How to Properly Use "S" Video Cables
Make sure your television and component support S-video., Count the small holes in your TV and component S-video slots., Purchase your S-video cable., Purchase any necessary adapters at the same time., Turn off your TV., Unplug any video input from...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: 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. -
Step 2: 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. , 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. , 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., If you try to swap out cables with your TV on, you can damage your set. , Your TV quality can suffer from having too many video inputs plugged in at once so it's best to start with zero. , 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. , Use an adapter if your setup requires it. , These could be red and white composite cables (in which case leave the yellow video cable unplugged) or a higher-end setup. , Your DVD player (for instance) should be fully on before you 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. -
Step 3: Purchase your S-video cable.
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Step 4: Purchase any necessary adapters at the same time.
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Step 5: Turn off your TV.
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Step 6: Unplug any video input from your TV.
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Step 7: Plug one end of your S-video cable into your component.
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Step 8: Plug the other end of your S-video cable into your TV.
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Step 9: Make sure your audio cables are attached.
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Step 10: Turn on your component(s).
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Step 11: Turn on your TV.
Detailed Guide
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.
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. , 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. , 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., If you try to swap out cables with your TV on, you can damage your set. , Your TV quality can suffer from having too many video inputs plugged in at once so it's best to start with zero. , 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. , Use an adapter if your setup requires it. , These could be red and white composite cables (in which case leave the yellow video cable unplugged) or a higher-end setup. , Your DVD player (for instance) should be fully on before you 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.
About the Author
Victoria Gomez
Committed to making organization accessible and understandable for everyone.
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