Quad questions

[Hectic 0]

I have a custom project I'm working on that consists of one recording device and 4 cameras, so I need a quad processor. Sounds simple, but is becoming far too confusing and frustrating for what it is. Long story short, I don't need anything aside from a device that displays 4 video signals at once. I don't need any additional features. No titles, no dates, no PIP, just four video quadrants. The problem is that every device has additional features that I don't want, and is creating all these unnecessary questions in my mind.

 

So here are my questions for anyone with experience with the cheap $50 generic quads that are all over the place. Do these units retain custom settings so that when power is removed, it doesn't default to the factory settings? I will need to completely remove power between uses. And speaking of factory settings, what are they? Does it default to quad mode? Title and date overlays? Again, all I need is 4 raw quadrants when power is connected. Will this be possible with the generic Chinese quads or will settings reset when power is removed? If there is a simple multiplexer out there without any frills please point me in that direction. I have not seen one myself.

 

Thanks

[Soundy 1]

The problem is, the answers to ALL of your questions will depend on the particular unit you're talking about... and as you note, there are so many no-name units out there, it's hard for anyone to know for sure what facts apply to which units.

 

Don't worry about "extra features" - simple solution: don't use them. Most will have the ability to disable unwanted options like onscreen displays.

 

Also, the vast majority you'll find WILL retain all settings and options indefinitely when powered off.

[Hectic 0]

Also, the vast majority you'll find WILL retain all settings and options indefinitely when powered off.

 

Thanks, that's ultimately what I'm after. I'm thinking about this one here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Color-Security-Video-Quad-Spliter-Processor-US-Version?item=130633529695&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7424700972228662241

 

It seems to be one of the least common models out there, not a lot of information on it but it ships from the US and returns are accepted, so I think i'll give it a try. I know it's a long shot, but if anyone has experience with this unit please share.

[Soundy 1]

I would say, check with the individual sellers with your specific needs. Tell them up front what you require and confirm that you'll be able to return it should it not meet those requirements.

[Hectic 0]

That was step one. Unfortunately I haven't had much of any luck in getting responses, which is how I ended up here. The seller of the item I linked to hasn't responded to my questions, but did respond with a counter to my best offer. Not sure what it means, maybe just a language barrier. All I asked was if it had a remote and if it saved settings when power is removed. I'll just take a chance on it, if it's no good I just send it back to Cali, opposed to Hong Kong where most of them ship from.