PC a/v ponderings

[TheBigZ]

I run 2 pcs with a kvm switch and a 19" monitor. One box is win2k with a v5 5500 and the other is a 98se box with a radeon aiw. I've been running an audio cable from the sb pci64 lineout in the 98se box to the linein on the sb live plat on the 2k box. I have 5 pc (unmatched) speaker set on the 2k box. This setup is just functional, the audio levels seem to be somewhat degraded coming from the 98se box.
So I'm thinkin... maybe it's time to go with some sort of audio receiver. Send the audio from both (some maybe 3) pc's to the receiver and then put speakers on the receiver. Then I dod some more thingk... maybe I should also get a video receiver. Send the svid output from from both vid cards to the vid unit, as well as put my tv cable into that, then just send that all down to my tvs (wanna send dvd/vcd to tvs). I'd prefer all this stuff be rack mountable and I'd like to control it via a remote.

Has anyone else done anything like this? Is it possible with the hardware I have or am I being delusional? I seems to me like I'd need something with multiple input as well as multiple output. I'm guessing that means big bucks. If anyone has any specific hardware suggestions, I'd appreciate those.

Thanks

 

[randypj]

I don't have a whole lot to contribute, but, I did research some of this type of setup a couple years ago. I did find some nfo about cable length. I feared some significant loss.

What I was told was that ~50' for both svid and audio cables would work, IF I got good quality cable. I believe I bought both cables at TechAmerica (I think this is the name--parent or div. of Radio Shack).

Would someone please let us know if this info is not correct.
--Randy

 

[TheBigZ]

Poppin this back up for some attention. So far I've found a JVC S700 switcher. Looks like it would do what I want, but geez... $600. Still lookin for some feedback from anyone else that's done something similar. JVC S700