1. What is S-Video?
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S-Video is a high quality method of transmitting a video signal
from a device such as a satellite receiver, Camcorder, VCR, or a game console. S-Video uses MiniDin 4-pin connectors at each end of a cable that has two small 75-ohm
coaxial cable lines running within it. S-video keeps the luminance signal (brightness signal) and chrominance signal (color signal) separated. One line (or pin) carries the luminance signals, one carries the chrominance signals, and the other two lines (or pins) each are ground wires. Adding the luminance and chrominance signals together produces a composite video signal (above). S-video is also known as Separate Video or Y/C video because the Y signal (brightness) and C signal (color) are separated. S-video is believed to provide a better quality picture than composite video.
2. What are other consumer options besides S-Video?
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A. Composite (most common)
By default, most electronic devices that hook up to your television send a "Composite" Signal. This is by far the most common of all 4 outputs. The cable has 3 jacks: yellow,white,and red. One jack sends the audio (left), the second the stereo (right), and the third the video, respectively. The picture quality is decent but pales in comparison to S-Video or RGB.
B. RF
RF is the worst you can get in terms of picture quality. It hooks up to your cable, and the picture sucks.
C. Component Video: Component Video typically uses three RCA connectors or three BNC connectors at each end of a cable consisting of three separate 75-ohm coaxial cable lines within it. However, three individual 75-ohm coaxial cables with the same connectors can also be used. Component video separates the luminance signal (brightness signal) from the sub-components of the chrominance signal (the blue signal and the red signal). Notice that blue and red will produce green to achieve a completed RGB (red, green, blue) signal. Component video is believed to provide a better quality picture than s-video.
C.
DVI-D: This used with
HDTV systems. It is better than RGB.
3. Is S-Video THAT much better than Composite?
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In a word, YES! The image is at least twice as sharp, and the color
definition is far superior. Because of this the image looks a lot
"cleaner".
4. What do I need to get S-Video working?
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The Televsion
First and foremost, you must have a T.V. that has an S-Video Input Jack. Most newer/higher end T.V.'s have such an S-Video input. Look in the back of your T.V. If you see anything with the words "S-Video" on it, you're in business. If not, then you'll need to buy a T.V. that has an S-Video Input Jack.
The Cable
So now that you know your T.V. can accept S-Video input, you must have an S-Video cable. Crappy S-Video cables that sell for US$2 at Radio Shack do not provide the shielding requried to maintain strong colors and you get Chromo and Luma crosstalk (which defeats the purpose of using S-Video in the first place).
However, a properly shielded S-Video cable would be ideal.
Video connector types: 1. DVI; 2. IEEE 1394; 3. Component video;
4. S-video; 5. Composite video.