What is S-Video

The S-video cable was introduced in 1987, back when VHS tape players were hitting their heyday. The S-Video cable has been fading in popularity since but is still a viable way to connect certain electronics. It began fading only after it also made its way as a connection method between PC’s and televisions.

S-Video typically has a 4 pin connection and was a step up from Composite video’s single channel of video signal. With S-Video, more information can travel from the device such as VHS player, older DVD, etc. to the television using an S-Video cable. Generally however, only around 450 – 550 lines of resolution is all you can expect and that’s only Standard definition, a far cry from High Def.

Compared to a Composite video connection S-Video simply carries more information to the TV thus producing a slightly better picture than composite; however, S-Video’s 4 pin connection design standard was short lived.

Because an S-video cable only carries the video signal you still need the old stand by RCA left right (red/white) audio cables in order to hear sound.

When selecting which S-video cable to buy & use make sure you pay close attention to whether you need a male or female connection. Refer to the pictures in this article to see what a male plug looks like and what a female jack looks like. Also, look at the pieces of equipment you are connecting to make sure both pieces have this jack; otherwise, this connection probably won’t work out for you.