🚀 go-pugleaf

Hello, Net,

I have a need for something that switches video.  What I'm looking for is a
device that will accept N (where N is a number from 2 on up) RF video sources,
and allow me to select one of them to be routed to the output.  This device
should be remotely controllable, by either infrared remote control, RS-232C
serial, or by TTL compatible inputs.  Low cost is a must.  I could get by
with only two inputs, so if there is something such as an RF relay that I could
use, that would be acceptable.

This is for a home automation project that I'm working on.  I have a small
computer which puts out video on Channel 3.  This computer is connected to
the larger master controller computer via RS232 serial.  The video
capabilities of the small computer are used to create displays which I want
to be able to put on on the screen on all TVs in the house (they are all
connected together with a video distribution system (aka Rabbit).  Normally,
the cable tuner box outputs video to channel 3, so all of the TVs in the
house are tuned to channel 3.  I want to be able to switch out the cable
box, and switch in the Channel 3 video from the small computer to display
reminders, system status information, etc., as the control system sees fit.
The key is that the switch has to be able to be thrown remotely by the control
system...a manual switch won't do it.

I'm not a high-frequency design person, so I don't know much about the details
of how to make such a device, but if it isn't critical, I'd build one if
someone can give me some guidelines.  If there's something cheap that I can
buy that will fit the bill, I'd consider that, too, but I don't have much
of a budget for this.

Any suggestions or hints gratefully appreciated.

Rick Bensene
-- 
Rick Bensene        Tektronix, Inc.  PO Box 3500 C1-890    Vancouver, WA  98668 
rickb@tekigm2.MEN.TEK.COM (work)         Voice: (206) 253-5685 (10A-5P Pacific)
..tektronix!tessi!bucket!rickb (home)       BBS:   (503) 254-0458 300/1200/2400