Properly Use "S" Video Cables
S-video cables offer enhanced picture-quality on older television sets. They come with a series of pins at the end (either 4, 7, or 9) that plug into a circular slot. To properly use S-video cables, you'll need to choose the correct cable for your television / component pair, then connect the two properly.
Contents
Steps
Choosing the Correct S-Video Cable
- Make sure your television and component support S-video. S-video cables connect a component (something that generates video, like a DVD player) with a screen (like your television).
- S-video input slots are circular with several small holes clustered around the middle of the port. Both your component and your TV must have S-video inputs for you to use S-video cables.
- Count the small holes in your TV and component S-video slots. This will determine which specific S video cable to buy and whether or not you will need an adapter.
- S video inputs can be either 4, 7, or 9 pin.
- If your component S-video input has 7 holes (a 7-pin configuration) and your TV S-video input has 4 holes (a standard 4-pin configuration), for example, you'll need a 4-pin to 7-pin adapter.
- Purchase your S-video cable. S-Video cables tend to be much cheaper than their high-definition counterparts.
- A gold-plated connector won't oxidize over time (unlike a silver- or copper-plated connector), so while buying a more expensive cable won't affect your picture quality, it may make for longer cable life.
- High-quality cables are usually cheaper online than in a store. Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are reputable online providers.
- Purchase any necessary adapters at the same time.
- If you have multiple components that need connecting, such as a VCR and a receiver, purchase an "S-video cable splitter" in addition to more S-video cables. Splitters should cost around $5.
Connecting Your S-video Cable
- Turn off your TV. If you try to swap out cables with your TV on, you can damage your set.
- Unplug any video input from your TV. Your TV quality can suffer from having too many video inputs plugged in at once so it's best to start with zero.
- Plug one end of your S-video cable into your component. The S-video slot is round with a series of small round holes clustered around the middle, to match the number of pins on your S-video cable. The small pins on the cable should go in the top of the input.
- If your TV requires a different number of pins than your component (or vice versa), count the pins first to make sure you're plugging in the correct end of the cable.
- Plug the other end of your S-video cable into your TV. Use an adapter if your setup requires it.
- Make sure your audio cables are attached. These could be red and white composite cables (in which case leave the yellow video cable unplugged) or a higher-end setup.
- Turn on your component(s). Your DVD player (for instance) should be fully on before you turn on your TV.
- Turn on your TV. If your DVD video appears, you plugged in the S-video cable properly!
- You may have to switch your TV's default input channel after changing to S-video. To do this, press the "Input" or "Source" button on your TV or TV remote.
Tips
- S-video cables are generally used for achieving standard-definition--in most cases, 480i. If your TV is rated for 720p or 1080p, use an HDMI cable rather than an S-video cable.
- If you have to overhaul your cable collection just to make your components all link to your TV with S-video, consider purchasing a new TV rather than new cables.
- S-video cables don't support audio. If you don't have separate cables for audio, purchase them when you buy your S-video cable.
Warnings
- Be gentle when unplugging you cables. It's easy to put a kink in a wire or damage the head of a cable.
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