Audio Authority Component 4x1 Audio/Video Switcher (AA1154A) Review

I picked up the Audio Authority component video switch box because my TV only has one component video input.  I finally got tired of manually switching the component cable between my DVD player and HDTV receiver.  I found this product after searching for similar devices on the net.  From the feature list is did everything I needed, but without extra bells and whistles so I didn't end up paying for anything I won't use. 

The unit is fairly small (about 3"x4"x6") and straightforward to use.  Basically on the back of the box there are 4 sets of inputs (component video plus optical and digital coax audio) and one set of outputs.  The unit automatically selects the output based on a "live" audio input.  If more than one input is on, it selects the lowest numbered input to display.  The manual warns about some devices that always output a null digital audio signal even when the device is powered off.  It recommends connecting those devices to lower priority inputs on the switcher.  I didn't even know devices did that, but it turns out that my HDTV receiver is one of them, so the warning saved me plenty of time and head scratching. 

Once I hooked up all of the cables the unit worked well and I was quickly switching between video sources.  After a while though I noticed that sometimes while watching a DVD the unit would think the DVD source went away and switch to a different input.  I haven't figured out why this is happening, but luckily it doesn't occur often and when it does there is a manual override select on the front that I can force it to pick up the DVD signal.  Several months after I bought the unit I got an Xbox 360, which I promptly added to a free input with no issues. 

Overall, I've found the Audio Authority 1154A component video switch to be a worthwhile purchase that allows me to easily connect and switch between multiple component video sources.