The s-video cable does not carry audio -- it is video only. The 950 does need to be on if you are routing your audio and video through it (which you would be if you are using the monitor out). If you are wanting to watch TV sometimes without turning everything else on, you might consider connecting the cable or satellite box to the TV via an RF coax cable (which does carry both audio and video). As for the video distribution, there are some video switchers around that might suit your needs, although you'll also need to do something with the audio. If you aren't using it already, you might use the VCR record out loop to feed a separate location -- it will output audio and video from the active source on the 950.

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