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The W-Hydra 2 Revised is the ultimate 16-port automatic SCART switcher that lets you connect your entire retro gaming collection to one display with pristine RGB quality.
Stop crawling behind your TV to swap SCART cables every time you want to play a different console
If you're a serious retro gaming collector, you know the frustration: a wall of consoles, a tangle of SCART cables, and the constant cable-swapping dance just to play your favorite systems. The W-Hydra 2 Revised by Lotharek solves this problem completely. This intelligent automatic SCART switcher gives you 16 inputs with full RGB support, so you can connect everything from your NES and SNES to your PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, Amiga, C64, and more – all at the same time. Just power on your console and the Hydra automatically detects the signal and switches to it, complete with a satisfying Knight Rider-style LED animation.
Crystal Clear Video with Zero Interference
What sets the W-Hydra 2 Revised apart is the quality of its signal handling. Each of the 16 inputs is galvanically separated, which means electrical interference from one device can't bleed into another. You get clean, crisp RGB video without the noise, buzzing, or picture degradation that can plague lesser switchers. Whether you're enjoying the pixel-perfect graphics of your SNES or the 3D worlds of your Dreamcast, the Hydra preserves every detail with stunning clarity. The device supports RGB, S-Video, and composite signals, making it compatible with virtually any SCART-equipped retro system.
What Makes the Revised Version Better
This isn't just a rehash of the previous model – Lotharek has made meaningful improvements based on user feedback. The signal detection hysteresis has been refined to work reliably with all types of SCART cables, even those that caused switching issues before. You now get three independent audio buffers per output for superior sound quality without crosstalk. Input 2 includes a Sync on Green mode (activated via the SW7 switch) for specialized equipment, while input 8 offers an RGB Only/Auto mode (SW8 switch) that's perfect for Amstrad computers and ZX Spectrum 128 +2/3 systems. Additional protection circuitry has been added to safeguard the internal components, ensuring long-term reliability.
Take Control Your Way
The W-Hydra 2 Revised offers multiple control options to fit your setup. You can use the front panel buttons for manual switching, or take advantage of the brilliant IR learning mode. Simply hold the middle button while powering on, and the Hydra will guide you through programming your own remote control using LED feedback. Once configured, you can switch inputs from your couch with virtually any IR remote. The automatic mode is incredibly smart – when you turn on a console, it switches to it instantly. If you have multiple systems running simultaneously, manual switching is just a button press away.
Comprehensive Audio Solutions
Great video deserves great audio, and the W-Hydra 2 Revised delivers. You get stereo RCA outputs for connecting to your TV or sound system, plus an amplified headphone jack for late-night gaming sessions. Both outputs feature volume control via your programmed remote, so you can adjust levels without leaving your gaming chair. The three independent audio buffers ensure clean, interference-free sound whether you're listening to the iconic music of Sonic the Hedgehog or the atmospheric soundscapes of Silent Hill.
Flexible Setup and Dual Outputs
The W-Hydra 2 Revised features two SCART outputs, allowing you to connect multiple displays simultaneously. This is perfect if you want to feed both a CRT television and an OSSC upscaler, or if you have gaming setups in different rooms. Power options are equally flexible – use any standard micro USB mobile phone charger (5V, approximately 1A) or a barrel jack connector (2.1/5.1mm, 7.5V-9V AC/DC). Both outputs include TTL/75Ohm sync switching (controlled via SW4 and SW5 switches) with LED indicators showing sync status, ensuring compatibility with various display types.
Built for Enthusiasts
Beyond its core functionality, the W-Hydra 2 Revised includes features that serious retro gamers will appreciate. The middle button controls an HD/Low Pass filter (indicated by LED status) for fine-tuning video output. You can toggle between automatic and manual scanning modes depending on your preference. The firmware is updatable via the AVR controller, meaning your switcher can benefit from future improvements. If you find the Knight Rider LED effect distracting, you can disable it by pressing the left and right buttons simultaneously for a more understated look.
Care and Longevity
To ensure your W-Hydra 2 Revised provides years of reliable service, always power it off before connecting or disconnecting SCART cables. This prevents potential damage and maintains optimal switching performance. With proper care, this switcher will be the centerpiece of your retro gaming setup, eliminating cable chaos and letting you focus on what matters most – playing the games you love on the systems you cherish.
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