Whats an S-Video output on my DVD Player?

[Osiris]

Okay I cannot find any information on this. Does anyone know what S-Video on DVD players does for it.

I have the option on my DVD Player and TV, to use S-Video instead of the normal Video input. Now the manual says using S-Video is better but thats it.

ANyone know what it is?

What is does?

Where I can find more information on it?

Very appreciated in advance. Thanks.

[Roger H. Veteran]

hehe.. S-video is a sharper digital connection that the Composite (RCA) connection you're using now (prolly). The only thing that is better is Component Video which uses 3 cables to bring the picture. You should use S-video if you have the option because the images from the DVD player will be sharper. RCA can only handle so much information but with S-video you can in some cases DOUBLE the lines that make up the picture. If you have a DVD player with "Progressive Scan" then you should be using S-video since you wont be any different with normal RCA cables. S-video cables are somewhat more expensive since it's a better cable but if you got the TV for it then it's worth it.

[Roger H. Veteran]

freek had some info here but took it down.. don't know why.. but here's a comparison of TV output from the PC using S-video and not...

Coaxial/Composite (RCA)

S-Video

as you can see the bottom one (using S-video) is sharper. That's just one example though. there are others that you can find about s-video so just use it if you can!

read more here i guess... (thanx Freexa!) :)

http://www.netfact.com/crs/projects/syncomat/svideo/

[divinatum]

S-Video is sooo much better, me and my freind did a test on his new tv with a PS2, we did the composite (RCA) and S-Video.. its amazing... if your tv has it id buy the cables and take advantage of the s-video... you will be verry happy with the results :)

:right:HackerSp0rtZ:right:

[Osiris]

wow that definitely does make it look sharper, and I want the best from my TV and DVD so I think im off to buy the cable.

Thanks for your help guys. ill think of yas when im watching my sharper quality picture when watching DVDS

[Weasel]

Since were on the subject I thought I would ask...how much better is component video compared to S-Video. My TV and DVD both have component hookups but I don't know if it's worth the extra $80.

[Qwakui]

SHoTTa35 - Windows '95?

Edit: Snare retracted.

[CustardFD]

Weasel: Make your own up. You need 2x 4 pin mini-DIN connectors (male) and a length of quality shielded cable. Then just apply a few blobs of solder and voila! A s-video cable for about ?3, so probs $5.

Qwakui: the screenshots are taken straight from the link at the bottom of SHoTTa35's post.

[Roger H. Veteran]

Component Video sends the red, blue and yellow (which we all know is what make up displays) seperately to give a more precise picture. I don't know how much sharper it is but if you have a HDTV with component input (not composite) then you're in luck.. i'd choose that any day. Component for all who don't know is 3 cables just for video and then maybe 1 for audio (digital coaxial or optical) so it's the higest quality there is :) If my TV had Component.. (hehe... it's a 25inch but check this.. it doesn't even have Composite (RCA or A/V jacks) or S-VIdeo so it sure as hell wouldn't have Component! I gotta use one of them Converter boxes! But here's the catch.. it's a FREAKING RCA TV!!!! and it doesnt' have RCA jacks!!! HAHA) then i'd certainly go for component even if it's more expensive to get!

[CustardFD]

Use your TV out on 640x480 and you might find it is just about readable on that size screen :p

[Osiris]

ahh god damn it, now you have all confussed me havent ya

I was observing the DVD earlier after I replied and saw the 3 compenent option I thought it was a worse option. Gees now I dont know what to do.

I need to know how much more precise 3 component method is over S-Video.

hrmm I need to find out by about 10.30AM tomorrow.

[Krome]

Osiris,

"S-Video" means "Super Video"... It was suppose to give much more clarity over normal video interface. If you want to use S-Video from any device, your receiver or TV has to be capable of getting the S-Video signal too in order to tell a big difference. Compare a regular MPEG file to DVD... That's is an example close enough for S-Video to normal video jack...

[Osiris]

yeah my TV and DVD have 3 component and S-video options.

and ppl before have just said 3 compoenent option was even better quality then S-Video, so im wondering how much more.

But then your saying S-Video is like comparing Mpeg to DVD, which would be a very noticeable difference.

Ah well im getting a good S-Video cable tomorrow for a good price, and its already arranged so I suppose ill just get my S-Video cable and wathcing DVDs on my TV should be even sweeter, shouldnt it?

[Ironguy]

NTSC TV signals in the US generally run in the 240-280 lines per screen. That is, there are basically 280 lines of resolution on your screen at one time. S-Video is capable of up to 500 lines of resolution, thus the sharper image. DVDs are encoded for S-video so use it if you have it. Satellite feeds and Digital cable also have high res signals so use S-video here also.

Someone mentioned Progressive scan. TVs are interlaced. The screen fills in halway with alternate lines, then 1/60 of a second later fills in the other 'half'. You may see output names listed as 480i or 480p. The 480i is 480 lines of resolution, interlaced. Progressive scan throws the whole picture on the screen at once. 480p is 480 lines of resolution, progressive. Your computer monitor is progressive, by the way.

Now along comes HDTV which is capable of up to 1080p. WOW! This is why there are component outputs and inputs. These are capable of handling the 1080i or 1080p output. S video is not.

Don't run out and get your HDTV yet (even though I did). There is controversy about the type of connections for standard output. The industry may move away from component video to something else, rather like a SVGA connector. (like your computer)

Anyway, hope this helps.

One other thing. HDTV is supposed to be in place by 2006 on all broadcasts. It can also be picked up by a standard rooftop antenna. Don't forget, you still need a special receiver to get these broadcasts. The picture is amazing!

[Osiris]

hrmm very intresting indeed, ah well I think ill just buy my S-Video cable, if its double the lines im definitely gonna see an improvement as it is.

Yeah its odd you mention that HDTVS have component type, cause my DVD has the component inputs, and my TV and the back has the same inputs also as the DVD does the red blue green, but alas

I have to go buy the cable v.soon and im getting it prety cheap so I guess the components setup can just wait if I can actually get it.

Thanks again everyone for your assistance.