digital camcorder and/or output video or photo files to a digital VCR or a firewire equipped photo printer. You also have the option to perform digital video dubbing at the same time you view an analog source on your televisions, or dub between two analog video sources. However, it must be noted that the S777 does not convert digital video to analog or vice versa.

To summarize, I found the Pros and Cons of the the S777 to be as follows:

PROs

An abundance of audio and video inputs and outputs, including firewire and digital audio.

Composite to S-Video conversion and vice-versa makes mixing of components easier.

Extensive cross-dubbing functions eliminate need for constant reconnecting of cables

Functions well as both a home theater AV switcher or a Video Editing "patch bay".

Easy to use, well illustrated, step-by-step owner's manual.

CONs

Although this unit has two monitor outputs, a third will add more flexibility for video editing use.

No DVI or HDMI inputs or outputs present.

No composite or S-Video to component conversion.

No digital to analog or analog to digital video conversion.

Remote control is cheap looking and has a cheap feel to it.

However, despite some missing features that would make great additions, the S777 is a very impressive A/V switcher, and is the most comprehensive unit of this type I have seen in the consumer market.

Organization, simplicity, flexibility, and performance. These four words sum up my opinion of the JVC JX-S777 Audio/Video Switcher. Whether you are an avid home theater enthusiast that is running out of inputs on your AV receiver, or a video editor that is tired of constantly connecting an reconnecting VCRs, DVD recorders, Camcorders, etc... to your editing system every time you to need to input, dub, or output a project, the JX-S777 may be just the solution that make your life a lot easier.

The JVC JX-S777 Audio/Video selector is one accessory that may end up being the central part of your home theater or video editing system. Featuring extensive analog and digital audio and video input/output connections as well as flexible audio and video dubbing capabilities, the S777 easily fills the role of expanding you input options for your home theater or input and dubbing options for video editors.

The JVC JX-S777 is one most practical audio/video accessories I have ever used; it has definitely earned a coveted place in my personal video editing system - at least until the next version from JVC comes out... I recommend it highly. Five Stars!

Also check out my short review of the JVC JX-S777