Guess I'll make my first post here a question?  Other than the Panasonic AV-H3000 HD/SD switcher, are there any other small footprint, low cost SD switchers out there that could fit in an ENG/SNG truck?  I ask because I keep running into this EchoLab Banner ad and it seemed like a good time to ask.

 Keep in mind the pricing would need to be $10K or less and offer at least 5 inputs.  We're not talking large scale production stuff here, just the kind of machine you'd use if you were doing something like a small news conference, or perhaps the Friday Night Football thing.  I haven't had a chance to look around much but it seems like, ever since the demise of the Grass Valley 110, there hasn't been a lot to chose from in the size/price ranges I'm talking about here.

Have you looked at Ross Video Systems?  I think they had a SD switcher similar in size to the GVG 110.

 -Greg

We have the Echolab Nova ID4 (SDI) and we're pleased with it. It's been rock solid for about two years, since purchase...although it didn't fall under the $10K threshold. We used to have the GVG110/AMX170 combos years ago at our various locations...which definitely filled a niche in its heyday. 

" I ask because I keep running into this EchoLab Banner ad and it seemed like a good time to ask."

Are you looking for something new or is used equipment OK?

Hi Paul,

 Really looking for new.  The intent being to resell as part of a system package.  Thanks though.

True...although I was hoping that the market would have started the downward trend by now....The only thing I've found that falls within the price-point window is a Panasonic AV-H3000G...or thereabouts.  Very limited little box, but something this size fits the application.

Guess I'll see what NAB has to offer!

We also have the Echolab Nova ID4 (SDI) and we're pleased with it. It's been rock solid for about one and a half year although it is expensive.

You are right wait for the NAB and see what they are offering.

 You said low-cost switchers, right?

Here's a link to the lowest cost switcher I've seen for quick & dirty productions

 http://www.videonics.com/solutions/catalog.asp?id=10

There's a special pricing now on a HD switcher at Videonics:

http://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/HXSwitcher_pricing/

Focus, DataVideo and Panasonic have offerings that are all similiar and in the under $20k range for SDI switchers.

Simple little switchers- with limited functionality.  But what can you expect for these kinds of dollars.

I haven't used one yet but the perfect solution seems to be the Panasonic AV-HS400 Compact Live Multi-Format HD/SD Switcher with a MultiViewer monitor output.  It comes nicely equipped for around $9000.00.  I am planning to use one in an installation I am doing this summer and am very anxious to see how it works.  Let us know what you finally decide on.

Try Focus Enhancements HX-1 - MSRP $7995.00

It looks like a plain vanilla 4 input HD-SDI switcher.

Here is the data sheet: http://www.focusinfo.com/dynassets/documents/products/Focus%20HX%20Line.pdf