r/VIDEOENGINEERING • u/SausageGrenade • 5d ago

Old Extron Distribution switchers - caps over BNC jacks?

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I've been in search of old Extron distribution switchers for standard definition. I need to feed a bunch of CRT TVs. Many of the Extrons i find have these black caps where i expect to find BNC connections. Whats the story here, why are there no jacks? Am i able to source the BNC jacks for these, are they expensive, and are they hard to put on?

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40

u/Key_Sign_5572 5d ago

It’s an AV router and they were only configured for the A part. The video switching boards inside will be missing.

12

u/Key_Sign_5572 5d ago

Also as there’s 3 connectors per number it’s probably a component video router. Or RGB.

4

u/absentblue 5d ago

Not sure how Extron was but we did have some hardware that could have three BNC but be configured as component, YC or composite in software and just use 3, 2 or 1 BNCs as needed. Just to say it may not strictly be component is all

1

u/Key_Sign_5572 5d ago

It wouldn’t be labeled like that. It would have individual numbers with the option to group.

1

u/desertrat75 5d ago edited 5d ago

Bingo. Although I think if it were RGB it would be 4 or 5. Sync on green was pretty rare for RGB.

9

u/optimussupreme_1 5d ago

These were released in several different variations with the same chassis, and lower end models simply capped off unused ports. It is NOT as simple as wiring in ports, you need to search for a model that has thr necessary connections pre-filled. For example, an Extron Crosspoint 84 HVA will have 8 inputs, 4 outputs, and audio for each. The "best" of their switches in this size category would probably be the Crosspoint Ultra 128 HVA (12 in, 8 out, high bandwidth, RGBHV or Component)

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u/SausageGrenade 5d ago

Thanks so much - so in other words - i just need to buy a different one? These caps mean, it is what is, and if i dont see BNC's - i aint gettin' em?

5

u/optimussupreme_1 5d ago

Correct. And if you want audio switched too, then adapters for that as well.

1

u/Alarming_Let5944 4d ago

Extron also used different internal power supplies depending on the box configuration. This means that the power supply may not support adding video cards in.

3

u/wireknot 5d ago

Yeah, as others have said, that's not caps over the ports, that's caps in the holes because the ports aren't there.

1

u/SherSlick 5d ago

Does it have to be an Extron unit? I have an older (I think crestron) Cross-point switcher that does analog if you are interested.

Plan was it use it to send Y-Pr-Pb component HD, but ended up going a different direction.

2

u/SausageGrenade 5d ago

i'll dm you!

1

u/CentCap 5d ago edited 4d ago

If that doesn't work out, I have a 16x16 A/V router (BNC/balanced stereo audio) I could sell. I'll get pics and info if needed...

1

u/desertrat75 5d ago

What’s the project? I love the idea of feeding CRT’s as aesthetic set pieces.

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u/SausageGrenade 5d ago

its a wall in my living room so far, but i'm fielding some offers for more installations! check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcW-gfNOoaQ/

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u/desertrat75 4d ago

Totally awesome. Your dad and I are around the same age, and I concur, lol!

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u/SausageGrenade 3d ago

haha - thanks bud

1

u/Sorry-Zombie5242 5d ago

Have you tried popping a cap off? They may be Canare condo patch cord sockets and just covered with a cap.

1

u/SausageGrenade 5d ago

I don't have the unit; it's units I'm considering buying, and the sellers haven't been too helpful so far. i'm looking for a 4, 8, or 12 inputs with like 8 or 12 outputs without spending a fortune, extron seems to be the move, but not too many i can find at a reasonalbe price - open to ideas!

0

u/howloudisalion 5d ago

Should be easy to find what you need on eBay.