component video switcher for HD

Check out https://www.audioauthority.com/indexh.php

I have the 1154A and have it in use for a couple of years. The 1154B has a remote. With the A you have to push a button or use the priority feature.

Unfortunately the ATV puts out a video signal even on standby and since I don't want to turn my Cable box off I have the ATV on the lowest priority port and select it manually.

The 1154A/B switch component and alos optical and stereo audio.

I would prefer to use the 'A' version, but I am unclear on the auto-sensing. I will be using it with two devices; the Apple TV and a DVD player.

In that case, connect the TV to input number 4 and the DVD payer into input 1, 2, or 3. When you turn on the DVD Player, the unit will detect the output signal and automatically switch you to DVD input. Turning off the DVD power will kill the DVD output signal and the unit will automatically switch you back to TV. The only problem is having two devices that constantly put out a signal -- like the TV and a sat receiver. In this case the unit will not automatically switch and you have to manually (button) switch between the two. Have also been using one of these units for the past few years and love it. It is well made and may seem a bit oversized but this helps to stabilize the unit if all inputs are in use. I use it to switch between a sat receiver, TV, a DVD recorder, and a DVD player.

One would think that at some point the Apple Store would start carrying some brand of component (or HDMI) switcher for the convenience of its Apple TV customers.

You could also look at the Psyclone PSC01 HD switcher:

http://www.psyclonecables.com/search/index.asp?newsearch=1&conid=990

I use this and it works great. Some people have reported that they have ground loop issues with it. For $100 bucks at Best Buy or Circuit City, it's not bad, has a remote, component video, analog audio, optical audio, and ethernet ports for four devices and the display can be customized to label the ports. Making sure to fix ground loops is a must with this unit but for $100 it does it's job well, at least for me.

Are you using the 'A' version with HD signals?

Yes. The 1154B is a relatively new release which replaced the 1154A price tier. If I were buying a new one, would likely still go with the "B" now. However, have to admit the price drop of about $130 makes the "A" model a good alternative where 1080p is not required.

One would think that at some point the Apple Store
would start carrying some brand of component (or
HDMI) switcher for the convenience of its Apple TV
customers.

It's a safe bet that as soon as this is available, it will be offered:

http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/av_cables/switcher/

I've been using the Audio Authority "1154A" model for over 3 years now. I love it! Best investment I've made for my home system.

Either way, you'll like the A or B model switch. If you think you'll be using a lot of 1080p signals then go with the B model. If not, go with the A and spend that extra $130 on other things.

AL