S-video vs the other TV-out

[ShawnD1]

When I say the other TV-out, I mean the type of video imput your playstation gives to the TV.
What is the difference between the two? You guys said in a previous thread of mine that S-video had 4 prongs. The other TV-out way has only 2 prongs (inside and out) yet is able to come up with the same picture and same color (at least it looks that way).

Is S-video better than the other way or something? Why does it use 4 prongs?

And since I'm asking about S-video, what besides video cards uses S-video? I've never seen it used for anything but TV out from my computer(s).

http://www.networkcomputing.com/1214...ls=NCJS_1214rt

Basically, you will get a better picture with the S-Video connector. VCRs and DVD players use S-
Video cables, too.

[ShawnD1]

Would that mean that the picture coming from my computer is not of high enough quality to be restricted by the other type of TV-out?

No. The picture from your computer would be restricted by the composite output. S-Video will look better. I have used both. It can mean the difference between being able to read text on your television or just seeing blur.

Either TV out is definitely a step down from VGA out (your monitor's connection).

[Eladijaz]

Hi,
S-video cables have 2 signalling wires and send luminance and colour down seperately. Composite has only one signalling wire and combines the colour and luminance signals which are then 'un-combined' at the other end. Composited signals can cause them to interfere with each other, hence you get a better quality picture signal from S-video. Of course, S-video is a composite too, as the RGB in the colour channels are combined into one wire. Still, you get quite good quality from S-video.
Regards,
Elad.

[Peter M]

S-Video avoids modulating the color information ("chroma") onto the brightness ("luma"). That modulation generates interference artifacts - everyone has seen the color waves that appear on a patterned dress or suit.

[ShawnD1]

Great explanation guys, thanks